Wood County reporter. [volume] (Grand Rapids [i.e. Wisconsin Rapids], Wis.) 1857-1923, 1876-05-25
National Platform of the Prohibit
tiOniSts.

THE platform adopted by the recent
National Prohibition Convention reaf-
firms the prohibition plank of the plat
form of 1872, and adds the following:
the Prohibition Reform party of the United
States organized in the name of the people to re-
vive, enforce and perpetuate in the Government
the doctrines of the Declaration OF Indcpend-
ence, submit in the Centennial year of the Re
public, for the sufrages of all good citizens, the
following platform of National reforms and meas
ures:
i. The legal prohibition in the District of
Columbia, the Territories, and every other place
subject to the laws of Congress, of the importa-
ton, expectation, manufacture and traffic of all
alcoholic beverages as high crimes against sOcie
ty; an amendment of the National Constitution
to render these prohibitory measures universal
and permanent, and the adoption of treaty stipu-
lations with foreign powers 70 prevent the impor
tation and expectation of al alcoholic beverages.
,. The abolition of class legislation and OF spe-
cial privileges in the Government, and the adop-
ton of equal suffrage and eligibility to office with
out distinction Of race, religious creed, property
B. The appropriation of the public lands IN
limited quantities 10 actual settlers only; the re-
duction of the rates of inland and ocean postage,
of Geographic communication, of railroad and
water ranspOrtation and travel to the lowest
practical point by force OF laws wisely and justly
framed with reference not only to the interests OF
the capital employed, but to the higher claims Of
the general good.
4. The suppression by law of lotteries and gam
money and property, and the penal inhibition OF
the of the public mails for advertising schemes
of gambling and lotteries.
s. The abolition of those foul enOrmities pOyg
amy and the social evil, and the protection of the
purity, peace and happiness Of homes by ample
and efficient legislation
t. The National observance of the Christian Sab
bath by laws prohibiting ordinary labor and bust
ness in all departments of the public service and
private employment, works of necessity, charity
and religion excepted, on that day.
no tah lpnp ant nv
in the National and State Constitutions and by all
necessary legislation, OF a system OF free puollc
schools for the universal and enforced education
of all the youth of the land
s. The free of the Bible, not as ground of
religious creeds, but textbook of the purest
morality, the best liberty, and the nobest litera-
ture in our public schools, that our children may
grow up in light, and that its spirit and prln
ciples may pervade our Nation.
g. The separation of the Government, in all its
departments and institutions, including the pub
lie schools and all funds for their maintenance,
from the control of every religious sect or other
association, and the protection alike of all sects
by equal laws with entire freedom OF religious
faith and worship.
10. The introduction into all treaties hereafter
negotiated with foreign Governments Of pr0yis-
ion for the amicable settlement OF international
difficulties by arbitration.
II. The abolition of all barbarous modes and
instruments of punishment, the recognition OF the
laws of God and claims OF humanity IN the dis
ciplines of jails and prisons, and OF that higher
and wiser civilization worthy of our age and Ma
ton which regards the reform OF criminals as
means for the prevention OF crime.
r. The abolition of executive and legislative
patronage, and the election OF President, Vice
President, United States Senators, and Of all civil
officers far practicable, by 81 direct vote OF
the people.
10. The practice of friendly and liberal policy
to immigrants from all nations, and the guarantee
to them of ample protection, and Of equal rights
and privileges.
IA The separation of the money of the Govern
ment from all banking institutions The Ma
tional Government only should exercise the high
prerogative of issuing paper money, and that
should be subject to prompt redemption on de-
ards of value recognized by the civilized world.
49, The reduction of the salaries of public Off
GERS in just ratio with the decline of wages and
market prices; the abolition of sinecuTes, unnec-
essary Offices, and official fees and perquisites
the practice of strct economy in the Government
expenses, and free and thorough Investigation
into all alleged abuses of public trusts.