The Columbian. [volume] (Bloomsburg, Pa.) 1866-1910, 1876-06-23
THE RrpuDLlCAy PLATFORM.

preserved by them. 1t declares that that
party will respect and enforce all things
which the laws of the land requires them to
respect. 1t puts in catch line 10y applaud.
ing the Constitution of the United States
1t opposes the use of public money for sec
tartan purposes, II principle borrowed from
the Democratic party. The only original
section in the whole platform is declara-
ton in favor of female suffrage. The clos.
ing sections contain the usual charges against
the opposition, and Il soit-soap endorsement
of the present administration. We print the
platform in full:
When in the economy of providence thi.
land was to he purgcd OF human slavery, and
when the strength of the Government of the
people, 10y the people, tor the people was To
he demonstrated, the Republican party came
into power; It's deeds have passed into his.
tory, and we look back to them with pride.
lncited by their memories and high aims for
the good of our country aud mankind, aud
looking To the future with uniateriug cour'
age, hope, and purpose, we, the representa-
tives of the party, IN the National COnven-
ton assembled make the following declara-
ton of principles:
lst. The United States of America is a
nation, not a league. by the co nbined
workings of the National and state Govern
ments under their respective constitutions
the rights of every citizen are secured at
home and protected abroad, and the common
welfare promoted.
2d. The Republican party has preserved
those governments to the hundredth anniver-
sary OF the nations birth, and they are now
embodments of the great truths spoken At
its cradle that all men are created equal,
that they are endowed by their Creator with
certain inalienable rights, among which are
lite liberty, and the pursuit OF happiness
that for the attainment of these ends govern
ments have been instituted among men de-
irving their Just powers from the consent OF
the governed until those truths are cheer
fully obeyed if needed to vigor Jusly enforce
the work of the Republican party is unhn-
ished.
Sd. The permanent paciiication OF the
Southern section of the Union, the complete
protection of all its citizens in the free en-
joymont of all their rights, are duties to
which the Republican party are sacredly
pledged. The power to provide for the en-.
torcement of the principles embodied in the
recent constitutional amendments is vested
Dv those amendments in the Congress of the
United States and we declare it to be the
solemn obligation Of the Legislative and Ex-
ecutive Departments of the Government to
put into immediate vigorous exercise all
their constitutional powers for removing any
ust cause of discomfort on the part OF any
class, and Sc, uring to every American CHI.
zen complete liberty and exact equality in
the exercise Of all civil, political and public
rights. To this end we imperatively demand
~, 80 81.
courage and fidelity to these duties shall not
fater until these results are placed beyond
dispute or recall.
4th. In the first act of Congress signed By
Presi lent Grant, the National Government
assumed to remove any doubts of purpose tc
| discharge all just obligations to public cred
tors, and solemnly pledged its faith to max,
| provision at the earliest practicable perioC
for redemption of United States notes il
| coin. Commercial prosperity, public merit
and national credit demand that this prom
ise be fulfilled by Il continuous and steady
progress to specie payment
9th. Under the Constitution the Presiden
and heads of departments are to make nom
nations for Office, the Senate is to advise
and consent to appointments, and the Hous,
of Representatives is to accuse ar d prosecute
taithless officers the best interests of tn,
public service demand that this distinctnes
be respected that Senators and Representa-
tives who may be judges and accusers, shoult
not dictate appointments to office. The in
variable rule for appointments should hav'
reference to the honesty, fidelity and capaci
ty of appointees; giving to the party il
power those places where harmony and Wig
or of administration require its policy to b'
represented, but permitting all others to b,
filled by persons selected with the sole refer
ence to efficiency of public service and th'
right of citizens to share in the honor o
rendering faithful service to the country.
9th. We rejoice in the quickened con
science of the people concerning politica
affairs, and will hold the public officers to ,
rigid responsibility, and engage that tn,
prosecution and punishment of all who be
tray official trusts shall be speedy, thorough
and unsparing.
| 7th. The public school system of the sew
eral States is the bulwark of the American
Republic, and with view TO its security an,
permanence, we recommend an amendmen
TO the Constitution of the United Ssates for
bidding the application Of any public fund
or property for the benefit of any school o
institution under sectarial control.
Sth. The revenue necessary for curren
expenditures and the obligations of the pub
lie debt must be largely derived from tn
duties upon impOrtations, which, SO fai a
possible, should he adjusted to promote tn
interest of American labor and advance til
prosperity of the whole country.
9th. We reafiirm our opposition to furthe
grants of the public lands to corporation
and monopolies, and demand that the M
tional domain be devoted to free homes fC
the people.
10th. 1t is the imperative duty of tn
Government to modify existing treaties wit
, European governments that the same pre-
, lection shall be afforded to adopted Amer
,, can citizens that is given to natiye-born, an
. = all necessary laws be passed to protect EN-
: grants in the absence OF power in the Sta
for that purpose.
llth. 1t is the immediate duty of Con
! ! grrss to fully investigate the effect of Il
= = emigration and importation of Mangolar
on the moral and material interests of Il
If country,
l2th. The Republican party recegniz
- with approval the substantial advance r
=" Gently made towards tho establishment
u equal rights for women by the many impC
k tant amendments effected by Republics
al Legislatures in the laws which concern t
y personal aud property relations of wiv,
. mothers, and widows, and by the appoil
'r ment and election of women to the superi
he tendeuce Of education, charities, and 9th
Sc public trusts, The honest demands Of Il
~ class of citizens for additional rights a
privileges and immunities shsuld be treat
ol with respectful consideration.
I'D 18th. The Constitution confers upon Co
" gress sovereign power over the Territories
m the United States for their government, a
4 in the exercise of this power it is the rig
10 and duty OF Congress to prohibit and ext
as pate in the Territories that relic of fbarbari.
nd polgamy and we demand such legation
[is shall secure this end and the supremac,
=, American institutions in all the Territ
>" les.
fi nth. The pledge which the nation
lst given to our soldiers and sailors must
,a fulfilled. A grateful people will always h
90 those who perilled their lives for
!" | pountrV's nraspryatinn in tha kiulest raraf