National Republican., 1877-10-01


denied them. Theee rights are vouchsafed
to all other citizens Of this Republic,
and We say, extend to the people
Of the District of Columbia, who are taxed
for the support Of local government, the
right of suffrage and representation. 1t is
but simple justice that this change should
ensuc, 80 that those who bear heavy bur
dens shall feel at least that they are recog-
nizcd as citizens in fact a. we'll as in
name.
Politically, this journal win be guided by
a spirit Of independence which will render
II more useful in the discussion Of those
great principles which underlie republi-
can form Of government than in advocating
or defending mere parties or psrtisans at
the present crisis in our national history.
While our proclivities tend to Republican
ism, our adherence to that or any other
political party organization will depend
upon the principles and policy which mark
its history. We shall sympathize strongly
with that party which contends for the
equal rights Of all citizens before the law,
whether they are residents of Maine, Cali
fornia, Georgia or Mississippi The right of
an American citizen, whether he halls from
New England, the Pacific coast or from
the sunny South" to express his political
sentiments or exercise his suffrage in
any State where he resides, without the
fear Of molestation or violence, must not
only be guaranteed, but fully secured There
never can be unity, fraternity, har-
mony and peace throughout the coun-
try until these rights are everywhere
respected and vouchsafed to every
citizen, irrespective Of color, condition or
belief If this nation ever again enters an
era of common brotherhood and friendship,
as we sincerely trust it may, it will be
when all the guarantees of the Constitution,
including it's amendments, are honestly Sc
cured to every citizen in every State in the
Union. Pacification upon anysother basis
would be sham and delusion. The party
and men who contend for these principles
and rights are our party and friends politi-
cally.
We cannot consent by silence on that
point that our attitude towards the pres
ent National Administration shall be mis-
understood or misinterpreted. Having de-
voted our best abilities and efforts to secure
the elevation of Gen. RUTHERFORD B.
HAYES to the Presidency as the::representa-
tive of the Republican party and its pro-
nounced principles it will be our highest
pleasure to sustain all his measures and
policies that are in harmony with Rep,ibli-
can principles, usages and traditions To
take any other course would, in our judg-
ment, be inconsistent with political good
faith, and render us remiss In duty To
expect more or less Of us now would be
to impuen our political integrity and
question our good sense as Republicans
We shall favor and advocate all public
Improvements, by which interstate COM
merce may be promoted and strengthened
and the resources of the entire nation NAV
be developed into widespread prosperity.
We shall not contend for a tariff for pro-
lection, but for revenue. The manufactur-
ing interests Of this country no longer need
any protection beyond what is secured to
them by skill, economy and superiority of
excellence in production. A tariff for reve-
nue., however, is q legitimate and equitable
means for liquidating the public debt and
defraying the expenses of the Government.
Our best abilities will be devoted to the
cause of universal and free education, that
the door of knowledge may be thrown open
TO all the children of the United States ir-
respective Of birth, color or condition. In
this is the anchor Of hope for the perpetuity
of Republican institutions on this conti-
nent.
The question Of finance and currency is
commanding more than ordinary attention
on the part of the people, and we cannot re-
frain from taking part in the future discus
sons of this interesting and important sub
ject. We shall contend for honest money,
which will secure to the people uniform
par currency throughout the country We
are in favor of remonetizing silver, and
making it . legal tender of equal value
with gold, for all debts due the Government
and the people. We shall advocate the is
sue of greenbacks backed by the national
faith, to an amount equal to the wants of
business and trade and which shall be re-
ceived the same as gold and silver for all
dues to the Government and individuals.
This would virtually bring resumption at
an early day, and furnish the country with
safe and convenient currency, equal in