The sun. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1833-1916, 1890-07-27
1855 and 1890.

The platform adopted by tho Nebraska
Republican Convention begins with the 9s-
shrtion that the Republicans OF Nebraska
reiternte and cordially endorse the funda-
mental principles Of the Republican party as
cnuncated by successive national Republi-
can Conventions from 1856 to 1888" The
fundamental principles of the Republican
| party In 1866 were very different from the
| fundamental principles Of the Republican
| party In 1888. There 10 80 much loose talk
about fundamental Republican principles In
1856 that 1t 10 impossible to believe that Re-
publicans are familiar with the origin Of
their party. The first Republican platform
might be instructive both for reproof and
righteousness to the Republicans OF 1900.
The hrst plank Of 1856 is this:
"RtsoNo.d That the maintenance Of tho principles
prom uRated Ia the Declaration Of Independence and
embodied In tho Federal Constitution 10 essential TO the
preservation OF re?ubca Institutions and thathe
Federal Constitution the rGhb Of the StateS and the
union OF the statos shall be preserved"
The Republican party 1t will be observed,
was In 1856 believer In the rights Of the
States. In 1890 it's position seems to be that
States which do not vote the Republican
ticket have no rights.
Resolved" said the Republicans Of 1855,
"that with our republican fathers we hold
It to be q sel'-evidept truth that all men are
endowed with the inalienable rights to life.
liberty, and the pursuit OF happiness, and
the primary object and Interior designs Of
our Federal Governments we're to secure
these rights to all persons Within its ercta-
size Jurisdiction" The words which we
have italicized indicate the difference be-
tween 1856 and 1900. It is the aim OF the Re-
publican party to extend the activity Of the
Federal Government beyond the limits Of its
exclusive jurisdiction, and to make it inter-
fere continusllyin matters which are exclu-
sively within the jurisdiction Of the States.
The Republicans OF 1855 denounced the
PIERCE Administration because with its
knowledge, sanction, and procurement
"the dearest constitutional rights OF the
people Of Kansas have been iraudulently
and violently taken away from them, their
territory has been invaded by an armed
force. spurious and pretended legislative
judicial, and executive officers have been set
over them," and sustained by the military
power Of the Government. Kansas was a
Territory within the exclusive jurisdiction Of
the Federal Government. What would the
Republicans Of 1856 have eald to the PROPOSE
ton now made by the Republican leaders,
th6t one Of the dearest constitutional rights
OF the people Of the South, the right to choose
In Congress, shall be taken
away from them and given to irresponsible
returning boards, and the fraud
backed up by force II necessary! What
would they have said II In the Thrty-fourth
Congress ROBERT TooMBs or JOHN SLIDELL
had introduced a bill like the LoDeE bill :
How would they have liked to see the cleo
tions for Congressman and Presidential cleo
tors in 1856 under the control Of creatures OF
The PIERCE Administration
The less the Republicans Of 1890 have to
say about Republican party principles In
1855. the better.