New-York tribune. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1866-1924, 1897-03-04

With view to aid American shipping and
promote commerce with Brazil. law was passed
authorizing the Postmaster General to contract
for ten years for carrying the mails to Brazil in
American built steamships, paying not to exceed
$3.50 900 a year for twelve trips a year. Many
laws were enacted granting lands to Western
States to aid in the construction OF railroads
1t having become apparent from years ex-
perience that the National Banks act needed
| revision, this law entirely re-eracted In
amended form. The Democrats opposed re-
! vision, because they preferred to embarrass the
Government through failure Of the operations
of the law. Owing TO their charters many large
State banks could not come in under the new
law The law was revised, however in spite OF
oppositon-in the House April 20. 1854 by 81
yeas (1G Republicans, ) Democrats, l Unionisp
to 45 nays q Republican. 40 Democrats.
Unonists). In the, Senate, May 10, by 80 yeas
co Republicans, | Unonist TO nays (3 Repub-
Leans. ) Democrats. ] UnionisU. Il was APP
proved June 3, 1864
The constructive and progressive spirit Of the
Republican party was illustrated in all these
measures
The record Of the Democratic party in the
North as party during the first four years OF
the of continued hostility to It's
prosecution. AS individuals, a large number OF
patriotic Democrats enlisted among the Union
volunteers and did good and faithful service in
the Army and Navy of the Union. often becom
ing Republicans after their return home. Those
who STAYED al home maintained their party
ganization and. through the press and on the
platform many of them criticised and opposed
the war and sought by every means open 10
them to dscredit and thwart its success. They
organized secret lodges of Knights of the Golden
Circle in various Northern States TO discourage
Union enlistments and give aid and succor to the
rebellion. They instigated riots in Northern cit
les, in opposition to drafts TO recruit the Union
| armies They tried November -. 1854, to
burn NewYork City. fifteen hotels. Barnum's
Museum and some shipping being fired They
opposed constructive and patriotic legislation in
Congress. They declared the war failure and
organized public meetings to call for peace at
any price.
REPUBLICANISM IN 1864
In the Presidential election Of 1864 two par
ties only in the field. although an effort
was made TO form a third The nominees and
platform Of the Republicans were follows:
For President-Abraham Lincoln. Of Illinois.
For Vice-P Observation-Disclosures Johnson. Union
Democrat from Tennessee.
Convention held in Baltimore. June and s.
1864
PLATFORM
First-Decared it the highest duty to main
tain the Union and the paramount authority Of
the United States and pledged the quelling Of
the rebellion by force OF arms.
Second-Approved the determination of the
Government to accept no terms except uncon-
ditional surrender and to prosecute the war
with the utmost vigOr to the complete suppress
sion of the rebellion.
Third-Demanded the utter and complete ex-
tirpation' of slavery from the soil of the Repub
lie as being the cause and constituting the
strength Of the rebellion.
Fourh--Thanked the Union soldiers and sail
ors and promised permanent recognition of their
valor and patriotiGn. with pensions to those dis
abled in the war.
Fifth-Heartily applauded Abraham Lincoln
for practical wisdom. unselhsh patriotism and
answering fidelity" and approved his measures
ard acts. including the Emancipation Proclama-
ton and the employment Of negroes as soldiers
Sixth-Decared that one should be elected
to office who did not uphold these principles.
Seventh-Demanded that Union prisoners Of
war in the power Of the rebels. should be pro-
tected against violations Of the usages Of war.
Eighth-Favored liberal policy toward i'm
migration from foreign lands.
Ninth--Favored the railroad to the Pacific
Ocean.
Tenth-Resolved that the National faith.
pledged to the redemption Of the public debt.
should be kept involate.
acknowledgement the action OF the Govern
ment in opposition to the attempts of European
nations to owe rthrow Republican institutions in
other governments on the American Continent
This was a war platform and was largely de-
voted to the issues of the war. 1t reflected a
distinct advance in public sentiment in calling
for the complete extrpation Of slavery Pro"
lection industry and farming having become
the law of the land. was then no longer an issue.
A GENERAL ON A PEACE PLATFORM
The Democratic party put forward the follow
ing candidates and platform:
For President-General George b. Mcclellan
late Commander of the Union armies
For ce-President-George II. Pendieton OF
Ohio. ~
Convention held in Chicago. August - to 81
PLATFORM.
First-Declared for The Union under the Con-
sttution"
Second-Demanded after four years Of fail
ure to restore the Union by the experiment OF
war" that immediate efforts be made LOT