Year: 1864

EaEIys


The following is the platform adopted by
the National Convention Of the Union Party
held in Baltimore:


/. ReSotred, That it is the highest dutv Of
every American citizen to maintain against all
their enemies the integrity of the Union and the
paramount authority of the Constitution andlaws
Of the United States; and that, laying aside all
differences and political opinions, we pledge our
selves, Us Union men, animated by n common
sentiment and aiming at common object, to do
everything in our power to aid the Government
in queliing by force of arms the rebellion now
raging against lis authority, and in bringing TO the
punishment due 10 their crimes the rebels and
traitors armed against il.


J. RGsolpeG, That we approve the determin-
aton of the Government Of the United States not
TO compromise with rhe rebels, or to offer any
terms Of peace, except such as may be based
upon an unconditional surrender of their hostili.
ties and return to their just allegiance TO the
Constitution Gnd laws Of the United States, and
that we call upon the Government 10 maintain
this position, and to prosecute the war with the
utmost possible vigor TO the complete suppression
Of the rebellion. in the full reliance upon the self.
sacrificing patriotism and heroic valor, and the
unlying devotion of the American people TO their
country and itS free institutions


J ReSOired. That as slavery was the cause and
now constitutes the strength of this rebellion, and
il must be- always and everywhere hostile TO
the principles of republican government, justice
and the national safety demand its utter and COM
plete eNthpation from the soil Of the Republic
And that while we uphold and maintain the
acts and prUclamations by which the Govern
ment, in its own defense, has aimed u death blow
at this gigantic evil we are in favor furthermore
Of such an amendment to the Constitution TO be
made by the people in conformity with its pro-
visions as shall terminate forever and prohibit the
existence of slavery within Its limits or the juris-
dictiOn of the United States.


/. ResOirsd, Tha; the thanks Of the Amer
lean people are due 10 the soldiers and
sailors OF the Army and Navy, who have
periled their lives in defense of their country and
in vindieation of the honor OF the flag; that the
Nation owes to them some permanent recogni.
ton OF their patriotism and their valor and ample
and permanent provision for those of their survi-
vprS who have received disabling and honorable
wounds in the service of their country; and that
the memories OF those who have fallen in its de-
Tense shall be held in grateful and everlasting re-
meiubrance


). Resotred, That we approve and applaud the
practical wisdom, the unSeliish patriotism and the
uuswerving fidelity 10 the Constitution and the
principles of American liberty with which Abra.
ham Lincoln has discharged. under circumstances
o: unparalleled difficulty the great duties and
responsibilities of the Presidential office; that
approve and endorse, rs demanded by the emer-
sency and essential TO the preservation OF the





Constitution, the measures and acts which he
has adopted 10 defend the Nation against its open
and secret foes; that we approve especially the
Proclamation of Emancipation, and the employ
meut rs Union soldiers of men heretofore
held in slavery; and that we have full confidence
in his determination TO carry out these and all oth-
Constitutional measures essential to the saliva
tiou of the country with tull and complete effect


u. RsS0lred. that we deem it essential to the
general welfare that harmony should prevail in
the National councils, and we regard aSworthy of
public confidence and official trust those only who
cordially endorse the principles proclaimed in
these resolutions, and which should characterize
the administration OF the Government


:. Rssolred, That the Government owes 10 all
men employed in its armies, without regard to
distinction ofcolor, the full protection of the laws
OF war, and THAT any violation OF these laws, or
the usages of civilized nations in time of war; by
the rebels now in arms, should be made, the sub
jecT OF prompt and full redress.


:. ReSolred, The foreign emigration, which in
the past has added so much TO the wealth. derel-
opment of freSourcps and increase of power to this
Nation. the asylum of the oppressed of all nations,
should be fostered and encouraged by liberal
and inst policy.


. ResOirei That we are in favor Of the Stea-
DIV construction of the Railroad to the Pacific.


TO- Resolred That the National faith, pledged
for the redemption of the public debt, muSt be
KEEP; inriolste, and that for this purpose we re-
commend economy AMI rigld responsibility Ill the
public expenditures, and II vigorous and just Sys-
TEN of taxation that ii is the duty Of every loyal
State 10 sustain the credit and promote the use
of ths National currency


Il. RGs0irsG THAT We approve the position
taken by the Government that the people OF the
United States can never regard with indifference
the attempt of any European power to over
throw by force or TO supplant the institutions Of
any Republican Government on the Western
Continent and that they will view with eN-
trcmC jealousy. as menacing TO the peace and in
dependence of their own country, the efforts Of
any such Power to obtain new footholds for mo-
narrhical Governments, sustained by foreign
military force, in near proximity 10 the United
States