Year: 1864

The following is the platform adopted BY
the National Convention OF the Union Party
held in Baltimore:


l. Resolced, That 1t il the highest dutr of
every American citizen to maintain against all
their enemies the integrity Of the Union and the
paramount authority Of the Constitution andluws
of the United States; and that, laying aside all
differences and political opinions, We pledge our.
selves AZ Union men, animated by a common
sentiment and aiming ut common object, to do
everything In our power 10 aid the Government
In Quelling by force of arms the rebellion now
raging against It's authority and in bringing to the
punishment due TO their crimes the rebels and
traitors armed against IL.


2. RESOLVED. That We approve the determin.
alton Of the Government Of the United States not
TO compromise with the rebels, or to offer any
terms Of peace, except such rs may be based
upon an unconditional surrender of their hostili.
ties and return TO their just allegiance TO the
Constitution end laws Of the United States, and
that we call upon the Government to maintain
this position and TO prosecute the war with the
utmost possible rigor TO the complete suppression
of the rebellion In the full reliance upon the self
sacrificing patriotism and heroic yalor, and the
undying devotion of the American people to their
country and its free institutions.


3. Resolved That US slavery was the cause and
now constitutes the strength of this rebellion, and
rs 1t must be- always and everywhere hostile 10
the principles Of republican government, justice
and the National safety demand its utter and com.
plete extirpation from the so Of the Republic
And that while we uphold and maintain the
acts and pr.clamations by which the Govern.
ment, In its own defense, has aimed q 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 jurS.
diction of the United states


4. RESOLVED, That the thanks Of the Amer
lean people are due to the soldiers and
sailors of the Army and Navy, who have
perled their lives in defense Of their country and
iu viudication of the honor OF the Gag; that the
Nation owes to them some permanent recogni.
ton Of their patriotism and their valor, and ample
md permanent provision for those Of their Eurvi-
v0rs 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.
fenSe shall be held In grateful and everlasting
membrance


5. Rssolred, That we approve and applaud the
practical wisdom, the unseltish patriotism and the
answering fidelity TO the Constitution and the
principles of American liberty with which Abra-
ham Lincoln has discharged. under circumstances
Of unparalleled difficulty, the great duties and
responsibilities of the Presidential office; that we
approve and endorse, as demanded by the emer-
gency and essential TO the preservation Of the
Nation and as within the provisions Of the





has adopted to defend the Nation against Its open
and secret foes that we approve especially the
Proclamation of Emancipation, and the employ
ment Rs Union soldiers of men heretofore
held in slavery; and that we have full confidence
In his determination to carry out these and all 9TH
er Constitutional measures essential to the saliva
tion Of the country with full and complete effect


6. Resolped that we deem II essential TO the
general welfare that harmony should prevail In
the National councils, and we regard as worthy 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.


7. Resolued That the Government owes to all
men employed In its urmies, without regard to
distinction ofeoor 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. .-.


2. Resolued, The foreign emigration, which in
the past has added SO much TO the wealth, deycl-
opment ofresources and increase Of power to this
Nation, the asylum Of the oppressed of all nations
should be fostered and encouraged by liberal
and just policy.


g. Resolped That we are in favor of the Stea.
dy construction of the Railroad 10 the Pacific.


TO- Resolred That the National faith, pledged
for the redemption of the public debt, must be
kept inviolate, and that for this purpose we re-
commend economy and rigid responsibility In the
public expenditures, and vigorous and just sys.
tenn OF taxation that 1t is the dutyof every loyal
State 10 sustain the credit and promote the use
Of the National currency.


H. Rssolrsd 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 10 over.
throw by force or TO supplant the institutions OF
any Republican Government on the Western
Continent and that they will view with eK-
treme jealousy, rs menacing to the peace and In
dependence Of their own country, the efforts OF
any such Power to obtain new footholds for mo-
narchical Governments, sustained By foreign
military force, in near proximity to the United
States. .. ..s oh