Year: 1870

THE PLATFORM.


The Union Republican party of Indiana, assem-
bled in Convention at indianapolis the I'D day of
February, 1870, makes the following declaration of
principles: A @ 4EEA Ef1s - & - @f'a
We congratulate the country on the restoration of
Law and order in the late rebelous States, under the
reconstruction measures adopted by the Genera!
Government, and upon the prevalence OF peace and
return of raternal feeling among the people of all
the States under Constitution securing an equali-
ty of political and civil ri. hts to all citizens, with
out distinction of race color. q ~r -e- 81 -.


That we reverence the Constitution of the United
States the Supreme law of the land and wise
embo iiment of the principles of free government,
and followin its teachings will adopt from time
to time suId amendments as are necessary more
completely to establish justice, insure domestic
tranquility and SECURE the blessings of liberty to our
selves and posterity; and that rejoice at the
ratification of the Fifteenth Amendment which for
ever secures equality of political rights to all
men, and We extend to the colored man helping
and elevate his condition.


That the national debt created in the defense and
preservation of the Union, however great the burden.
must be cheerfulIy borne until honorably and hon.
esty extnguished in accordance with the letter and
spirit of the several laws authorizing the debts and
that all attempts at repudition of principal or in
terest should meet the scorn and denunciation of an
honest and patriotic people.


That we demand in every department of the Gov
from the highest to the lowest, the strict.
est economy in expenditures consistent with the
qurements of the public service; the reduction and
abolisoment Of a II sxtravagant fees and salaries;





Of their incumbents, and all efforts to these ends in
Congress, elsewhere, have our unqualified >ap-
proval.


That a reduction of taxation is demanded, both of
tariff md internal taxes until it reaches the lowest
consistent with the credit and necessities OF
the Govern ment and that we are in favor OF tar.
if for revenue, believing that proper adjustment
of duties must necessarily afford all the incidental
protection 20 which any interest is entitled.
That in favor of a currency founded on the
national credit, abundant the trade and COM
merce of the country demand; and that we diaap"
prove Of all laws in reference thereto which estab-
lish monopoly or inequality.


That we are opposed to the donation of the public
lands the grant of subsidies in money to railroads
and other corr oratons; and that demand the re-
servation of the public domain for the use OF ac-
tual settlers and educational purposes.
That re-affirm that "of all who were faithful


in the trials of the late there are none entitled
to especial honor than the brave soldiers and
seaman who endured the hardships OF campaign
and cruise, and mperiled their lives in the services
Of their country, and the boutes and pensions pro-
vded by law for those brave defenders of the nation
obligations to be forgotten. and should be
paid without cost to the recipient. The widows and
orphans of the gallant dead are the wards OF the ma
tona sacred legacy bequeatbed to the nations pro-
tecting


That we approve the general course of our Sena-
tors and Republican Representatives in Congress,
andexpress our full and entire confidence that they
will act with wisdom and integrity in all that con-
the welfare of the peoples and that we tender
thanks Senator Morton for his exertions IN so
shaping the Legislation of Congress on the
ton of the late rebel States to secure the passage
OF the Fifteenth Amendment.
That endorse the administration of General
Grant President of the United States accept the
increased collections of revenue, the reduction OF
expenditures and payment of large portion of the
public debt ful6lIment of his promise OF econ
omy and rejoice that the victorious General OF the
Union armies should, civil officer receive that
last OF the rebel States in Its return to the national
| family.


Inasmuch as all Republican governments depend
for their stability and perpetuity on the intelligence
and virtue OF the pie, is the right and duty of
the State and National authorities to establish, fos
ter and secure the highest moral and intellectual
development of the people.


That taxation for county and other local pur.
has become great to be oppressive to the
people; that our system of county administration
| needs reform, and we demand of our representa-
tives in the Legislature such changes in the stat
utes of the State will protect the people from ex-
travagant tax eyes by local authorities and as an
aid to this needed reform favor reduction Of
the fees of county officers to standard W hich will
furnish fair and reasonable compensation for the
services rendered, and that officer should be ia
vored with salary, fees perquistes beyond such
fair and reasonable compensation.


That the canal stocks issued, under the legisla-
tion of IS46 and l847. commonly called the Butler
Bill were, by toe terms of the contract, charged
exclusively upon the Wabash and Erie Canal, its
and lands, and the faith of the State never
having been directly or indirectly pledged for the
payment redemption thereof, said canal stocks
therefore constitute part of the outstanding
debts liabilities of the State. That the Constitu-
ton of the State ought to be amended at tn the eaIl
effect of any law acts of the General Assembly
proposing to recognize create any liability of the
State for the said canal stocks, any part thereof
until such proposition shall have been submitted to


direct vote of the people of the State and approved
by them.


That we heartily endorse the administration Of
State affairs by Governor Baker, and his associ
ate State officers, and especially congratulate the
people that the time is near when the State debt
will be entirely liquidated.


Col. Oyler, of Johnson county, offered the follow
ing:


Resolved, That the State Central Committee are
hereby instructed to appoint Treasurer, whose
duty shall be to receive and account for all funds
raised received for the of said committee
during the ensuing campaign. Said funds to be dis
bursed On the order of said committee. 1t shall al
80 be the duty of the said State Central Committee,
to appoint an auditing committee to examine the
oupts of said Treasurer.


Adopted.