Year: 1872

THE following is the platform adopted
by the recent National Democratic Con-
vention, the resolutions being identical
with those adopted by the Liberal Repub-
lican Convention at Cincinnati


l. We recognize the equality of all men
before the law, and hold that it is the duty
of Government, in its dealings with the peo-
pie, to mete out equal and exact justice to
all, of whatever nativity, race, color, or per-
suasion, religious or political.


2. We pledge ourselves to maintain the
Union of these States, emancipation and en-
of the questions settled by the Thirteenth,
Fourteenth and Fifteenth Amendments of
the Constitution.


8. We demand the immediate and abso-
lutte removal of all disabilities imposed on
account of the rebellion which was finally
subdued seven years ago, believing that uni
versal amnesty will result in complete pacifi-
cation in all sections of the country.


4. Local self-government, with impartial
suffrage, will guard the rights of all citizens
more securely than any centralized power.
The public welfare requires the supremacy
of the civil over the military authority, and
the freedom of person under the protection
of the hdbeds corpus. We demand for the
individual the largest liberty consistent with
public order, for the State self-government,
and for the Nation return to the methods
of peace and the Constitutional limitations
of power.


5. The Civil Service of the Government has
become mere instrument of partisan tyran-
ny and personal ambition, and an object of
selfish greed. 1t is scandal and reproach
upon free institutions, and breeds demor-
alization dangerous to the perpetuity of re-
publican government.


6. We therefore regard a thorough reform
of the Civil Service as one of the most press
ing necessities of the hour; that honesty, ca
pacity and fidelity constitute the only valid
claims to public employment; that the offices
of the Government cease to be q matter of
arbitrary favoritism and patronage, and that
public station shall become again place OF
honor. To this end it is imperatively re-
quired that no President shall be a candidate
for re election.


z. We demand a system of Federal taxa
tion which shall not unnecessarily interfere
with the industry of the people, and which
shall provide the means necessary to pay the
expenses of the Government, economically
administered, the pensions, the interest on
the public debt, and moderate annual re-
duction of the principal thereof; and recog-
niZing that there are, in our midst, honest
but irreconcilable differences of opinion with
regard to the respective systems of protec-
ton and free trade, we remit the discussion
of the subject to the people in their Congress
sional Districts, and the decision of Congress
thereon, wholly free from Executive inter-
ference or dictation.


8. The public credit must be sacredly
maintained, and we denounce reputation in
every form and guise.


9. A speedy return to specie payments is
demanded alike by the highest considera-
tions of commercial morality and honest
government.


10. We remember with gratitude the hero
ism and sacrifices of the soldiers and sailors
of the Republic, and no act of ours shall
ever detract from their justly earned fame or
the full rewards of their patriotism.


IL. We are opposed to all further grants
of land to railroads or other corporations.
The public domain should be held sacred to
actual settlers.


12. We hold that it is the duty of the Gov
ernment, in its intercourse with foreign ma
tions, to cultivate the friendships of peace,
by treating with all on fair and equal terms,
regarding it alike dishonorable either to de-
mand what is not right or submit to what is
wrong.


Is. For the promotion and success of these
vital principles, and the support of the candi-
dates nominated by this Convention, we in
vite and cordially welcome the cooperation
of all patriotic citizens, without regard to
previous political affiliations.