Year: 1873

For Contaaissf1ner Of InaB,igrotfOn-


GEORGE p I.ISDMAN, of Milwaukee


THE REPCRIICAN PLATFORM.


Whatever deceit and trickery may
have been practiced at the late Republi-
can Convention, in the nomination of
State officers, no such charge can be
brought against its members III regard
to the platform adopted by them, for they
have placed the party, with great unani-
nifty, upon the solid foundation of cor
rect principles, by adopting an aggses-
i've policy against all wrongs and cor
ruptions, and proposed remedies which
will restrict the power of doing evil, not
only in the government, but also among
those who now abuse 80 shamefully the
chartered monopolies they have under
their control. Agriculture and useful
labor generally is to be protected, and
the resolution regarding the develop
ment of the resources and Industries of
our State will meet with universal ap-



publican party has adhered from its be-
ginning, and will continued to carry
them out as far as circumstances may
require, or will ever permit We look
with full confidence into the future of
our State and nation rs long as We feel
sure that these principles prevail and
are be carried out by the Republican
party.


We here publish the platform in full,
as adopted at the late State Convention


PREAMBLE.


In view of the fact that the Repubi-
can party has so met the vital issues of
the past twelve years as to secure the
support of a vast preponderance of the
patriotism and intelligence of the nation,
it has fairly won for itself the title of
being the reform party of the country
and recognizing the Importance of all
questions recently raised, and now for
the first time attracting general public
attention, relating to labor and capital,
trade and commerce, production and
supply, transportation and exchange,
corporate franchises and monopolies, and



political economy, we pledge ourselves
as such to adopt and carry into execu-
ton and effect all judicious measures of
progress and relief relating to these and
all other kindred subjects and as par
ty, we can give assurance, from our po-
htical ascendaney, both in national and
state governments, of more speedy and
effectTlal remedy of existing evils than
would be possible through any existing
opposing party, or any party yet to be
formed.


Resolved That the Republican party
is responsible only for such measures as
it endorses and approves, and for in
honest and faithful administration of
the Government, and cannot be expect
ed to vouch for the individual honesty,
in all cases, of those they promote to
Office yet, when such are found unfaith-
full or corrupt, they should be exposed,
dismissed from public service and pun
ished. We denounce all official frauds
and corrupt legislation, whether in land
grants and subsidies to railroads, in
Credit Mobilier, or i'll the management
of the revenues.


Resolued That we disapprove and
condemn the recent measure by which
Congress allowed additional compensa-
ton to itself for past services, and de-
mand that the provisions of the act by
which Congressional salaries were in
creased shall be promptly and umcondi-
tionally repealed.


Res0lred, That it is contrary to the
theory of representative government
that any Legislative body should make
laws exclusively for their own benefit,
and we therefore favor an amendment to
our national Constitution which shall
forever prohibit any Congress from in
creasing its own compensation.


Resolred, That the subject of cheap
and seasonable rates of transportation
has become of pressing Importance to
the great body of our people, both East
| and West, and to the producer and con-
sumer, and that i is necessary that some
proper legislative measures should be
| speedily adopted to secure relief and
protection against the greed and oppres-
sion of grasping monopohes. We urg-
emily recommend, what has been already
urged in two annual messages of the
present Executive, the creation of a
Board of Railroad Control, whose duty
it shall be to examine the whole subject
OF transportation and freights and report
the facts in relation thereto, and pre-
scribe and adjust such regulations as
will be fair and equitable both to the
people and the Railway Companies.
Res0l, ed, That the vast importance
of railroads to the general prosperity
and business of the country is cheerfully
acknowledged, and we would extend to
them all proper facilities for their man.
agement so as to produce fair return
for the capital invested in them that
We claim, nevertheless, the right under
the constitution to regulate their con-
duct, or II necessary to repeal the char
ters under which they exist and while
we should depreciate the necessity of the
exercise of this power, still if such ne
cessity should arise we Will insist upon
it to such an extent as will protect the
people against extortion from monopolies
of this kind.


Resol,eo3, That we disapprove of the
practice which has heretofore prevailed,
of public officers accepting free passes
upon railroads. 1t creates an embarrass-
ing obligation on the part of an officer,
which he can only properly cancel by
the payment of an adequate sum in
money. II has a tendency to influence,
and often does influence, official actions.
They are given as tribute to the Office.
and not as mark of respect to the man
| " "holh the pass lS gwen. II lIlpoSts u
large tax upon the stockholders of rail-
road companies, who Indemnify them
selves by increased and oppressive
/ charges upon the Legitimate paying
business done upon their roads; and we
believe that the use of such passes by
public officers, should be prohibited by
| law with suitable penalties.


Pesolred, That we regard with emi-
nent satisfaction and approve the very
able, wise and iudicious management OF
the Executive Department of this State
by his excellency Governor Washb.rn,
| during the last two years. As our Gov
ernor he has stood fearlessly and con-
! stantly the guardian of the peoples
rights, without regard to consequences
to himself, and his administration will
bear the closest scrutiny.


Resolred. That the discharge OF THEN
official duties by the various elective
State officers has been marked by effiei-
ency and integrity, and meets with ou