'<» t>L*Tt<*mJCc

THE OHIO

PLATFORMS

OF THE

Republican and Democratic

PARTIES

FROM

1855 TO 1884 INCLUSIVE.

columbus, o.

Cott & Hann, Book and Job Printers.

1881.

4

i\

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THE OHIO PLATFORMS

OF THE

REPUBLICAN ai DEMOCRATIC PARTIES

FROM

1855 TO 1881 INCLUSIVE.

Union Republican, July 13, 1855.

1. Resolved, That the people, who constitute the supreme power

in the United States, should guard with jealous care the rights of the State rights, several States, as independent governments. No encroachment upon their legislative or judicial prerogatives should be permitted from any quarter.

2. Resolved, That the people of the State of Ohio, mindful of the blessings conferred upon them by the Ordinance of Freedom, whose anniversary our convention this day commemorates, have established lor their political guidance, the following cardinal rules :

I. We will resist the spread of slavery under whatever shape or Slavery, color it may be attempted.

II. To this end we will labor assiduously to render inoperative and void that portion of the Kansas and Nebraska bill which abol- ishes freedom in the territory withdrawn from the influence of slavery by the Missouri Compromise ot 1820 ; and we will oppose, by every lawful and constitutional means, the existence of slavery in any Na- tional Territory, and the further increase of slave territory or slave States in this Republican Confederac3^.

3. Resolved, That the recent acts of violence and civil war in Kansas, incited by the late acting Vice President of the United States, and tacitly encouraged by the Executive, demand the em- phatic condemnation of every citizen.

4. Resolved, That a proper retrenchment in all public expendi- tures, a thoroughly economical administration of our State govern- ment, a just and equal basis of taxation and single districts for the election of members of the Legislature, are reforms called for by a wise State policy and justly demanded by the people.

5. Resolved, That a State Central Committee , consisting of five be appointed by this Convention, and that said committee, in addition to its usual duties, be authorized to correspond with committees of other States for the purpose of agreeing upon a time and place for holding a National Convention of the Republican party, for the nom- ination of President and Vice President.

Judge Spalding,

Chairman Com. Re$,

Opposing Kansas- Nebraska bill.

Condemning violence in Kansas.

Retrench- ment.

Jackson.

Jefferson,

Tariff. Currency.

Internal im- provements.

Monroe Doc- trine.

Acquisition of Cuba.

Public- domain.

Economy.

Attachment to (Tnion.

Affirmance of platform of

18-52.

Democratic, Jan. 8, 1855.

Resolved, That the 8th of January is an anniversary which the Democracy of Ohio are proud to honor, not only for the illustrious military achievements of Andrew Jackson and his companions in arms forty years since, bftt because the events and results of that day will always be associated in the minds of the American people with the courage., patriotism and purity which characterized the civil career of the Hero of New Orleans.

Resolved, That we earnestly recommend to the Democratic press of the State to re-publish, as the best tribute to the memory of the de- parted chieftian and sage, the Farewell Address of Andrew Jackson, delivered to his countrymen on the 3d of March, 1837, a legacy as worthy of reverence, a creed ol Democratic truth as sound and in- valuable as the Inaugural Address of Thomas Jefferson, in 1801.

Resolved, That the narfres and examples of Jefferson and Jackson are a tower of strength, whenever temporary reverses occur to the Democratic party ; and as in 1798 and 1824, our motto for future con- flict and victory shall be, Forward, forgetting those things which are behind, and pressing forward unto those which are before.

Resolved, That it is the duty of every Ohio Democrat to deter- mine, and by this declaration of sentiment we propose to proclaim, those immediate and urgent issues of State and National policy upon which the Democracy are fully agreed, but which can only be secured to the people by union, concession, and harmony — every- thing for the cause : nothing for men.

Resolved, That we demand from the Democratic majority in Congress : —

1. A revision of the tariff of 1846, with a double purpose of re- ducing the amount of revenue and excluding the principle of boun- ties to special interests.

2. Cooperation, by efficient measures, in the restoration to the States of the constitutional currency, gold and silver.

3. Hostility to a general system of internal improvements, in ac- cordance with the principles expressed in the recent veto message of the Executive ; but a just and impartial application within the limits contemplated by the Constitution for lake and river improvements, as well as for the harbors of the Atlantic and Pacific coasts.

4. Uncompromising hostility to any attempt of the European powers to establish colonies on, or to extend their political sys- tems over, any part of this continent or the islands adjacent thereto.

5. The acquisition and annexation to our Union of Cuba and the Sandwich Islands at the earliest moment consistent with our national honor, and the securing of a passage across the Isthmus for our com- merce in peace and our armies in war.

6. The speedy passage of a law placing the national domain in limited quantities within the reach of actual settlers at a price not exceeding the necessary expenses of acquisition and survey.

7. Economy in public expenditures; the investment of the public revenue for the redemption of the national debt; and a rigid enforce- ment of the Independent Treasury act.

Resolved, That the Democracy of Ohio are attached to the Union of the States, and to the Constitution, in which are expressed the principles and the compromises upon the faith of which the Union was originally established, and by a strict adherence to which alone that Union can be preserved, and they denounce as dangerous to the peace and liberties of the country all attempts to organize political parties with reference to geographical or sectional distinction.

Resolved, That this Convention, in behalf of the Democracy of Ohio, hereby affirm the platform of resolutions adopted by the National Democratic Convention, which assembled at Baltimore in

Juiie, 1852, as a clear and distinct declaration of our political principles.

.Resolved, That the people of Ohio now, as they have always done, look upon slavery as an evil, and unfavorable to the development of the spirit and practical benefits of free institutions; and that enter- taining these sentiments, they will at all times feel it to be their duty to use all power clearly given by the terms of the national compact to prevent its increase, to mitigate, and finally to eradicate the evil ; but be it further

Resolved, That the Democracy of Ohio do at the same time fully recognize the Jdoctrine held by the fathers of the Republic, and still maintained by the Democratic party in all the States, that to each State belongs the right to adopt and modify its own municipal laws, to regulate its own internal officers, to hold and maintain an equal and independent sovereignty with each and every State, and that upon these rights the National Legislature can neither legislate nor encroach.

Resolved, In the language of the Continental Congress, adopted forty days after the Declaration of Independence, that " it is a wise policy to extend the protection of our laws to all who shall settle among us, of whatever nation or religion they may be, and to admit them to a participation of the benefits of civil and religious free- dom;" that we therefore proclaim the language of Jefferson as our party creed, to wit : Equal and exact justice to all men, of whatever State or persuasion, religious or political ;" and we hereby reiterate the declarations of the successive Demdcratic National Conventions from 1836 to 1852, namely: " That the liberal principles embodied by Jefferson in the Declaration of Independence, and sanctioned by the Constitution, which makes ours the land of liberty and the asylum of the oppressed of every nation, have ever been cardinal principles in .the Democratic faith, and every attempt to abridge the privilege of becoming citizens and the owners of soil among us, ought to be resisted with the same spirit which swept the alien and sedition laws from our statute books."

Resolved, That we will labor for the election of a Democratic majority in the General Assembly of Ohio, pledged to the following measures :

1. A law withholding the remedies of our State courts from such banks or bankers as refuse to pay their taxes according to the Con- stitution and laws of Ohio, and forbidding the State Treasurer or County Treasurers from receiving the notes of such banks or bankers in payment of their taxes.

2. An exercise by the General Assembly of the power granted by the constitution to restrict the taxation by the authorities of cities and incorporated villages, as well as of County Commissioners, thereby preventing the abuse of such power.

Resolved, That we recognize in the Democratic administration, State and National, fearful, consistent and patriotic auxiliaries in the above and kindred measures of Democratic policy, and therefore worthy of the confidence and support of every Democrat.

Resolved, That we present to the Democracy of Ohio the above nominations as a ticket fully deserving a triumphant election in Oc- tober; and to their success and to the ascendency of Democratic principles involved in their election, we pledging ourselves, and those whom we represent, in the coming campaign of 1855.

Resolved, That the union of the Democratic newspapers at the Capital — the Statesman and Democrat — meets with our hearty con- currence, as conducive to the harmony and integrity of the party ; and that its course since united meets with the cordial approval, and deserves the cordial support of the Democracy of Ohio.

Slavery.

State rights.

Protection foreign set- tlers.

to

Limiting local taxation.

Union of Statesman and Democrat,

Union Republican, May 29, 1856.

Ereedom of speech.

Attack on Sumner.

Kansas enti- tled to free- dom.

Power, of con- gress over slavery in ter- ritories.

Freedom na- tional, slavery sectional.

1. Resolved, That the Constitutional Government of the United States was formed by our fathers to "promote the general welfare and secure the blessings of liberty" to themselves and their posterity.

2. Resolved, That the people of Ohio are determined to uphold the National Government so that the " blessings of liberty " may be perpetuated.

3. Resolved, That the Constitution' of the United States guaran- tees to Senators and Representatives in Congress "freedom of speech;'' that any violation of this sacred guaranty should receive the em- phatic denunciation of every American citizen.

4. Resolved, That the recent outrage on the floor of the U. S. Sen- ate upon the Hon. Charles Sumner, a stauncb and noble defender of the principles of freedom, by Preston S. Brooks, a Representative from South Carolina, is an act of atrocity which we unqualifiedly condemn.

5. Resolved, That Kansas is entitled to Freedom from Slavery as her birthright, and that Congress ought to recognize her free Consti- tution, and admit her into the Confederacy as a free State without delay.

6. Resolved, That we can only expect to stay the hand of the ruffian and extinguish the torch of the incendiary in the border land by making a radical change in the administrators of the General Government, and to this great end we will direct our whole energies in the coming contest!

7. Resolved, That Congress has power under the Constitution to prohibit slavery in the territories and tbat such power ought to be exercised in all territory now belonging to, or hereafter to be acquired by the United States.

8. Resolved, That we commend the foregoing principles to the cordial support of all good citizens, whether of native or foreign birth, and hereby declare that the great and only issue to be determined by the ensuing Presidential contest is, whether "Freedom be National and Slavery Sectional, or Slavery be National and Freedom Sec- tional."

Democratic, Jan. 8, 1856.

Squatter ereignty.

State rightB.

The Committee on Resolutions, with entire unanimity on the en- grossing questions of the day, present the creed of the Democracy of Ohio as follows:

1. Resolved, That slavery (being the creation of positive law, can not exist without it,) is a domestic institution, and that Congress has neither the power to legislate it into any territory or State, nor to ex- clude it therefrom, but to leave the people thereof perfectly free to form and regulate their domestic institutions in their way, subject only to the Constitution of the United States.

2. Resolved, That the right of the people ®f each particular State and Territory to establish their own Constitution or form of govern- ment ; to choose and regulate their own domestic institutions of every kind and to legislate for themselves, is a fundamental principle of all free government; and that it is the self same right to secure which our ancestors waged the war of the Revolution; a right lying ai, the very foundation of all our free institutions, recognized in the Declaration of Independence and established hj the Constitution of the United States ; and we hereby indorse and reaffirm this now dis- puted principle,

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Denouncing Know-Noth-

tions.

3. Resolved, That the introduction of moral and religious questions Moral and re- into political controversies and issues of the day, is a wide departure tions^in "poll- from the ancient principles and sound policy of the country ; at war tics.

with the true interests of the people, corrupting alike to morals, reli- gion and politics, and of a most pernicious and dangerous tendency.

4. Resolved, That the Democracy has no secrecy and requires no oaths, that while it publicly avows as a fundamental principle free- dom of conscience without distinction of religious faith, the political equality of all whom the law recognizes as American citizens, with- out reference to the accident of birth, it relies for success upon open discussion and the intelligence of the people. We therefore de- nounce the Know-Nothing organization so called, as intolerant in its warfare upon the freedom of religious belief and the sacred rights of jPfriQorganiza" conscieuce ; unjustly exclusive in its requirements of birth and blood; corrupting and demoralizing in its oath and concealment, and anti- republican and dangerous in its secret combination, and its secret political action.

5. Resolved, That the Democracy of Ohio, relying upon the intel- ligence and patriotism of the people, declare and publish these as the principles for which they will do battle ; and inscribing them upon their banner, thus boldly and defiantly meet the issues presented now by the combined hosts of the enemies of Democracy and of the Union and of the Constitution pledging themselves that the banner shall remain unfurled as long as there is a Constitution and Union and Democratic principles to support and defend.

6. Resolved, That we rejoice in tne firm, noble and patriotic stand of the Democratic members of the Congress of the United States, in the matter of electing a Speaker of the House of Representatives, and trust that they will maintain that stand to the last.

Union Republican August 12, 1857.

Maintaining the union of the states.

KESOLUTIONS,

Invoking earnestly, the favor of God and relying confidently upon the intelligence, the patriotism and discriminating justice of the peo- ple, we, the delegates of the Republican party in State Convention assembled, submit to the enlightened and candid judgment of the Freemen or Ohio the following declaration of Republican principles and measures :

1. We adhere to the platform adopted by the Republican Conven- tion held at Philadelphia in July 1776, and reaffirmed in June 1856, and solemnly consecrate our political and moral powers to support its doctrines.

2. We maintain the Union of the States, and the Rights of the State3 and the Liberties of the people.

^ 3. We submit cheerfully to the legitimate and constitutional exer- cise of the powers of the Federal Government; but we protest against Protesting the arrest and vexatious prosecution under writs of Federal Commis- against arrests sioners.of our Judges, Sheriffs, Justices of the Peace and private citi- slavelawl zens, for acts required by State law, as oppressive, tyrannical and unwarrantable.

4. We insist that the lawful process by the State courts for the maintenance of right and the prosecution and punishment of crime committed within the limits of Ohio and against her sovereignty, shall be executed without let or hindrance by federal officials.

5. We deny the right of the Federal authorities, under the color of a Fugitive Slave act, or any other act, to suspend the writ of habeas corpus, or defeat its due execution and operation in this State.

6

Condemning decision in Dred Scott case.

Opposing slavery.

Against slavery exten- sion.

Approving doctrines of popular sov- ereignty as in Declaration of Independence.

Denying that slavery is the normal condi- tion of the la- boring man.

Free lands to actual settlers.

State affairs.

6. We condemn the doctrines of the majority of the Federal Su- preme Court, in the Dred Scott case, as anti-constitutional, anti- republican, anti-democratic, incompatible with State rights, and de- structive of personal security.

7. We regard Slavery as a great evil and wrong, ever aggressive, constantly mischievous, and prospectively fatal to both Union and Liberty; and we therefore earnestly oppose its extension or encour- agement by the Federal Government.

8. We concur with a vast majority of the people of the free States and with a respectable portion of the people of the slave States, in reprobation of the action ot the Federal Government, under the control of the slave power, in breaking down the barriers against slavery extension provided by the wisdom of our fathers, and in forc- ing Slavery into Free Territory under the fraudulent pretences of the Nebraska-Kansas Bill, in disregard of settled national policy and plain constitutional provisions.

9. We adhere cordially to the doctrine of popular sovereignty as taught in the Declaration of Independence; but condemn as a gross perversion of that doctrine the modern pretension that one portion of a community may rightfully enslave another.

10. We hold to the old fashioned notions of our Fathers ''a fair day's wages for a fair day's work," and repudiate with scorn the sen- timent that " Slavery is the natural and normal condition of the labor- ing man," and will resist as anti-republican and unjust, every attempt by whomsoever made, to degrade the free labor of freemen here and elsewhere, and proclaim it as one of the leading objects of the Re- publican party to prevent the further spread of slavery, and to secure to the free white labor of the country its just reward and its full social and political rights.

11. We condemn without qualification the embezzlement of the public moneys recently discovered, and we demand the prompt and rigorous enforcement of the laws in the punishment of every person implicated in the same.

12. We are in favor of the free grant of the public lands by the GeneraL Government, in limited quantities to actual settlers.

18. We approve the acts of the last General Assembly, providing for the better securit}^ of the State Treasury ; rectifying abuses, re- ducing State taxation and expenditure, and limiting the amount of local taxation by county and municipal authorities, and we demand such further legislation as will most surely and effectually protect the money of fhe people from embezzlement and misapplication, and most perfectly secure economy and efficiency in ever}r department of the State administration.

14, The administration of Salmon P. Chase as the Chief Executive of the State Government, has been honest, able and digniffed, com- manding the admiration and confidence of our own people and the respect of the people of our sister States.

William Dennison, Jr.,

Chairman of Com. Resol.

Democratic, Aug. 6. 1857.

1. Resolved, By the Democracy of the State of Ohio in Conven- tion assembled, that it is one of the first and highest duties of a Re- publican Government to obey the laws of the country, whatever they may be, until modified, repealed, or pronounced unconstitutional by a court of competent jurisdiction ; and that all attempts to evade or resist this high obligation of our national compact is an act of

rebellion leading to revolution and should be frowned upon by every lover of the Union.

2. Resolved, That at this, the first convention of the Democracy since the Presidential election of 1856, the Democracy of Ohio pre- sent their congratulations to the Democracy of the Union, who staid the tide of sectional fanaticism, which was fast sweeping the vessel of State upon the quicksands of disunion.

3. Resolved, That we have every confidence in the patriotism, talents and integrity of the National Administration, and we cor- dially indorse the doctrine enunciated by President Buchanan in his Inaugural Address, to dispose of the slavery issue in Kansas by submitting the same to a vote of the actual residents of the territory as eminently wise and Democratic.

4. Resolved, That the great doctrine of popular sovereighty first proclaimed to the world in the Declaration of Independence, reitera- ted by Mr. Jefferson in his resolves of 1784 — endorsed by the Kan- sas-Nebraska act. and reaffirmed in the Cincinnati platform, if fairly carried out, will rid" the country alike of Northern and Southern fanaticism, and fixes in perpetuity the existence of our glorious Union.

5. Resolved, That while we look to no authority but reason for our political opinions, we deem it proper to express deep gratification at the concurrence of the Supreme Court of the United States in the doctrines with regard to to the Constitutional Powers and Political Rights of the States and Territories, which have been maintained by the Democratic party, and formally avowed by it in three National Conventions.

6. Resolved, That the late defalcation in the Treasury of the State imperiously demands that the money of the people, placed therein, should be guarded with jealous care, and, that as the only means of so doing, we re-assert and re-endorse the resolves of the Democratic State Conventton of the 8th of January, 1854, pledging the next Democratic Legislature to carry it into effect in word and deed as follows:

" Resolved, That the Independent Treasury established by the Democrac}- of the Union, after a continued struggle for years, ha3 in its practical operation vindicated and proven all that was claimed for it by its warmest advocates ; and that the Democracy of Ohio are in favor of the enactment by the Legislature of a system, similar in its principles, for the safe-keeping and distribution of the public funds of the State.

7. Resolved, That we are in favor of an economical administration of the State and the Federal Government; and that the public policy demands, at this time, the most efficient and thorough measures of reform in Ohio, in order to reduce the burdens of taxation, by re- straining the operations of the government from projects of public expenditure not necessary or essential to its strictly legitimate pur- pose, and also by imposing salutary checks upon the abuse of the tax- ing power in the hands of local authorities.

Resolved, That Wm. H. Gibson and John G. Breslin, by their cor- rupt embezzlement of the public moneys, merit, and we trust will receive, the reward of iniquity within the walls of the Ohio Peni- tentiary.

Deprecating

sectional

fanaticism.

Indorsing Buchanan's administra- tion.

Popular sov- ereignty.

Approving de- cision of Su- preme Court.

Treasury falcation,

de-

Independent treasury.

Economy.

Union Republican, July 13, 1858.

1. Resolved, That the Republicans of Ohio in convention assembled, entertaining an abiding confidence in the cardinal doctrines of the party heretofore inscribed upon the banner, and in the defense of which

Opposition to

Lecompton

constitution.

Denouncing corruption of national ad- ministration.

it has never failed to secure from the intelligent and patriotic free- men of the State, an ardent and triumphant support, hereby re- affirm the same and again commend them to the favorable considera- tion of the people.

2. Resolved, That the President of the United States, and his servile partisans in Congress, aided by the emissaries in Kansas in their persistent efforts to enforce by violence, fraud, bribery and intimidation upon the people of that territory, a constitution in opposition to their will, and in fraud of their undoubted rights, deserve and ought to receive the unqualified condemnation of all the American people. *

3. Resolved, That the astounding disclosures of the ruinous and corrupt prodigality of the National Administraton, which, in the brief period of eighteen months of profound peace, has exhausted an overflowing treasury, and added to the public debt forty millions of dollars, without any visible indications of a proposed remedy, or a cessation of the evil, submits to the people to choose between the alternative of National Bankruptcy or National Reform.

4. Resolved, That we invite all men of all parties, to join with us in restoring the Government to its original purity and principles, and preserving it as an inheritance for those who may come after us.

Ben. F. Wade, Chairman com. on res.

Indorsing con- ference bill.

Admission of new states.

Indorsing Buchanan.

Right of search.

Democratic, July 29^ 1858.

The committee on resolutions after a protracted session, in a spirit of harmony and concession, present the following as a result of their labors :

1. Resolved, That we reaffirm and endorse the principles set forth in the platform of the Democratic National Convention which assembled in Cincinnati in 1856.

2. Resolved, That we accept the adjustment of the late Kansas controversy by the passage at the recent session of Congress of the " Conference Bill" for the conditional admission of Kansas into the Union ; recognizing the right of the people of that Territory alone to decide finally and- for themselves, without intervention from any quarter, the question of admission under- any constitution.

3. Resolved, That we regard the Lecompton controversy, so called, as at an end, and as being a settled issue ; therefore we refuse to recognize it as a test, to be prescribed by either side of those who differed in opinion upon it, believing that all who uphold the cardinal principles of the party, and sustain its organization by voting the Democratic ticket, as good enough Democrats for all purposes.

4. Resolved, That in the future we are opposed to the admission of a new State into the Union, until the population thereof shall equal the ratio for Representative in Congress, until, as in the case of Minnesota, its proposed Constitution shall have been submitted to, and approved by the vote of the people.

5. Resolved, That we have full and abiding confidence in the ability, patriotism and elevated purity of character of James Buchanan, the present Chief Magistrate of the United States, and in his wisdom and experience, to administer our National affairs.

6. Resolved, That we congratulate the country upon the recent settlement, by the present Democratic Administration, of the pre- tended right of Great Britain to search or visit our merchant vessels on the high seas in time of peace — thus adjusting a controversy, which had remained unsettled from the formation of our Government, and which has already cost us one foreign war.

7. Resolved, That the Legislative enactments of the last Demo -

9

cratic General Assembly of Ohio, were eminently wise and judicious, and calculated to promote the best interests of the State and the prosperity of the people ; and we are unalterably opposed to negro suffrage and negro equality, without reference to shade or proportion of African blood, and we call upon the Legislature to take such immediate measures as will enable the people of Ohio to effectually overcome the effort now being made, whether through the Judici- ary or otherwise, to establish such suffrage and equality as the policy of the State.

8. Resolved, That we approve and endorse the law, as expounded by the recent decision of the Supreme Court of Ohio, to require the imposition of equal taxes upon the banking property in the State, with that of individuals.

9. Resolved, That to the support of our principles and the ticket this day nominated, we pledge our individual and united efforts, and cordially invite every patriot in Ohio to rally under our banner and assist us in redeeming the State from the rule of Abolitionism.

C. B. Flood, Chairman com. on res.

Opposing negro suffrage.

Equal tax on banking prop- erty.

Union Republican, June 3, 1859.

Relying confidently upon the intelligence and patriotism of the people and invoking earnestly the favor of the Supreme Ruler, we submit to the freemen of Ohio the following declaration of Republican principles and measures.

1. We entertain an abiding confidence in the cardinal doctrines heretofore inscribed upon the banners of that party, and in defense of which it has never failed to secure from the free electors of the State, an ardent and triumphant support; and reaffirming the same, commend them anew to the discriminating consideration of the people.

2. That the people of Ohio demand a reorganization of the Judi- cial circuits of the United States, and that they be so constituted as to give to every section of the Confederacy its just and equal voice in the Supreme Court of the United States, that provision be made for reversing the decisions of the District and Circuit courts of the United States, by appeal or writ of error, and for securing fair and impratial juries in prosecutions for alleged violations of the laws of the United States.

3. That proclaiming our determination, rigidly to respect the Constitutional obligations imposed upon the States by the Federal compact, we maintain the union of the States, the rights of the States and the liberties of the people ; and in order to obtain these important ends, we demand the repeal of the Fugitive Slave Act of 1850, as subversive of both the rights of the States and the liberties of the people, and as contrary to the plainest duties of humanity and justice, and ass abhorrent to the moral sense of the civilized world.

4. We claim for all citizens, native and naturalized, liberty of conscience, equality of rights, and the freest exercise of the right of suffrage ; we favor whatever legislative or administrative reforms may be necessary to protect these rights, and guard against their infringe- ment or abuse ; and we oppose any abridgment whatever, of the right of naturalization, now secured by law to immigrants, and all discrimi- nation between native and naturalized citizens, whether by amend- ment of a State Constitution, or otherwise ; and we condemn equally such discrimination whenever and wherever made, whether made by South Carolina or any other State.

Demanding reorganization of judicial circuits of United States.

Demanding repeal of fugi- tive slave act.

Claiming lib- erty of con- science, etc.

ta

Corruption in

national affairs.

Opposing re- vival of Afri can slave trade.

Lands to actu- al settlers.

State offices.

Homestead bill.

5. That the developments of extravagance and corruption in the administration of National affairs, impose upon us the important duty of casting out those who have proved faithless, and placing in power men who can be relied upon to reduce the public expenditures, lessen the burthens of taxation, and protect the Treasury of the people.

6. That we regard all propositions and suggestions of every kind, by whomsoever made, for a revival of the African Slave Trade, as shocking to the moral sentiments of the enlightened portion of man- kind ; and that an3r action on the part of the Government or people conniving at or legalizing that horrid and inhuman traffic, would justly subject the Government and citizens of the United States to the reproach and execration of all civilized and Christian people throughout the world.

7. That we are in favor of granting to actual settlers, one hundred and sixty acres of the public lands free of charge, and we do most unqualifiedly condemn the course of the Pro-slavery Democracy in Congress, in opposing and defeating in the United States Senate the Homestead Bill, whicn was designed to secure free homes for the poor man, whether of native or of foreign birth.

8. We regard the usurpation and abuse of power by the last legis- lature in repeated instances, and especially in making appointments to office in plain violation of the constitution in virtually abolishing the Board of Public Works, and placing the several divisions (so ar- ranged for partisan purposes, as to give the largest portion to the junior member) under the uncontrolled charge of individual members, without responsibility to the whole board ; in making inadequate pro- vision for the safe keeping of the public moneys, and in atttempting to force upon the people of Cincinnati an arbitrary system of police, against their consent, as deserving the reprobation of all good citizens.

9 That the Republicans of Ohio point with entire satisfaction and pride to the dignified, honest, faithful and judicious manner in which the present Executive, and other officers of the State Government, have discharged the duties of their respective positions ; that the course of Hon. B F. Wade in the United States Senate, and of the Republican members of Congress in their able advocacy of the inter- ests of the poor man, in urging the passage of the Homestead Bill, and in their defense of the principles of freedom, meets our unqual- ified approval.

10. We cordially invite all men of all parties, to join with us in earnest endeavors to restore the Government to its original purity, and to preserve the proud heritage of American institutions, trans- mitted to us by our fathers, complete and unimpaired to those who may come after us.

John A. Bingham, Char. Com. Res.

Democratic, May 26, 1859.

The Democracy of Ohio by their Delegates in Convention assem- bled, hereby reaffirm the platform of principles adopted by the Gen- eral Convention of the Democratic part}' at Cincinnati on the 4th of June 1856.

1. Resolved, That the original Territories of the United States, although not endowed with all the attributes of sovereignty, are only held in the territorial condition until they attain a sufficient number oi inhabitants to authorize their admission into the Union as States, and therefore are justly entitled to the right of self-government and the undisturbed regulation of their domestic or local affairs, subject

/

II

to the Constitution of the United States, and that any attempt by Congress or any of the States to establish or maintain, prohibit or abolish the relation of master and slave in a Territory would be a de- parture from the original doctrine of our American Institutions, and that we adhere immovably to the principle of ''Non intervention, by Congress with Slavery in the States and Territories," as declared in the Kansas-Nebraska bill, and openly disclaim fellowship with those, whether at the South or the North, or the West, who counsel the abandonment, limitation or avoidance of that principle.

2. Resolved, That the suppression of the African and foreign slave trade, by the Federal Government, after the year eighteen hundred and seven, is one of the compromises on the faith of which the Con- stitution was adopted, and our Union of Slaveholding and Non-Slave- holding States firmly established that a revival of that trade would not only renew those cruelties which once provoked the indignation of the civilized world, but would expose the slaveholding States to a constant terror of servile insurrection, and the non-slaveholding States of the border, like Ohio, to all the mischief and annoyance of a free black population, for these reasons with others the Democracy of Ohio are opposed to any such revival and to any measure tending in that direction.

3. Resolved, That the rendition of fugitive slaves upon the demand of the persons entitled to their service or labor,is a duty imposed upon every State of the Union, by the terms of the Federal compact, that laws passed by Congress to secure such rendition, in 1793 and 1850 ought to be promptly and faithfully executed, and that the leaders of the self-styled Republican party in Ohio, by a persistent disregard of the Constitution of the United States in this particular, have shown themselves unworthy of the confidence of well disposed, patriotic and peaceable citizens.

4. Resolved, That the opposition of the Republican party in Con- gress to the admission of Oregon exposes fully the utter hypocrisy of their pretentions to be the peculiar friends of free States.

5. Resolved, That we affirm the absolute sovereignty of the States of this Union in regard to their domestic institutions, and the perfect compatibility of the confederation of free and slave States to exist harmoniously together under the provisions of our Federal Consti- tution.

6. Resolved, That the'acquisition of the Island of Cuba is, in our opinion, eminently desirable to the safety and prosperity of our Re- pulic, and we should hail with pleasure any measure consistent with justice, that would accomplish this object. We can never consent to its appropriation by any of the powerful States of Europe, and would incur all the dangers of war rather than acquiesce in such a result. .

7. Resolved, That the Democracy of Ohio disapprove the lavish grants of the public domain heretofore made bv Congress to Railroad Companies and other corporations, but are in favor of granting lim- ited portions of the publie lands to actual settlers on condition of bona fide occupation and cultivation.

8. Resolved, That the Republican party have in Massachusetts by allowing a fugitive slave from the South the right of suffrage and office, in one year, and requiring for the same purpose of the natural- ized citizen a residence of two years after naturalization, equivalent of an extension of the period for naturalization to seven years at- tempted to degrade the foreign white man below the level of the negro and mulatto.

9. Resolved, That the vigor and efficiency of the Administration manifested in the adjustment of our difficulties with Great Britain with regard to the right to search; in the prompt ond successful re- dress of wrongs inflicted upon us by thetGovernment of Paraguay ; the decisive suppression of the rebellion in Utah ; in the enforcement

Non-interven- tion by con- gress with slavery in states and territories.

Opposing re- vival of Afri- can slave trade.

Approving fu- gitive slave law.

State sover- eignty.

Acquisition of Cuba.

Limited por- tions of public lands to actual settlers.

Eight of search.

12

Negro suffrage visible admix- ture, etc.

of the neutrality laws; in the impartial execution of the acts of Con- gress for the suppression of the African slave trade, and for the ren- dition of fugitive slaves, commands our cordial approbation and we have full confidence in the ability and inclination to protect the rights of our citizens, and uphold the honor of our flag.

10. Resolved, That we are opposed to conferring upon negroes, mulattos or other persons of visible mixture of African blood the right of suffrage, or any other political right; desiring that the laws of Ohio shall be made, and her destinies controlled by white men exclu- sively, and for the paramount interests of the white race.

11. Resolved, That we approve of the principles of the Independ- ent Treasury law, passed by the late Legislature of this State.

12. Resolved, That we, the delegates in this Convention, repre- senting the Democratic party of Ohio, and proposing no departure from its ancient and well-tried principles, nevertheless appeal to the •people of Ohio at large as our fellow-citizens, equally interested with us in the maintenance of the Federal Union according to the letter and spirit of the Constitution, and equally desirous of the blessings of peace and public order, to unite with us in rebuking the wanton factious, revolutionary designs of the leaders of the self-styled Repub- lican party, and thus avoid (what seems otherwise inevitable) a con- flict of mere violence between the authorities of the United States and those of our own State, a conflict of the most sorrowful character disastrous and perhaps fatal to us, but certainly calculated at all events to bring the name of American Liberty into contempt abroad.

Kepublican, June 14, 1860

Resolved, That the declaration of principles adopted by the recent National Convention of the Republican party at Chicago meets with our hearty approval.

2. Resolved, That we cordially indorse the nomination of Abraham Lincoln, of Illinois, for President, and Hanibal Hamlin, of Maine, for Vice President of the United States, and pledge them our earnest and hearty support.

AMENDMENT.

Resolved, That we adhere to the declaration of principles made by the Republican Convention of Ohio in 1859.

James Munroe, Char. Com. Res.

Protection to citizens.

Democratic, July 5, 1860.

Resohed, That we, the Democracy of Ohio, do adopt and affirm the platform of principles declared by the recent Democratic National Convention, as follows :

Resolved, That we the Democracy of the Union in Convention assembled, hereby declare our affirmance of the resolutions unani- mously adopted and declared as a platform of principles by the Democratic Convention at Cincinnati in the year 1856, believing that Democratic principles are unchangeable in their nature when applied to the same subject matter; and we recommend as our only further resolutions the following:

Resolved, That it is the duty of the United States to afford ample and complete protection to all its citizens, whether at home or abroad, and whether native or foreign.

13

Resolved, That the necessities of the age in a military, commer- cial and postal point of view, is speedy communication between the Atlantic and Pacific States ; and the Democratic party pledge such Constitutional Government aid as will insure the construction of a railroad to the Pacific coast at the earliest practicable period.

.Resolved, That the Democratic party are in favor of the acquisi- tion of the Island ofXJuba on such terms as shall be honorable to ourselves and just to Spain.

Resolved, That the enactments of State Legislatures to defeat the faithful execution of the Fugitive Slave Law are hostile in character, subversive of the Constitution and revolutionary in their effect.

Resolved, That it is in accordance with the true interpretation of the Cincinnati platform, that during the existence of Territorial Govern- ment, the measure ot restriction, whatever it may be, imposed by the Federal Constitution on the power of the Territorial Legislature over the subject of the domestic relations, as the same has been, or shall hereafter be finally determined by the Supreme Court of the United States, should be respected by all good citizens and enforced with promptness and fidelity by every branch of the general government.

1. And be it further resolved by the Democracy of Ohio, That the suppression of the African and foreign Slave-trade by the Federal Government after the year eighteen hundred and seven, is one of the compromises on the faith of which the Constitution was adopted, and our Union of slave-holding and non-slave-holding States firmly established ; that a revival of that trade would not only renew those cruelties which once provoked the indignation of the civilized world, but would expose the slave-holding States to a constant terror of servile insurrection, and the non-slave-holding States of the border, like Ohio, to all the mischief and annoyance of a free black popu- lation ; for these reasons with others, the Democracy of Ohio are- opposed to any such revival and to any measure tending in that direction.

2. Re solved, That the rendition, of fugitive slaves, upon the demand of the persons entitled to their service or labor, is a duty imposed upon every State of the Union by the terms of the Federal compact ; that the laws passed by Congress to secure such rendition, in 1793 and 1850 ought to be promptly and faithfully executed; and that the leaders of the self-styled Republican party in Ohio, by a persistent disregard of the Constitution of the United States in this particular, have shown themselves unworthy of the confidence of well- disposed, patriotic and peaceable citizens, and we hereby accept the issue tendered by the Republican party of Ohio in the re-nomination of Judge Brinkerhoff, of the nulification or enforcement of the Fugi- tive Slave Law.

3. Resolved, That the opposition of the Republican party in Congress to the admission of Oregon, exposes fully the utter hypocrisj7 of their pretentions to be the peculiar friends of free States-

4. Resolved, That we affirm the absolute sovereignty of the States of the Union in regard to their domestic institutions and the perfect compatibility of the confederation of free and slave States to exist harmoniously together under the provisions of our Federal Constitu- tion, and we hereby denounce and condemn the doctrine of the " irrepressible conflict " first proclaimed by Lincoln and illustrated afterwards by Seward, as hostile to the spirit of our Government and destructive of the existence of the Union. §

5. Resolved, That the Democracy of Ohio disapprove the lavish grants of the public domain, heretofore made by Congress to Railroad Companies and other corporations ; but are in favor of granting limited portions of the public lands to actual settlers on condition of bona fide occupation and cultivation.

6. Resolved, That the Republican party have in Massachusetts, by

Favoring land grant to Pa- cific railroad.

Cuba.

Fugitive slave law.

Power of terri- torial legisla- tion over slavery.

African slave trade.

Favoring exe- cution of fugi- tive slave law.

condemning " irrepressible conflict " doc- trine.

Disapproving grants to rail- roads.

14

Against negro suffrage.

Condemning John Brown raid.

Condemning evasion of fu- gitive slave law.

allowing a fugitive slave from the South the right of suffrage and office in one year and requiring for the same purpose of the natur- alized citizen a residence of two years after naturalization, equivalent to an extension of the period of naturalization to seven years, attempted to degrade the foreign white man below the level of the negro and mulatto.

7. Resolved, That we are opposed to the policy of allowing negroes, mulattoes or other persons of visible admixture of African blood the right of suffrage or any other political right, desiring that the laws of Ohio shall be made and her destinies con- trolled by white men exclusively, and for the paramount interest of the white race.

8. Resolved, That the recent invasion of a sister commonwealth by a band of desperate fanatics, for the execrable purpose of fomenting a servile insurrection, through the agenc3r of arson, rapine and murder, was an act in conflict with every principle of law, human or divine ; a gross violation of the duties of American citizenship, and a crime that should be denounced by all who love the Union and are determined to uphold it. That while the bandits have justly expiated their c rime on the gallows, the public judgment cannot fail to condemn those who, with " less courage but with greater discre- tion," by their teachings instigate others to incur the perils of trea- son and who, as advocates to resistance of law, an " irrepressible conflict," and other like treasonable doctrines, seek to promote their ambitious schemes hy creating civil dissension, distrust and aliena- tion between the citizens of the different States.

9. Resolved, That the conduct of the Executive of Ohio and of other States, in evading and refusing to execute in good faith, the provision of the Constitution and laws of the United States requiring the extradition of fugitives from justice fleeing from other States, meets our most earnest and unqualified condemnation.

10. Resolved, That we most cordially ratify, confirm and endorse the nomination of Stephen A. Douglas and Herschel V. Johnson, by the recent National Democratic Convention, as nominations eminently fit to be made, and entitled in every way to the confidence and support of the Democracy of Ohio and of the whole Union

LI. Resolved, That we heartily invite the true friends of the Con- stitution and the Union, and all opponents of Abraham Lincoln, and the sectional Republican party, to rally to the support ot the Elect- oral Ticket this day nominated by this convention.

Henry B. Payne, Chairman com. on res.

Declaring pur- pose of the war.

Expressing de- votion to the Union,

Union Republican, Sept. 5, 1861.

Resolved, That the present, deplorable civil war has been forced upon the country by the disunionists of the Southern States, now in revolt against the constitutional Government, and in arms around the Capitol.

Resolved, That in this national emergency, banishing all feeling of mere passion or resentment, we will recollect our duty to the whole country; that this war is not waged, on our part, in any spirit of op- pression,^inr for any purpose of conquest or subjugation, nor for the purpose of overthrowing or interfering with the rights or established institutions of the States, but to defend and maintain,the supremacy of the Constitution, and to preserve the Union, with all the dignity, equality and rights of the several States unimpaired; and that as soon as these objects are accomplished, the war ought to cease.

Resolved, In the language of the Hon. Joseph Holt, that we are " for this Union without conditions, one and indivisible, now and

'5

forever ; for its full preservation at any and every cost of blood and treasure, against all its assailants, and against any and every com- promise that may be proposed to be made under the guns of the rebels." ■

H. H. Huntkr, Chairman of Com.

Democratic, Jan. 24, 1861,

SPECIAL.

1. Resolved, That since the admission of Ohio as one of the United States the Democratic party of the State has uniformly shown devo- tion to the Union, allegience to the Constitution, obedience to the federal laws, and regard for the interests of each of her sister States ; and that the same views and sentiments now animate the Democrats of Ohio.

2. Resolved, That while we gratefully acknowledge the services of those of our public men in Congress, who are striving to preserve the Union, and thus to protect the best interests of our Nation and the cause of constitutional liberty among mankind, and while we would accept with joy the compromise measures known as the Crittenden Resolutions, or the propositions of Senators Bigler or Douglas, or those known as the " Border States " Resolutions, as a basis of set- tlement of our national difficulties, or any other settlement of our affairs honorable to us all, which can be effected by conciliation and compromise, and mutual concessions of all concerned to secure the safety and perpetuity of the Union ; yet we believe that the questions that disturb the country are of such a character, and has existed for so long a period, that the time has arrived when the people of the whole country should avail themselves of that provision of the Con- stitution which requires Congress, upon the application of the Legis- latures of two-thirds of the several States to call a convention of all the States, for proposing amendments thereto.

3. Resolved, That this convention does recommend and request the General Assembly of this State, now in session, to make applica- tion to Congress to call a convention, pursuant to the fifth article of the constitution of the United States, for the purpose of proposing amendments thereto.

4. Resolved, That the President of this Convention be instructed to communicate the foregoing third resolution to the presiding officers of the General Assembly, with the request that they present the same to their respective Houses.

5 Resolved, That the two hundred thousand Democrats of Ohio send to the people of the United States, both North and South, greeting; and when the people of the North shall have fulfilled their duties to the Constitution and the South — then, and not until then, will it be proper for them to take into consideration the question of the right and propriety ot coercion.

Favoring Crittenden compromise and conven- tion of states to propose amendments to constitu- tion.

Sending greet- ing of two hundred thou- sand demo- crats.

Democratic, Aug. 7, 1861

The Democracy and other Union men of Ohio, in convention as- sembled, adopt and declare the following resolutions as the basis upon which they appeal to all patriotic, union and Liberty loving citi- zens to unite and rally in the support of the ticket this day presented.

Reslved, That the civil war, by which our country is at present Democratic distracted, is the natural offspring of misguided sectionalism, engen- party not re- dered by fanatical agitators, North as well as South ; and that the thenar,6 °r

i6

Declaring pur- pose for which war should be waged.

Favoring a national con- vention to set- tle the war.

Denouncing extravagance in war de- partment.

Volunteer sol- diers.

Denouncing suspension of writ of habeas corpus.

Democratic party having equally opposed the extremists of both sec* tions, and having at all times zealously contended for the administra" tion of the General Government within its constitutional limits, that party is in no way responsible for calamities that have resulted from a departure from its doctrines and a disregard of its warning and advice.

2. Resolved, That in this national emergency, the Democracy and other Union men of Ohio, banishing all feeling of passion or resent- ment, will recollect only their duty to the whole country ; that this war should not be waged in any spirit of oppression, nor for any purpose of conquest or subjugation, nor purpose of overthrowing or interfering with the rights or established institutions of the States, but to defend and maintain the supremacy of the Constitution, and to preserve the Union with all the dignity, equality and rights of the several States unimpaired, and that as soon as these objects are ac- complished the war ought to cease.

3. Resolved, That while we deem it the duty of every citizen to support and sustain the Government, constitutionally administered, we recommend that the Legislatures of the several States adopt the proper measures for calling a National Convention for the purpose of settling our present difficulties and restoring and preserving the Union.

4. Resolved j That the corruption, extravagance, incompetency and favoritism shown in the administration of the War Departments of the State and Federal Governments, deserve and receive our un- qualified condemnation, and ought to be immediately corrected and reformed.

5. Resolved, That the volunteer soldiers who, at the call of their country, promptly went forth to do battle in defence of its Constitu- tion and Laws, and who, in many cases have been compelled to fight under inexperienced officers, are entitled to our hearty thanks for the gallent manner in which they have discharged their duties.

6. Resolved, That the privilege of the writ of habeas corpus, is one of the great bulwarks of freedom, and that no citizen can be legally deprived of the benefit thereof, except by Congress, and then only in case of rebellion or invasion, when the public safety may re- quire it, and that the late attempt of the President of the United States to suspend the privilege of the same is unwarranted by the Federal Constitution.

Union Kepublican, Aug. 21, 1862.

1. Resolved, That we adhere to the opinion and principles put forth at the Union Convention, neld at Columbus Sept. •6, 1861.

2. Resolved, That we have undiminished confidence in the Na- tional Executive in the conduct and prosecution of the war; and we pledge to his support, all the moral and physical power of the State.

8, Resolved, That the conduct of the Executive of Ohio in his efforts to aid in the vigorous prosecution of the war, merits and re- ceives our unqualified approbation.

4. Resolved, That the unexampled promptness of our volunteer army in their enlistment in the service of the country, and the high courage with which they have borne themselves in the field, merit and receive the confidence and gratitude of the country.

Thos. Bwing, Chairman Com. on Res.

i7

Democratic, July 4, 1862.

1. Resolved, That we are, as we ever have been, the devoted friends of the constitution and the Union, and we have no sympathy with the enemies of either. ,

2. Resolved, That every dictate of patriotism requires that in the terrible struggle in which we are engaged for the preservation of the government, the loyal people of the Union should present an unbro- ken front ; and therefore all efforts to obtain or to perpetuate party ascendency by forcing party issues upon them, that necessarily tend to divide and distract them, as the Abolitionists are constantly doing, are hostile to the best interests of the country.

3. Resolved, That the Abolition party, by their denunciation of the President whenever he has manifested a conservative spirit, by their atrocious defamation of our Generals who were exposing their lives for their country, and who needed and merited its hearty sup- port, by their acts and declarations tending to promote insubordina- tion in our armies, and a want of confidence in their Commanders; and by their persistent representations of all conservative men in the loyal States as sympathizers with the rebels, have given immense aid and comfort to the rebel cause, and encouraged them in hoping for ultimate success.

4. Resolved, That we have seen with indignation the intimation of the Governor of Massachusetts, that that State will be slow in fur- nishing her quota of troops, unless the war be carried on for purposes of emancipation. When the Nation is straining every nerve, and pouring out its blood and treasure like water to preserve its existence, it is monstrous that a conditional Unionism that places Abolition above the Constitution, and the success of a party above the integrity of the Republic, should thus rear its head in high places and seek to dictate the conduct of the war.

5. Resolved, That while we would meet out merited and legal pun- ishment to the plotters ot and leaders in the'rebellion, we are opposed to the contemplated sweeping and indiscriminate act of confiscation and emancipation by Congressional legislation, or executive procla- mation, because :

1. We do not believe that such acts would be constitutional.

2. We believe that by driving the rebels to desperation, and con- verting the Union men at the South into rebels, they would have the effect to indefinitely prolong the war, afford a pretext for foreign intervention, and render the restoration of the Union next to or quite impossible.

3. Because, if practicable and carried out, they would engender a feeling of bitterness between the different sections of the Union that would not be allayed for generations to come, and that would be an ever-present cause of danger and disturbance to the public peace, a source of perpetual weakness in the government, and an ever-present incentive to foreign powers to interfere in our domestic concerns, and to promote a disruption and overthrow the Republic.

4. Because they would destroy, in a great degree, if not entirely, for many years to come, the industrial interests of a large section of the country, and most injuriously affect the interest of the whole people.

5. Because the immediate and indiscriminate emancipation of slaves would be an act of inhumanity to them.

6. Because an emancipation would throw upon the border free States, and especially upon Ohio, an immense number of negroes to compete with and underwork the white laborers of the State, and to constitute in various ways, an almost or quite unbearable nuisance, if suffered to remain among us. And we deem it unjust to our gal- lant soldiers to see them compelled to free the negroes of the South,

Denouncing

abolition

party.

Opposing emancipation.

Unconstitu- tional.

Would drive rebels to des- peration.

Would invite interference of foreign powers.

Would destroy industrial in- terests of south.

An act of in- humanity.

Would create exodus of col- ored popula- tion.

iS

Condemning the legislature for refusing to pass laws prohibiting immigration of negroes.

Oppposing taxation to purchasa free- dom of slaves.

Condemning fraud in gen- eral govern- ment.

Praising the soldiers.

Rebuking lesr- lisaturc for not permitting soldiers to vote.

Protesting against viola- tions of the constitution.

Holding sa- cred certain provisions of the constitu- tion.

Denouncing the president.

and thereby fill Ohio with a degraded population to compete with these same soldiers upon their return to the peaceable avocations of life. That entertaining these views we cannot too strongly condemn the refusal of our General Assembly to prohibit by law the immi- gration of negroes into this State.

VII. That we are opposed to being taxed to purchase the freedom of negro slaves. With all due respect for the opinion of others, we think that such a measure would be unconstitutional, impolitic and

UDJUSt.

VIII. That the unparalleled frauds and peculations upon the Gov- ernment, revealed by the investigation committee, and otherwise, demand the sternest eondemnation of every honest man and friend of the countrv, and call for the severest punishment prescribed by the laws.

IX. That the patriotic courage and skill manifested by our armies has never been exceeded in the history of the world, and deserves and receives our highest admiration and gratitude.

X. That the refusal of the General Assembly to permit the gallant soldiers in the field the right to vote, was a great and unjustifiable wrong to them, that ought not to have been committed.

XI. That while we, as heretofore, discourage all mere factious opposition to the administration, and will continue to give our earnest support to all proper measures to put down the rebellion, and will make all the allowances that the necessity of the case requires of good citizens, we protest against all violations of the Constitution.

XII. That we hold sacred, as we de all other parts of that instru- ment, the following provisions of the Constitution of the United States :

" The trial of all crimes, except in cases of impeachment, shall be by jury; and such trial shall be held in the State where the said crimes shall have been committed."

,; Congress shall make no law respecting the establishment of relig- ion, or prohibiting the free exercise thereof; or abridging the free- dom of speech or of the press ; or the right of the people peaceably to assemble and to petition the Government for a redress of grievances."

" That powers not delegated to the United States by the Constitu- tion, nor prohibited by it to the States, are reserved to the States, respectively, or to the people."

" The right of the people to be secure in their persons, houses, papers and effects against unreasonable searches and seizures shall not be violated, and no warrant shall issue but upon probable cause, supported by oath or affirmation, and particularly describing the place to be searched, and the persons and things to be seized."

" No person shall be held to answer for a capital or otherwise infa- mous crime, unless on a presentment or indictment of a grand jury, except in cases arising in the land or naval forces, or in the militia when in active service in time of war or public danger ; nor to be deprived of life, liberty or property without due process of law; nor shall private property be taken for public use without just compen- sation."

"In all criminal prosecutions the accused shall enjoy the right to a speedy and public trial by an impartiul jury of the State and dis- trict wherein the crimes shall have been committed, which district shall have been previously ascertained by law, and to be informed of the nature and cause of the accusation, to be confronted with the wit- nesses against him, to have compulsory process for obtaining witnesses in his favor, and to have the assistance of counsel for his defense."

And we utterly condemn and denounce ^he repeated and gross violation by the Executive of the United States, of said rights thus secured by the Constitution ; and we also utterly repudiate and con- demn the monstrous dogma, that in time of war the Constitution is

l9

suspended, or its powers in any respect enlarged beyond the letter and true meaning of that instrument.

Resolved, That we view with indignation and alarm the illegal and unconstitutional seizure and imprisonment, for alleged political Opposing ar- ofFeuses of some of our citizens, without judicial process, in States ^offensea111 where such process is unobstructed, and Call upon all who uphold the Union, the Constitution and the laws, to unite with us in denouncing such flagrant violation of State and Federal Constitutions and tyran- ical infraction of the rights and liberties of American citizens; and that the people of this State can not safely, and will not, submit to have the freedom of speech and the freedom of the press, the two great and essential bulwarks of civil liberty, put down by unwarranted and despotic exertion of power.

Union Republican, June 17, 1863.

Resolved, That the calamities of the present rebellion have been brought upon this nation by the infamous doctines of nullification and secession, promulgated by Calhoun and denounced by General Jackson in 1832, and reiterated by the convention, held in the city of Columbus on the 11th inst. We denounce them as incompatible with the unity, integrity, power and glory of the American Republic.

Resolved, That the war must go on with the utmost vigor, till the authority of the National Government is re-established, and the old flag floats again securely and triumphantly over every state and territory of the Union.

Resolved, That in the present exigencies of the Republic, we lay aside personal preferences and prejudices, and henceforth, till the war is ended, will draw no party line but the great line be- tween those who sustain the Government of the country, and those who oppose it ; between those who rejoice in the triumph of our arms, and those who rejoice in the triumph of the enemy.

Resolved, That immortal honor and gratitude is due to our brave and patriotic soldiers in the field, and everlasting shame and disgrace to any citizen or party who withholds it. That svmpathizing with the army in its hardships, and proud of its gallantry, the lovers of the Union will stand by it and will remember and support those who are disabled and the families of those who fall fighting for their country.

Resolved, That confiding in the honesty, patriotism and good sense of the President, we pledge to him our support of his earnest efforts to put down the rebellion.

Resolved, That the present Governor. David Tod, is an honest and able public servant, and that his official conduct deserves and receives the approbation of all loyal people.

Sen. B. F. Wade, Char, of Com. on Res.

Denouoing Calhoun doc- trines as cause of the war.

War must go on until the union restored

But two par- ties, those who sustain and those who op- pose the gov- ernment.

Sympathy with soldiers of the union.

Expressing confidence in President Lin coin.

Indorsing Gov. Tod's administra- tion.

Democratic June 11, 1863.

PREAMBLE.

The Democratic party has ever been and yet is a law abiding par- ty. It asks nothing but its rights under the Constitution and laws. It resorts to no violation of either, it countenances no violation of either. It has a right to all the guarantees of public and private lib- erty and property contained in our fundamental laws and it will sur- render not one of them. It has the right to discuss public measure*

The democrat" ic party a law abiding party- etc.

20

Will of the people the foundation of free govern- ment.

Right of dis- cussion.

Will not sur- render these rights.

Difference be- tween the gov- ernment and administra- tion.

Protesting against eman- cipation proc- lamation.

Opposing com- pensation to owners of of slaves.

and it will discuss them. It has the right to propose and advocate that policy which it deems best for the nation and it will exercise that right. It has a right to have its policy passed upon by the peo- ple at peaceable and untrammeled elections, and it will maintain that right. If found in a minority it yields obedience to all lawful rule of the majority, if it be the majority itself it claims that its lawful will be respected. Whether in a majority or minority it obeys all laws that are in force. Those that it dislikes it seeks to overthrow, not by violence but by legitimate repeal. Those that it proposes it seeks to carry, not by force but by legal enactment. And what it does in all these respects it demands, and has a right to demand, that all others shall do. They owe the same obedience to the Con- stitution and the laws that Democrats owe. They have the same in- terest to maintain free government, to protect liberty, to be secure in their houses, persons and property that Democrats have. It is neither their interest nor ours that despotism or anarchy should pre- vail; and if they wish to avert both let them see to it in time that they give no occasion for either. We will do our duty, let them re- member to do theirs.

In view of the circumstances that have brought us together we hereby resolve,

1. That the will of the people is the foundation of all free govern- ment. That to give effect to this will, free thought, free speech and a free press are absolutely indispensable. Without free discussion there is nno certainty of sound judgment; without sound judgment there ca be no wise government.

2. That it is an inherent and constitutional right of the people to discuss all measures of their government, and to approve or disap- prove as to their best judgment seems right. That they have a like right to propose and advocate that policy which in their judgment is best, and to argue and vote against whatever policy seems to them to violate the Constitution, to impair their liberties, or to be detrimental to their welfare.

3. That these and all other rights, guaranteed to them by their constitutions, are their rights in time of war as well as in time of peace, and of far more value in war than in peace. For in peace liberty, security and property are seldom endangered ; in war they are ever in peril.

4. That we now say to all whom it may concern, not by way of threat, but calmly and firmly, that we will not surrender these rights nor submit to their forcible violation. We will obey the laws ourselves and all others must obey them.

5. That there is a manifest difference between the administration of the government and the Government itself. The Government consists of the civil and political institutions created by the Consti- tution, and to it the people owe allegiance. The Administration are but the agents of the people, subject to their approval or condemna- tion according to the merit or demerit of their acts.

6. That in the exercise of the right to differ with the Federal Ex- ecutive, we enter our solemn protest against the proclamation of the President of the United States, dated the first day of January one thousand eight hundred and sixty-three, by which he assumes to emancipate slaves in certain States, holding the same to be unwise,, unconstitutional and void.

7. That we declare our determined opposition to a system of eman- cipation by the States upon compenasion to be made out of the treas- ury of the United States, as burdensome upon the people, unjust in its very nature, and wholly without warrant of the Constitution.

8. That we declare the power which has recently been assumed by the President of the United States, whereby under the guise of mil- itary necessity, he has proclaimed and extended — or asserts the right

21

to proclaim or extend — martial law over States where war does not exist, and has suspended the writ of habeas corpus, is unwarranted by the Constitution and its tendency is to subordinate civil to mili- tary authority, and to subvert our system of free government. % 9. That we deem it proper further to declare that we, together with the truly loyal people of the State, would hail with pleasure and de- light any manifestation of a desire on the part of the seceded States to return to return to their allegiance to the Government of the Union, and in such events we would cordially and earnestly co-oper- ate with them in the restoration of peace and the procurement of such proper guarantees as would give security to all their interest! and rights.

10. That the soldiers composing our army merit the warmest thanks of the nation. Their country called and nobly did they re- spond. Living they shall know a nation's gratitude, wounded a na- tion's care; and dying, they shall live in our memories, and monu- ments shall be raised to teach posterity to honor the patriots and heroes who offered their lives at their country's altar. Their widows and orphans shall be adopted by the nation, to be watched over and cared for as objects truly worthy of a nation's guardianship.

11. That Ohio will adhere to the Constitution and the Union as the best, it may be the last, hope of popular freedom, and for all wrongs which may have been committed or evils which may exist will seek redress under the Constitution and within the Union by the peaceful but powerful agency of the suffrages of a free people.

12. That we hail with pleasure and hope the manifestations of con- servative sentiment among the people of the Northern States in their elections, and regard the same as the earnest of a good purpose upon their part to co-operate with all other loyal citizens in giving security to the rights of every section, and maintaining the Union and the Constitution as they were ordained by the founders of the Republic.

13. That whenever it becomes practicable to obtain a convention of all or of three-fourths of the States, such body should be convened for the purpose of proposing such amendments to the Federal Consti- tution as experience has proved to be necessary to maintain that instrument in the spirit and meaning intended by its founders and to provide against further convulsion and wars.

14. That we earnestly support every constitutional measure tend- ing to preserve the Union of the States. No men have a greater in- terest in the preservation than we have — none desire it more ; there are none who will make greater sacrifices or endure more than we will to accomplish that end. We are, as we ever have been, the de- voted friends of the Constitutton and the Union, and we have no sympathy with the enemies of either.

15. That the arrest, imprisonment, pretended trial and actual ban- ishment of Clement L. Vallandingham, a citizen of the State of Ohio, not belonging to the land or naval forces of the United States, nor to the militia in actual service, by alleged military authority, for no other pretended crime than that of uttering words of legitimate criti- cism upon the conduct of the Administration in power, and of ap- pealing to the ballot box for a change of policy (said arrest and mili- tary trial taking place where courts of law are open and unobstructed, and for no act done within the sphere of active military operations in carrying on the war) we regard as a palpable violation of the fol- lowing provisions of the Constitution of the United States.

I. "Congress shall make no law * * * * abridging the freedom of speech, or of the press, or of the right of the people peacably to assemble, and to petition the government for a redress of grievances."

II. " That the right of the to people be secure in their persons, houses, papers and effects, against unreasonable searches and seizures,

Powers as- sumed by President Lin- coln unwar- ranted by the constitution.

Hailing with delight return of seceded states.

Praising the soldiers.

Ohio will ad- here to the union.

Approving the conservative sentiments of the north.

Favoring con- vention of states to propose amend ments to con- stitution.

Democratic party the de- voted friends of the union.

Denouncing arrest of val- landingham as in violation of following provisions of the constitu- tion.

22

Calling upon the president to restore Val- landingham to his home and appointing committee to make the ap- plication.

Thanking Ho- ratio Seymour.

Denouncing military gov- ernment over loyal states.

Sworn duty of Governor to protect citi- zens.

Denouncing abolitionists.

Democratic party not wanting in sympathy for soldiers.

shall not be violated ; and no wararnt shall issue but upon probable cause, supported by oath or affirmation, and particularly describing the place to be searched and the persons or things to be seized. "

III. " No person shall beheld to answer for a capital or other infamous crime, unless upon the presentment or indictment of * grand jury, except in cases arising in the land or naval forces or in the militia when in actual service in time of war or public danger."

IV. " In all criminal prosecutions, the accused shall enjoy the right of a speedy and public trial, by an impartial jury of the State and district wherein the crime shall have been committed, which district shall have been previously obtained by law."

And we furthermore denounce said arrest, trial and banishment as a direct insult offered to the sovereignty of the people of Ohio, by whose organic law it is declared that no person shall be transported out of the State for any offense committed within the same.

16. That Clement L. Valandingham was at the time of his arrest a prominent candidate for nomination by the Democratic party of Ohio for the office of Governor of the State ; that the Democratic party was fully competent to decide whether he was a fit man for that nomination ; and that the attempt to deprive them of that right by his arrest and banishment, was an unmerited imputation upon their intelligence and loyality as well as a violation of the Constitution.

17. That we respectfully but most earnestly call upon the Presi- dent of the United States to restore Clement L. Valandingham to his home in Ohio ; and that a committee of one from each Congressional district of the State, to be selected by the presiding officers of the Convention are hereby appointed to present this application to the President.

18. That the thanks of this convention are hereby tendered to Horatio Seymour, Governor of the State of New York, for his noble letter in relation to the arrest of Mr. Valindingham; and the Presi- dent of the Convention is hereby directed to communicate a copy of this resolution to Governor Seymour.

19. That the establishment of a military government over loyal States where war does not exist, to supersede the civil authorities and to suppress the freedom of speech and of the press, and to interfere with the elective franchise, is not only subversive of the Constitution and the sovereignty of the States, but the actual inauguration of revolution.

20. That it is the sworn duty of the Governor of the State to pro- tect her citizens in the enjoyment and exercise of all their constitu- tional rights, and we have beheld with deep humiliation and regret not only the failure of David Tod, Governor of Ohio, to perform that duty, but what is still worse, his active participation in the viola- tion of those rights.

21. That we denounce as traitors to the country the Abolition Jacobins who are seeking to bring about civil war in the loyal States, with the view of turning if possible, the bayonets of the army against the breasts of the fathers, brothers and friends of the soldiers, and subjecting those States to a military survelance and dominion.

22. We denounce as libelers of the Democratic party and enemies of their country, the men who are engaged in representing the Demo- cratic party as wanting in sympathy with our souldiers in the field. It is a base slander upon human nature to assert that Democrats who have hundreds of thousands of brothers and sons in the army, do not sympathize with them — and it is an outrage upon the Demo- cratic party, that has always stood by the country, to assert that it is not the friend ot its gallant defenders.

23. That the conduct of Brigadier-General Mason, the military commandant at Columbus, and of the officer commanding the provost guard, in preventing all appearance of military restraint upon the

23

proceedings of this convention, show that they have a just apprecia- Coinplinient-

tion of the Constitution of their country and the rights of the people ing G-en'I. Ma-

— and that they are wise and patriotic officers ; and and that their con- exercising

duct on this occasion is a striking contrast with the contrary conduct of military re-

the military authorities upon the late Democratic meeting at Indian- straint over

r a j i. i A i • ■ HJ • convention,

apohs. And we take great pleasure in expressing our confidence in

General Mason and the officers and soldiers under his command.

Union Convention, May 25^ 1864.

1. Resolved, That the people of Ohio, in convention assembled, solemnly renew the pledges heretofore made by the country, that they will in the future as they have in the past, sustain the Govern- ment with all their resources of men and money in suppressing the wicked and atrocious rebellion against the Constitution, the Union and the Laws.

2. Resolved, That the loyal popular instinct of the people in de- manding the re-election of Abraham Lincoln to the Presidency, illus- trates the highest evidence, and in obedience to it, this convention cordially recommends to the National Union Convention his renomi- nation.

3. Resolved, That we congratulate the country upon the brilliant success of our arms, and make acknowledgment of our gratitude to the army and Navy of the United States, for their past services, we accept as a guarantee that, under Providence, final victory will speedily come and this rebellion forever crushed.

Resolved, That with just pride we proclaim the fact that, in the cabinet, in the field, and in the councils of the Nation, the ability, fidelity and patriotism of Ohio, have been proudly manifest.

5, Resolved, That this convention hereby pledges the cordial sup- of the Union men of Ohio, to the measures which have marked the administration of Abraham Lincoln, and especially do we approve the pending amendment of the Constitution to make States of the Union all free and republican, and therefore forever one and un- divided.

B. Stanton, Char. Com. on Res.

Faroring sup- pression of the rebellion.

Favoring re- nomination of President Lin- coln.

Expressing gratitude to army and navy.

Pledging sup- port to the ad- ministration.

Indorsing res- olutions of 1798-9.

Democratic March 23, 1864.

1. Resolved, That the Democratic party is now, as it has ever been, devoted to the Constitution as transmitted to us by the framers of that instrument, and expounded by Jefferson, Madison and Jackson, and as construed in the Virginia and Kentucky resolutions of 1798 and 1799, and as contrued in the report thereon in the Virginia Leg- islature, and that for the maintenance of that Constitution and the preservation of the Union founded under it, we here, as did I he fath- ers of the Republic, pledge life, fortune and sacred honor.

2. Resolved, That we would hail with delight any and every hon- Favoring res- orable effort toward a restoration of the normal condition of this torationofun- Union, to-wit: internal peace and harmony, and fraternal affection ion etc- between the several States comprising it; and we regret that the

measures of the present administration prevent such desirable results, and we are therefore uncompromisingly opposed to its continuance in power.

3. Resolved, That we are opposed to the prosecution of the war for the> subjugation of States, or for the purpose of depriving them of their sovereignty, or irapaiping their constitutional rights ; and bein^

24

Opposing pros- ecution of the war and de- manding peace.

Denouncing mob spirit and tyranny of ad- ministration.

satisfied that its continued prosecution for such objects will in the end prove the utter destruction of civil liberty, we therefore demand the immediate inauguration of peaceable means to attain an honora- ble settlement and the restoration of the Union under the Constitu- tion.

4. Resolved, That the mob spirit now abounding in our land is the natural and inevitable result of the violations of the Constitution and the laws of the party now in power, and we deem this a proper occas- ion to renew to our people the warnings of Washington against law- lessness in Government and people The tyrany of the present ad- ministration has sown the seeds from which we are now reaping a harvest of crime.

Indorsing ad- ministration of Andrew Johnson.

Thanks to ar- my and navy.

Overthrow of slavery our* only safe- guard.

Reconstruc- tion.

Thanks to war governors.

Union Eepublican, June 21, 1865.

The Union people of Ohio, grateful to Almighty God for the over- throw of the rebellion and the preservation of the national integrity, for the blessings of peace, and for all the favors which He has vouch- safed unto us as a people, do

Resolved, 1. That the name and fame of Abraham Lincoln stand out from the history of the epoch unrivalled and alone, and while we deplore his untimely and cruel death, and venerate his memory, it becomes us to imitate his wisdom, firmness and moderation in the treatment of vexed questions, and especially to imitate his example in waiting for the solution of difficulties to be furnished by the pro- gress of time and the logic of events.

2. That President Andrew Johnson, by his unwavering devotion to the Union through years of severest trial, has now our highest confi- dence ; that we cheerfully endorse the policy of his administration, looking to the restoration of peace and civil order in the so-called seceded States, and that as Union men of Ohio we will give him our hearty and undivided support.

3. That, the thanks of Ohio and of the nation are due to the heroic men of our army and navy whose labors and sufferings have saved the Republic. We honor our martyred dead, and joyfully welcome home our returning veterans.

4. That the thanks of this Convention are due, and are hereby ten- dered to the loyal men and women of Ohio at home who have so nobly and liberally sustained and cheered our brave soldiers in the field in their trying efforts to maintain the national authority in con- flict with armed rebellion.

5. That four years of sanguinary war, with its fearful sacrifice of life and treasure, forced upon us by the slave-holders' rebellion, has demonstrated to us and to the world that slavery and its institutions are irreconcilably opposed to freedom and free institutions; and all the teachings of history, the dealings of Providence and our own bitter experience, point unerringly to their overthrow and eradica- tion as our only safeguard against the recurrence of like evils in the future.

6. That while we are anxious for an early reconstruction of fra- ternal relations with the insurgent States, we demand that such re- construction shall be at such time, and upon such terms, as will give unquestioned assurance of the peace and security, not only of loyal people of the rebel States, but also of the peace and prosperUy of the Federal Union.

7. That the thanks of the loyal people of ohio are due to the war Governors of Ohio, Dennison, Tod and Brough, for the earnest, pa- triotic, and faithful exercise of the executive authority of our State during their respective administrations; and that through their

2$

efforts and the hearty cooperation of our loyal people, citizens and soldiers, Ohio stands in the front rank in the roll of honor among her sister states, in the great struggle for national existence.

8. That the experience of the last four years shows the absolute Declaration of necessity in all our political action of keeping steadily in view the J^e gmde of CG great principles of our government, as set forth in the Declaration of political ao- Independence. tlon-

9. That we will cordially support the ticket this day nominated, and promise our collective and individual efforts to secure its triumphant election.

Democratic, Aug. 24^ 1865.

1. Resolved, That the Federal Government exists only by virtue of the Federal Constitution, and possesses no powers not granted by that instrument.

2. Resolved, That the experience of the last two years has demon- strated in an eminent degree the wisdom of our forefathers in insist- ing upon a strict construction of the Federal Constitution, and we utterly abhor the sophistry by which violation, the most plain and palpable, of the letter and spirit of that instrument have been and are defended.

3. Resolved, That the reserved rights of the States are essential to the existence of a Republican'Government, and to the liberties and prosperity of the people, and we are, therefore, unalterably opposed to a consolidation of all power in the hands of the Federal Govern- ment, the inevitable consequences of which would be to make that government the most despotic, corrupt and oppressive in the world.

4. Resolved, That the Democracy of Ohio will maintain and de- fend, as they have always heretofore done, as essential to the existence of our federal system of government, the true doctrine of State Rights — not nullification, not secession — but the theory of that system as laid down in the Virginia and Kentucky resolutions of 1798, as interpreted by their authors, the one by Madison in his report in 1799, the other by Jefferson in his solemn official inauguration of 1801.

5. Resolved, That their ordinances of secession being void, the so-called seceding States are still in the Union as States, and are therefore entitled to all the reserved rights of the States; and to their due representation in Congress; and to vote at future elections of President and Vice President; and any attempt of the General Gov- ernment, or any department thereof, to deprive them of these rights would be an assault upon the rights of every State in the Union, and an effort to overthrow the Government ordained by the Constitution.

6. Resolved. That to each State belongs the right to determine for itself the qualifications of its Electors, and the General Government,nor can any department thereof interfere, directly or indirectly, with the exercise of this right, without a palpable violation the Constitution and the reserved rights of the States.

7. Resolved, That the effort now being made to confer the right of suffrage upon negroes is an insidious attempt to overthrow popular institutions, by bringing the right to vote into disgrace. That the negroes are not competent to the exercise of that right, nor is it nec- essary to their safety or protection. On the contrary, its exercise by them, if attempted, would be fraught with terrible calamities to both' them and the whites- We are therefore unequivocally opposed to negro suffrage.

8. Resolved, That the experience of 4,000 years has demonstrated that negroes are not equal to white men, and all attempts to place them on a footing of equality, politically and socially with the whites,

Favoring a strict con- struction of the constitu- tion.

Reserved rights of states etc.

State rights;

The ordinance of secession being void the seceded states have all the rights of loyal states.

Each s^ate must deter- mine qualifi- cation of its electors.

Against negro suffrage.

Negro not equal to white man.

26

This a govern- ment of white

Duty of Legis- lature to dis- courage negro immigration.

Fraternal feel- ing.

Praising the soldiers.

Tariff.

Favoring tax- ation of U. S. securities.

Federal taxes should be col- lected by county treas- urers.

Denouncing arrests in late rebellious tates.

Denouncing suspension of writ of habeas corpus arbi- trary arrests etc.

ever have proved and ever will prove failures, and all such attempts ever have proved, and ever will prove, injurious to both races.

9. Resolved, That this Government was made by wnite men, and so far as we have the power to preserve it, it shall continue to be a Government of white men.

10. Resolved, That under the rule of Abolitionism, and especially under the recent military orders in Kentucky, the emigration of ne- groes into Ohio is a growing evil, and in order that white labor should be protected against negro labor, and the people against negro pau- perism, it is the duty of the Legislature to discourage negro emigra- tion into our State.

11. Resolved, That the war having ceased, it is the duty of the Governments, State and Federal, and of every citizen, to strive to heal the wounds inflicted by it, and to bring about a fraternal feeling between the people of the different sections of the Republic.

12. Resolved, That the valor and fortitude of our troops has never been surpassed, and their patriotic devotion to their country can never be obliterated from our memories.

13. Resolved, That we regard a national debt as a national curse, and in view of our immense debts, Federal and State, and of the enormous expenditures of our Federal and State Governments, we demand an exercise of the most rigid economy by both ; that all tax- ation by either shall be perfectly fair and equitable ; that public expen- diture shall be reduced to the lowest peace standard consistent with the public safety ; that useless offices, civil and military, shall be abol- ished, and unnecessary officers dispensed with; and that the tariff and internal revenue laws shall be reduced to the exact revenue point sufficient for the Government, economically and honestly adminis- tered.

14. Resolved, That we most explicitly condemn the policy of the party in power in creating thousands ot millions of government stocks, and attempting to exonorate the holders thereof from all obli- gation to pay their just proportion of taxes for the support of the States in which they reside, and thereby creating an odious and prolonged moneyed aristocracy ; and we declare it to be the immedi- ate duty of Congress and the State Legislature to use all legal and constitutional power they possess to subject money so invested to a burden of taxation equal to that imposed upon other property for Federal, State and municipal purposes.

15. Resolved, That the Federal taxes should, as far as possible, be collected by the County Treasurers of the States, and the people be thereby relieved from the horde of Federal tax-gatherers who are now eating out their subsistance.

16. Resolved, That the four dollar militia commutation tax is op- pressive, and ought to be repealed.

17. Resolved, That freedom of speech, of the press, and of elec- tions, habeas corpus, and trial by jury, are the birthright of all Amer- ican citizens, guaranteed by both Federal and State Constitutions ; that we will maintain and defend them as such in every extremity ; and that we denounce especially the arrest of citizens by military au- thority in States, or places where the civil tribunals are unmolested, and their execution, imprisonment or trial by military commissions as palpable infractions of the Constitution, and outrages upon public liberty and private right.

18. Resolved, That the continued suspension of the writ of habeas corpus, since the termination of the war. and when all pretense of necessity is passed, the denial of the right of trial by jury, and the trial of citizens not in the military service by military commissions, and the open interference with elections by military power, as in recent instances in Kentucky and Tennessee, are revolutionary vio- lations of the Constitution, threatening the very existence of our

27

most ancient and sacred rights; that they portend a danger to the liberties of the country greater than has ever before menaced them,* and which it is the duty of all good citizens to meet with the most determined opposition and most sleepless vigilance.

19. Resolved, That while we will resolutely and persistently con- demn all infractions of the Constitution, by whomsoever committed, and while we regret that the terms of pacification agreed to by Ma- jor-General Sherman in April last were not at once ratified by the Federal Executive, we will nevertheless stand by President Johnson in all constitutional efforts to restore immediately to the States the ex- ercise of their rights and powers within the Union.

Allen G. Thurman, Char, of Com. on Res.

Indorsing Andrew John- son.

Union Republican, June 20, 1866.

Resolved, That the Union party of Ohio, having sustained the general government during four years of successful war against the united efforts of rebels in the South and their partisans of the North, now demand that peace shall be established upon such stable founda- tions that rebellion and secession will never again endanger our national existence.

Resolved, That this Convention fully endorses the amendments to the Constitution, proposed by Congress to the Legislatures of the States as a liberal, wise, and patriotic adjustment, and the Union party of Ohio pledge for it their united and hearty support.

Resolved, That the nation owes the heroic men of our army and n&vy a debt of lasting gratitude for their patriotic services in defense of the Constitution and the Union, and we urge upon Congress the duty of equalizing the bounties, and that while we cherish with ten- der affection the memories of the fallen braves, we pledge to their widows and orphans the nation's care and protection.

Demanding "peace that will secure freedom and equal rights.

Indorsing re- construction amendments.

Expressing gratitude to soldiers and favoring equalization of bounties.

Democratic, May 25^ 1866.

1. Resolved, That the Democracy of Ohio will adhere in the pres- ent and in the future, as in the past, with unfaltering fidelity and firmness to the organization of the Democratic party, and to its an- cient and well settled principles as enunciated by Thomas Jefferson, the great apostle or American Democracy, and as acknowledged and accepted by the party from the foundation of the Government ; and especially of equal taxation and of representation of all States sub- ject to taxation.

2. Resolved, That the one great question of the day is the immedi- ate ana unconditional restoration of all the States to the exercise of their Rights within the Federal Union under the Constitution ; and that we will cordially and actively support Andrew Johnson as Presi- dent of the United States in all necessary and proper means to carry out his policy as directed to that end ; and especially in secur- ing immediate representation in the Senate and the House of Rep- resentatives to the eleven States from which it is now unconstitution- ally and arbitrarily withheld, unless on the degrading condition of inferiority in the Union, and of negro political and civil equality en- forced by the Federal Government.

3. Resolved, That for the purpose above set forth, we will cordially co-operate in public meetings, conventions and at the polls, with all men, without reference to past party positions, who honestly and by their acts and votes, as well as by their professions, support the President, in his policy of restoration as now declared.

Geo. W. Morgan, Char. Com. Res.

Favoring the immediate and uncondi- tional restora- tion of seceded states.

28

Democratic, January 8, 1867.

Resolved, That the Democracy of Ohio steadfastly adheres to Federal to the principles of the party as expounded by the fathers and

government a^ approved by experience. That in accordance with these principles limited we declare the Federal Government a government of limited powers;

powers. that it posesses no powers but such as are expressly, or by necessary

implication, delegated to it in the Federal constitution; that all other powers are reserved to the States or to the people respectively; that a strict construction of the Constitution is indispensable to the preservation of the reserved rights of the States and the people; that all grants of power to governments, whether State or Federal, should be strictly construed, because all such grants abridge the natural rights of men ; that the preservation of the equality and rights of the several States and the rights of the people is necessarily the preservation of the Union ; that the Federal Government is unfited to legislate for or administer the local concerns of the States; that it * would be monstrous that the local affairs of Ohio should be regulated by a Federal Congress in which she has but two Senators, and the New England States, with a little greater population, have twelve; that the tendency of Federal administration is to usurp the reserved rights of the States and of the people and that therefore a centrali- zation of power in its hands is an ever impending danger ; that such an absorption of power would while it lasted, be destructive of the liberties and interests of the people, and would end either in despot- ism or a disruption of the Union ; that a national debt, besides impoverishing the people, fosters undue increase of the powers of the .„. Federal Government ; that the high protective tariffs have a like

effect, sacrificing the interests of the many for the emolument of the few, and plainly violating the equity and spirit of the Constitution ; that the collection and disbursement of enormous revenues by the Federal Government has the same tendency, besides corrupting the Government, and that therefore economy is essential, not only to the prosperity, but also to the liberties of the people ; that unequal taxa- tion is a plain violation of justice, of which no government can safely be guilty ; that to each State belongs the right to determine the qualifications of its electors and all attempts to impair this right, either by Congressional legislation or Constitutional amendments, are unwise and despotic, that the tendency of power is to steal from the many to the few, and that therefore eternal vigilance is the price of liberty ; that the tendency of Government is to enlarge its authority by usurpation, and therefore Government needs to be watched : that another of its tendencies is to govern too much, unnecessarily and vexatiously interfering with the business and habits of the people ; that freedom of speech and of the press are ejpential to the existence of liberty ; that no person, not in the mintary or naval service, or where the civil courts are prevented by war and insurrection from exercising their functions, can lawfully be deprived of life, liberty or property, without process of civil law'; that the courts should always be open for a redress of grievances ; that no ex post facto law should ever be made ; that in the language of the Supreme Court " the Constitution of the Uuited States is a law for rulers and people equally in war and in peace, and covers with the shield of its protection all classes of men at all times and under all circumstances. No doctrine involving more pernicous consequence was ever intended by the wit of man than that any of its provisions can be suspended during any of the great exigencies of Governments ; such doctrines lead directly to anarchy or despotism; that the right of the people to peacably assemble and consult upon public affairs is inviolable; that the military should be held in due subjection to the civil power; that while the majority as prescribed by the consti-

2g

tution, have the right to govern, the miuority have indefeasible rights and that a frequent recurrence to first principles is essential to the safety and welfare of the States and the people.

Resolved, That the States which lately attempted to secede are still States in the Union, and have been recognized as such by every department of the Government. By President Lincoln, who in the midst of war invited them to elect members of Congress. By Presi- dent Johnson in various proclamations and official acts. By Congress which permitted Andrew Johnson to sit in the Senate as a Senator from Tennessee, by his inauguration as Vice President and President of the Senate, and by the admission of members from Virginia, Tennessee and Louisana, to sit in the House ot Representatives, after those States had passed their ordinances of secession, and while the war was being carried on, and which further recognizes them as States in the Union by the Congressional Apportionment Act, providing for their due representation in Congress; by various laws and especially the direct Tax Act ; by the resolutions sub- mitting amendments to the Constitution for their approval — and by various other acts and resolutions, importing the same rec- ognition, all which were passed since' the attempted secession of those States. By the Judiciary of the United States which holds Federal Courts in all those States, and especially by the Supreme Court, which entertains jurisdiction of cases coming from them, which it could not do were they not in the Union. That being thus in the Union, they stand on an equal footing with their sister States — States with unequal rights — a thing unknown to the Constitution, That by the express terms of the Constitution each State is entitled to have two Senators and a due proporttion of Representatives in Congress, and to vote at all elections of President and Vice Presi- dent. That though these rights are subject to interruption by a state of civil war, they cannot by civil war be extinguished, or in time of peace be so much even as suspended, without a plain violation of the Constitution. That the assent of three-fourths of the States, whether represented in Congress or not, is essential to the validity of Consti- tutional amendment. That Congress has no power to deprive a State of its reserved rights and reduce it to a territorial condition. — That therefore the exclusion by the so called Congress of all repre- sentation from ten States ; the proposed exclusion of those States from all voice in the next Presidential election, the threat- ened overthrow of their State Governments, and the reduc- tion of those States to the condition of territories, are each and every one of them unconstitutional, revolutionary, and despotic measures, destructive not merely to the rights of those States, but also of the rights of every other State in the Union. That those measures are parts of a plan to nullify the Constitution, virtually overthrowing the State Governments, to erect a consolidated despot- ism on their ruins, and to establish and perpetuate a tyrannical rule of a minority over a majority of the American people.

That the people cannot, without a loss of their liberties, prosperity and honor, submit to such a result, and we, therefore, in the hope that the warning will be heeded and the danger to our institutions peaceably averted, do solemnly warn the advocates of the plan, that it will not be submitted to.

3. Besolved, That Congress is not an omnipotent law-making power. That the Constitution provides that no bill shall become a law without the approval of the President, unless it is passed by two- thirds of each House of Congress. That one of the objects of the present so-called Congress in excluding ten States from representa- tion is to pass bills by a two-thirds vote, which, were all the States rep resented, could not so pass,and thus to virtually abolish the Constitution- al provision aforesaid. That if this provision be acquiesced in, there

Seceded states are still states in the Union.

Opposing re- construction,

3o

Tariff.

Negro suffrage

Favoring vention o the states

con- f all

will be nothing to prevent a bare majority of Congress at any time in the future from nullifying the constitutional veto of the President, and usurping uncontrolled legislative power by an exclusion of the minority from their seats. That the exclusion of even a single State might give control, and a pretext for such an exclusion would not be wanting to an unscrupulous and revolutionary party.

4 Resolved, That the people, and especially those of the agricul- tural States, have suffered too long the exactions of high protective tariffs, and as the representatives of an agricultural and laboring population we demand that their substance shall no longer be ex- torted from them in order to fill the pockets of Eastern monopolists.

5. Resolved, That unequal taxation is contrary to the first princi- ples of justice and sound policy, and we call upon our Governments, Federal and State, to use all necessary constitutional means to rem- edy this evil.

6. Resolved, That the radical majority of the so-called Congress have proved themselves to be in favor of negro suffrage by forcing it upon the people of the District of Columbia, against their almost unanimous wish solemnly expressed at the polls; by forcing it upon the people of all the Territories in violation of the Constitution, and by their various devises to coerce the people of the South to adopt it. That we are opposed to negro suffrage, believing that it would be productive of evil to both whites and blacks, and tend to produce a disastrous conflict of races.

7. . Resolved, That for all their efforts to uphold the Constitution we tender to the President and to the majority of the Judges of the Supreme Court of the United States our hearty thanks.

8. Resolved^ That we are in favor of a Democratic Convention of delegates from all the States, to be held at such time and place as may hereafter be agreed upon. And that the State Central Com- mittee be authorized to concur with other proper committees in fixing the time and place. That we prefer Louisville, Kentucky, as the place.

9. Resolved, That the Democratic newspapers of Ohio deserve an earnest and liberal support ; and that an early and thorough organi- zation of the party is indispensable.

C. L. Vallandigham, Char. Com.

American people a Nation.

Our national existence based on the declaration of independance.

Kepublican Union Convention, June 19, 1867.

The Republican Union party of Ohio in convention assembled de- clare—

1. That one of the great lessons of the war is that the American people are a nation and not merely a confederacy of sovereign and independent States.

2. That our existence as a nation is based on the great principles announced in the Declaration of Independence, and vindicated by the Proclamation of Emancipation, the constitutional amendment abolishing slavery, and the spirit of republican democracy and jus- tice which underlies the reconstruction policy of the 39th and 40th Congresses, which we hereby fully endorse and which we demand shall be carried into complete effect by every needful act of addi- tional legislation.

3. That while we will always cherish and defend the American system of local and municipal self government for local purposes and a national government for national purposes, unalterably op- posed to all attempts at centralization or consolidation of power any- where we Jiold that liberty and human rights constitute our great national boon, which local or State organizations must not be allowed to abridge or take away.

3i

4. That imbued with the spirit of true Democracy, and believing that the powers necessary for the purpose of obtaining the ends of gov- ernment ought not to be restricted to a prolonged class, but should be vested in the whole people without unjust or odious distinctions, or qualifications not equally attainable by all; and further believing that these sentiments are in strict accordance with the spirit and tendency of modern civilization, we place ourselves on the simple and broad .platform of impartial manhood suffrage, as embodied in the proposed amendment to the State Constitution, appealing to and confiding in the intelligence, justice and patriotism of the peo- ple of Ohio to approve it at the ballot box.

5. The American people owe a debt of lasting gratitude to the brave soldiers and sailors, who, in the late struggle for our national existence, so nobly fought for our national liberties, and for the privations, suffer- ings and sacrifices which they endured, the loyal men of Ohio pledge to them and to the widows and orphans of those who fell in defense of the Nation our sympathies and support.

6. That we approve and indorse the military administration of our distinguished fellow citizen Major-Gen. Phil. H. Sheriden in Lou- siana and Texas, and pledge him and the military commander in the several military districts ')f the South, the cordial support of the Union men of Ohio, in their efforts to protect the loyal people of the late rebel States, and to secure the organization of loyal and constitu- tional governments in said State.

7. That we fully endorse the administration of our present Gov- ernor, J. D. Cox, and extend to him our hearty thanks for the faith- ful and able manner in which he has discharged his official duties, and sustained the credit and honor of our noble State.

Impartial manhood suffrage.

Debt of grati- tude to sold- iers and sailors.

Approving military administra- tion Gen'l Sheridan.

Indorsing ad- ministration of Gov. Cox.

Democratic, January 8^ 1868.

Resolved, That the Democracy of Ohio congratulate the country upon the improved aspect of the political affairs as evidenced by the State elections of 1867, and that they look forward with hope and confidence to the result of the momentous struggle, upon which they are about to enter and upon which depends, in so great a degree, the future peace and prosperity of the Union,

Resolved, That, unalterably opposed to the doctrines which lead to consolidation, we renew with unflagging zeal and increased energ3r, our attachment to that political creed which has ever been so staunchly adhered to by our organization through days of trouble and disaster, as well as good fortune and prosperity, which was ex- pressed by Thomas Jefferson, " Equal and exact justice to all men of whatever State or persuasion, religious or political, peace, commerce and honest friendship with all nations, entangling alliances with none ; the support of the State Governments in all their rights as the most competent administration of our domestic concerns and the surest, bulwark against anti-republican tendencies; the preservation of the general Government in its whole constitutional vigor as the sheet anchor of peace at home and safety abroad ; a jealous care of the rights of elections by the people and the supremacy of the civil over the military authority."

Resolved, That we are opposed to any measures which recognize that the integrity of the Union was ever broken — that any of its members were ever out — and that we determinedly insist that the Southern States, no longer being in insurrection or at war with the Federal Government, are entitled to the full State recognition aud constitutional representation in Congress, and the electoral colleges given t© all the States, and that denial of it to them, by Congress,

Keconstruc- tion measures, unconstitu- tional and revolutionary.

32

Opposing

negro

suffrage.

Result of re- construction.

Opposing pay- ment of bonds in gold.

Five-twenty bonds should be paid in currency.

Such payment the shortest way to specie payment.

Bonds should be taxed.

Native and naturalized citizens.

and its efforts to dictate by military force a government for them, are unconstitutional, revolutionary and despotic.

Resolved, That we condemn the legislative usurpations of Congress, and particularly the several acts of reconstruction, so called, as vio- lative of the constitutional compact between the States, and as utterly subversive of every principle of self-government that distin- guishes a free people.

Besolved, That we are opposed, both in principle and in policy, to negro suffrage ; that the State of Ohio, having by the emphatic ma- jority of 50,000 rejected it for herself, is strongly opposed to its forced imposition upon other States, and that we stigmatize such an imposition by the Federal Government as a most base usurpation.

JZesolved, That the practical effect of the so-called Reconstruction acts of Congress is to deliver over ten States to the political and so- cial control of the negroes, and to place the lives, liberties, and for- tunes of the whites, residing therein, in the hands of a barbarous people, and that it would inevitably lead to a war of races or to the Africanization of the South.

^Resolved, That, notwithstanding the enormous and conceded frauds in the creation of the public debts, the faith of the country is pledged to its payment, principal and interest, according to the terms of the several acts of Congress, under which the bonds representing the debt were issued, but not otherwise, and we are opposed to any plan for extending the times of payment, thus increasing the amount of gold interest, to more than the principal, or to any declaration by Congress that the principal is payable in gold, which would virtu- ally add more than a thousand millions to the burthen of the debt, and to the whole insane financial policy of which these measures are a part.

Resolved, That, neither forgetting nor denying our ancient faith that gold and silver coin form the currency of the Consti- tution, we declare that the five-twenty bonds should be paid in the same currency received by the Government for their issue, and that by the withdrawal of the monopoly granted to the National Banks, this result can be accomplished without an uudue or danger- ous increase of paper money, now the only circulating medium, thus relieving our people from the burthen of a debt, the tendency of which is always to corrupt and enslave, and our Gevernment from the reproach of paying a favored class in gold, while discharging its debts to all others, including pensions to widows and soldiers, in an inferior currency.

Resolved, That this plan violates no law, impairs no contract, breaks no faith, and instead of retarding a return to sspecie pay- ment, is the shortest, because the only safe way of reaching that end.

Resolved, That all the property of the country, including the Government bonds, which receive the equal protection of the Gov- ernment, should bear an equal share in the burthens.

Resolved, That we indignantly reject the principle derived from the feudal system— that the masses of the people belong to the Gov- ernments under which they live, and which, in another form, is con- tended for by the monarchies of Europe, including Great Britain, once a subject always a subject— that we, on the contrary, maintain that, an individual can, by emigration and residence in another country, forswear his former allegiance, and be admitted into all the civil and political rights of his new home— that American citi- zens, by adoption and naturalization, are entitled to all rights as be- tween us and foreign powers which can be claimed by our native born citizens, and it is the duty of the Federal Government to pro- tect and maintain them by every means in its power.

Resolved, That the people will sustain Andrew Johnson, President

33

of the United States, in his struggle with Congressional usurpation, and that we will pledge the Demcraey of Ohio, to support him with all constitution measures to relieve the white people of the South from the negro government now being imposed upon them.

Resolved, That the fortitude and gallantry of our soldiers in the recent civil war, in defense of the Union, entitle them to the grati- tude of the country, and they should ever be remembered by it in its bounties.

Resolved, That the Democracy of the country have neither the purpose nor the desire to re-establish slavery, nor to assume any portion of the debts of the States lately in the rebellion.

G. W. McCook, Chairman Com. on Res.

Sustaining

Andrew

Johnson.

Praising gallantry of soldiers.

No desire to re-establish slavery.

Union Republican, March 5, 1868.

Resolved, by the Union party in Convention assembled, That the National Repulican Union party having preserved the integrity ot the country, having defeated the atrocious attempt lately made to inaugurate appeals to arms and civil War from the legitimate results of legal and constitutional electoin, and having placed American nationality on the solid foundation of liberty and the rights of man, will elect to the Presidency of the United States next November a man under whose administration will be completed the great task of reconstruction on the basis of nationality, liberty and true Democracy, and who, with firmness, yet with moderation, with justice, yet with charity and liberality, with unswerving loyalty, yet with prudence and statesmanship, will heal the wounds of the war, reconcile the hostile element, and by his wisdom, economy, rec- titude and good faith, will restore those sections of the country which the rebellion has desolated, to prosperity and happiness, and with the hearty co-operation of the people's representatives in Congress, will re-establish the relations of the several States to a regenerated Union, and the blessings of everlasting peace.

Resolved, That at this juncture the eyes of the country are direct- ed to one man, who is eminently qualified by his character, position, antecedents and the universal confidence which he enjoys, to secure a triumphant election next November, to terminate when in office, the present state of transition and suspense, and to guide the nation to a new era of good feeling and restored confidence.

Resolved. That with Ulysses S Grant as our candidate for the Pesidency, Benj. F. Wade for the Vice Presidency, and the history of the last seven years for our platform, we may confidently appeal to the loyalty, patriotism and intelligence of the American people.

Resolved, That the chief obstruction to the pacifieation of the country has been the persistent opposition of Andrew Johnson to the reconstruction of the civil government in the rebellious States, under the authority of national legislation, by keeping alive the spirit of the rebellion, and reviving the hopes of restoration to political power of its great ally, the Democratic party.

Resolved, That we approve and applaud the action of the House of Representatives in the recent exercise of its high constitutional prerogative by the impeachment of Andrew Johnson for high crimes and misdemeanors in office, and believing it to be the constitutional function of the Senate sitting as a court of justice to finally determine every question of law and fact arising in the course of prosecution, we invoke from all parties a peaceable and law abiding submission to the judgment in the case.

Resolved, That by the indecent haste and precipitation with which the Democratic Legislature of our own State rescinded the resolutions

Reconstruc- tion.

U.S-Grant and B. F. Wade.

Andrew John'

Approving

impeachment

measures.

34

Condemning action of leg- islature on fourteenth Amendment.

Economy.

Public debt.

Contraction of currency.

Taxing gov- ernment bonds.

Expatriation.

Volunteer sol- diers.

ratifying the fourteenth amendment to the Constitution of the United States, and thus condemned the propositions contained in said amend- ment, propositions which the people of Ohio, after full and exhaust- ing discussion, had indorsed with over 40,000 majority, the Demo- cratic party has again manifested that its restoration to power would put in jeopardy the results of our great struggle, undo what has been accomplished by the war, and again plunge the country into disorder, confusion and the dangers of secession, disintegration, and perhaps a war of races ; and that to avoid the calamity of a Democratic victory it becomes the duty of all true lovers of their country to unite, disre- garding, for the time being, all side issues or questions of minor im- portance until the danger of a fatal reaction has passed, and the fruits of the war are permanently secured by the election of a loyal, reliable and patriotic President.

Resolved, That we cordially approve the determination of Con- gress to retrench the expenses of the Government, and that we urge upon the National Legislature the necessity of the strictest economy and a reduction of the army and navy, and a thorough revision and simplification of our system of Federal taxation, so as to equalize and lighten the burdens of the taxation of the people.

Resolved^ That the Republican party pledges itself to the faithful payment of the public debt, according to law, and we hereby express our conviciion that according to the laws under which the five-twenty bonds were issued, said bonds should be paid'in currency of the coun- try, which may be a legal tender when the Government shall be pre- pared to redeem such bonds.

Resolved, That we heartily approve the policy of Congress in arresting contraction, and believe that the issue of currency should be commensurate with the industrial and commercial interests of the people.

Resolved, That justice and sound policy require that all property should bear its equal share of the public burdens, and that this principle ought to be applied to all United States bonds hereafter to be issued, by making them liable by express provisions of law, to taxation pre- cisely as other property.

Resolved, That we urge upon the national authorities the proprietv- of initiatory negotiations to establish international rules of expatria- tion upon the basis of our naturalization laws, so that each nation shall recognize naturalization by the others, as terminating the former allegiance and conferring all the rights of citizenship ; and we affirm the duty of the Federal Government to extend adequate and equal protection to all its citizens at home and abroad, native and naturalized, when in the legitimate and peaceable exercise of their legal or international rights.

Resolved, That we reiterate to the soldiers and sailors of the Re- public our expression of heartfelt gratitude for their heroic sacrifices and services, which will forever be held in the affectionate remembrance of the American people, and that while we call upon them now to sustain at the ballot box the great cause which their valor and endur- ance have saved in the field, we pledge to the maimed who survive, and to the widows and orphans of those who fell, the public faith for the payment of all their pensions and bounties.

Taxing bonds.

Democratic, July 1, 1869.

1. Resolved, That the exemption from taxation of twenty-five hundred million of dollars in Government bonds and securities is un- just to the people, and ought not be tolerated, and that we are op- posed to any appropriation for the payment of interest on the Fed- eral bonds until they are made subject to federal taxation.

35

2. Resolved, That the claims of the bond-holders, that bonds bought with greenbacks, and the principal of which is, by law, payable in currency, should, nevertheless, be paid in gold, is unjust and extor- tionate, and if persisted in will inevitably force upon the people the question of repudiation.

3. Resolved, That we denounce the national banking system as one of the worst outgrowths of the bonded debt, in that it unnecessarily increases the burden of the people thirty millions of dollars annu- ally, and we demand its immediate repeal.

4. Resolved, That we denounce the present high protective tariff, enacted in the interests of New England manufactures, for its enor- mous imposition of duties on salt, sugar, tea, coffee, and other neces- saries as are oppressive especially upon the people of the West, and that we demand its repeal and the substitution of another based up- on revenue principles alone, approximating free trade as closely as possible.

5. Besolved, That the Democratic party of the United States has always been pre-eminently friendly to the rights and interests of the laboring man ; that it is in favor of a limited number of hours of labor in all Government work-shops, dictated by the physical and mental well being of the laborers; that it is in favor of the most liberal laws in regard to household and homestead exemption from sale and execution ; that it is, also, in favor of liberal grants of land from the public domain to actual settlers without cost, and opposed to donating these lands to swindling railroad corporations, and is generally friendly to measures advocated by the Labor and Indus- trial Congress, and as a party it pledges, if restored to power, its in- fluence to give them practical application.

6. Resolved, That it is the right of each State to decide for itself who shall possess the elective franchise within it, and that the at- tempt to regulate suffrage in Ohio by means of the so-called Fif- teenth Constitutional Amendment, is subversive of the principles of the Federal Constitution.

7. Resolved, That the policy and legislation of the Radical party tend to destroy all reserved rights of the States, and converts the Republic into a consolidated despotism ; that such despotism, whether exercised by a President, Emperor, or Congress, is fatal to liberty and good government; that consolidation in this country means the absolute dominion of monopoly and aggregated capital over the lives, the liberty, and the property of the toiling masses.

8. Resolved, That the numerous palpable and high-handed usur- pations of the party in power, and their many public and private acts of tyranny, trampling under foot the civil laws, and the guaran- tees of the Constitution, and their continuing to deprive the sover- eign States of representation in Congress — governing States by mili- tary rule, prove them to be the party of despotism, and unworthy of the confidence and support of a free people.

9. Resolved. That the trial and sentence to death by a military commission of a citizen of Texas, not in the military service, while the civil courts are in the unobstructed exercise of their functions in that State, and in time of profound peace, and the approval of that sentence by President Grant, are in violation of the most sacred rights of American citizens, guaranteed by their Constitution, both State and federal, and deserve and should recive the severest con- demnation of every lover of liberty and constitutional government.

10. Resolved, That the attacks of Governors Hayes and Lee upon the doings of the late General Assembly, are false in statement, ma- licious in spirit, and unworthy of their high position.

11. Resolved, That the fifty-eighth General Assembly was called upon to make large and extraordinary appropriations to provide a Reform School for girls, to rebuild the burned Lunatic Asylum, to

Payment of government bonds.

Denouncing

national

banks.

Denouncing tariff.

Labor, home- stead, <fec.

Fifteenth amendment.

State rights.

Military rule.

Denouncing military com- mission.

Gov. Hayes and Lee.

36

Legislature- economy.

Legislature.

Appeal to voters.

construct a new Blind Asylum, to make an appropriation to meet a judgment of more than eighty thousand dollars, recovered in the Su- preme Court of the State, in favor of the Life and Trust Company, and to supply a deficiency of more than five hundred thousand dol- lars of the preceding Republican Legislature — all of which together with the extra compensation paid to members under a law passed by a Republican Legislature, without an increase of the State levy ; not- withstanding all these things the appropriations are much less than those of the preceding Republican Legislature, and that, too, with- out abstracting eight hundred thousand dollars from the relief fund for the maimed and disabled soldiers and their families

12. Resolved, That we hereby return our thanks to the late Gen- eral Assembly for their economical expenditures in the administra- tion of the State Government, and for their exposure of the whole- sale frauds in the erection of State buildings, whereby the people were defrauded out of half a million of dollars by the negligence and corruption of Republican State officials, and the dishonesty of their appointees and subordinates.

13. Resolved, That we extend the right hand of fellowship, and recognize as brethren in a common cause, all conservative men not heretofore Democrats, who will unite with us in rescuing the Govern- ment from the unworthy hands into which it has fallen; and we pledge the united and cordial support of two hundred and fifty thous- and Democrats in Ohio, whom we represent to the ticket nominated by this Convention and presented by us to the suffrages of the people of Ohio.

Endorsing na- tional admin- istration.

Same.

Favoring the adoption of the fifteenth amendment.

Condemning the general assembly.

Republican, June 23, 1869.

Resolved, That as citizens of the nation, representing the Republi- can sentiment of our honored commonwealth, we regard with sincere satisfaction the fidelity evinced by General Grant to the Republican party, and his policy, both loreign and domestic, and of his national administration, and pledge our cordial support to the measures in- augurated to insure, conciliation, economy and justice at home, and command consideration and respect abroad.

2. That we hail with profound satisfaction the patriotic and consti- tutional declaration of President Grant in his inaugural address, that while he will, on all subjects, have a policy to recommend to Con- gress, be will have none to enforce against the will of the people ; a sentiment which insures the country of an executive administration founded upon the models of the administrations of Washington and Madison, and that will insure to Congress the unrestricted exercise of its constitutional functions, and to the people the rightful control of the Government.

3. That the abolishment of slavery was a natural and necessary consequence of the war of the rebellion, and that the reconstruction measures of Congress were measures well adapted to effect the re- construction of the southern states and secure the blessings of liberty and a free government ; and as a completion of those measures, and firmly believing in its essential justice, we are in favor of the adop- tion of the XVth amendment to the Constitution.

4. That the late Democratic General Assembly in its reckless ex- penditure of public money;its utter neglect of the business interests of the State by failing to enact wise and much needed financial measures providing for the assessment and equalization of taxation prepared by the commission appointed by the preceding General Assembly, its hostility to our benevolent and literary institutions , its failure to carry out the repeated pledges of the Democratic party to secure

3?

economy in the State ; its extraordinary length of session in time of peace, resulting in an expense to the State amounting, for the pay of its members alone, to more than double that of the previous General Assembly, its malignant attempt to disfranchise disabled soldiers and other citizens of the State, its attempt to take from the General Government, the right to persue, arrest and punish those who violate the laws made in pursuance of the Constitution of the United States, and the vicious acts intended to destroy the power of the nation, to preserve and protect the liberty and safety of its citizens, has shown the Democratic party unworthy of the trust, confidence and support of an honest and patriotic people.

5. That the Republican party of Ohio is in favor of a speedy es- tablishment of a soldiers' orphans' home in Ohio, not only as an act of justice to the many poor and helpless orphans of deceased sol- diers, but as a recognition of the patriotic services of their fathers in the late war, and for the purpose of redeeming the pledges made by all loyal people to protect the families of those who fought and fell in the cause of human right and liberty.

Recommend- ing establish- ment of sol- diers' orphans' home.

Democratic^ June 1, 1870.

The Democracy of Ohio coming together in the spirit of devotion to the doctrine and faith of free representative government and re- lying for success upon discussion and intelligence of the people, deem the present convention a fitting occasion to reassert the fol- lowing time honored principles of the Democratic party.

That the Federal Government is one of limited powers derived solely from the Constitution ; that the grants of power made therein ought to be strictly construed by all the agents and dependents of the Government, and that it is inexpedient and dangerous to exer- cise doubtful powers.

That the Constitution of the United States is founded on the fund- amental principle of the entire and absolute equality of all the States in the Union, and it is not competent for Congress to impose upon them any conditions or restrictions in respect to their internal concerns which the Federal constitution has not imposed.

That the liberal principles embodied by Jefferson in the Declara- tion of Independence and sanctioned in ihe Constitution, which makes ours the land of liberty, and the asylum of the oppressed of every nation, have ever been cardinal principles of the Democratic faith, and every attempt to abridge the privilege of becoming citizens and the owners of soil among us, ought to be resisted with the same spirit which swept the cilien and sedition laws from the statute books.

And in order that we may more distinctly declare our views of the measures and policy of the present administration, —

Resolved, That we denounce the preseut tariff, as well as the sub- stitute lately introduced in the House of Representatives by the committee on Ways and Means, as a gigantic robbery of the labor and industry of our country, that they are solely designated to ad- vance the interests of a few thousand monopolies and that they should no longer be submitted to, and that no candidate for Congress, nor for any other office, is worthy of support, who is not in favor of a low revenue tariff, which closely approximates to free trade, that in the arrangement of any revenue tariff, all the necessaries of life should be absolutely free of duty.

Resolved, That the Internal Revenue system of the United States is unendurable in its oppressive exactions ; that it should be imme- diately rescinded; that its annoyances of stamps and licenses and taxes upon sales and incomes should be abolished. That the tax

Relative to the powers of the government.

Equality of the states.

Relative to abridging the privilege of becoming a a citizen.

Tariff.

38

Recommend- ing the re- scinding of revenue sys- tem,

Against land monopoly.

Demanding repeal of fif- teenth amend- ment.

Taxing bonds.

National banks.

Denouncing national ad- ministration.

Thurman.

itself should be collected by the State and county officials; and that the multiplication of officers is wholly unnecessary, except to eat out the resourcss of the tax payers, and that we pledge ourselves to effect a thorough reform in this particular. We denounce the profligacy of the present Administration of the Fed- eral Government, the corruption which has entered all official sta- tions, the favoritism, which, overlooking fitness for office, has ap- pointed to positions of high public trust, the friends or tools of those who control the public patronage, and the imbecility which directs the destinies of the Reppublic, without an apparent purpose and manage its affairs with such embarrassment and disaster to the material in- terests of the people at home, and with such disregards of the rights and liberties of its citizens abroad.

Resolved, That land monopoly is one of the great evils of our country, and against the spirits of our institutions, that the whole of our public lands ought to be held as a sacred trust, to secure home- steads to actual settlers, we therefore denounce the recent action of Congress in making grants to mammoth railroad corporations, which are already too powerful and may become dangerous to a free people.

-Resolved, That we regard the act recently passed by Congress to enforce the "Fifteenth Amendment" as unconstitutional, unjust and oppressive, an invasion of the rights of the States, subversive of the best interests of the people and therefore demand its unconditional repeal.

Resolved, That the power of the Federal Government to assess and collect taxes on the bonds of the United States is clear and un- questioned; and we demand of Congress that a share of taxation equal to the fair average amount levied in each State on money loaned, shall be assessed and collected from"all investments in bonds.

Resolved, That we are opposed to the system of National Banks, and demand the immediate repeal of the law creating them, and that in place of the notes of such banks, treasury notes of the United States should be substituted.

Resolved, That the Democracy of Ohio sympathizes with the ef- forts of all the people struggling for self-government, and that we denounce the truckling of the Federal Administration to Great Britain and Spain, and the efforts of the party in power to reduce whole States in our Union to a condition of vassalage to the general government.

Resolved, That the thanks of the Democracy of Ohio are extended to our Senator, Allen G. Thurman, and the Democratic Representa- tives in Congress, who. though in a small minority, have bravely contended for the principles of Democracy and the interests of the people.

Resolved, That upon the foregoing platform we invite all the elec- tors of Ohio, without regard to past differences, to vote for the ticket this day nominated.

Republican Convention, August 10, 1870.

1. Resolved, That we adhere with undiminished confidence and Republican pride to the party, that by its wisdom and courage preserved the party. Union, and by a change in the organic law of the Republic, establish-

ed liberty and equality ; we believe that by the continued ascend- ency of the Republican party, will be secured the success of free government ; That it is the safeguard of the Constitution, the promo- ter of education, order of industry, thrift, universal freedom and equal rights.

39

2. Resolved, That we congratulate the country on the success of the present administration which has without increase of taxation, re- duced the National debt.over $156,000,000 by an honest and economic collection of the revenue and a large reduction of the expenses of the government; and we especially congratulate the country on the fact that this policy has made it possible to reduce the internal rev- enue and tariff duties $80,000,000, thus relieving the people of their burdens to that extent, without imperiling the National faith and honor.

3. Resolved, That a tariff for revenue is indispensable and should be so adjusted as to be the least prejudicial to the industrial and pro- ducing interests of every class and section, while securing to the home producer a fair competition against the foreign producer.

4. Resolved., That a change of our navigation laws, so as to admit of the registration of vessels purchased abroad, is demanded by the best interests of the country, and that such action would largely con- tribute to the restoration of our plundered commerce and the supre- macy of the seas.

5. Resolved, That the policy of granting subsidies of public lands to corporations and monopolies is unqualifiedly condemned.

6. Resolved, That adhering to our traditional policy of neutrality the American people look with profound indifference upon any Eu- ropean controversy regarding dynastic interests merely, and are con- cerned in the present struggle between Germany and France only so far as the same involves the great principles of liberty, and while we remember that the great uprising of 1848 failed of success.mainly for want of Germanic union, that during our recent National trial the people of Germany supported our cause with their sympathy and material aid, while the armies of France were endeavoring to subvert a Republic on this continent and establish in its stead an imperial throne, we can not refrain from declaring our sympathy with the present heroic effort of the Germans to establish, maintain and de- fend their national unity.

Payment of the national debt.

Tariff".

Navigation laws.

Subsidies. Neutrality.

Democratic, June 1, 1871.

The Democracy of Ohio resolve :

1. That denouncing the extraordinary means by which they were brought about, we recognize as accomplished facts the three amend- ments in fact to the Constitution, recently adopted, and regard the same as no longer political issues before the country.

2. We demand that the rule of strict construction, as proclaimed by the Democratic fathers, accepted by the statesmen of all parties previous to the war, and embodied in the tenth amendment to the Constitution, be rigorously applied now to the Constitution as it is, including the recent amendments above referred to, and insist that these amendments shall not be held to have in any respect altered or modified the original theory and character of the Federal Govern- ment, but only to have enlarged the powers delegated to it, and to that extent, and no more, to have abridged the reserved rights of the States ; and that, as thus construed, the Democratic party pledges itself to the full, faithful and absolute execution and enforcement of the Constitution as it now is, so as to secure equal rights to all per- sons under it. without distinction of race, color or condition.

3. That the absolute equality of each and every State, within the Union, is a fundamental principle of the Federal Government.

4. That we will always cherish and uphold the American system of State and local Government, for State and local purposes, and a General Government for general purposes only; and we are unalter-

Constitutional amendments.

Strict con- struction.

State rights.

Local govern- ment.

40

Right of the people to judge of the necessity of legislation.

Universal am- nesty.

Denouncing the "bayonet bill."

San Domingo,

Tariff.

Denouncing

national

banks.

Economy.

ably opposed to all attempts at centralization and consolidation of power in the hands of the General Government, and the more espe- pecially when such attempts are in the form of usurpation by any de- partment of that Government. And further, that we adhere firmly to the principle of maintaining a perfect independence between the co-ordinate departments of the Government, the legislative, the ex- ecutive and the judicial, condemning all encroachments of the one upon the functions of the others.

5. While the fundamental law as expressed in the Constitution is necessarily permanent until abrogated, as prescribed by that instru- ment, all legislation is in its nature and purpose temporary and sub- ject to change, modification or repeal, at the will of a majority of the people, expressed through the law making power, and that the pre- tense that any act of Congress not executed or spent, or any legisla- tive policy of a party, is an absolute finality, is totally inconsistent with the whole theory of a Republican Government, and that it is the unquestionable right of the people of themselves and through their representatives, at each successive election and in each succes- sive Congress, to judge of what legislation is necessary and proper, or appropriate to carry into execution or enforce the constitutional powers, rights and duties of the Federal Government.

6. That as an instance of eminently appropriate legislation under the fourteenth amendment, we demand now of Congress universal amnesty.

7. That while we denounce all riotous combinations and conspira- cies against law or to disturb peace, in the South or elsewhere, and demand of all good citizens their utmost influence to put all such down, we also denounce the act commonly called the " Bayonet Bill," recently passed by Congress ; and? the more recent act com- monly called the " Ku-Klux Bill," extending by its terms to every State, as enacted for no other purpose than to complete the centrali- zation of power in the hands of the General Government, establish a. military despotism, and thus perpetuate the present administration, without regard to the will of the people, and as not only utterly in- consistent with the whole theory and character of the Federal Gov- ernment and revolutionary and dangerous in their nature, but in direct conflict with the spirit and letter of the Constitution, including the amendments which they pretend to enforce.

8. That holding still to the good old Democratic doctrine of an- nexation and acquisitions of territory, we are yet totally opposed to the scheme of President Grant to acquire San Domingo as a "job" and by the means and for the purposes evidently intended.

9. That we are in favor of a strictly revenue tariff conformed to the theory and principles of all other just and wise tax laws, and oppos- ed to the "protection" theory, so-called.

10 That the profligate corruption and wanton extravagance which pervade every part of the Federal Government, the sacrifice of the interests of labor to aggrandize a handful of aristocrats, the wicked deprivation of the people of their rightful heritage in the public lands, which have been made a gift to railway and other monopolists; the payment of more than twenty-four millions premium during the ad- ministration of President Grant on government bonds, payable at par ; the maintenance at an annual cost to the people of nearly thirty millions of an unconstitutional, oppressive and extortionate system of banking, whereby money is made scarce and interest high, are abuses which call for wise and thorough remedies.

11. That we are in favor of strict economy, a large reduction in the expenditures of the Federal and State Governments ; of civil service reform ; of the collection of the internal revenue by State authori- ties, and thereby return to honest labor the myriads of tax gather- ers who now afflict our land and eat up its substance.

4i

12. That while we reject repudiation, we equally reject the propo- sition to pay to bondholders more than the contract with them de- mands ; that if the bondholders have rights so have the taxpayers, and we insist upon justice being done to both; that the creditor is entitled to be paid in the same currency he loaned to the Govern- ment; that when he loaned greenbacks he should be paid in green- backs unless the contract otherwise provides, and when he loaned gold he should be paid in gold ; that to guard against too great an expan- sion greenbacks should be made convertible into three per cent, bonds at the option of the noteholders, said bonds to be redeemed in greenbacks on demand ; that the true method of returning to specie payments is to make custom dues payable in legal tender currency, whether paper money or gold, that such a policy would secure a uni- form currency, stop gambling in gold, and thereby elevate the credit of the Government.

13. That with the watchword of reform, we confidently go to the country ; that we believe that the interests of the great body of the people are the same; that without regard to past political associations, they are the friends of free government; that they are equally honest, brave, and patriotic, and we appeal to them as to our brothers and countrymen to aid us to obtain relief from the grievous abuses which wrong and oppress every one, except the wrong-doers and oppressors themselves.

14. Upon State issues we resolve that we are in favor of calling a convention as provided by article three, Sec. 16 of the State Con- stitution.

Repudiation.

Reform.

Republican^ June 21, 1871.

1 The Republican party of the United States may well challenge the administration and confidence of the country for its patriotism, cour- age and wisdom in preserving the Union of the States, for its justice, firmness and magnanimity in establishing for all the people liberty and equality before the law ; for its gratitude to and generous provi- sion for the national defenders, pensioners, for honor and good faith towards the national creditors, and generally for the successful ad- ministration of public affairs in peace as well as in war.

2. We not only recognize the XHIth XlVth and XVth amend- ments to the Constitution of the United States as accomplished facts, but also as just, wise and valid articles of organic law, to be jeal- ously defended and enforced as parts of the Constitution now, hence- forth and forever.

3. As it will be desirable and necessary to obtain from duties on imports a large proportion of the revenues needed to defray the ex- penses of the Government, to pay the interest on the National debt, and the principal as it matures, such duties should be so adjusted as not to prejudice but promote the interests of every section and branch of industry, as far as may be possible.

4. The present Administration of the National Government has vindicated its right to the continued confidence of the people. Its success has been illustrated in the unpartial execution of the law, in its faithfulness, honesty and economy in the collection of the pub- lic revenues, and in the expenses of the Government, so that while the taxation has been reduced to the extent of $100,000,000 per year, the National debt has been paid to the amount of over $230,000,000 a reduction unparalled in history. The administration has been equally successful in the management of our foreign relations, and has achiev- ed imperishable honor in the settlement of our difference with Great Britain upon terms creditable to both countries, as embodied in the

xm, xiy, xv amendments.

Revenue.

Endorsing na- tional admin- istration..

42

Subsidies.

Civil service reform.

Condemning assassination.

Treaty of Washington. The head of the administration thus distin- guished by success and statesmanship, is justly entitled to be regard- ed as a wise and careful civil magistrate, and his uniform deference to public sentiment shows him to be one whom the country may' trust, having fully redeemed the pledge he made before entering upon the duties of Chief Magistrate, that he would have no policy of his own to enforce against the people.

5. We repeat our condemnation of the policy of grantiug subsidies of public lands to corporations and monopolies and having originated the policy of granting homesteads to actual settlers we declare that the public domain should be kept for our laboring population.

6. We are in favor of the adoption of a thorough system of civil service reform, and we endorse heartily the action of the President Grant in selectiug Commissioners under the action of the recent so- called civil service act.

7. We unite with our fellow citizens in every portion of the Union in the hope that the enmities and resentments of the war may be speedily ended, and that the day may soon come when in every State every citizen may be safe in life, person, property, and civil rights, and may have equal protection of the laws, so that no man that was loyal to the Union during the great struggle may for that reason be the victim of persecution, outrage and assassination, and so that some encouragement may be offered for the removal in proper cases of political disabilities imposed for participation in the rebellion.

8. Recommends the calling of a convention to amend the consti- tution of the State.

9. Indorses the administration of Governor R. B. Hayes.

Endorsing the

Cincinnati

convention.

Instructing delegates to vote for Greeley and Brown.

Democratic, June 27^ 1872.

Resolved, By the Democracy of Ohio, in convention assembled, that the platform of principles adopted by the Cincinnati Convention, together with the free interpretation of the same, enunciated in the letter or Horace Greeley accepting the nomination of that conven- tion for the office of President of the United States, affords a common ground upon which all liberal men of all parties can unite in opposi- tion to the present administration and its attendant official corruption.

Resolved, That our delegates this day chosen to represent us in the Democratic National Convention to assemble in Baltimore, are requested to vote for the nomination of Greeley and Brown as our candidates for President and Vice President.

Republican, March 26, 1872.

The Republican party of Ohio, in convention assembled, make the following declarations:

1. The Republican party of the United States had its origin in the necessities of the nation, and since it came into power has devised

Declaration and executed measures by which liberty has been preserved and the Union saved from dismemberment and overthrow. Amid the disor- ganization and confusion existing at the close of the rebellion the Republican party, exercising its organizing and restoring power, has succeeded in the difficult task of complete reconstruction, and has es- tablished freedom and equality of rights for all the people irrevocable guarantees.

2. In this great work the Republican party has shown its wis- dom and patriotism, and by its unswerving good faith toward the

43

national creditors has vindicated the national integrity and honor. No other party known to history has so grand a record, and no other party in the United States can so proudly challenge the contin- ued confidence of the people, and we declare that the good of the country demands that the Republican party should continue to ad- minister the Government.

3. We renew our expression of confidence in the present adminis- tration of the General Government. Since it came into power the taxes of the people have been reduced, and the public revenues have been carefully collected and honestly applied, so that while the bur- den of taxation has been lightened the public debt has been dimin- ished, both in amount of principal and the rate of interest. The ad- ministration deserves also the warmest approval of every friend of justice, order and law, for the prompt and efficient manner in which it has suppressed the Ku-Klux disorder and persecutions of loyal citizens of the South, a protection due from every good government to its people. And we refer with great satisfaction and pride to the system of pensions and bounties provided for our brave soldiers and sailors, and the Homes founded and maintained for such as were disabled in the service of tneir country. These manifestations of public gratitude and justice must command the approval of every patriot. We commend the policy of fairness and kindness toward the Indian tribes, as showing the wisdom and humanity of the Presi- dent ; and in his efforts to reform the civil service we recognize a laud- able desire to promote its efficiency and purity; and in the management of our foreign relations, including important questions of international law involved in the treaty of Washington, the administration has shown rare wisdom, courage and dignity, and has maintained the honor of the nation untarnished.

4. A large portion of the revenue necessary to defray the current expenses of the Government and to pay its liabilities must be derived from duty on imports. These duties should be levied with a view to equalize their burdens and benefits among the people, so as to pro- mote, as far as possible, the interests of every section and branch of industry, and so that labor of every kind may have constant employ- ment and just reward.

5. We are opposed to further grants of the public lands to corpo- rations and monopolies, and demand that the national domain be set apart for homes of the people and for purposes af education.

6. As there can be no product of industry without a union of capi- tal and labor, therefore we are in favor of such legislation as will give all proper guarantees for the safety and prosperity of the one and remunerative investment of the other.

7. Favors the renomination of President Grant, and proposes ex- Governor William Dennison for the Vice Presidency.

Endorsing th< national ad- ministration.

Tariff.

Land grants.

Capital and labor.

Democratic, Aug. 9,, 1873.

Resolved, That the Democratic party seeks to revive no dead is- sues, but stands by its principles, which are suited to all times and circumstances ; it supports the Federal Government in all its consti- tutional authority,' and opposes nullification and secession. It de- fends the reserved rights of the State and. the people, and opposes centralization that would impair or destroy them. In order to main- tain and preserve these rights, it insists upon a strict construction of the Federal Constitution ; it resists attempts of one department of the Government to usurp or destory the constitutional rights or independence of other departments ; it opposes all interference by law with private affairs or business of men, not required by the public

Nullification and secession, state rights, strict con- struction, naturalization taxing bonds, specie pay- ment, economy.

44

peace or safety, and advocates the greatest individual liberty con- sistent with public order ; it believes in the capacity of the people for self-gOA^ernment, and opposes all property qualifications as con- ditions to the right of suffrage or eligibility to hold office; it favors liberal laws for the naturalisation of foreigners; it insists upon equal and exact justice to all men ; it opposes all monopolies and denies that it is within the province of the government to legislate for the benefit of particular classes at the expense and detriment of the rest of the community; it therefore opposes the system by which a large portion of the profit-producing wealth of the country is ex- empt from taxation, and demands that all constitutional means be used to remedy this injustice; it insists that our tariff laws should be framed with a view to revenue, and not to tax the community for the benefit of particular industries ; it recognizes the evils of an irre- ' deemable currency, but insists that in the return to specie payments, care shall be taken not to seriously disturb the business of the coun- try or unjustly injure the debtor class; it appreciates the benefits conferred by railroads, but opposes all combinations of railroad com- panies to prevent competition and thus enhance the cost of trans- portation; it opposes all laws that give to capital any advantage over la- bor ; it requires honesty, economy in every department of Government Federal and State, and it condemns corruption, whoever may be the . guilty parties. It is in its very nature and as a necessary result of its principles, a party of progress, and supports all measures of reform and improvement that are sanctioned by justice and commended by sound practical wisdom.

Resolved, That the wealth of the country is the product of its la- labor8,1 a k°r' and the best use of capital is that which gives employment and

liberal wages to the producing classes; hence, every just measure that tends to protect them from oppression, and to improve their condition and dignifies their calling, deserves and receives our sym- pathy and support, and that we cordially recommend the conserva- tive resolutions adopted at the recent National Labor Congress at Cleveland favoring arbitration and co-operation.

Resolved, That although always constituting a large majority of the American people, agriculturists have never demanded of Gov- ernment, Federal or State, any special privilege ; has never infested halls of Congress or legislatures with lobbyists or rings, but, on the contrary, have suffered under discriminating and unjust laws until forbearance has ceased to be a virtue ; we hereby pledge our sincere and honest efforts to obtain for them redress of grievances and equal and exact justice.

Resolved, That the public lands should be sacredly reserved for actual settlers, who will dwell upon and cultivate them, and that we will continue to denounce and oppose, as we have always de- nounced and opposed all gifts of such lands, by the Government to incorporated companies.

Resolved, That the greatest danger to free institutions is the wide- spread corruption, that threatens utter destruction to public virtue; belier. when Credit Mobilier frauds pass unpunished; when those engaged

in them are elevated to high official positions ; when seats in the Federal Senate are notoriously purchased ; when vast sums of money are corruptly employed in popular elections ; when an army of office-holders, with the sanction of the Government, use their of- ficial influence to control elections; when bribery of Custom-house officials is an established usage ; when rings of plunderers are the re- cipients of millions of money appropriated for public use; when official defalcations are of such frequent occurrence as scarcely to excite attention ; when Presidential pardons relieve defaulters from deserved punishment, and Presidential appointments reward Credit Mobilier and salary-grabbing Congressmen, and when Congressional

Public lards.

Corruption, credit mo

45

Salary grab.

investigation is generally a whitewashing affair, it is not strange that men begin to loose confidence in free institutions, and that the fame of the great Republic is tarnished throughout the civilized world. To remedy these evils w^ insist that the receipts and expenditures of the Government shall be diminished ; that its patronage shall be curtailed, and all useless offices be abolished ; that it shall cease to usurp functions to which it has no title; that official misconduct and fraud and corruption in elections shall be rigorously punished, and that public virtue shall be upheld, and want of it condemned by the united voice of the people.

Resolved, That we condemn without reserve, the late act of Con- gress granting additional salaries, as unjust and unjustifiable, and demand its immediate and unconditional repeal, and we denounce every member of Congress, whether Republican or Democrat, who supported the law or received and retained the money procured thereby ; and we especially denounce the conduct of President Grant in using the influence of his high position for its passage, and whose official signature made it a law.

Resolved, That the act of the President setting up by bayonet a Government in Louisiana not chosen by her people, and having no title whatever to rule over them, was a flagrant violation of her rights and of the Federal Constitution.

Resolved, That every department of Government being in the hands of the Republican party, they are justly responsible for the evils and wrongs in the legislation and administration of which the country complains.

Resolved, That, under the time-honored Democratic banner, with this declaration of principles inscribed on its folds, we engage in the conflict, and we earnestly appeal to the patriotic men of every class voters, without regard to party names or past difference, to unite with us on terms of perfect equality in the struggle to rescue the government from the hands of dishonest men and redeem it from the flood of corruption which threatens its ruin.

Louisiana.

Condemning the republican party.

Appeal to the

Republican, May 21, 1873.

The Republican party of Ohio, by its delegates here assembled, resolve :

1. That the principles of the party, as heretofore expressed in its conventions, are reaffirmed, and it is declared that events have proved that their practical enforcement is essential to the welfare of the country and to the maintenance of the interests, rights and liberties of the people.

2. That we reaffirm our confidence in President Ulysses S. Grant, and in the wisdom, integrity and success of the administration of his high office.

3. That there should be rigid economy in the State and national ad- ministrations, and that taxes should be continued to be reduced in both as rapidly as consistent with good government, the maintenance of the public credit and the certain extinguishment of the State and national debts,

4. That the public lands belong to the people and should be sacred- ly reserved for homes of actual settlers, and pronounce against all further grants of these lands to corporations.

5. That adequate provision should be made by law for the protec- tion of persons engaged in mining and other hazardous forms of labor.

6. That the producing, commercial and industrial interests of the country should have the best and cheapest modes of transportation

Declaration of principles.

Endorsing the president.

Economy.

Public lands.

Protection miners.

to

46

Transporta- tion.

Credit uaobelier

Salary grab.

Naturaliza- tion.

possible, and while capital invested in such means of transit, whether by railroad or otherwise, should be permitted the right of a reasona- ble remuneration, all abuses in their management, excessive rates, oppressive discriminations against localities, persons or interests, should be corected by law, and the people protected from such wrongs, and all improper and arbitrary use of the growing power of railroad and other corporations.

7. That we heartily applaud the active measures of the late Con- gress in feretting out and exposing corruption, and we have seen with profound regret in the developments made thereby, evidences of po- litical and official corruption and the abuse of responsible positions by men of all political parties to further personal ends, and we demand pure official conduct, and the punishment of unfaithful public men who have betrayed the confidence freely extended to them, shall not by any partizanship of ours be shielded from the disgrace of their acts, and we denounce all Credit Mobilier transactions, whatever be their form.

8. That when retrenchment is required to lighten the burden of taxation, and to continue the reduction of the public debt, the increase of salaries is unwise ; that we condemn without reserve the voting for or receiving increased pay for services already rendered, and we demand that the provisions of the late act of Congress by which salaries were increased, shall be promptly and unconditionally re- pealed.

9. That we condially welcome to our shores the oppressed of all countries, and remembering with pleasure that adopted fellow-citizens have always proved loyal to the flag of the Republic, we favor such modification of the naturalization laws as to materially shorten the time of probation before voting.

Equal rights.

Currency.

Custom duties.

National banks.

Democratic, August 26, 1874.

That the Democratic party of Ohio adheres to its ancient princi- ples of securing equal rights and exact justice to all men and to all States and communities of the American people, of maintaining the independence of the co-ordinate departments of the Federal Govern- ment,— the Legislative, the Executive and the Judicial — condemning all encroachments of either upon the functions of the others, and re- sisting every attempt to usurp any of the powers reserved by the Con- stitution of the States respectively and t6 the people.

That a sound currency is indispensable to the welfare of a country. That its volume should be regulated by the necessities of business, and that all laws that interfere with such natural regulations are vicious in principle and detrimental in their effects. We are in favor of such an increase o{ the circulating medium as the business inter- ests of the country may from time to time require.

That sound policy and justice require that not less than one half of the customs duties should be payable in the legal tender notes of the United States, commonly called greenbacks.

That the power of the National banks to issue and loan their notes upon interest is a power to draw interests npon their debts while the people pay interest upon what they owe. That this special and un- equal privilege ought not to exist, unless it is manifest that in no other way can a sound paper currency be supplied. Believing that a better system can be devised, and one that will be free from unjust privileges, we are in favor of abolishing the franchise of the National banks to issue a paper currencv as soon as the same can safely and prudently be done, and that the notes so withdrawn by the banks be substituted by the Government with a legal tender currency.

47

That the Democracy of Ohio, reiterate their declaration that the 5-20 bonds, by the letter and spirit of the law, and the general un- derstanding of the communitjr, were payable in legal tender notes ; and the act of March 18, 1860, which pledged the faith of the nation to the payment in coin, was an unnecessary and wicked sacrifice of the interest of the taxpayers for the benefit of the non-taxpaying bondholder.

That without equality of taxation there can not be equality of rights, and the exemption of the public bonds from bearing their due proportion in supporting the Federal Government and maintaining the laws, is unwise and unjust.

That we are friends of all the industries of the country, whether agricultural, mechanical or commercial, and believe that these indus- tries thrive best when no unequal privilege is conferred by law upon •one over the other. We are therefore opposed to the unjust and op- pressive feature of the existing tariff laws, and insist upon their re- peal or modification so that a revenue tariff shall be substituted for them.

That while we admit the equality of all persons before the law, we protest against the attempt that is being made by the radicals in Congress to enforce social equality by unconstitutional pains and penalties, and we call the attention of the voters of Ohio to the fact, that although our Supreme Court unanimously decided, that our statute which provides for separate schools for white and colored children is a constitutional law, and this decision is supported by re- cent judgments of the Supreme Court of the United States, yet the Civil Rights bill so-called, which passed the Senate at its last session and is now pending in the House of Representatives seeks to over- throw our statute, and in disregard and defiance of it, to compel mix- ed schools in Ohio, by the infliction of severe punishment and civil penalties upon all who resist that unconstitutional attempt.

That we have seen with regret the advocacy in influential quarters of the election of the President of the United States for a period be- yond that to which the traditions and usages of the country have almost given the sanction of a fundamental law. That such election would be a long stride on the road to practical monarchy and per- sonal despotism ; and we are decidedly in favor of establishing the one term principle by an amendment to the Constitution.

We are opposed to all combinations and devices, of whatever char- acter, that tend to increase the cost of transportation, beyond a fair remuneration to the carrier, and we demand the exercise of all con- stitutional powers to remedy existing evils in this respect, and pre- vent their occurring in the future.

We are opposed to excessive taxation, the deadly foe, as all ex- perience proves, of every industry, and we insist upon the strictest economy in every department of Government, Federal or State, connty or municipal.

We are opposed to grants of the public domain to railroad corpor- ations, and we rejoice at the fact that the determined opposition of Senators and Representatives in Congress, and the unequivocal condemnation of the people, have put a stop to a system of legis- lation that but lately threatened to bestow upon great corporations comparatively few in number, the whole body of the public lands. We favor the policv that looks to the ownership of these lands, by actual settlers and therefore approve the principle of the Homestead Settlement Law.

The freedom of the press is essential to the preservation of public liberty; and we denounce the attempts made by radicals at the last session of Congress, to subject the proprietors of the principal news- papers of the United States to indictment and trial, in Washington City, ffe alleged libels, as efforts to revive and embody in legislation

Government bonds.

Taxation of.

Tariff.

Civil rights bill.

Presidential term.

Transporta- tion.

Taxation and economy.

Land grants.

48

Freedom of the press.

License.

Arraigning the republican party.

the spirit of the gag and sedition laws of the elder Adams' Adminis- tration, and which were overthrown, it was hoped, forever, by the election of Thomas Jefferson.

We favor the submission to the people by the General' Assembly of an amendment to the Constitution authorizing the passage of license laws.

That, with this declaration of our principles and policy, we arraign the Republican party for their extravagant expenditures and profli- gate waste of the peoples money; for their oppressive, unjust and defective system of taxation, finance and currency ; for the con- tinued tyranny and cruelty to the Southern States of the Union; for their squandering of the public lands, for their continuance of in- competent and corrupt men in office, at home and abroad, and for their general mismanagement of the Government ; and we cordially invite all men, without regard to past party associations, to unite with us in expelling them from power and securing such an adminis- tration of public affairs as characterized the purer and better days of the Republic.

Civil rights.

Tariff.

Repudiation.

Currency.

Transporta- tion and internal im- provements.

Repeal of salary bill.

Republican, Sept. 2, 1874.

1. Resolved, That we reaffirm the principles and policy of the Repub- lican party, as announced by its National Conventions, that we are proud of its history and great services, and we especially commend the vigor and force by which it maintained the Union, abolished slavery, and secured equal civil and political rights to all citizens. We demand that these rights be enforced by appropriate legislation, so that all citizens shall have the equal protection of the law, and be secure in the "equal enjoyment of their rights. We demand of our public agents, fidelity to their principles, the honest execution of the pledges made to the people, purity, integrity, and economy in the discharge of their official duties, and the prompt and fearless examination and punishment of those who violate any of their obligations.

2. That we favor a tariff for revenue, with such incidental protec- tion as may foster and encourage American industries

8. That we denounce all forms or open or covert repudiation, and declare that justice and the public faith alike demand that the debt of the United States be paid in accordance with the letter and spirit of the laws under which it was created, as declared in the act of Congress of March 18, 1869 ; and it is the duty of the national Gov- ernment to adopt such measures as shall gradually but certainly re- store our paper money to a specie standard without shock to the business interests of the country.

4. That when the currency shall have been restored to a specie value, banking should be made free, so that the\;irculating medium may expand or contract according to the demands of commerce and trade.

5. That the Democratic party, by its uniform opposition to the improvement of our harbors and our great national water courses has shown itself incompetent to deal with the vitally important ques- tion of cheap transportation and all internal improvements; that the cheap and prompt transportation of products of industry should be promoted by the National and State Governments by appropriate legislation.

6. That we heartily endorse the present Republican Congress in repealing the law increasing official salaries; in reducing expenses more than $20,000,000; in successfully resisting all "jobs;" in abolishing the extravagant government of the District of Columbia, and in reforming abuses generally ; whereby the Republican party is proved to be worthy of the continued support of the people.

49

Southern rages.

out-

7. That the recent outrages and murders in the South, of which unoffending colored citizens have been the victims, committed in pursuance of the avowed purpose of maintaining an exclusive "white man's government," demand and hereby receive the indig- nant condemnation of the Republicans of Ohio.

8. That the restraint of intemperance and its causes to the full ex- Temperance, tent of the legislative, judicial and police powers of the State and

the forfeiture of the public trust for intoxication, are demanded by the moral and material welfare of society and of the State.

9. We deprecate the action of the present General Assembly in reorganizing the punitive and benevolent institutions of the State for merely partisan and political purposes as tending inevitably to impair- ment of their efficiency and usefulness.

Republican, June 2, 1875.

The Republicans of Ohio, in convention assembled, reaffirming the cardinal principles of their organization, which have become received maxims of policy, State and national, declare on specific points the series of sentiments following :

1. That States are one as a nation, and all citizens are equal under the laws, and are entitled to their fullest protection.

2. That a policy of finance should be steadily pursued, which, without unnecessaryjshock to business or trade, will ultimately equal- ize the purchasing capacity of the coin or paper dollar.

3. We are in favor of a tariff for revenue, with incidental protection to American industry.

4. We stand by free education, our public school system, the taxa- tion of all for its support, and no division of the school fund.

5. Under our Republican system of government there should be no connection, direct or indirect, between church and State, and we oppose all legislation in the interest of any particular sect. Upon this subject we should not fail to profit by the experience of foreign governments, where the efforts of the church to control the State constitute an evil of great magnitude, and endangers the power and prosperity of the people.

6. We demand such a revision of the patent laws as will relieve industry from the oppression of monopolies in administration.

7 A grateful people can never cease to remember the services of our soldiers and sailors, and it is due to them that liberality and generosity should obtain in adjustment of pay and bounties.

8. That we demand that the public domain shall be scrupulously reserved for occupancy by actual settlers.

9. The determination of the Government to collect the revenue and prevent and punish frauds, has our unqualified approval.

10. That the power of municipal corporations to create debt should be restricted, and local and other expenditures should be so reduced as to diminish taxation.

11. The observance of Washington's example in retiring at the close of a second Presidential term will be in the future, as it has been in the past, regarded as a fundamental rule in the unwritten law of the Republic.

12. The distinguished success of his administration, which, to the fame of the patriot and soldier, has added that of the capable and judicious statesman, entitles President Grant to the gratitude of his countrymen.

Nation. Finance. Tariff. Education.

Church and state.

Patent laws.

Soldiers and sailors.

Public domain.

Revenue.

Municipal corporators.

Presidential

term.

National ad- ministration,

5o

Reserved powers.

Protection of citizens.

Presidential term.

Retrench- ment.

Land grant. Public lands-

Resumption,

National banks.

Legal tender.

National banks.

Tariff,

Church and state.

Denouncing

republican

platform.

Sumptuary laws-

Democratic, June 17, 1875.

The Democratic party of Ohio in State Convention assembled, pro- claim the following; propositions of political faith and action :

1. A sacred adherence to the principles of Government declared and put in practical operation by the fathers of the Republic.

2. Opposition to aggression by either departments of the Govern- ment upon the functions of the others, and to the exercise by Federal authority of any of the powers reserved -by the Constitution to the States respectively or to the people.

3. The protection ol the Government to all citizens without regard to race, color or previous condition of servitude.

4. The President's service should be limited to one term, at a sal- ary of twenty-five thousand dollars a year.

5. Retrenchment and reform in every department of Government — Federal, State and local.

6. No grants of land or money by the Governmeut, or use of its credit to railroad, steamship or other companies.

7. That the preservation of the remnant of public lands for the ben- efit of citizens of the United States, and foreign emigrants who have declared their intentions to become such, who will occupy and culti- vate the same.

8. That the contraction of the currency heretofore made by the Republican party, and the further contraction proposed by it, with a view to the forced resumption of specie payment, has already brought disaster upon the business of the country, and threatens it with gen- eral bankruptcy and ruin. We demand that this policy be abandoned and that the volume of currency be made and kept equal to the wants of trade, leaving the restoration of legal tenders to par with gold to be brought about by promoting the industries of the people, and not by destroying them.

9. That the policy already initiated by the Republican party of abol- ishing legal tenders and giving National Banks the power to furnish all the currency, will increase the power of an already dangerous monopoly, and the enormous burdens now oppressing the people without any compensating advantage. And that we oppose to this policy, the demand that all the National Bank circulatiou be prompt- ly and permanently retired, and legal tenders issued in their place.

10. That the public interest demands that the government should cease to discredit its own currency and should make its legal tenders receivable for all public dues, except where respect for the obligation of contracts requires payment in coin; and that we favor the pay- ment of at least one half of the customs in legal tenders.

11. The extinction of the present National Banks, and the es- tablishment in their stead of a system of Free Banks of discount and deposit only under such regulations as the States may respec- tively prescribe. And no paper currency except such as may be issued directly by and upon the faith of the General Government.

12. A tariff for the sole purpose of revenue.

13. We favor the complete separation of church and State ; relig- ious independence and absolute freedom of opinion; equal and exact justice to ail religious societies; and purely secular education at the expense of the taxpayer, without division among or control by any sect, directly or indirectly, of any portion of the public school fund.

In view of the admirable provisions of our State Constitution up- on these subjects, which are due to the energy and wisdom of the Democratic party, we denounce the Republican platform as an in- sult to the intelligence of the people of Ohio and a base appeal to sectarian prejudices.

14. That we are opposed to the passage of what are called the sumptuary laws, or any interference with social habits or customs

5i

not in themselves criminal, and we reprobate any espionage by one class of citizens upon another under any pretense whatever.

With this declaration ot principles and policy, we arraign the leaders of the Republican party for their extravagant expenditure and profligate waste of the people's money, lor their oppressive, un- just and defective system of taxation and finance; for their con- tinued tyranny and cruelty toward the Southern States of the Union ; for their squandering of the public lands; for their continuance of incompetent and corrupt men in office, at home and abroad, and for their general mismanagement of the Government; and we cordially invite all men, without regard to past party associations, to co-oper- ate with us in expelling them from power and in securing such an administration of public affairs as characterized the purer and better days of the Republic.

Arraigning the repub- lican party.

Republican, March 2a, 1876.

First. The Republicans of Ohio renew their allegiance to the Re- publican party of the United States, and reaffirm the principles of free government as declared and defined by the grand men of 1776, and endeared to the people of our times by the sacrifices of war and the blessings of an assured union of the States, based upon univer- sal liberty.

Second. The citizens of the several States of the Union are also citizens of the nation, and are equal under the constitution and laws in all rights of citizenship, and are entitled to full and equal protec- tion in their exercise.

Third. We favor an honest and economical administration of the Government, and favor retrenchment and reform in the public ser- vice. Personal integrity and fidelity should be required of all offi- cials, and when found to be dishonored and corrupt they should be prosecuted and punished; and we cordially commend the vigorous prosecution of public offenders by the present National Administra- tion.

Fourth. The National credit and honor must be sacredly main- tained.

Fifth. We recognize gold as the true standard of value, and the only steady and safe basis for a circulating medium, and declare that that policy of finance should be steadily pursued, which, with- out unnecessary injury to business or trade, will ultimately equalize the value of the coin and paper dollar.

Sixth. We favor a tariff for revenue, with incidental protection to American industry.

Seventh, We stand by our system of free common schools, sup- ported by general taxation. There must be no division of the school fund and no sectarian interference with the schools.

Eighth. To the soldiers and sailors who fought for the Union, the Nation owes a debt of gratitude, and they and the widows and orph- ans of those who have fallen are justly entitled to liberal bounties and pensions.

Ninth. The thanks of the people are due to President Grant for his faithful adherence to Republican principles, and we assure him of the gratitude of the country for the distinguished services he has rendered as a soldier and civilian.

The Republican party of Ohio, having full confidence in the hon- esty, ability, and patriotism of Rutherford B. Hayes, cordially pre- sents him to the National Republican Convention for the nomination

Re-affirming the principles of 1776.

Citizenship.

Retrenchment and economy.

National credit.

Finance.

for President of the United States, and

State delegates to that

Convention are instructed, and the district delegates are requested to use their earnest efforts to secure his nomination.

Tariff.

Common schools.

Soldiers and salors.

Thanking president Grant.

Instructing for Gov. R. B. Hayes for president.

52

Declaration.

Resumption.

Debt.

Legal tenders.

Circulating medium.

Currency.

Income tax. Silver.

Tariff.

Endorsing Wm. Allen for president.

Democratic^ May 17, 1876.

Resolved, That recognizing the duty of the Democratic party as the time honored champion of the rights of the many against the aggressions of the few, to express its purposes on the pending cur- rency conflict without reserve or equivocation, we declare that we shall urge against all opposition, come from whatever quarter it may, measures to effect the following objects :

1. The immediate and unconditional repeal of the Republican Resumption Law.

2. The defeat of all schemes tor resumption, which involve either contraction of the currency, perpetuation of bank issues, or increase of the interest burden of the debt.

3. The gradual, but early, substitution of legal tenders for Na- tional Bank notes.

4. The issue by the General Government alone of all the circula- ting medium, whether paper or metallic.

5. No forced inflation ; no forced contraction, but a sound cur- rency, equal to the wants of trade, and industry, to be regulated in volume and gradually equalized with gold, by means of appropriate legislation, such as making it receivable for customs and intercon- vertible at the pleasure of the holder, with a bond bearing an inter- est notgto exceed 3.65 per cent., payable in gold, so that the volume of currency shall not be determined by the pleasure or caprice of Congress or the banks.

6. A graduated income tax to meet at least the premium on gold, needed to pay interest on the public debt.

7. That public policy and a sense of common justice require that the silver issued by the Government should be legal tender in pay- ment of all debts, public and private, and that we demand the uncon- ditional repeal of the so-called silver act, so far as the same limits the amount for which silver currency shall be a legal tender,

8. That we are in favor of a tariff for revenue only, and we de- nounce the Republican scheme of resumption as intended and operating through a large increase of the bonded debt, and a sudden and enormous contraction of the currency to double the burden of taxation, to rob debtors of their property, paralyze productive and commercial industries, cast laborers out of employment, and fill the land with want and misery, for the wicked purpose of doubling the values of money securities and subjugating the masses of people to the imperious sway of a money olgarchy.

9. That the Democracy of Ohio present to the Democracy of the thirty-seven States of the Republic, the name of William Allen as the choice of Ohio for the Presidency.

10. That the delegates at large to the St Louis Convention, and the delegates appointed by the Congressional Districts, are hereby requested to vote in the National Convention in favor of William Allen for President, and to use all honorable means to secure his success.

Republican, Aug. 1, 1877.

The Republicans of Ohio, in convention assembled, congratulate the people that during the long term of their control of the affairs of State, no stain has been found upon their record as a party ; that their management of local .affairs has been true to the moral and industrial interests of the people; and therefore they confidently point to the past as the best evidence of their intentions of the future. On national questions, the Repnblicans of Ohio claim the

53

same fidelity to right principle, and practices that they have exhib- ited in local and State affairs. Appealing to the determination of the people to maintain Republican principles and practices, they offer for the candid consideration of the voters of Ohio the following platform of principles :

We affirm and adopt the platform and resolutions of the National Convention of the Republican party, adopted in the Convention at Cincinnati in June, 1876.

The Republicans of Ohio reaffirm their unfaltering confidence in Rutherford B. Hayes as a statesman, patriot and Republican, and cordially approve and support his efforts for the pacification of the country, and the establishment of its civil service upon a basis of purity and efficiency.

We reaffirm it as the unalterable purpose of the Republican party to maintain and enforce the provisions of the recent amendment to the Federal Constitution, guaranteeing the equal rights of citizens be- fore the law, irrespective of race or color, and to insist upon the full and effectual performance bv the Federal Government in the execu- tion of all its powers and of its constitutional obligations in that behalf.

We are in favor of both gold and silver as money ; that both shall be legal tender for the payment of all debts, except when otherwise specially provided for by law, with coinage and valuation so regula- ted that our people shall not be placed at a disadvantage in our trade with foreign nations ; and that both metals shall be kept in circulation as the money of the nation, as contemplated by the Constitution ; and we therefore demand the remonetization of silver.

That we are opposed to any further grant of the public lands, or money subsidies, or the extension of the public credit of the General Government to aid in tne construction of railroads.

That we are opposed to the renewal of patents by act of Congress, which are burthensome and oppressive to the masses of the people, especially to the laboring classes.

That we view with alarm the present disturbed condition of the country, as evidenced by the extensive strikes of workingmen, and followed by the destruction of life and property in different parts of the country, and while we deprecate each and every resort to vio- lence and disorder, and cordially approve the action of our national and State authorities in their efforts tq enforce the supremacy of the law, yet we do most heartily sympathize with the condition of the hon- est and industrious laborers who are willing to work, but remain un- employed or are employed at wages inadequate to comfort and inde- pendence, and as an earnest of our desire to find a remedy for the condition, we recommend:

First. That Congress establish a National Bureau of Industry.

Second. That Congress exert its authority over all national high- ways of trade, by prescribing and enforcing such reasonable regula- tions as will tend to promote the safety of travel, secure fair returns for capital invested, and fair wages to employes, preventing misman- agement, improper discriminations, and the aggrandizement of officials at the expense of stockholders, shippers and employes.

Third. That provision be made for statutory arbitrations between employers and employes to adjust controversies, reconcile interests and establish justice and equity between them.

Endorsing Cincinnati platform of

1876.

Endorsing R. B. Hayes.

Southern question.

Currency,

Public lands. Patent laws.

Strikes.

Bureau of industry.

National high- ways and pub- lic travel.

Employers and employei.

Democratic, July 25, 1877.

The Democratic party of Ohio in State Convention assembled, re- news its pledges of devotion to the Union and the Constitution, with

54

Strict con- struction, &c. Church and State. Political equality. Sumptuary law.

Majority rule. Subsidies. Public lands. Schools.

Hayes and Tilden.

Industry and pauperism.

Resumption.

Demonetizing silver.

Greenbacks.

Local government.

Registry Jaw.

Currency.

Troops at the polls.

the amendments. It declares as essential to the preservation of free government a faithful adherence to the following principles:

A strict construction of the Constitution ; home rule ; the su- premacy of the civil over the military power.

The separation of church and State.

The equality of all citizens before the law.

The liberty of individual action, unvexed by sumptuary laws.

Absolute acquiescence in the lawfully expressed will of the ma- jority.

Opposition to all subsidies.

The reservation of public lands to the uses of actual settlers.

The maintainance and perfection of the Common School system.

And as pertinent to the issues now pending before the people —

Resolved, That we look upon the inauguration of Rutherford B. Hayes to the high office of President of the United States, in spite of a majority of the electoral and popular votes given by the people to Samuel J. Tilden, as the most dangerous encroachment upon pop- ular rights that has ever been attempted in this or any other free country, and a repetition of the fraud would not be tolerated.

2. The destruction of the industry of the country and the pauper- ism of labor are the inevitable fruits of the vicious laws enacted by the Republican party.

3. That as a means of relieving the distressed portions of the com- munity, and removing the great stringency complained of in business circles, we demand an immediate repeal ofthe Resumption act.

That we denounce as an outrage upon the people the enactments ofthe Republican measures demonetizing silver, and demand the passage of a law which shall restore silver to its monetary power.

5. That we are in favor of the retention of the greenback currency as the best paper money we have ever had, and declare against any further contraction.

6. We congratulate the country upon the acceptance by the pres- ent Administration of the Constitutional and pacific policy of local self-government in the States of the South as long advocated by the Democratic party, and which has brought peace and harmony to that section of the country.

7. The registry law framed by the last Legislature is burdensome and expensive, and discriminates unjustly against the poorer classes or voters and we therefore demand its immediate repeal.

8. We favor a tariff for revenue only.

9. We favor the issues by the General Government alone, of all the circulating medium, whether paper or metallic, to be always of equal tender and inconvertibility.

10. That we condemn the acts of the Federal Administration, in using the regular troops of the United States to interfere with elec- tions and other political affairs of the States as unconstitutional, un- lawful and unjustifiable, destructive of the rights of the people and of the States.

11. We recommend the ticket this day formed by the Convention to the favorable consideration and support of all citizens of the State.

M. I. Southard, Chair, of Com. on Res.

Republican, June 12, 1878. #

The principles of the Republican party as written in the history of the country, as specifically declared in the national platform of the party , as made sacred by the blood of patriots shed in the de- fence of the Union and freedom, we hereby reaffirm,

55

To the soldiers who sacrificed so much in defense of our common country there is a debt of gratitude due which can never be fully dis- charged. The pledges made by the Republican party and by our patriotic people are binding and sacred obligations never to be for- gotten ; never to be impaired ; but to the fullest extent to be fulfilled. We, therefore, denounce as unpatriotic, heartless and infamous, the act of the Ohio Legislature, introduced by a deserter, bounty-jumper, and convict, intended and calculated to drive from the Soldiers' Or- phans' Home the orphans and children of deceased or disabled sol- diers, or to rob the widows and families of such patriots of the pit- tance paid to them by the Government of the United States, and we demand its unconditional repeal.

The financial question having* been disposed of by Congress, and the country at present needing repose in order that capital may seek investment, and that industries may revive, thus increasing the de- mand for labor, the situation ought to be accepted ; aud we oppose further agitation of the question at this time as injurious to business and devoid of other than evil results.

The disposition exhibited by conservative men in the South to op- pose revolutionary methods on the part of Northern Democrats, as shown, first, in their refusal to oppose the consumation of the electoral count, and more lately in the expression of sentiment in disapproba- tion of the proposed attack upon the President's title, is received as a promising omen ; and the Republicans of Ohio cordially greet such citizens of the South as adhere in good faith to the terms upon which the issues of the war was settled, including the constitutional amend- ments guaranteeing equal civil and poltical rights, free speech, a free press and an untrammeled ballot to all citizens. Upon these conditions alone can sectional strife be allayed, and sectional lines, which now separate in a great measure the South from the North be obliterated.

A tariff for revenue should be maintained and so adjusted as to secure incidental protection to home industry.

True economy requires that the government should make sufficient appropriations to carry forward the work on <ill public buildings without delay, and this should especially be the aim when the supply of labor is in excess of the demand.

The mining interests of Ohio require an inspection law, intelli- gently administered, and we condem the action of the Governor in prostituting that department, the object of which should be to pro- tect ihe life and promote the comfort of the miners, to mere partisan purposes.

The revolutionary movement inaugurated under cover of an in- vestigation, but really an attack upon the Presidents title, calcula- ted as it is to Mexicanize the affairs of this country, to cause general distrust, to prostrate our industries and aggravate and prolong the distress of the laboring and industrial classes, we unqualifiedly condemn. President Hayes having been duly elected, and his title subsequently settled under the Constitution by the highest tribuual, and by the act of both political parties, it cannot be questioned; and we recognize in his administration the highest integrity and patriot- ism, the most sincere effort to promote political purity and harmony and secure general business prosperity throughout the whole country.

The present Legislature is a warning to the people of the State, and a proof of the dangerous character of the Democratic party.

The majority of that body in an unusually long session, passed no law for the benefit of the people of the State, but they revolutionized every State institution to make place for Democratic partisans. They subordinated the welfare of the insane, the blind, the mute, and the orphans to the interest of the Democratic party.

The Constitution never having contemplated more than one Con-

O'Conor law.

Currency.

Eleetorial count.

Tariff.

Public buildings.

Mines and mining laws.

Relation to the election of president Hayes.

Denouncing

the

legislature.

56

Congressional aportionment*

gressional districting of the State during a term of ten years between the taking of the censuses, we condemn the recent outrageous and un- just redistricting of the State by the Legislature in violation of usage and at the dictation of Speaker Randall, by which on the basis of the vote at the Presidential election, when a majority of the votes cast was Republican, the Democrats would be enabled to carry fourteen out of twenty Congressmen.

Strict con- struction, &c,

Southern question.

Denouncing financial policy of republicans.

Public debt.

Contraction.

Democratic, June 27, 1878.

The Democratic party of Ohio in convention assembled, hereby reaffirm the following clauses in the platform of the Convention of July 25, 1877, endorsed by a majority of more than 22,000 last fall by the people of Ohio ; we renew its pledges of devotion to the Union, and the Constitution with its amendments. It declares as essential to the preservation of the Goverenment, a faithful adhe- rence to the following principles : A strict construction 'of home rule; supremacy ef the civil over the military power; separation of church and State; equality of all citizens before the law; liberty of individual action unvexed by sumptuary laws; absolute acquies- cence in the lawfully expressed will of the majority ; opposition to all subsidies ; the preservation of the public lands for the use of actual settlers, and the maintenance and perfecting of the common school system. As pertinent to the issue now pending before the people,

Resolved, That an investigation of the frauds committed at the last Presidential election in Florida and Louisana ought to have been madebj7 the electoral commission. Its refusal to do so was a violation of the spirit of the law under which it was organized and a gross outrage upon the people of the United States ; and while the decision as made by the Fourty-forth Congress of the question as to who should be declared President of the United States for the pres- ent Presidential term, was in our judgment final, that decision ought not to preclude an authentic investigation and exposure of all the frauds connected with that election, and the due accountability of all who were guilty connected with them.

Resolved, That the commercial and industrial stagnation that has so long prevailed throughout the country and the consequent de- pression and suffering is due directly to the pernicious financial legislation of the Republican party, which we hereby arraign for its acts and charge,

1. That at a time when the country was weighed down with a debt created on the basis of a full volume of paper added to both the precious metals as money, it enacted a sweeping change in the meas- ure of value, wholly in the interest of the moneyed capital, by de- monetizing silver and decreeing the destruction of legal tender paper and thereby wrongfully added in effect hundreds of millions to the burden of the debt and taxes upon the people.

2. By persuing its merciless policy of contracting the paper cur- rency and hoarding gold it has increased continuously the value of money and securities that partake of the enhancement of money, and decreased the value of all other property, and especially of capi- tal designed for productive use, and required for the employment of labor, thus repressing instead of fostering industry, compelling idle- ness instead of sustaining trade and commerce; and now this party in Ohio puts forward in its platform the declaration, that the financial question has been settled. We deny this declaration, and while we congratulate the country that the downward course to bankruptcy and ruin, involved in the Republican policy, has bee*n partially

\

57

averted by the Democratie measures passed at the late session of Congress restoring the debt paying power to silver dollars, made a law in spite of a Presidential veto, and stopping the further destruc- tion of greenbacks, we demand, as further acts of justice as well as measures of relief, the absolute repeal of the resumption act and the lawful liberation of the coin hoarded in the Treasury ; the removal of all restrictions to the coinage of silver, and re-establishment of silver as a money metal the same as gold, as it was before its fraudu- lent demonetization; the gradual substitution of the United States legal tender paper for National Bank notes, and its permanent es- tablishment as the sole paper money of the country made receivable for all dues to the Government and of equal tender with coin, the amount of such issues to be regulated by legislation, or organic law, as to give the assurance of stability in volume of currency and con- sequent stability of value ; no further increase in the bonded debt, and no further sale of bonds for the purchase of coin for resumption purposes, but the gradual extinction of the public debt, rigid econo- my in the reduction of expenditures in all branches of the public service and tariff for revenue only.

Resolved, That the interests of the industrial wealth-producing classes is the paramount interest of the people of the United States. Those whose labor and enterprise produce wealth should be secure in its enjoyment. Our warmest sympathy is extended to the labor- ing classes who have been thrown out of employment by the ruinous financial policy and unjust legislation of the Republican party, and we pledge the Democratic party to a reversal of that policy, and a restoration of all the rights they are entitled to, upon its ascendancy to power.

Resolved, That there can be no legitimate employment of organ- ized force in this country, except to execute the law and to maintain public peace ; that no violence should be countenanced to obtain re- dress for any alleged grievance, but should be repressed at every cost until relief can be secured by legal methods. We congratulate the country upon the adoption of the constitutional and pacific policy of local self-government in the States of the South, so long advocated by the Demodratic party, and which has brought peace and harmony to that section of the Union.

Industrial and wealth- producing classes.

Local self- government.

Republican, May 29, 1879.

Resolved, First, That the Republican party of Ohio, reaffirming the cardinal doctrines of its adopted faith, as heretofore proclaimed, Free suffrage, especially pledges itself anew to the maintai nance of free suffrage, equal rights, the unity of the nation, and the supremacy of the na- tional government in all matters placed by the Constitution under its control.

Second. We earnestly appeal to the people, in the exercise of their power through the ballot box, to arrest the mad career of the party now controlling both branches of Congress, under the domi- nation of a majority of men lately in arms against the government, and now plotting to regain, through the power of legislation, the cause which they lost in the field, namely, the establishment of State sovereignty by the overthrow of the national supremacy.

Third. That the Democratic party, having committed itself to an attempt to break up the government by refusing to appropriate to their legitimate objects the public money already collected from the people, unless the Executive shall give his official signature to meas- ures which he conscientiously disapproves — measures plainly in- tended to allow recourse to fraud, violence and corruption in national

Denouncing congress.

Condemning

democratic

policy.

58

Extra session of congress.

Resumption.

Condemning the perpetual disturbance of the country.

Denouncing

the

legislature.

Removal of soldiers from

Greeting to the president and members of congress.

elections, and to impair the constitutional supremacy of the nation, deserves the signal condemnation ol every honest and law-abiding citizen.

Fourth. That the present extra session of Congress, £hus com- pelled by Democratic conspirators, has been prolonged beyond all possible excuse, not only to the depletion of the treasury, but also to the grave detriment of every industrial and commercial interest of the country; by uncalled for agitation of several questions ; by per- sistent efforts in hostility to the resumption of specie payments, al- ready happily accomplished ; by constantly tampering with a curren- cy system unsurpassed in the world ; by reopening and stimulating sectional controversies, especially through the avowed determination to repeal all war legislation, and by seeking to inaugurate a reac- tionary revolution, designed to restore full power to a solid South in the affairs of the government.

Fifth. That the financial administration of the government by the Republican party is accomplishing the great work of the resump- tion of specie payments, in restoring our currency to par value, in greatly reducing the burden of the national debt, in refunding a large proportion of the same at a rate of interest one-third less than the former rate, thereby alone saving to the treasury thirteen million dollars a year, and in enhancing the national credit to a standard never before attained, is a source of just pride to the Republicans of Ohio, and deserves the warm approbation of the American people.

Sixth. That this perpetual disturbance of the country in response to the conciliatory measures of* the Administration should, by the judgment of the people, be thoroughly condemned.

Seventh. That the Democratic Legislature of Ohio, going on from bad to worse, from O'Connor reforms of our public institutions, resulting in scandals unnumbered and mischiefs unmeasured, to out- rageous attempts to revise and reverse the will of the people, as declared by their suffrages, foisting upon them legislative usurpation, defeated candidates for local offices, in place of those duly elected by lawful and unquestioned ballots cast in the interest of honest and decent home government, merits the most indignant rebuke of every intelligent voter of the State.

Eighth. That the memories of our dead heroes who gave their lives to save the nation from destruction, protest against the expul- sion of their living comrades from public offices, to gratify the parti- san purposes of the dominant party in Congress.

Ninth. That we send greetings to the President of^the United States, and our Republican members of Congress, and we cordially thank and honor them for the firm and patriotic stand they have taken in opposition to the designs of the majority of the present Congress, and we hereby pledge them our earnest and undivided support.

Elections.

Military

interferanee.

Democratic, June 4, 1879.

Resolved, That the Democracy of Ohio demand free and fair elections, and to that end denounce all interference with elections by military power ; that the experience of this and other countries has abundantly proved that the presence of troops at the polls is destruc- tive of the freedom of elections, and is incompatible with the exist- ance of free institutions. That the laws enacted by Congress, which, under the pretense of regulating the manner of Congressional elec- tions, interfere with the election of State officers, and overthrow the laws of che States governing the choice of such officers, are unconsti- tutional, and for that reason ought to be repealed ; that they are

59

instrumentalities of fraud, force and corruption, by which the party in power uses the money of the people to corrupt, and thousands of irresponsible officers to harass and coerce the voters, and especially by force and fraud to deprive our naturalized citizens of the right to vote; and'for these reasons also, said laws ought to be immediately repealed.

Resolved, That impartial juries are essential to the administration of justice, and thereby to the preservation of liberty; that no man can be secure in his person or property when the juries are " packed " and controlled by the government for despotic and partisan purposes ; that under the Federal jury laws, now in existence, juries have been so " packed " and controlled, that the highest interests of justice and free government requires that these laws be so changed as to secure fair impartial and independent juries in Federal courts.

-Resolved, That the Republican minority in Congress, by refusing to vote supplies to maintain the Government unless the majority would agree to the use of troops at the polls, and also to the mainte- nance of the unconstitutional, corrupting, violent and unjust election laws aforesaid ; and the President of the United States, by his unprecedented use of the veto power, in order to perpetuate said laws, and the use of armed men at the polls, have shown a spirit of faction and devotion to party success, instead of the welfare of the country and the preservation of its constitution and liberties, that demand the condemnation of the whole American people.

Resolved, That President Hayes, by his frequent interposition of the veto, in order to defeat legislation that was so plainly constitu- tional, that in no way interfered with the independence of any other department of the government, and had received the most mature consideration of Congress, has shown an utter disregard of the considerations and principles that induced the insertion of the veto power in the constitution, and a like disregard of the wishes and welfare of the people.

Resolved, That we declare it is the sense of the Democracy of Ohio that not a dollar should be appropriated by Congress to pay soldiers, marshals, deputy marshals, or supervisors of elections, to interfere with or control the elections.

Resolved, That the efforts of the Republican party to open and keep alive the war feelings between the North and South are to be condemned by every lover of his country.

Resolved, That we reaffirm the financial principles heretofore advocated by the Democratic party of Ohio, that the issue of money in any form, and the regulation thereof, belong to the general govern- ment alone, and ought not to be delegated or intrusted to individuals or corporations ; that we therefore oppose the perpetuation of the present national banking system, as a means of control over the cur- rency of the conntry, and demand the gradual substitution of Treasury notes for National Bank currency, to be made receivable for all dues, and a legal tender equally with coin, such government issues to be regulated upon principles established by Legislation or organic law, so as to secure the greatest possible stability of value.

Rsolved, That after changing the valuation of all property from the scale of paper money by which the heavy burdens of debt now resting upon the people were created, to the former lSvel of gold and silver, the change then made in the metallic standard itself, by the demonitization of silver, was a monstrous fraud upon the people, cunningly devised in the interests of the holders of bonds, that should be condemned as a violation of every principle of honest dealing, and a covert assault upon the fundamental rights of property, and we therefore demand the full restoration of silver to its original place as a money metal, the same as gold.

Resolved, That the rapid increase of the interest-bearing debt of

Federal courts.

Veto power-

Hayes' veto.

Soldiers, marshals, and supervisors.

Kepublican party. War feeling.

Finance,

(xold, silver, property,

6o

Bonded debts, the Government under the present Administration ought to excite the serious apprehensions of the people. We demand that the further increase of the bonded debt in time of peace be stopped, and it be put in process of extinction. »

Resolved, Tb#t the attack made upon the State Legislature in the Republican platform is wholly undeserved, and that the Legislature in its ardous work of codifying the laws of the State, in the reduc- tion of fees and salaries of county officers, and the passage of a law to protect the ballot box and prevent bribery at elections, deserves the commendation of the people of the State.

Resolved, That it is the duty of our Government, to maintain to its fullest extent, the doctrine that a man may, in good faith change his habitation and become a citizen of any other country. We should protect in every part of the world all of our naturalized citizens as we would one of our native-born, and should resist all improper claims upon them by the governments to which they no longer owe allegiace. We demand that existing treaties with all foreign governments be rigidly enforced, and that early steps be taken to obtain from the German Empire a fuller recognition of the right of expatriation, and of the right of our naturalized citi- zens returning or having property there by a modification of the treaty existing between us.

Defending the legislature.

Foreign born citizens. Treaties, &c.

Schools.

Protection to eitizens.

Election of representa- tives to congress.

Currency.

Resumption.

Jobn Sherman

[Republican, April 28, 1880.

Resolved, That we re- affirm the principles enunciated in the resolu- tions adopted by the last Republican National Convention.

Resolved, That we are in favor of the extension of the system of free public schools throughout the whole country, supported by gen- eral taxation, exempt from sectarian influences and open to every child of proper age; and to that end we are in favor of all appropri- ate and constitutional legislation.

Resolved, That we are in favor of a full protection by the National Government of every citizen of the United States, native or natural- ized, as well within as without our territorial limits, in the exercise of every right conferred upon him by its constitutional laws, and against every infraction of such right, in whatever way or by whom- soever committed, and for the purpose of affording such protection, the whole power of the government should be used.

Resolved, That it is the duty of the national government to pro- tect the election of Representatives in Congress from fraud and vio- lence, and we condemn the attempts of the Democratic party to nul- lify or repeal existing laws on this subject, as unpatriotic and calcu- lated to encourage and foster fraud.

Resolved, That we are in favor of the maintenance of a sound cur- rency based upon coin and upon notes redeemable in coin, and the sacred observance of the public faith against all taint and suspicion of evasion or repudiation.

Resolved, That we congratulate the country upon the resumption of specie payments, now assured and permanent, as the fruits of Re- publican policy* and splendid achievement of Republican admin- istration, and we likewise congratulate the country upon the general revival of business and industry, secured as they are by the soundest and most convenient currency and the wisest financial policy the country ever enjoyed.

Resolved, That the great ability, invaluable services, long exper- ienced, pure and exalted character, and unwavering fidelity to Re- publican principles, of our distinguished fellow-citizen John Sher- man, entitle him to the highest honors and confidence of the Repub-

6i

lican party of Ohio and the country. His matchless skill and cour- age as a financier, has mainly contributed to accomplish the invalua- ble and difficult work of resumption and refunding the public debt, and made him the truest representative in public life of tlie business Interest of all classes of American people. He has been trained from the beginning of his public life in advocacy of the rights of man, and no man has been more unfaltering in his demand that the whole power of the government should be used to protect the col- ored people of the South from unlawful violence, and unfriendly local legislation. And in view of his services to his country, and his eminent abilities as a statesman, we, the Republican party of Ohio, present him to the Republican party of the country as a fit candidate for President, and we respectfully urge upon the Republican Con- vention at Chicago, his nomination, and the district delegates are re spectfully requested to vote for his nomination.

Resolved, That we cordially indorse the administration of Presi- dent Hayes in maintaining the legislation, principles and purposes of the Republican party, designed as they are to maintain the exist- ence of the Government, to protect all citizens in the enjoyments of all rights given or guaranteed by the Constitution and laws, and to secure prosperity to the industries of the country.

Resolved, That we pledge the united and earnest efforts of the Republicans of Ohio for the electton of the nominee of the National Republican Convention.

Endorsing administra- tion.

Democratic^ July 22, 1880.

Resolved, That the Democracy of Ohio heartily endorse the can- didates of the National Democratic Convention, and that we will zealously labor for the election of Hancock and English, and for the candidates for State officers this day nominated.

Resolved, That the Democracy of Ohio adopt as their own the National Democratic platform.

Endorsing Hancock and English.

Republican, June 8, 1881.

The Republicans of Ohio, in Convention assembled, hereby reaf- firm and readopt the principles and policy of the party as shown in its history.

Resolved, That the Republican party of Ohio heartily approve and endorse the administration of James A. Garfield, President of the United States, and we hereby pledge to him our cordial support of all the duties devolving upon him as the Chief Magistrate of the Nation.

Resolved, That we heartily endorse the wise policy of the Repub- lican party in giving full protection to American labor, and in dis- criminating in favor of home protection.

Resolved, That we fully endorse the administration of Governor Charles Foster and the State administration of the Republican party during the last two years, under which the expenditures of the State were reduced over one-half a million of dollars below the expendi- tures of the Democratic administration of the two preceding years, and reduced the public debt of the State nearly a million and a quarter of dollars, and refunded the remainder of the debt redeema- ble the 30th day of June, 1881, by the issue of State bonds bearing 4 per cent, interest, which were sold at such premium as to reduce the rate per cent, below 3£ per cent, per annum.

Endorsing Garfield's administra- tion.

American labor.

Endorsing Foster's administra- tion.

62

Temprance.

Resolved, That the public interests require that the General Assembly should submit to a vote of the people such amendments to the Constitution of the State relative to the manufacture, sale and use of intoxicating liquors as shall leave the whole matter to legisla- tion.

Citizenship, equal taxa- tion, economy,

Prison labor.

Legislature.

Public institutions,

Civil service.

Sumptuary laws.

Corruption.

Tariff.

Democratic, July 13, 1881.

Preamble, The Democrats of Ohio, proud of their citizenship in this great State, for the purpose of maintaining the prosperity of the Commonwealth, and to promote the welfare and happiness of the whole people, submit the following declaration of principles, upon which they ask the suffrage of the people : The equality of all citi- zens betore the law, equal taxation, unpolitical legislation, and a free and pure ballot as the corner-stones of free institutions : opposition to monopolies, and subsidies of all kinds ; the strictest economy in National, State and local administrations, that labor may be lightly burdened ; the maintainance and advancement of the Common School system.

Resolved, That the abuses of the present contract system in our State Prison, by which the products of criminal labor are brought into competition with the products of honest labor, to the great in- jury of the latter, is vicious and unwise, and should be corrected.

Resolved, That the course of the last Republican Legislature de- serves the condemnation of the people lor its incompetency, hypoc- risy, its unnecessary and heavy increase in the burdens of taxation, and for the passage of numerous pernicious and unconstitutional acts, and for its reorganization of the benevolent institutions of the State, solely for the purpose, and as a medium for the distribution of spoils.

Resolved, That as the humanities are non-partisan, and as the treatment of criminals should be non-political, the management of the charitable punitive institutions of the State should be free from partisan change or appointments.

Resolved, That we are in favor of a Civil Service reform, whereby offices shall be held to be public trusts, to be administered for the public good ; not spoils to be enjoyed as the reward of partisan zeal or service.

Resolved, That the Democrats of Ohio in this year, as in all years, are in favor of the largest individual liberty consistent with public order, and are opposed to legislation merely sumptuary.

Resolved, That the recent discovery of enormous peculations in high Federal places, and the Republican attempt to purchase votes by open corruption, should convince the country that the Republican organization is not worthy of public confidence.

Resolved, That the power delegated to the general Government "to regulate commerce among the States " as well as the power re- served to the States to regulate commerce within their own borders, should both be exercised to prevent unjust discriminations and un- reasonable charges by our railroads. A tariff for revenue, levied and adjusted in its details with a view to equity in the public burdens and the encouragement of productive industries without creating mo- nopolies, and we favor the appointment of a Commission to suggest a method of revision which shall accomplish this result.

\

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