Rensselaer Union, Volume 5, Number 50, Rensselaer, Jasper County, 4 September 1873 — Wisconsin Republican Platform. [ARTICLE]

Wisconsin Republican Platform.

Preamble: In view of the fact that the Republican party has so well met the vital issues of the past twelve years ps to secure the support of a vast preponderance OU the patriotism and intelligence of the nation, it has fairly won for itself the title of being the trite reform party of the couutry: aadiTecogDizingjhelmpottAiJce of all questions recently raised, and now. for the first lime, attracting general public attention, relating to labor and capital, trade and commerce, production and supply, transportation and exchanges, corporate franchisee and monopolies, and to all, other subjects embraced in our politicsJeconoiny, we pledge ourselves as such to adopt and carry into execution and effect all judicious measures of progress and relief relating to these and al] other kindred subjects, and, as a party, we can give assurance from our political ascendency, both in National and State Governments, of a more speedy and effectual remedy of existing evils than would be possible through any existing opposing party, or any party yet to be formed. BESOLVBD. 1. That the Republican parly is responsible only for such measures as it indorses and approves, or for an honest and faithful administration of Government. and cannot be expected to vouch for the individual honesty in all cases of t hose they promote to office; yet, when such are found unfaithful or corrupt, they should be exposed, dismissed from public service, and punished. We denounce all official frauds and corrupt legislation, whether in land-grants and subsidies to railroads, in the Credlt-Mobilier, or in the management of the revenues. 2. That we disapprove and condemn the recent measures by which Congress allowed additional compensation to itself for past service, and demand that the provisions of the act byavbicb Congressional salaries were increased shall be promptly and unconditionally repealed. 3. That it is contrary to the theory of a represehtive Government that any legislative body should make laws exclusively for their own benefit, and we therefore favor an amendment to our National Constitution which shall foreverprohihit any Congress from increasing its own compensation. 4. That the subject of cheap and reasonable rates of transportation has become of pressing importance to the great body of our people, bothEastand West, and to the producer and consumer, and that it is necessary that some proper legislative measure should be speedily adopted to secure relief and protection against the greed aud oppression of grasping monopolies. We urgently recommend, what has been already urged in the two annual messages of the present Executive, the creation of a Board of Railroad Control, whose duty it shall be to examine the whole subject of transportation aud freights, and report the facts in relation theretp. and prescribe and adjust such regulations as will be fair and equitable, both to the people and railway companies. 5. That the vast importance of railroads to the general prosperity and business of the country is cheerfully acknowledged, and we would extend to them all proper facilities for their management so as to produce a fair return for the capital invested in them. That we-claim, nevertheless, the right under our Constitution to regulate their conduct, of, if necessary, to repeal the charters under which they exist. That, while we would deprecate the necessity for the exerche of- this power, still, if such necessity should arise, we will insist upon it to such an extent as will protect the people against extortion from monopolies of this kind. 6. That we disapprove of the practice which has heretofore prevailed of public officers accepting free passes upon railroads. It creates an embarrassing obligation upon the part of the officer, which he can only properly cancel by payment of an adequate sum in money. It has a tendency to influence, and often does influence, official actions. They are given as a tribute to the officer, and not a mark of respect to the man to whom the pass is given. It imposes a large tax upon the stockholders of railroad companies, who indemnify themaelves by increased and oppressive charges upon the legitimate paying business done upon their roads, aud we believe -that-the use of such passes by public officers should be prohibited by law, with suitable penalties. 7. That we regard with eminent satisfaction, and approve the very able, wise, and judicious management of the Executive Department of this State by His Excellency, Governor W asbburn, during the last two years. As our Governor, he has stood fearlessly and constantly the guardian of the people's rights, without regard to consequences to himself, and his Administration will bear the closest scrutiny. 8. That the discharge of their official duties by the various elective State officers has been marked by efficiency, and integrity, and meets with our he arty commend ation . * 9. Tha; we sympathize with any movement to secure for agriculture and labor their due influence, interests and rights, aud the Republican party will be their ally in every just effort to attain that end. —■ : 10. That we regard the settlement and development of the northwestern portion of our State, so rich and valuable in natural resources of sod, timber and minerals, and upon the very highway of a direct communicationwith our harbor on Lake Superior, and with the North Pacific Railway, of momentous interest aud most urgent importance. Haying completedrin good faith aud proper season railroads from Portage City to Tomah, and from Tomah to the St. Croix River, by the expenditure and judicious application of two-thirds < f the landgrant of 1856. and having made an honest effort to construct the road from St. Croix River to Lake Superior, the last link in the chain of roads contemplated by that grant; and having already completed a portion of the same, and having taken care of the lands aud prevented the trespasses upon them, aud continued to treat them as still the trust property of the State and people of the section; having located and purchased Government lands at double the usual Government price in view of the grant and the building of the roads, and having long and patiently waited for such a consummation, it would be unjust, illiberal and unfair to the State to now seek to divest her of the title to the remaining portion of this grant, even if Congress has the legal right, which we deny; and, if neeessary. we insist that Congress ought to pass a law at once, and without hesitation? renewing this portion of the grant to the State, that the title may be beyond any question, and the road speedily completed. _ 11. That our State is most favorably situated in respect to waler communication by lake and river, and the facilities for commercial intercourse ought to be prudently guarded and improved to the fullest possible extent, in order to afford the readiest and cheapest means of transportation of product# in permanent competition with railroad carriage. To this end, we congratulate the State upon the generous assumption by the General Government of the Fox and Wisconsin River improvement, that promises at an early dav to connect the Mississippi River and the great lakes, and we most fully indorse the now well-established policy of the present Administration in keeping clear from unnecessary obstruction the navigation of the Mississippi River ; aud we especially commend that private enterprise, assisted by Government aid, which has resulted in the construction of the Sturgeon Bay Canal, that so materially lessens the distance and obviates the dangers of our lake navigation. 12. That the Republican party will use all reasonable endeavors to so amend the laws of the State as to make a permanent fixed salary for ail State officers, and that all fees and perquisites be paid into the Public Treasury. •