nd practical effect.

PLATFORM OF THE UNION NATIONAL CONVENTION HELD IN BALTIMORE, MD., JUNE 7
AND 8, 1864.

1. Resolved, That it is the highest duty of every American citizen to
maintain against all their enemies the integrity of the Union and the
paramount authority of the Constitution and laws of the United States;
and that, laying aside all differences of political opinion, we pledge
ourselves, as Union men, animated by a common sentiment and aiming at
a common object, to do everything in our power to aid the Government in
quelling by force of arms the rebellion now raging against its authority,
and in bringing to the punishment due to their crimes the rebels and
traitors arrayed against it.

2. Resolved, That we approve the determination of the Government of the
United States not to compromise with rebels, or to offer them any terms
of peace, except such as may be based upon an unconditional surrender of
their hostility and a return to their just allegiance to the Constitution
and laws of the United States, and that we call upon the Government to
maintain this position, and to prosecute the war with the utmost possible
vigor to the complete suppression of the rebellion, in full reliance
upon the self-sacrificing patriotism, the heroic valor, and the
undying devotion of the American people to their Country and its free
institutions.

3. Resolved, That as slavery was the cause, and now constitutes the
strength, of this rebellion, and as it must be, always and everywhere,
hostile to the principles of republican government, justice and the
national safety demand its utter and complete extirpation from the soil
of the republic; and that while we uphold and maintain the acts and
proclamations by which the Government, in its own defense, has aimed a
death-blow at this gigantic evil, we are in favor, furthermore, of such an
amendment to the Constitution, to be made by the people in conformity with
its provisions, as shall terminate and forever prohibit the existence of
slavery within the limits or the jurisdiction of the United States.

4. Resolved, That the thanks of the American people are due to the
soldiers and sailors of the Army and Navy, who have periled their lives in
defense of their country and in vindication of the honor of its flag; that
the nation owes to them some permanent recognition of their patriotism
and their valor, and ample and permanent provision for those of their
survivors who have recei