Studies in American History 
317 
now chose thirteen Congressmen. The Democrats elected 
eight of the number.^^ 
The state Republican platform of 1876 contained the fol- 
lowing notable declaration: 
We are willing and anxious to restore entirely amicable relations 
between the people of the northern and those of the southern states 
who were engaged in the Rebellion, and with a view thereto, are ready 
to forgive and grant amnesty to all those who desire to be forgiven and 
amnestied.^® 
The Democratic platform dismissed the subject of recon- 
struction with this brief reference: 
The Democracy of Indiana declare their fidelity to all the provisions 
of the federal Constitution, to a perpetual union of the states, to local 
self-government in every section.^ 
At last, the two parties met on common ground in regard 
to the southern problem. 
In 1876, for the first time since 1856, the electoral vote of 
Indiana was given to the Democratic candidate for president. 
Undoubtedly the presence of Hendricks on the ticket as Til- 
den’s running mate strengthened the party in the state in 
this election. 
The liberal southern policy inaugurated by President Hayes 
was heartily indorsed by many Indiana Republicans as well 
as Democrats. The Indianapolis Journal, a staunch supporter 
of the radical congressional policy, quoted with approval 
Hayes’s declaration in favor of a policy “which will forever 
wipe out the color line and the distinction between North and 
South, to the end that we may not have merely a united North 
or a united South but a united country”.^"^ The Journal like- 
wise approved of the appointment of an ex-Confederate Demo- 
crat as a member of the Cabinet and of the subsequent 
withdrawal of troops from South Carolina and Louisiana.®® 
The Terre Haute Express, one of the leading Republican 
newspapers of western Indiana, declared Hayes’s announce- 
ment in his inaugural address to be “a long step forward and 
in perfect harmony with the higher political growth of the 
Tribune Almanac fm' 1875, 78, 79. 
^ Henry, State Platforms, 52. 
Ibid., 49. 
Indianapolis Journal, March 6, 1877. 
^^Ibid., March 7, April 11, 1877. 
