The evening Argus. [volume] (Rock Island, Ill.) 1861-1871, 1870-09-29

THE PLATFORM OF THE ILLINOIS DE
MOCRACY

Resotsed, That the happiness of the American
people and the protection of their liberties are
mo- to be found in splendid government sup
ported by powerful monopolies and sristocratic
esta ohshments, but, in the language of our grea,
leader, Jaekson,-"ln a plain system devoid O.
pomp, protecting all, and granting favofs to
none, ais?enslng its blessings lie the dews oil
heaven, unseen and upieit, save In the freshness
ana beauty they contribute to produce - that i,
Is the mission of the democracy, in accordance
win ITS tme-honored priuei PIES to reiustate the
administration of the government in these it's
ancient ways. and, by the restoration of the prsc
tlee OF the virtues of frugalIty, honesty anu de
Votlon TO the ublic veal, to place the country
again uoon that course the pursuit of which can
alone render it for the ages 20 come united pros
porous ana free.
R.sotred, That we in favor of free trad e
on principle, and while conceding the legality of
a tariff for revenue simply, we denauuce pro-
tlcsive tariff rs not authorized under the federal
constitution destructive of the best interes Is
of our people, and as enriching the few at the
expense of the many;
That we are OPP osed to monopolies and to
subsidizing corporations by the of the peo-
pes money and the peoples lands;
That the bonds issued by the federal govern =
ment should be subjected to the federal tn xation
except when otherwise explicitly provided by
Jaw;
That we are opposed to the present system of
nation al banks, and all legislation of every kind
which exats capital 1t the expense of the people
and the government;
That the national debt should be paid at the
earliest practicable moment consistent with
such reduction of taxation as the necessities OF
people req ire and to this end we Insist
upon the strictest economy in public affairs, the
careful outstanding of the public resources, and
the rigid accountability OF ali public servants.
Resoiped, That we demand the overthrow OF
the party in power-because it stands committed
the destruction of the legitimate rights of the
state. to the subversion of executive and
iudiea departments for paitisa ends, and to
The erection of n consolidated government upon
the ruins of the federal system; because it Is
pledged to the policy of protection, which 1t has
enforced by oppressive legislation for the last
ton years, to the continuance of an enormous
and Aggravating system Of internal revenue
taxation, to the postponement of the payment
of the national debt. to the wholesale surrender
to the spectators of the public lands an to The
fostering of schemes of private ACKNOWLEDGMENT
because it is extravagant, wasteful and corrupt,
sustaining and sustained by ring legislation, its
most Distinguish he'd leaders unblushing'y open to
bribery and using the power of their official
positions for private purposes because, desti-
tute ofpr ncips. it is held together solely by the
cohesive power of public plumber.
Resotred, That, in view OF the administration
of our own state affairs we declare that the pres
ent administration has been MOI reckless in
penditure of the public money than any thstever
vet exercised the power of the state and in proof
OF this we need say othing more than call the at
tention of the taxpayers to the fact that the APP
preparations of the last republican general as
sembly have forced the auditor of state 10 raise
the levy of state taxes from six mills and five
tenths to thirteen mills on the dollar, TO meet
these corrupt and orotiigate expenditures that
all this is done by the party in power while pro.
Tossing economy in the management of the pub
lie business;
That We opposed to the present manage
ment of the state peniteDtiary. which we declare
mas cost the taxpayers of the state tor the iast
three years nearly, If not quite. 1000 per day
and which enoT NOUS sum We believe to have been
either squandered or stolen by the persons in
charge OF the same; that this pei diture ana
should be avoided, and the prison made self
supporting.
kesoiUed, That the democratic party now as
ever profoundly sympathizes with the efforts OF
he people everyw here to be free;
That the great republic of the United States
ssariy occupies position of perpetual an; ag
onis,n toward the despotism of the world, "a
position which the democrsy have no disposition
to disavow, but which, on the contrary, they
openly aek nowsdge, and will unhesitatingls
maintain;
That the republic of France receives our hearty
welcome into the family of free nations that it,
people, endeared to us BY traditional ties, have
our sincere sympathies In their rel"'se from
thralld that commend the admi nlstra.I lion
If the federal government for the recognition so
far accorded to the French republic, anu demand
that the moral aid of its support be given to the
fullest extent in behalf of the rule of the people
inaugurated upon the overthrow of all imperial
dynasty;
That the inhabitants of Germany have our
hear test good wishes in their endesvor TO bring
about united country; that We congratulate
them on their gallant conduct in the pending
war, and trust that the liberty which the defeat
of the emperor has given their sister state will
be indicated in their own persons and a grand
German republic be the glorious result of their
efforts;
That the island of Cuba has long languished
under the incubus of foreign despotisIn, and
every effort of this country should be bent TO the
attainment of its liberia ion, that it's people may
partake of that free dom for which they long
end share n our fortunes if they so elect;
hat we are not unmindful of the people OF
Ireland, and, fully recognizing the wrongs they
have been called upon to endure, we trust that
tire tocsin of liberty now sounding has st uck
the hour OF their redempf
That, while thus declaring our unaltershle
de rmina ion to require the whole weight of the
government to he thrown in behalf of republican
institutions, We protest against this country be
ing drawn into taking sides in the quarrels of
despets. and condemn the leaders of the op
position for their desperate attempts, from I'm
worthy motives. to commit nation to the
cause o any potentate claiming to rule peo-
pie by divine right
Do;~ T.I11r