Clarksville chronicle. (Clarksville, Tenn.) 186?-1872, 1872-08-03
THE LIBERAL. PLATFORM.

We, tho Liberal Republicans OF tho
United states, in National Convention as
scmbieo AZ Cincinnati, proclaim the fol-
lowing principles as essential to Just GOV
ernmcnt:
/. We recognize the equality of all men be-
fore the law, and hold that Il is the duty OF
Government, III its dealings with the pco.
pie, 10 mete out equal and exact justice TO
all OF whatever nativity, race, color, or
persuasion, religious or political.
2 We pledge ourselves to maintain the
Union OF these states, emancipation and
enfranchisemont, and to oppose any re-
opening OF the questions settled by tho
thirteenth and fifteenth amendments of
tho Constitution.
8. We demand the immediate and abso-
Lutte removal of all disabilities imposed on
account of the rebellion, which WIS flnal-
ly subdued seven years ago, believing that
universal amnesty VIII result III complete
PUBLICATION in all sections of the country.
4. Local self-governmentw with impartial
suffrage will guard the rights fall citizens
more securely than any centralized power.
Tho public welfare requires the supremacy
OF the civil over tho military authority,
and the freedom OF person under the pro-
lection OF the habeas corpus. We demand
for the individual the largest liberty consis-
tent with public order, for the States self
governm ent, and for the nation a return
to the methods OF peace and the constitu-
tional limitations OF power.
D. The civil service OF the Government
has become mere instrument of partisan
tyranny and personal ambition, and an
object of selfish greed. 1t Is q scandal and
reproach upon free institutions. and breeds
Generalization dangerous to the perpe-
tutty OF repubiican government.
Q. We therefore regard a thorough reform
OF the civil service as one of the most
pressing necessities of the hour that hon
esty, capacity, and fidelity constitute the
only valid claims to public employment;
that the Offices of the Government cease to
be matter OF arbitrary favoritlsm and
patronage, and that public station shall be:
come again place of honor. To this end
1t Is imperatiVely required that no Prcsi-
dent shall be n candidate for reelection.
7. We demand u system of Federal taxa
ton when shall not unnecessarily Inter
fere with the industry of the people, and
which shall provide the means necessary
to pay the expenses of the Government.
economically administered, the pensions,
the interest on the public debt, and n mod.
crate annual reduction of the principal
thereof; and recognizing that there are in
our midst honest and irrcconcilable differ
erces of opinion with regard to the respec-
tive systems of Protection and Free Trade
we remit the discussion of thesubject to
the. people In their Congressional Districts,
and the decision of Congress thereon,
wholly free from Executive interference
or dictation.
9. The public credit must be sacredly
naintaincd. and we denounce population
in every form and guise.
Q. speedy return TO specie payments is
demanded alike by tho highest considera-
lions of commercial morality and honest
government.
10. We remember with gratitude the he
roism and sariflces of the soldiers and sail
ors of the Republic. and no act of ours
shall over detract from their justly earned
fame or the full rewards OF their patriot
ism.
II. We are opposed to all further grants
OF land to railroads or other corporations.
The public domains should be held sacred
to actual settlers.
IL. We hold that It is the duty ofthe Gov
eminent In itsintercourse with foreign ma
tions to cultivate the friendship of peace,
by treating with all on fair and equal
terms, regarding ii alike dishonorablo
either to demand what Is not right or SUBJ
init TO what is wrong.
IL. For the promotion and success OF
these vital principles. and the support of
the candidates nominated by this conven-
tlon, we invite and cordially welcome the
CO. operation Of all patriotic citizens, with
out regard to previous political nfilia-
lions.