The Charleston daily news. [volume] (Charleston, S.C.) 1865-1873, 1872-05-06
THE PLATFORM.

The following are the resolutions In full
We, the Liberal Republicans Of the United
States, In national convention assembled at
Cincinnati, proclaim the followIng principles
as essential to a Just government:
First. We recognize the equality of all men
before the law, and hold that 1t Is the duty OF
the government, In Its dealings with the pee
pie, to mete out equal and exact justice to all,
Of whatever nativity, race, color or persuasion,
religious or political.
Second. We pledge ourselves to maintain
the union OF these States, emancipation and
enfranchisement, and to oppose any. reopen
ing of the questions settled by the thirteenth,
fourteenth and fifteenth amendments of the
constitution.
Third: We demand the immediate and abso-
lutte removal Of all disabilities Imposed on &C.
count of the rebellion, which was finally sub
dued seven years ago, believing that uniVer-
cal amnesty will result In the complete paclh-
cation of all sections OF the country. a.
Fourth. Local selfgoyernment, E1th impair
tial suffrage, will guard the rights OF all cltl.
Gems more securely than any Centralized
power. The public welfare requires the su-
premacy of the civil over the military authors
ty, and the freedom of person under the pro.
for the Individual the largest liberty consistent
with public order, for the States self-govern-
ment, and for the nation q return to the
methods ofpeace and the constitutional llmi-
tati8n of power.
Fifth. The civil service of the government
has become q mere instrument OF partisan
tyranny and personal ambition, and an object
Of selfish greed. 1t is q scandal and reproach
upon our free institutions, aud breeds q de-
moralIzation7 dangerous. to the perpetuity of
Republican government. We, therefore, re-
gard a thorough reform of the civil service as
one of the most pressing necessities OF the
hour; that honesty, capacity and fidelity con-
stitute the only valid claims to public en-
ployment; that the offices OF the government
cease to be . natter oil ARBITRARY favorttism
aud patronage, and that public stations be-
come again posts Of honor. To this end 1t is
imperstively required that no President shall
be a candidate for reelection.
Sixth We demand q system Of Federal tax
alton which shall not unnecessarily Interfere
with the Industry of the people, and which
shall provide means necessary to pay the ex-
lenses Of the government, economically ad-
mlnistered. pensions, the Interest on the pub
lie debt, aHd q moderate reduction, annually,
of 1.-THE principal thereof, and recognizing that
there are In our midst honest but irreconclla.
BILE differences of opinion with regard to the
respective systems OF protection and Tree
trade, we remit discussion OF the subject to
the people IN their congressional districts,
and to the decision Of Congress thereon,
wholly free Of executive interference or dlcta-
ton.
Seventh. The public credit must be eacred-
ly maintained, and we dehounce reputation
In every form and guise.
Eighth. A speedy return to specie payments
Is demanded alike by the highest considera-
lions of commercial morality and honest gov
eminent.
Ninth. We remember with gratitude the
heroism and sacrifices of the soldiers and
sailors of the republic, and no act of ours
shall ever detract from their justly earned
fame or the full reward of their PATRIOTIC.
Tenth. We are opposed to all further grants
of lands to railroads or other corporations.
The public domain should be held sacred to
actual settlers.
Eleventh. We hold that 1t is the d1ty, OF
the Government In its intercourse with for
eign nations to cul,ivats the friendship OF
peace by treating with all on fair and equal
terms, regarding 1t alike dIshonorable either
to demand what Is not right or to submit to
what ia wrong.
Twelfth. For the promotion aud success OF
these vital principles, and the support of the
candidates nominated by this convention. we
invite and cordially welcome the cooperation
.ot all patriotic citizens with out regard to
previous political utilization.