Rock Island Argus. (Rock Island, Ill.) 1871-1872, 1872-08-21
RESOLUTIONS.


We, the Liberal Republicans Of the United
States, in national convention assembled at
CINCINNATI, proclaim the following principles
as essential to Just government:
l. We recognize the equality Of all men
before the law, and hold that it is the duty of
government, IN It's dealings with the people,
70 mete out equal and exact justice to all,
of whatever nativity, race, color or persus.
sion, religious or political.
2. We pledge ourselves to maintain the
union Of these states, emancipation aud en-
fraehise ment, and to oppose any rs-opening
of the questions settled by the thirteenth,
fourteenth and fifteenth amendments of the
constitution.
,. We dem and the immediate and Abso
late removal of all disabilities imposed on
account Of the rebellion, which was finally
subdued seven years ago, believing that uni
versal amnesty will result IN complete pacI-
hcation in all sections Of the country.
f. Local government, with impsrtiA
suffrage, will guard the rights of all citizens
more securely than any centralized power.
The public welfare requires the supremacy
of the civil over the military authority, aud
the freedom of person under the protection
individual me largest liberty consistent with
pub order, for the state self-governmeut
and for the nation a return to the methods
of peace and the constitutional Limitations
of power.
5. The civil service of the government
has become O mere instrument of partisan
tyranny and personal ambition, and an OBJ
iect of selfish greed. 1t is q scandal anC
reproach upon free institutions, and breed
decentralization dangerous TO the perpetnl
ty of Republican government.
| 6. We therefore, regard thorough re
| form of the civil service as one of the mos
pressing necessities of the hour; that hon
esty, capacity, and fidelity constitute tn
only valid claims to public employment
| that the offices of the government cease L
be matter of arbitrary favoritism and pat
ronRge, and that public station shall becom
again place OF honor. 10 this end 1t /
imperatively required that no Presiden
shall be candidate for reelection.
Z. We demand system of federal tai
alton which shall not unnecessarily interior
with the industry Of the people, and whic
shall provide the means necessary to pa
the expenses of the Government, econom
cslly administered, the pensions, the intereI
on the dublic debt, and moderate annuI
reduction Of the principal thereof; an
recognizing that there are, in our mids
honest but irrsconcilsble differences Of OPT
ion with regard to the respective systems
protection and free trade, we remit the dl
cussion of the subject to the people in the
congressional districts, and the decision
Congress thereon, wholly free from executir
interference or dictation.
8. The public credit must be sacred
maintained, and We denounce repudiAtit
b 10 every form and guise.
8. A speedy return to specie psymen
: is demanded alike by the highest consider
lions of commercial morality and hone
> government.
10. We remember with gratitude {
y heroism and sacrifices Of the soldiers 81
sailors of the Republic, and no act of ou
; shall ever detrRct from their justly earn
fame or the full rewards of their PATRIOTS
% IL. We are opposed TO all further graz
10 Of land TO railroads or other corporation
The public domain should be held sacred
u actual settlers.
II. We hold that it is the duty of t
N government in its intercourse with forei
y nations to cultivate the friendships OF pes
70 by treating With all on fair and equal tern
regarding it alike dishouorable TO dema
what is not right or submit to what
: wrong.
ID. For the promotion and success
these vital principles, and the support of {
candidates nominated by this converts
we invite and cordially welcome the coop
alton of all patriotic citizens without reg
10 previous political afhliAtiop.