Rock Island Argus. (Rock Island, Ill.) 1871-1872, 1872-08-09
RESOLUTIONS.

We, the Liberal Republicans Of the [ nited /
States, In national convention assem- bled at
Cincinnati, proclaim the following principles !
as essential to Just government:
l. We recognize the equality OF al men
before the law, and hold that it is the { aty of
government, in It's dealings with the people,
to 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 and en-
frsChise nent, and 10 oppose any re-opsning
of the questions settled BY the thirteenth,
fourteenth and fifteenth amendments OF the
constitution.
,. We dem md the immediate and ALSO
lutte removal Of all disabilities imposed on
account of the rebellion, which was finally
subdued seven years ago, believing that nnl-
versa amnesty will result 10 complete pacI-
fcation in all sections Of the country.
t. Local selfgoverument, 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, and
the freedom of person under the protection
Of the ha5edS corpus. We demand for the
individual ihe largest liberty consistent with
public order, Cor the state self-government,
and for the pation a return to the methods
| of peace and the constitutional limitations
of power.
| 5. The civil service Of the government
has become a mere instrument Of partisan
tyranny and personal ambition, and an OBJ
| ect of selfish greed. /: is q scandal and
reproach upon free Institutions, and breeds
! ! ~ q n
ty of Republican government
| G. We therefore, regard a thorough re-
form of the civil service as one of the most
pressing necessities of the hour; that hon
/ esty, capacity, aad fidelity constitute the
only valid claims to public employment ;
that the offices of the government cease to
be matter of arbitrary favoritism and pat,
ronase, and that public station shall become
again a place OF honor. To this end it j.
limperatively required that no Presiden
shall be candidate for reelection.
:. We demand a system of federal tax
alton which shall not uDne cessarily interfere
with the indastrY OF the people, and which
shall provide the means necessary TO pa..
the ex penses Of the Government, economi
cslly administered, the pensions, the interes
on the dubiic debt, and moderate annua
reduction Of the princip pal thereof; AND
recognizing that there are, in our midst
honest but irreconoilabla differences Of opiI
ION with regard to the respective systems {
protection and free trade, we remit the dls
| cussion of the subject to the people in thei
j congregational districts, and the decision {
| Congress thereon, wholly free from e1ecutIy
h interference or dictatioD.
4. The public credit must be aacredI
r maintained, and We denounce repudatio
10 10 every form and guise.
~ 9. A speedy return to specie paymep
is demanded alike by the highest consider
e tons Of commercial morality snd hone
government.
Is 10. We remember with gratitude Il
heroism end sacrifices of the soldiers 81
o. sailors Of the Republic, and no act Of gu
to shall ever detrscs from their Justly earnt
fame or the full rewards of their pstrious'
III II. We are opposed TO all further gran
in # land to railroads or other corporation
on The public domain should be held sacred
ny actual settlers.
II. We hold that i; is the duty Of t
government IN its inteIenGrhe win foreii
nsfions 10 Gu tivate the friendships Of pee
. by treating With all on fair aud eqosl tern
-eRsrding it alike disbouorab!e TO oemar
shat Is rot right or submit 10 what
wrong.
IL For the promotion and success
bese vital principles, and the support of t
candidates nominated By this couveutic
{ Ee invite aud cordially welcome The co-oP
,tion Of all patriotic citizens without reRa
TO previous political afIiiation.