The Hickman courier., 1872-05-11
LiberaI Republican Platform

Liberal Republican Platform.
We, the Liberal Republicans of the
! Uuited States, in National Convention
assembled. at Cincinnati, proclsim the
/ following principles as essential to just
government
/ lst We recognize the equality of all
men before the law, and hold that il is
/ the duty of the Government, in its deal
ings with the people, to nete out equal
aud exact justice 10 all, OF whatever uS
tiyity, race, color or persuasion, religious
or political.
u. We pledge ourselves 10 maintain
the Union Of these States, the emanci
patton and nfranchisement, and TO op-
pose any re-opening of the questions
settled by the thirteenth. fourteenth and
/ fifteenth amendments 10 the Coustitu
! tion
3D. We demand the immediate and
absolute removal of all disabilities i'm
posed on account OF the rebellion, which
was finally subdued several years ago.
hslssvias that universal amnesty will
result 10 complete pacifcation in all
sections of the country.
4th. Local self government, with i'm
partial suffrage, will guard the rights of
all citizens more securely than any cen
iralized power. The people, the public
welfare requires the supremacy of the
civil over the military authority, and the
freedom Of persons under the protection
Of the habeas corpus. We demand for
the individual tue largest liberty con-
sisteut with public order; for State self
government, and for the nation return
to the methods Of peace aud the cou-
stitutioual Limitation of power
5th The civil service of the Govern
ment has become mere instrument of
partisan iyrauny aud personal ambition.
aud an object Of selfish greed. 1t is =
a scandal aud reproach upon free 10
stitutious, and breeds a decentralization
dangerous TO the perpetuity of republi
can government.
9th. We therefore regard thorough
reform OF the civil service as one OF the
most pressing necessities of the hour;
that honesty, capacity and fidelity con
siitute the only valid claims to pubic
employment; that the Offices OF the Gov
erumeut cease to be a matter of arbitrary
favoritism and patronage; aud that pub
TIC station euOUi4 POSl VI !
honor. To this end it is imperatively re-
quired that no President shall be a can
dIdate for re ;tion.
9TH. We demand system of Fed |
eraI taxation which shall not unneceesa.
rily interfere with the industry of the
people. aud which shall provide the
means Decessary to pay the expenses OF
the Government economically admin
isered, the pensions, the interest on the
public debt aud a moderate annual re
ductiop of the principal thereof. And
Recognizing that there are in our midst
honest but irrecohcilable differences Of
opinion with regard TO the respective
systems OF protection aud free trade, We
remit the discussion of the subject TO the
peoP'vTn their Congressional Districts.
and tie decision of Congress thereon.e
wholly free of Executive interference or
9Th, The public credit must be sacred
ly maintained, aud We denounce repudi
alton IN every form and guise
9Th. A speedy return to specie pay
ments Is demanded alike by the highest
of commercial morality
and honest Government
10th. We remember with gratitude the
neroism and sacrifices of the soldiers and
sailors of the republic, aud no act OF
'urs shall ever detract from their Justly
earned fame, or the full rewards OF their
patriotism.
llth. We are opposed to all further
grants of land- TO railroad and other
corporations. The public domain should
De held sacred to actual settlers.
lzth We hold that it is the duty of
ne government in its intercourse 10 cnl
ivate friendship aud peace by treating
Fltn all ON fair and equal terms. regard
ng II alike dishonorable either to demand
'hat Is not right, or to submit to what
S wrong.
18th. For the protection and success
! these vital principles, and the support
j the candidates nominated by this con
entIon, we invite aud cordially welcome
ne co operation of all patriotic citizens
'Iihout regard to previous political athi-
atioDs. HORACE WHITE,
Chairman oD Resolutions.
IL p TuuuSroS Sa.,r