Nashville union and American. [volume] (Nashville, Tenn.) 1868-1875, 1872-07-12

We, the Liberal Republicans OF the United
States, in National Convention assembled al CIil-
cfnrati, proclaim the following principles as es-
sential TO Just government:
l. We recognize the equality Of all men before
the law, and hold that il is the duty or Govern
ment, in its dealings with the people, to mete out
equal and exact justice to all of whatever ma
tivity race, color, or persuasion, religious OF po
q We pledge ourselves to maintain the Union
Of these States, emancipation and eIiira nehlse-
ment and to-epPese any re0pcning Of the ques-
tiops settled by the thirteenth. fourteenth and
fifteenth Amendments of the Constitution.
g. We demand the immediate and absolute re-
moval of all disabilities imposed on account 81
the rebellion, which was finally subdned sever
wears ago, believing that UNIVERSAL amnesty Will
result in complete pa cieation in ali sections OF
the country. ~
4. Local seIf-government with impartial suf-
frage will guard the rights of all citizens more
securely than any centralized power. Inc puOhc
welfare requires the supremacy OF the civil over
the military authority, and the freedom OF per
son under the protect1on Of the na2eas Jus
ty consistent with public order, Tor the state SELF
government and for the nation return to the
methods of peace and the constitutional hmifa-
5. The civil service Of the Government has be-
come a mere instrument OF partisan tyranny and
personal ambition, and an object OF selfish greed.
+ is scandal and reproach upon iSes insSis9 u
the perpetuity Of republican goyernment.
6. we therefore regard q thorough reform of
the civil service as one OF the most pressing me-
cessities Of the hour that honesty, capacity, and
fidelity constitute the only valid claims TO public
employment; that the Offices OF the Government
cease to be matter OF arbitrary faForitisin and
patronage, and that public station silsl Deeome
lively REQUIRED that no President shall be can
didate for II election
7. We demand a system OF Federal taxation
which shall not unnecessary nIerIere VII. ,ae
the means necessary to pay the expenses OF the
Government, economically administered, the
pensions, the interest on the public debt, and .
moderate annual reduction Of the principal
thereof and recognizing that there are in our
midst honest and irrec0ncilable differences OF
opinion with regard to the respective systems or
Protection and Free Trade, We remit me dise Gus
sion Of the subject to the reople IN their Con-
gressonal Districts, end the decision OF Congress
thereon, wholly free from Executive interisrenee
or dietati0n. -. .s.--,,.--..-,-
taiued and we denounce reputation IN every
form and guise. 1 - l.a. z.e-,z :.
Q. a speedy return to specie payments Is de-
nanded alike by the highest considerations OF
commercial morality and honest government
10 We remember with gratitude the heroism
and sacrifices of the soldiers and sailors OF the
Republic, and no act Of ours shall ever detraet
fromthe justly earned fame or the fuil rewards
n. We are opposed to all further grants Of land
to railroads or other corporations The public
domains should be held sacred 70 actual settlers
II. We hold that it is the duty Of the Govern
ment in It's intercourse with foreign nations TO
cultivate the friendship Of peace, by tread nc
with all ON fair and equal terms, regarding 1t alike
dish0norabie either TO demand what - not rig NJ
or submit to what is wrong. =. -.
70. For the promotion ard success OF these
vital principles and the support Of the candidates
nominated by this convention, we invite ana cor
dially we come the eo-operatiOn Of al patfl2sh,e
citizens, without regard to previous political anil
iations. =