Virginia free press. (Charlestown, Va. [W. Va.]) 1832-1916, 1872-05-11
The Liberal Platform.

The following are the resolutions in full, re-
ported by Mr.. Horace White from the Com
mittee, which were unanimously adopted =
We, the Liberal Republicans of the United
States, in national convention, assembled at
Cincinnati, proclaim the following principles
rs essential to just government:
First-We recognize the equality OF all men
before the law, and hold that it is the duty of
the government, In its dealings with the peo-
pie, to mete out equal and exact justice to all,
Of whatever nativity, race, color or persuasion,
religious or political.
Setsnl-We pledge ourselves 10 maintain
the union Of these States, emancipation and en-
frauchsement, and to oppose any reopening Of
the questions settled by the 18th, l4tb, and
10Th amen ailments of the Constitution.
Third-We demand the immediate and abso-
Lutte removal of all disabilities imposed on ac-
count of the rebellion, which was finally sub
duel seven years ago, believing that universal
amnesty will result in the complete pacifca-
ton Of all sections Of the country.
FouTth-Local self-gOyernment, with impair
tal suffrage, viii guard the rights of oil cit
zens 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
hateas corpus. We demand for the individual
the largest liberty consistent with public order,
for the States self government, and for the ma
ton a return to the methods of peace and the
constitutional Limitation of power
FIith-The civil service of the government
has become mere instrument Of partisan ty-
ranny and personal ambition, and an object Of
selfish greed. 1t is a scandal and reproach up
on onr free institutions, and breeds demoral
ization dangerous to the perpetrity of republi-
can government We, therefore, regard tho
rough reform of the civil service as one of the
most pressing necessities Of the hour; that hon
esty, capacity and fidelity constitute the only
valid claims TO public employment; that tie
offices Of the government cease 70 be a matter
of arbitrary favOritism and patronage, and that
public stations become again posts of honor
To this end it is imperatiyely required that no
President shall be a candidate for reelection.
Sixth-We demand 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
peuses Of the Government, economically adj
ministered pensions, the interest on the pub
u
the principal thereof and recognizing that there
are in our midst honest but irreconcilablc dill
erences Of opinion with regard to the respec-
tive systems Of protection and free 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 dctation.
Sevenih-The public credit must be sacred
| ly maintained and we denounco reputation in
every form and guisc
Eighth-A speedy return to specie payments
is demanded alike by the highest considerations
ofcommercial morality and honest government.
Ninth-We remember with gratitude the
heroism and sacrifices of The soldiers and sail
ors Of the Republic, and no act OF ours shall
ever detract from their Justly earned fame the
full reward of their patriotism.
Tentb-Wc are opposed to all further grants
Of lands to railroads or other corporations.-
The public domain should be held sacred to
actual settle-s.
Eeyenth-We hold that it is the dutyoftho
government, in its intercourse with foreign ma
tions, to cultivate the friendship Of peace, by
garding it alike dishonorable either to demand
what is not right or to submit to what is wrong
Twelfth-For the promotion and success Of
these vital principles, and tie support Of the
candidates nominated by this Convention, we
iayite and cordially welcome the cooperation
Of all patriotic citizens without regard 70 pre-
yious political utilization.
The above resolutions were prcf3cel by The
following