Rock Island Argus. (Rock Island, Ill.) 1871-1872, 1872-09-18

We, the Liberal Republicans Of the United
Ciucnnatl, proclaim The following principles
as essential to just government:
/. We recognizes the equality of ell men
before the Law, and hold that il is the duty OF
government, IN its dealings with the people,
TO mete Out equal and exact Justice to all,
OF whatever nativity, race, color or persuA
sion, religious or political.
2. We pledge ourselves to maintain the
union of these states, emancipation aud en-
frsohise menI, aud TO oppose any re-opeuing
OF the questions settled BY the thirteenth,
fourteenth and fifteenth amend menEs of The
constitution.
3. We dem and the immediate and abso
lutte removal of all disabilities IN posed on
account OF the rebellion, which WAS finally
suodued seven years ago, believing that uni
verssl amnesty Will result IN complete pacl-
6cation in all sections of the country.
4. Local self-government, with impartial
suffrage, will guard the rig hts of all citizens
more securely than sny centralized poser.
The public welfare requires the supremacy
of the civil over the military authority, aud
the freedom Of person under the protection
of the habeaS corpus. We demand for the
individual ahe largest liberty consistent with
public order, for the state self-government
and for the nation a return TO the method.
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 am mutton, and an OBJ
iect of selfish greed. 1t is q scandal and
reproaeh upon tree institutions, and breed
Decentralization dangerous 10 the perpetui
~ of Republican government.
| 6. We therefore, regard g thorough re
| form of the evil service as one of the mos
| pressing necessities of the hour; that hon
esty, capscIty, and fidelity constitute tn
| only vRhd claims to public employ ment
that the Offices OF the government cease 4
be matter of arbitrary tavoFltsD and pzt
ronAge, and that public station shall oeoom
again place of honor. To this end II l
Imperstively required that no PEeslden
snall be candidate for re election.
| I. We demand q system OF federal ia !
alton which shall not unnecessarily interior
| with the industry of the people, and who
shall provide the means necessary to pa
the expenses of the Government, economl
cHlly ad nlnistered, the pensions, the intere'
on the dublic debt, and moderate Rnnus
reduction of the principal thereof; an
recognizing that there are, in our mids
honest but RECOGNIZABLE differences of OpiI
ION with regard to the respective syStems
protection and free trade, we remit the di
cussion of the subject to the people in the
congressional districts, and the decision
Congress thereon, wholly free from eXeeutiy
interference or dictation.
s. The public credit must be sacred
maintained, and We denouuce repudiatio
10 every form and guise.
9. A speedy return to specie paymen
ia demanded alike by the highest consider
lions of commercial morality and hone
government.
10. We remember with gratitude Il
heroism and sacrifices Of the soldiers al
sailors of the Republic, and no act of GU
shall ever desracs from their Justly earD'
fame or the full rewards of their patriotism
IL. We are opposed to all further gran
of land to railroads or other corporation
The public domain should be held sacred
actual settlers.
IL. We hold that it is the duty of 4
government In its intercourse with forei,
I nations to cu'tivste the friendships of pea
by treating With all on fair and equal seru
regarding it alike disbonorsbe to dema
what is not right or submit to what
wrong.
III IL For the promotion and success
j these vital principles, and the support of t
u candidates nominated BY this conveutiC
!, We invite and cordially welcome the coop
u alton of al patriotic citizens without regs
TO previous political utilization.