The spirit of democracy. [volume] (Woodsfield, Ohio) 1844-1994, 1872-07-30

We. the Democratic electors ofitha Unised
States, in Convention assembled, do proclaim
ahe following principles, already adopted at
Cincinnati, as essential TO Just governments: -
| /. We recognize the equality of all men
before the law, and hold that il is the duty
of the Government. inits dealings with the
peonie,:o mete out equal aud exact justio,lto
all, Of whatever nativity, race oo!or or per-
suasion, religious or political.
9. We pledge ourselves to maintain .he
Union of the States, emancipation AMI en-
sranchisemeut, and to oppose any reopening
Of the'questions settled BY the l3th, l4th and
18th mendmsnts,o of the CoDststuiios,
., 3 We demand he immediate and, absolu te
removal of all disabilities i'm pased OF account
of the rebellion which .yas finally subdued
seven years ago believing that universal am
nesty will result in complete pacifcation in
all sectionssof the country. Z
Local self-government with impartial
suffrage will guard the rights of all citizens
moro securely than any centralized power;
the public welfare requires the supremacy of
the civil over the military authority, and
freedom of person under the protection CT
the habeas corpus, We demand for the iBdi-.
vidual the largest liberty consistent with
public order; for the State seif-government,
and for the nation return to the methods OF
peace and the constitutional limitations of
| power.
! 5. The civil service Of the government has
become mere instrument Of partisan ty-
ranny and personal ambition aud an object OF
selfish greed;it is a scandal and reproaoh upon
| frea Institutions. and breeds Generalization
dangerous to the perpetuity of republican
government.
8, We, therefore, regard a thorough refornl
Of the civil service as one of.the most, pres.
sing necessities of the lour.s hat honesty Ca
pacity and fielity constitute the only valid
claims 10 public employment; that the officers
of the Government cease to be a matter oi
arbitrary favoritism and patronage, and that
public station become again a post of honor
To this end it is imperatively required tha,
no President shall be candidate for re cleo
ton.
| Z. The public credit must be saerediy
maintained, and we denounce repudiation in
every form, aud gufse. 4. YF{y-ss7 gsTs
8. A speedy return 10 Specie payment is
demanded alike by the highest, considerations
of cvsamerciai morality and honest govern
ment. ~E EEN a a.
8. We remember with gratitude the hero.
ism and sacrifices of the soldiers and sailors
of the republic and no act OF ours shall eve,
detraot from their justly earned fame or the
full reward of their patriotism.
10. We are opposed to all further grants
of lands to railroads or other corporations
The public domain should be held sacred to
actual Settlers, SE ibs e Hk
live hold that is the duty OF the, gov
ernmont in its intercourse with foreigo ma.
| tions, to cultivate the friendship of peace by
trea ing With, all on fair and equal terms, re-
garding l. alike dishonorabls either to de-
mand what is not right or to submit TO wha,
is wrong. ~ ,r.- DT az
II. Fc; the promotion and success OF these
vital principles, and the support of the can.
didates nominated by this Convention, We in
vite and cordially welcome the oo-operatior
of. all patriotic citizens, without regard to
previous political affiliations. 8