Saint Mary's beacon. [volume] (Leonard Town, Md.) 1867-1983, 1872-05-16


LsszsAI RxrrEfssAs PIarsosS.-we
give below. - part Of the res ses0 4
the coming presidential struggle. the ~.
form adopted as Csaeinnasi By the Lbersl
or Reform Rspshlisans.
We. the liberal republicans Of the Usi-
ted States. in nasioaal convention asSenr
bled At Cincinuasi. proclaim the following
principles a. essential 70 . just govern
ment.
First. We reccgnisc the equality Of al
men before the Law. and hold that II il the
duty Of the government, in iis dealings
with the people. to mese out equal and ex-
act Justice TO all. Of Whatever a.tivity.
r,ce. color or persuasion. religious or po-
li,ical.
Second. We pledge ourselves to main
tain che union Of these S,atea. emaneips-
ton and enfranchisement. and to oppose
any renpenine Of tho qaessioss settled By
the 18th. l4th and 18th suenameuts Of
the constitution,
Third. We dcmsnd the immediate and
absolute removal of al disabilities impos-
ed on account Of the rebellion. which wss
finally subdued seven years ago. believ-
ing that universal amnesty will result in
the complete paci6cation Of all sections Of
the country.
Four,A. Local self government. With
impartial suffrage. will guard the rights
Of ell citizens more securely than any CEN
tralized power. The public welfare re-
quires the supremacy Of the civil over the
military authority. and the freedom Of
person under tho protection Of the habeas
corpus. We demand for the indiviG ual
the largest liberty consistent with public
order. for the States government. and
for the nation return to the methods oil
peace aud the constitutional Limitation Of
power.
Fifth. The civil service of the govern
meut has become a mere instrument u
partisan tyranny and personal ambition,
and an object of selfish greed. 1t is q
scandal and reproaeh upon our free ins,i-
tutions. aud breeds decentralization dan
gerous TO the perpctui,y of republican
government. We. therefore. regard q
thorough reform of the civil service rs one
Il the most pressing necessities Of the
hour; that honesty. capacity and fidelity
constitute the only valid claims to public
employment; that the Offices Of the gov.
ernment cease to be a matter Of arbitrary
favoritism and patronage. and that pub.
lie stations become again posts Of honor
To this end it is imperatively required
that no President shall be . candidate for
reelection.
Sixth We demand system Of federal
taxation which shall not unnecessarily in
,crfere with the industry Of the people. and
which shall provide means necessary to
pay the expenses Of the government. eco
nomically administered. pensions, the in.
tcrest on the public debt, and moderate
reduction. annually. ofthe principal there
Of, AMI recognizing that there are in our
midst honest bat irreconcilable differences
of opinion with regard to the respective
systems ofprotcction aud free trade. We
remit discussion of the subject to the pco-
pie in their congressional districts. aud
to the decision Of Congress thereon. Who'll
ly free Of executive interference.
Seventh. The public credit must be
sacredly maintained. and We denouuce
reputation in every form and guise.
Eighth. A speedy return to specie pay
ments is demanded alike by the highest
considerations of commercial morality and
honest government.
Ninth. We remember with gratitude the
herosm and sacrifices Of the soldiers and
sailors Of the republic. aud no act Of ours
shall ever dctract from their justly earned
fame or the full reward Of their patriotism.
Tenth. We are opposed to all further
grants Of lands to railroads or other cor
porations. Tie public domain should be
held sacred to actual settlers.
Eleventh. We bold that it is the duty
Of the government in its intercourse with
forei IN nations to cultivate the friendship
Of peace BY treating with all on fair and
equal terms. regarding it alike dishonora-
Die either to demand what is not right or
y submit to what is wrong.
Twelfth For the promotion and success
Of these vital principles, aud the support
of the candidates nominated BY this con-
vention. we invite aud cordially welcome
the cooperation Of all patriotic citizens
without regard to previous political afiil;a-
ton.