Rock Island Argus. (Rock Island, Ill.) 1871-1872, 1872-08-22
RESOLUTIONS.

We, the Liberal Republicans Of the | nited
States, In national convention assembled at
Cincinnati, proclaim the following principles
as essential to just government:
l. We recognize the equality OF. all men
before the law, and hold that it is the duty Of
government, in its dealings with the people,
to mete out equal and exact ustice to all,
of whatever nativity, race, color or persus-
sion. religious or political.
2. We pledge ourselves to maintain the
union Of these states, emancipation and en-
frschise ment, and TO oppose any re-opening
of the questions settled by the thirteenth,
fourteenth and fifteenth amendments of the
constitution.
3. We dem and the immediate and abso
lutte removal of all disabilities imposed on
account of the rebellion, which was finally
subdued seven years ago, believing that uni
verssl amnesty will result in complete psci-
6cation in ell sections of the country.
1. Local selfgovernment, with pArtia
suffrage, will guard the rights of all citizens
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 habeds corpus. We demand for the
public order, for the state self-government,
and for the nation a 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
tyranny and personal ambition, and an OBJ
lect of selfish greed. Il is q scandal and
repro&ch upon free Institutions, and breeds
decentralization dangerous to the perpetui-
ty of Republican government.
6. We therefore, regard thorough re-
form 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 the Offices of the government cease to
be matter of arbitrary favoritism and pat
ronage, and that public station shall become
again place OF honor. To this end it i,
imperatively required that no President
shall be candidate for reelection.
I. We demand a system of federal tax
alton which shall not unnecessarily interfere
with the industry of the people, and whict
shall provide the means necessary to pa
the expenses of the Government, economi
cslly administered, the pensions, the interss
on the dublic debt, and a moderate annua
reduction of the principal thereof; anc
recognizing that there are, in our midst
honest but irreconcilable differences of opin
ion with regard to the respective systems c
protection and free trade, we remit the dis
cussion of the subject to the people in thei
congressional oiStrlcts, and the decision G
Congress thereon, wholly free from executiv
interference or dictation.
liz atf ho
maintained, and we denounce repudiatio
in every form and guise.
8. A speedy return to specie payment
: is demanded alike by the highest considers
lions of commercial morality and honeI
> government.
10. We remember with gratitude Ii
. heroism and sacrifices of the soldiers m
sailors of the Republic, and no act Of ou'
! shall ever detrRCs from their justly earne
fame or the full rewards of their patriotism
70 IL. We are opposed to all further gran
% Of land TO railroads or other corporation
The public domain should be held sacred
actual settlers.
- II. We hold that it is the duty of Il
N government in it's intercourse with foreip
y nations 20 cultivate the friendships Of pea
by treating With all on fair and equal term
regarding it alike disbonorable to demau
what is not right or submit to what
= wrong.
IL For the promotion and success
these vital principles, and the support Of Il
candidates nominated by this conventio
we invite and cordially welcome the eo-ope
alton of all patriotic citizens without reg@
to previous political utilization.