The Athens post. [volume] (Athens, Tenn.) 1848-1917, 1872-05-10
Declaration Of Principles.

Jf'llFlllOn Oh ITll'IDl'N.
Following present our reader, with
4 copy Of the Platform OF Principles
adopted by The Cincinnati Convention,
1t is broad, liberal and candid enough
TO meet the OCCASION, and contains little
that frank and homes, criticism can find
fault with, twas adopted by acclama-
ton aud with repeated thundcrs Of APP
pIausc.
We, the Liberal Republicans OF the
United States, IN National Convention
assembled ut Cincinnati, proclaim the
following principles rs essential to II
jG-t government.
!. We recognize the equality Of all
men before the law, and hold that it is
the duty Of the government in it. deal
ings with the people to mc,c ont equal
and exact justice to all, Of whatever ma
tivity, race, color or persuasion, rcli-
gious or political.
2. We pledge ourselves to maintain
the union Of these States. emancipation
and reimbursement, and TO oppose any
rc-OpcninG of the questions settled by
the 18th, llll and 18th amendments o!
the Constitution.
,. We demand the immediate and alb
Solutc removal of all disabilities impos-
ed on account Of the rebellion which was
finally subducd several years ago. be.
licving that universal amnesty will re-
suit III complete paciiicaton in all Sec
tions Of the country.
4. Social sclf-govcrnmcni with impair
iial suffrage will guard the rights Of all
citizens more securely than any central
lied power. The people and the public
welfare requires the supremacy of the
civil over the military authority, and
freedom of person under the protection
OF the labcaS corpus. We demand for
the individual the largest liberty, con-
,iStcnt with public order, for the State
government and for the nation n re-
turn to the methods of peace and the
constitutional limitations of power.
>. The civil service Of the Govern
mcnt has become n mere instrument Of
partisan tyranny and personal ambition
and an object Of selfish greed. 1t is q
scandal and rcproach upon free insttu-
lions, and breeds decentralization dan
gcrous TO the pcrpctuity OF republican
&. We therefore regard a thorough
reform of the civil service a, one Of the
most pressing necessities Of the hour;
that honesty, capacity and fidelity con-
slitntc the only valid claims TO public
that the Offices Of the
Government cease TO be matter of ar
bitary favOriism and patronage, and
that public station become again post
of honor TO this end il is impcratvcly
required that no President Shall be Il
for reelection.
I. We demand system of Federal
taxation which shall not unnecessarily
interfere with the industry of the pcO-
pie, and which shall provide the means
necessary TO pay the expenses Of the
economically administered.
the pensions, the interest ON the public
debt and Il moderate annual reduction
of the principal thereof: and recognize
inc that there are in our midst, honest
but irrcronclablc differences of opinion
with regard to the respective systems of
protection and free trade, we remit the
discussion of the subject to the people
in their congressional districts and the
decision Of Congress thereon, wholly
free of Executive interference or dicta.
ton.
4. Tho public credit must ne sacrc1lv
maintained, and we dcnouncc rcpndia-
ton in every form and gusc.
., \ speedy return TO specie pay
mcntS i, demanded alike by the highest
considerations Of commercial morality
and honest government.
10. We remember with gratitude the
hcroi>m and sacrifices of the soldiers
and sailors Of the Republic, and no act
Of ours shall Cvcrdctract from their lust
" earned fame or the fun rewards of
their patriotism.
II. We are opposed to all further
grants Of lands to railroads or other
corporations. The public domain should
be held sacred TO actual settlers.
II. we hold that it is the duty of the
government in its intercourse with for
nign nations TO cultivate the friendship
Of peace by treating with all on fair and
equal terms, regarding it alike dshon.
cradle either TO demand what is not
right or to submit to what is wrong.
H. For the protection and success of
hcsc vital principles. and the support
Of the candidates nominated by this CON
we invite and cordially wei
'omc cooperation of all patriotic ct-
,cnS without regard to previous politi.
al ali lations.