The Manchester journal. [volume] (Manchester, Vt.) 1861-current, 1872-05-23
rnE CINCINNATI PLATFORM


We give below the platform adopted
at the Cincinnati Convention. There is
nothing in it Of importance that has not
been the accepted doctrine Of the Re-
publican party for years and most of the
so called reforms have been advocated
by Grant in his messages to Congress.
The plank in regard to protective
tariff is merely begging the question /;
and when Horace Greeley, a life long
protectionist, consents to run for office
on such a platform it is an exhibition of
weakness which we never expected to
see from such veteran as he. Only a
few days before che meeting Of the con-
yention Mr.. Greeley said if two candi-
dates were up, one protectionist and
the other a free trader, he should 60 for
the protectionist regardless Of conse-
quences How have the mighty fallen !
But here is the platform, which is well
enough as far as it goes, but it don't go
far enough to suit the majority of the
people, if we are any Judge
We, the Liberal Republicans of the
United states, in National Convention as
sembled at Cincinnati, proclaim the fol-
lowing principles as essential to just gov
ernment:
First; 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 10 mete out equal and ex-
act Justice 10 all of whatever nativity, race
color or persuasion, religious or political.
Second, We pledge ourselves to maiu-
tain the union of toe States, emancipation
and enfranchisement, and to oppose any
reopening of the questions settled by the
Thirteenth, Fourteenth and Fifteenth
Amendments to the Constitution.
Third. We demand the immediate
aud absolute removal Of all disabilities
imposed on account OF the Rebellion,
which was finally subducd seven years
ago, believing that universal amnesty will
result in complete pacitications in all sec
lions OF the country.
Fourth, Local seigOyemment, with
impartial suffrage, will guard tic rights
OF an citizens more 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 OF the hdbeds
corpus. We demand for the individual
the largest liberty consistent with public
order; for the State self-goyernuent, aud
for the nation return 70 the methods Of
peace and the constitutional limitations Of
power.
EiJfb The Civil Service OF the gov
crnment has become a mere instrument OF
partisan tyrranY and personal am bition
and an object Of selfish greed II is q
scandal aud rcproach on free institutions,
aud breeds d decentralization dangerous to
the perpetuity Of republican government.
We, therefore, regard such thorough re-
forms II the Llyil Service as one Of the
most pressing necessities OF the hours
that honesty, capacity and fidelity consu
tnte the only valid claim to public en-
piOyment that the offices Of Tie Govern
ment cease TO be a matter Ut arbitrary fa-
vofiteism and patronage, aud that public
station become again post OF honor. To
this end i is imperitiYeiy required that no
President shall be a candidate for reel
eetlon
StxM Ne demand a system OF Fed
eral taxation which shall not unnecessa-
rily interfere with the tho industry Of the
people, aud which shall provide the means
necessary to pay the expenses Of the gov
ernmcnt, economically administered, the
pensions, the interest on the public debt,
aRd moderate reduction annually 81 the
principal thereof: and recognizing that
there are III our midst honest but il recon-
eliable differences Of opinion with regard
70 the respective systems " Protection
and Free Trade, we remit The discussion
Of The subject 20 the people 10 their Con-
gressional Districts, aud to the decision
II Congress thereon, wholly free Of Exec
uiive interference on diclation.
Seventh Tie public credit must be
sacrediy maintained, and We drnounee re-
pndiation 10 every form and gu.se.
Eighth 4 speedy return 10 specie paY-
menl i demanded alike By the highest
considerations ~ commercial morality
and honest government.
Nfalh We remember with gratitude
tie herotsm and sacrifices Of the soldiers
aud sailors 81 TIE Republic and no set 81