The Wheeling daily register. [volume] (Wheeling, W. Va.) 1864-1878, 1872-05-04

ttary measures in direct conflict with
the organic law instead Of appealing Il
the better instincts aud latent patriot
ism OF the Southern people by restoriul
to them those rights the enjoyment o
which is indispensable for a successful
administration of their local affairs ant
would tend to restore national patri
otic feeling; they have degraded them
selves and the name Of their party, ono.
Justly entitled to the confidence of the
nation, by a base sycophancy to the
dispenser OF Executive power and
patronage unworthy Of Republican
ireemen; they have sought to silence
the voice of just criticisms, to stifle the
moral sense of the people, and to sub
jugate public opinion by tyrannical party
opinion; they are striving to maintain
themselves in authority for selfish ends
by an unsclupuIous use OF the power
which rightfully belongs to the people
and should be employed entirely in the
interests OF the country. Believing
that an organization thus led and con
trolled can no longer be of any service
to the best interests Of the Republic, we
have resolved to make an independent
appeal to the sober judgment, con.
science and patriotism OF the American
people.
Resolutions.
We, the Liberal Republicans OF the
United States, in National Convention
assembled at Cincinnati, pronounce the
following principles as essential TO just
government.
First-We recognize the equality OF
all before the law and hold that it is
the duty OF the Government in its deal.
ings with the people to mete out equal
and exact justice to all of whatever
nativity, race, color or persuasion,
religious or political.
Second-We pledge ourselves to
maintain the union of the States, eman.
cipation and enfranchisement, and to
oppose any return OF the questions
settled by the Thirteenth, Fourteenth
anu TlIteeitH auleuuhieutS W 'hS Soi-
stitution.
Third-We demand the immediate
removal of all disabilities imposed on
account of the rebellion, which was
finally subdued seven years ago, be-
lieving that universal amnesty will
result in complete pacifcation in all
sections of the country.
Fourth-Local selt-government with
impartial suffrage will guard the right
OF all citizens more securely than any
centralist power. The public welfare
requires the support Of the civil over
the military authority and the protec-
ton Of persons under the habeas corpus.
We demand for the individual tue
largest liberty consistent with the pub
lie order, for the State self-government
and for the nation return to the method
OF peace and the constitutional limita-
ton of power.
Fifth-The civil service OF the gov
ernment has become a mere instru-
ment of personal ambition and an Oh
iect OF selfish greed. 1t is scandal and
reflection on free institutions and a
decentralization dangerous to the pros
perity Of republican government.
Sixth-We therefore regard thor.
ough reform in the civil service as one
OF the most pressing necessities Of the
hour that honesty, capacity and tidel-
ity constitute the only valid claims to
public employment; that the offices OF
the government cease to he a matter of
arbitrary favoritism and patronage, and
that public stations become again post
OF honor; to this end it is imperatively
required that no President shall be a
candidate for re election.
Seventh-We demand system OF
Federal taxation which shall not un'
necessarily interfere with the industry
OF the people and shall provide the
means necessary to pay the expenses Of
the Government economically admins.
tered, the pensions, the interest on
the public debt and moderate annual
reduction Of the principal thereof, and
recognizing that there are in our midst
honest but irreconcilable 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 dis
ricts and the decision of Congress
thereon wholly free Of executive inter-
ference or dictation.
Eighth-The public credit must be
sacredly maintained, and We denounce
repudiation in every form and guise.
Ninth-A speedy return to specie
payment rs demanded alike by the
highest considerations of commerce
morality and honest government.
Tenth-We remember with gratitude
the heroism and sacrifices of the sol
diers and sailors OF the Republic, and
no act of ours shall ever detract from
their justly-earned fame for the full
rewards OF their patriotism.
Eleventh-We are opposed to all
further grants OF land to railroads or
other corporations. The public domain
should be held sacred to actual settlers.
Twelfth-We hold that it is the duty
of the Government, in its intercourse
with foreign nations, to cultivate the
friendship OF peace by treating with all
on fair and equal terms, regarding It
alike dishonorable either to demand
what is not right or to submit to what
is wrong.
Thirteenth-For the promotion and
success of these vital principles and the
support of the candidate nominated 6y
this Convention we invite and cordially
welcome the cooperation ofa|l patriotic
citizens without regard to previous
political affiliation.
HORACE WHITE,
Chairman Com. on Resolutions.
G. P. HoUsroN, Secretary.
The following is the first ballot by
States, and gives an idea Of the strength
OF the respective candidates in the be.