Rock Island Argus. (Rock Island, Ill.) 1871-1872, 1872-08-06

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 eqaslIty of al men
before the law, aud hold that it is the duty Of
government, in its dealings with the people,
to mete out equal and exact justice 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-
frachsement and to oppose any rs-opeIing
of the questions settled by the thirteenth,
fourteenth and fifteenth amendments of the
constitution.
>. We dem md the immediate and ALSO
Lutte removal of all disabilities imposed on
account OF the rebellion, which was finally
subdued seven years ago, believing that uni
versal amnesty will result in complete pacl-
| 6catiou in all sections of the country.
! T. Local self-government with impartial
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 habeas corpus We demand for the
individual The largest liberty consistent with
public order, for the state sslf-government,
and for the nation return to the methods
of peace and the constitutional Limitations
of power.
5. The civil service OF the government
has become q mere instrument of partisan
tyranny aud personal smb.ion, and OBJ
ieet of selfish greed. 1t is scandal and
Ireproach upon free institutions, and breeds
a decentralization dangerous to the perpetui
Ity Of Republican government
6. We therefore, regard thorough re
form of the civil service as one of the mos
pressing necessities of tho hour; that hon
esty, capacity, and fidelity constitute th'
only valid claims to public employment
that the offices of the govern ment cease Il
be a matter of arbitrary fsvoritsm and pat
ronage, and that public station shall becom
again place OF honor. To this end 1t i
imperatvey required that no Presiden
shall be candidate for reelection
Z. We demand System of federal tai
alton which shall not unnecessarily interior
with the industry of the people, and whic
4. shall provide the means necessary to pa
the expenses of the Govern ment, econom
cAlly administered, the pensions, the intersi
on the dublic deb., and moderate annut
red uction of the principal thereof; an
\ recognizing that there are, in our mids
! honest but irreconcilable differences of opii
. ion with regard to the respective systems
protection and free trade, We remit the di
cussion OF the subject TO the people in the
u congressional uiStricts, and the decision
Congress thereon, wholly free from executi'
th Interference or dictstion.
8. The public credit must be sacred
p maintained, and we denounce repudiatic
40 10 every form and guise.
~ g. A speedy return to specie paymen
is demanded alike by the highest consider
rs tons of commercial morality and hone
government.
rs 10. We remember with gratitude I
~ heroism and sacrifices of the soldiers 81
,Oe sailors of the Republic, and no act of OF
to shall ever detrAct from their Justly earn
fame or the full rewards of shsIr PATRIOTS
Gu II. We are opposed to all further graz
in Of land to railroads or other corporation
ion The public domain should be held sacred
my actual settlers.
Il. We hold that it is the duty Of
governmental it's intercourse with forei
;, nsfions TO cultivate the friendships of pea
- by treating With all on fair and equal tern
regarding it alike dishonorable to dema
what is not right or submit TO what
wrong.
l3. For the promotion and success
these vital principles, and the support of
? candidates nominated by this convent
ls we invite and cordially welcome the coop
alton of all patriotic citizens without reg
4 to previous political affiiietion.