Worcester daily spy. [volume] (Worcester [Mass.]) 1850-1888, 1872-05-06

We, the liberal republicans of the United
States, in national convention assembled, pro.
claim the following principles as essential to
just government
1st. We recognize the equality of all men
before the law, and hold that it is the duty of
the government in its dealings with the people
to mete out equal and exact justice to all, of
whatever nativity, race, color or persuasion, re-
ligiouS or political
I'd. We pledge ourselves 10 maintain the
union OF these states, emancipation and enfran-
chisement and to oppose any re-opening of the
questions settled by the 18th, 14th and 18th
amendments of the constitution.
3D.. We demand the immediate and absolute
removal OF all disabilities imposed on account
OF the rebellion which was finally subdued
seven years ago, believing that amnesty will re-
suit IN complete pacificatiOn in all sections of
the country.
4th 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 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, seli-government; and for the nation,
return TO the methods of peace and constitu-
tional limitations Of power.
9th. The civil service of the government has
become mere instrument of partisan tyranny
and personal ambition, and an object of selfish
greed. IL is scandal and reproach upon free
institutions, and breeds decentralization dan
gerous to the perpetuity of republican govern
ment. We therefore regard thorough reform
OF the civil service as one Of the most pressing
necessities Of the hour; that honesty capacity
ana hdelity constitute the only valid claims to
pubic employment; that the offices Of the gov
eminent cease to be a matter of arbitrary favor
ltism and patronage, and that public station be-
come again post Of honor. To this end il is
imperatiyey required that no president shall be
candidate for reelection.
6th. We demand system of federal taxation
which shall not unnecessarily interfere with the
Industry OF the people, and which shall provide
the means necessary to pay the expenses of the
government economically Administered, the pen-
sions, the interest on the public debt and a mod.
crate reduction annually of the principal there.
OF; and, recognizing that there are in oar midst
honest but irreconcable differences of opinion
with regard to the respective systems Of protec-
ton and free trade, we remit the discussion of
the subject TO the people in their congressional
districts and TO the decision of congress thereon.
wholly ilee Of executive interference or dicta-
ton.
7th. The public credit must be sacredly main
tanned, and we denOunce reputation in every
form and guise.
Sth. speedy return to specie payments is de.
manded alike by the highest considerations of
commercial morality and honest government
9th. We remember with gratitude the beroism
and sacrifices Of the soldiers and sailors OF the
republic. No ctof ours shall ever detract from
their justly-earned fame, or the full rewards of
their patriotism.
10Th. We are opposed to all further grants of
lands to railroads or other corporations. The
public domain should be held sacred TO actual
settlers.
18th. We hold that II is the duty of the gov.
ernment in its Intercourse with foreign nations
TO cultivate the friendship Of peace by treating
with all on fair aud equal terms, regarding Il
alike dishonorable either to demand what is not
right or to submit to what is wrong.
18th. For the promotion and success of these
| dates nominated by this convention. we invite
and cordially welcome the cooperation of all
patriotic citizens, without regard to previous
| political affiliations