New-York tribune. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1866-1924, 1872-07-12
THE REFORM CAMPAIGN.
WHAT THE DEMOCRATS ADOPTED AT BAL
TIMORE.


First We recognize the equality OF all before the
law, and hold that II Ia the duty OF Government In It's
dealings with the people 20 mete out equal and exact
justice TO ALL OF whatever nativity race, COLOR per
suason religious or political.
Second We pledge ourselves to maintain the union OF
these States emancipation and enfrauchsement and to
oppose any reOpenng Of the questions settled by the
Thirteenth Fourteenth, and Fifteenth Amendments to
| the Constitution.
Third: We demand the immediate and absolute re-
mova Of all disabilities imposed account OF the Re-
beOn, which finally subdued years ago, be-
heving that universal amnesty will result in complete
! pacficationi in all sections OF the country.
Fourth: Local selfgovernment, with impartial sur
frage Will guard the rights Of all citizens securely
than any centralized power. The public welfare requires
the supremacy OF the civil the military authority
and freedom Of person under the protection Of
beas corpus. We demand for the individual the largest
liberty consistent with public order; for the State self
government and for the nation return to the methods
of peace and the constitutional limitations Of power.
FIN: The Civil Service OF the Government has be-
come mere instrument OF partisan tyranny and per
I-sonal ambition and an object Of selfish greed IL IS n
| scandal and reproach upon free institution, and
breeds decentralization dangerous 70 the perpetuty Of
republican government. We therefore regard
such thorough reforms OF the Civil Service as
one OF the most pressing necessities OF the hour:
that honesty capacity and fidelity constitute the only
valid claim to public employment; that the ofces OF
the Government cease be matter Of arbitrary favor
,tsm and patronage, and that public station become
again post Of honor To this end it Is mperatyey re-
auired that no President shall be candidate for re-
election.
Sirth 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 adj
ministered, the pensions, the interest on tie
public debt, and q moderate reduction annually
Of tho principal thereof; and, recognizing that
| there are in midst honest but irrecon-
cabe differences Of opinion with regard the respect
i've systems Of Protection and Free Trade we remit the
discussion OF the subject the people in their Congress
Districts and to the decision OF the Congress thereon
wholly free Of Executive interference or dictation
Seuenh: The public credit must be sacredly main
ained and we denounce reputation in every form and
guise
Eighth: A speedy return to specie payment is de
manded alike by the highest considerations Of CONNER
cial morality and honest government.
Ninth: We remember with gratitude the heroism and
sacrifices of the soldiers and sailors Of the Republic and
no act Of ours shall detract from their justly
| fame for the full reward of their patriotism.
Tenth We opposed to all further grants Of lands to
railroads other corporations. The public domain
| should be held sacred to actual settlers.
EierenM: We hold that it is tho duty OF the Govern
ment in its intercourse with foreign nations, to Guilt
vate the friendship of peace by treating with all on fair
and equal terms regarding 1t alike dshonorabe either
TO demand what Is not right TO submit 10 what is
wrong.
Ticeh For the promotion and success OF these vital
principles and the support OF the candidates nominated
by this Convention, invite and cordially welcome tns
cooperation OF all patriotic citizens, without regard
previous affiliations.