The Abbeville press and banner. [volume] (Abbeville, S.C.) 1869-1924, 1872-05-15
The Platform.
The following are the resolutions /


full:
We, the Liberal Republicans Of the
United States, in national convention
assembled at Cincinnati, proclaim the
following principles as essential to ajust
government: .... .r.,
First. 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 what
ever nativity. race, color or persuasions,
religious or political.
Second. We pledge ourselves to main
tain the union of these States, emanci-
patton and enfranchisement, and to op-
pose any reopening of the questions
settled by the thirteenth, fourteenth and
| fifteenth amendments of the constitu-
tinn.
Third. We demand the absolute reno.
val of ull disabilities imposed on account
of the rebellion, which was finally sub
dued seven years ago, believing that
universal amnesty will result ip the
complete paciticattcn Of all SECTIONS oi
the country. qaa$. - ,4s
Fourth. Local self-governmenb, with
impartial suffrage, will guard the rights
of all citizens more securely than any
centralized npwer 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 Tor the IN
dividual tile largest liberty consistent
with public order, for the States self
government, and for the nation u return
to the methods of peace and the con-
constitutional limitation of power.
Fifth. The civil service of the gov,
ernmeilt has become a mere instrument
of partisan tyranny and personal ambi-
| ton, and an object of selfish greed. 1t
is a scandal and reproach npon our free
institutions, aud breeds decentralization
dangerous to the perpetuity Of Repub-
lican government. We, therefore, re-
gard thorough reform of the civil ser,
vice as one of the most pressing necessi-
ties of the hour; that honesty, capacity
and fidelity constitute the only valid
claims to public employment; that the
officers of the government cease to he q
matter of arbitrary favoriteism and
patronage, and that public stations be,
come again posts of honor. TO this END
it is imperatively required that no Pres
ident shalEbe q candidate for reelection.
Sixth. We demand a system OF Fed
eral taxation Which shall not unnecessa-
riIy Interfere. with, the industry of, the
people, and which shall provide means
necessary to pay the expenses OF tire
government, economically administered,
pensions, the interest on the public debt
and moderate reduction, annually, OF
the principal thereof, and recognizing
that there are in Our midst honest but
irreeoncilabIe differences of opinion
with regard to retrospective systems of
protection and free trade, We remit dis
cusslon of tile subject to the people in
their congressional districts, and 10 the
decision of Congress thereon, wholly
free Of executive interference or dlcta-
ton. .'.,
Seventh. the public credit must be
sacredly maintained, ana we denounce
Reputation in every form and guise.
Eighth. A speedy return to specie
payments. is demanded alike by the
highest considerations OF commercial
morality and honest government.
Ninth. We remember with gratitude
the heruism and sacrifices of the soldiers
and eailors of the republic, aud no act
of ours shall ever. <detract ,7frem their
Justly earned fame or the full reward of
their patriotism.
Tenth. We are opposed to the further
grants of lands to railroads or other cor
porations. The public domain should
be held sacred to actual settlers.
Eleventh. We hold that it is the du-
ty of the Government in its intercourse
with foreign nations to cultivate the
friendships Of peace by treating, with
all OH fair and eqnul terms, regarding it
alike dishonorable either to demand
what is not right or 10 submit to what is
wrong.
Twelfth. For the promotion and sue
cess of these vital principals, and the
support of the candidates nominated by
this convention, we invite and cordial
ly welcome the cooperation Of all patri-
otic citizens without regarl to previous
political utilization.