The Camden journal. [volume] (Camden, S.C.) 1866-1891, 1872-05-09
The>CinciRnati Coayentioa.

The telegraph and mail have brought US
full particulars of the work of the Cincinnati
Convention of Liberal Republicans. Its
nominees were Greely for President, aud B.
Gratz Brown for Vice President. The Plat
form adopted, reads as follows:
We, the Liberal Repu blicans of the Unit
ed States, in National Convention assembled
at Cincinnati proclaim the following princi-
pies as essential to a just Government:
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 whatever nativity, race, color or
persuasion, religious or political.
Second We pledge ourselves to maintain
the Union Of these States, emancipation and
enfranchisenent, and to oppose any re open
ing of ths questions settled by the 18th 18th
and 18th amendmeststo the Constitution.
Third. We demand the immediate and
absolute removal of all disabilities imposed
on account of the rebellion, which was anal
ly subdued seven years ago, believing That
universal amnesty will result in the complete
paci6cation of all sections of the country.
Fourth. Local self government, with i'm
p,rtial suffrage will guard the rights of all
citizens more securely than a centralized
power. The public welfare requires the su-
premacy of the civil over the military author
ity, and the freedom Of person under the
protection Of the Habeas Corpus. We de-
mand for the individual the largest liberty
consistent with public order, for the States
self government, and for the nation return
to the methods of peace and the constitution
al Limitation of power.
Fifth. The civil service Of the Govern
mcnt has become a mere instrument of par
tizan Tyranny and personal ambition and al
object of selfish geeed. 1t is a scandal and
reproach upon our free institutions and breeds
demoraliza ion dangerous to the perpetuity
of Republican government. We therefore
regard thorough reform of the civil service
as one of the most pressing necessities of the
hour; that honesty capacity and fidelity con-
stitute the only claims to public employment
and that the offices of the Government cease
to be matter of arbitrary favoritism and
patronage, and that public stations become
again posts of honor. TO this end it is i'm.
peratively required that no President shall
be a candidate for reelection.
Sixth. We demand a system of federal
taxation which shall not unnecessarily inter
fere With the industry of the people, and
(which shall provide the means ncssary to pay
thc expenses of the Government economical
" administered, pensions, the interest on
the pubGc debt, and a moderate reduction
annually of the principal thereof, and rec
ognizing that there are in our midst honest
but irrcconciIlable differences of opinion with
regard to the respective systems OF protect
jon and free trade, we remit discussion ofthe
subject to the people iu their congressional
districts, and to the decision of Congress
thereon wholly free Of executive interference
or dictatiol.
Seventh. The public credit must be So
crcdly maintained, and we denounce repudi-
alton in every shape and guise.
Eighth. A speedy return to specie pay
ments is demanded alike by the highest con-
siderations of commercial morality and hon
est government.
Ninth. We neusemDer with gratitude the
heroism and sacrifices Of the soldiers and
sailors of the Republic, and no act Of ours
shall ever detraet from their justly earned
fame or the full reward Of their patriotism.
Tenth. We are opposed to al further
grants Of land to railroads or other corpora
tions. The public domain SHOULD be held
sacred to actual settlers.
Eleventh We hold that it is the duty of
the Government in its intercourse with for
eigp pations, to cultivate the friendship Of