Nashville union and American. [volume] (Nashville, Tenn.) 1868-1875, 1872-07-11
rHELIaEKAH PLATFORM.

| we. the Liberal Republicans of the United
States, in National Convention assembled at GIN
cinnati, proclaim the following principles as es-
sential to just government:
1. We recognize the equality or all men before
the law, and hold that it is the duty of Govern
ment, in its dealings with the people, to mete out
| equal and exact justice to all of whatever ma
tiVity race, color, persuasion. religious or po-
litical.
D We pledge ourselves to maintain the Union
of these States, emancipation and enfra nchise-
ment and to oppose any reopening OF the ques-
lions settled by the thirteenth. fourteenth and
fifteenth amendments Of the Constitution
g. We demand the immediate and absolute re-
lnoyal of all disabilities imposed on account of
the rebellion, which was finally subdued seven
years ago, believing that universal amnesty Will
result in complete pa cification in all sections OF
the country.
4. Local self-government with impartial suf
frage 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 per-
son under the protection of the habeaS corpus.
We demand for the individual the largest hber-
ty consistent with public order, for the State self
government, and for the nation return to the
methods of peace and the constitutional limita'
tions of power.
s. The civil service of the Government has be-
come mere instrument OF partisan tyranny and
personal ambition, and nobject Of selfish greed.
1t is a scandal and reproach upon free institu-
tons, and breed@ decentralization dangerous to
the perpetuity of republican government.
6. We therefore regard a thorough reform Of
the civil service as one of the most pressing ne
cessities of the hour; that honesty capacity, and
fidelity constitute the only valid claims to public
employment; that the offices OF the Government
cease TO be matter Of arbitrary favOritism and
patronage, and that public station shall become
again place of honor. To this end it Is impera-
lively required that no President shall be cam
didate for reelection.
Z. We demand a 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
pensions, the interest on the public debt, and
moderate annual reduction of the principal
thereof; and recognizing that there are in our
midst honest and irreconcilable differences of
opinion with regard to the respective systems of
Protection and Free Trade, we remit the discus
sion of the subject to the people in their Con-
gressional Districts, and the decision of Congress
thereon, wholly free from Executive interference
or dictatiOn.
g. The public credit must be sacredly MAIN
tanned, ard we denOunce reputation in every
form and guise.
9. A speedy return to specie payments is de-
manded alike by Sac highest considerations of
commercial morality and honest government.
10. We remember with gratitude the herosm
and sacrifices of the soldiers and sailors of the
Republic, and no act OF ours shall ever detract
from their Justly earned fame or the full rewards
of their patriotism.
H. We are opposed TO all further grants of land |
to railroads or other corporations The public |
domains should be held sacred to actual settlers.
II. We hold that it is the duty OF the Govern |
ment in its intercourse with foreign nations to |
cultivate the friendship of peace, by treating |
with all on fair and equal terms, regarding it alike
dishOnorable either TO demand what is not right |
or submit to what is wrong.
ID. For the promotion and success of these |
vital principles and the support of the candidates
nominated by this convention, we invite and cor
daily welcome the corporation Of all patriotic
citizens, without regard to previous political afl-
iatiOns