The spirit of democracy. [volume] (Woodsfield, Ohio) 1844-1994, 1872-10-22

We, the Democratic electors Of the Uqited
States, in Convention assembled, do proclaim
the following principles, already adopted at
Cincinnati, as essential to just government:
/. 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,:o mete out equal and exact justic' to
all, of whatever nativity, race' color or per-
suason, religious or political.
2. We pledge ourselves to maintain The
Union of the States, emancipation AMI en-
fran chisement, and to oppose any reopening
of the questions settled by the 18th, l4th and
18th amendments of the Constitution.
3 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 universal am
nesty will result in con, plete pacifcation in
al sections of the country. -.o 49,. s,..
4. 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 babeas corpus, we demand for the indi-
vidual 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
S. The civil service of the government has
become a mere instrument Of partisan ty-
ranny and personal ambition and an object Of
selfish greed;it is scandal and reproach upon
free institutions. and breeds decentralization
dangerous to the, perpetuity Of republican
government. .. zss .;-....s,,, .,.... .s.-,.
6, We, therefore, regard thorough reform
of the civil service as one of the most pres
sing necessities Of the hour, that honesty ca .
pacity and fidelity constitute the only valid
claims to public employment; that the officers
of the Government cease to be matter OF
arbitrary favoritism and patronage, and that
public station become again post of honor.
To this end 1t is imperatively required that
no President shall be a candidate for re-elec-
tion.
Z. The public credit must be sacredly
maintained, and We denounce reputation in
every form and guise.
8. A speedy return to specie payment is
demanded alike by the highest considerations
OF commercial morality and honest govern
ment. -.. .... ,.,.
8. We remember with gratitude the hero
ism 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 reward of their patriotism.
10. We are opposed to all further grants
of lands to railroads or other corporations
The public domain should be held sacred to
actual settlers,
IL. We hold that it is the duty of the gov
ernment, iu its intercourse with foreign ma
tions, to cultivate the friendship of peace by
treating with all on fair and equal terms, re
garding il alike dishonorabls either to de:
mand what is not right or to submit to waa
is wrong. s,.
Il. For the promotion and success of thes'
vital principles, and the support of the can
didates nominated by this Convention, we in
vite and cordially welcome the cooperation
of all patriotic citizens, without regard t.
previous political affiliations. tt'