Wilmington daily gazette., 1872-05-06
The Liberal Platform.

The following are the resolutions in full
We. the Liberal Republicans of the United
States, in national convention assembled ut Gin
cinnati. proclaim the following principles as es-
sential to n 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 what
ever nativity, race, color or persuasion, religious
or political.
Second. We pledge ourselves to maintain the
union OF these States, emancipation and enfran-
| chisement, and to oppose any reopening Of the
questions settled by the 18th, l4th and 18th
amendments of the constitution
Third. We demand the immediate and abso-
lutte removal OF all disabilities imposed on account
OF the rebellion, which was finally subdued seven
years ago, believing that universal amnesty will
result III the complete paclfcaton Of all sections
| of the country.
Fourth. Local elf-government with impair
tal 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 the freedom of
person under the protection Of the habers corpus.
We demand for TIE individual the largest liberty
consistent with public order, for the States SELF
, government, and for the nation a return to the
methods Of peace and the constitutional limitation
Of power.
Fifth The civil service Of the government has
become mere instrument OF partisan tyranny
r. aud personal ambition, and object Of selfish
greed. 1t is a scandal and reproach upon ON
i free institutions, and breeds demo, alizaton dan
e serous to the perpetuity Of Republican govern
q ment. We, therefore, regard thorough reform
of the civil service one Of the most press,n.
necessities OF the honr: that honesty, capaclt,
and fidelity constitute the only valid claims +
10 public employment; that the Offices of the gov
* ernment cease to be matter of arbitrary favorit
"a ism and pat -onage, and that public stations be
come again posts of honor. To this end it is i'm
~ peratively required that no President shall be
mt candidate for reelection.
=: Sixth. We demand system Of federal taxf
- ton which shall not unnecessarily interfere wit
" the industry OF the people. and which shall prt
~ vide means necessary to pay the expense, OF II
j. government, economically administered, pension
n the interest OH the public debt, and modera
-, reduction, annually of the principal thereof. an
o'e recognizing that there in midst honest b
tx ,rreconciIablc differences of opinion with rega
to the respective systems of protection and fr
trade. we remit discussion of the subject to t
people in their congressional districts and to q
mo decision of Congress thereon, wholly free OF e
the ecutive interference or dictation.
hey Seventh. The public credit must be sacred
40 maintaped, and we denounce reputation in eve
NV form and guise.
Irsy. Eighth. A speedy return to specie payments
itch demanded alike by the highest considerations
,ra commercial morality and honest government
- Ninth. We remember with gratitude the he
A'y ism and sacrifices Of the soldiers and sailors OF
republic, and act of shall ever detract fr
but their justly earned fame or the full reward OF tn
Tenth We are opposed to all further grants
CT lands to railroads other corporations. The 2
fer lie domain should be held sacred to actual sett
Gals. Eleventh. we hoio that II Is ~ .ne ! wv! ",
government IN its intercourse with foreign matt
to cultivate the friendship Of peace by trea,
,oor ,.sa s:.s~.a~nh,. .;.,s. - dsmard What ia
nbia a .'Hs n ',t..;. - r.. Ss,nno
the 1's " " T A. roo+;o~ srd succes.
,ras these vital principles, and the support OF the
.rd va d,dates nominated by this convention, We IN
the AM; na a;.'y ..;.hnmt raosrd "a nrav;ons M
~ vs. cal afiliation.