Whig and tribune. [volume] (Jackson, Tenn.) 1870-1877, 1872-05-11
The PIatTorn,.

We, the Liberal Republicans OF
the United States, in national con-
vention assembled at Cincinnati,
proclaim the following prin ciples as
essential to just government:
LIST. We recognize the equality of
all men before the law, and hold
that it is the duty of the govern
ment, in its dealing with the people,
to mete out equal and exact Justice
to all, whatever nativity, race, color
or persuasion, religious or political.
End. We pledge ourselves to main
tain the union of these States,
emancipation and Acknowledgement,
and to oppose any re-opening of the
questions settled by the Thirteenth,
Fourteenth and Fifteenth amend
ments of the constitution.
Sd. We demand the immediate
and absolute removal of all disabil-
tiles imposed on account of the re-
bellion, which was finally subdued
seven years ago, believing that uni
versal amnesty will result in COM
plete pacitication in all sections of
the country.
4th. Local self-government, with
impartial suffrage, viii guard the
rights of all citizens more securely
than any centralized power. The
public welfare requires the suprem-
acy of the civil over the military
authority, and freedom of person
under the protection of the ha6edS
corpus. We demand for the indi-
vidual the largest liberty consistent
with public order; for the State,
elf-government, and for the nation,
return to the methods of peace
and the constitutional limitations of
power.
9Th. The civil service of the Gov
eminent has become a mere instru-
ment of partisan chicanery and per-
sonal ambition, and an object of
selhshness, greediness and scandal,
and is reproach upon our free in
situations, and breeds q demoraliza-
ton, and is dangerous to the per-
petuity of a Republican Govern
ment.
9th. We therefore regard a thor
ough reform in the civil service as
one OF the most pressing necessities
of the hour, and that honesty, ca
pacity, and fidelity constitute the
only valid claim to public employ
ment, and that the offices of the
government cease to be q matter of
arbitrary favOritism and patronage,
and that public stations cease to be-
come mere posts of honor. To this
end it is imperatively required that
no President shall be a candidate
for reelection. We demand a sys-
tenn 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 admins
tered, the pensions, the interest on
the public debt, and a moderate an
nual reduction of the principal
thereof; and recognizing that there
are in our midst honest, but ire
concilable differences of opinion
with regard to the respective sys-
TENS of protection and free trade,
we remit the discussion of the sub
ject to the people IN their Congress-
ional districts, and the decision of
Congress thereon, wholly free from
Executive interference or dictation.
9TH. The public credit must be
sacredly maintained, aud we de-
sASS AOHuAlollOn III CfCfN lOIm
and guise.
Sth. A speedy return to specie
payments is demanded alike by the
highest considerations of commerce,
morality and good government.
9Th. We remember with gratitude
the heroism 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.
10th. We are opposed to all fur
Their grants of lands TO railroads or
other corporations; the public do
main should be held sacred to actual
settlers.
18th. We hold that it is the duty
of the government, in its inter
course with foreign nations, to cul-t
tivate friendships of peace, by treat
ing with all on fair and equal terms,
regarding it alike dishouorable
either TO demand what is not right,
or to submit to what is wrong.
18th. For the promotion and sue
cess of these vital principles, and
the support of the candidates NOM
mated by this convention, we invite
and cordially welcome the cooper
alton of all patriotic citizens, with
out regard to previous political
affiliations.