Catoctin clarion. [volume] (Mechanicstown, Md.) 1871-1940, 1872-05-11

eating their cause at all times, whel
many other men would have sold then
to Georgia" and "Texas," and pu
the money in their pockets - ava.
with you "nappy heads" Mass
Greeley" has been their friend unde:
the most trying circumstances, ane
Ersds. Elk Douglass and all the "dar
kies" know it. AS the Rev. Mr.. Ray
colored Methodist preacher in New
York said "N[r. Greeley, we coloree
men will stand by you; you stood by
us when times were hot. We vii
help to place you in the Presidential
Chair Mr.. Greeley is strong in Cali
fornia, in Ohio, and all tho Great
Vest.
THE PLATFORM.
The following are tho resolutions
in full:
We, the Liberal Republicans Of the
United States in National Convention
assembled at Cincinnati, proclaim the
following principles as essential to {
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 met,
out equal and exact justice to all, Of
whatever nativity, race, color or per
observation-disclosures or political.
Second-We pledge ourselves tc
maintain the union of these States
emancipation and enfranchisement
and to oppose any reopening Of the
questions settled by the Thirteenth
Fourteenth and Fifteenth Amend,
ments of the Constitution.
Third-We demand the Immediate
and absolute removal of all disabilities
imposed on account of the rebellion
which was finally subducd seven years
ago, believing that universal amnesty
will result in the complete pacitica-
ton OF all sections of the country.
Fourth Local self government, with
impartial suffrage. will guard the
rights of all citizens more securely
than any centralized power. The
pnhilr welfare requires the supremacy
Of III" civil over thu military authority
Anl he freedom Of person under the
protection Of the hnbrus corpus. We
demand for the 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 limlta-
ton Of power.
Fifth The civil service of the
Government has become a mere in
strument Of partisan tyranny and
personal ambition and an object of
selfish greed. 1t is a scandal and re-
proach upon our free institutions, and
breeds Generalization dangerous to
the pcrpctuity Of republican Govern
ment. We therefore regard a thorough
reform of the civil service as one of
the most pressing necessities of the
hour; that honesty, capacity and fl
deity constitute the only valid claims
to public employment; that the Offices
Of the Government cease to be II matter
Of arbitrary ftvortism 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 u candidate for reelection.
Sixth--Wc demand system Of
Federal taxation which shall not I'M
necessarily interfere with the industry
Of the people, and which shall provide
means necessary to pay the expenses
of the Government economically adj
mn!stered, pensions, the interest on
the public debt and d moderate reduc-
ton annually Of the principal thereof,
and recognizing that there are in our
midst honest, but irreconcilable diff
ferences of opinion with regard to the
respective systems of protection and
free trade, we remit discussion of the
subject to the people in their Congress
sional districts, and the decision Of
Congress thereon, wholly free of
Executive Interference or dictation.
Seventh-Thc public credit must
be sacredly maintained, and We de-
nounce Reputation in every form and
guise.
Eighth-A speedy return to specie
payments is demanded alike by the
highest considerations of commercial
and honest government.
Ninth-We remember with graft
ule 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 reward Of their patriotism.
Tcnth-We are opposed to all
further grants Of lands to railroads or
other corporations. The public do
main should be held sacred to actual
settlers.
Eleventh-Wc hold that it is the
duty OF the Government, in its inter
course with foreign nations, to culti-
sate the friendship Of peace by treat,
ng with all on fair and equal terms,
regarding it alike dishonorable either
% demand what is not right or to
,uhmit TO what IS wrong.