Rock Island Argus. (Rock Island, Ill.) 1871-1872, 1872-09-05
RESOLUTIONS

We, the Liberal Republicans Of the L nited
States, IN national convention assent led al
Cincinnati, proclaim the following principles
as essential to just government:
/. We recognize the equality OF al men
before the law, and hold shat 1t is the duty OF
government, in its dealings with the people,
to mete out equal and exact justice to all,
of whatever nativity, race, color or persus.
sion, religious or political.
2. We pledge ourselves TO maintain the
union of these states, emancipation and en-
frRohise ment, and to oppose any rs-opsning
Of the questions settled By the thirteenth,
fourteenth and fifteenth amendments of the
constitution.
3. We dem and the immediate and abso
lutte removal Of all disabilities imposed on
account Of the rebellion, which was finally
subdued seven years ago, believing that uni
versal amnesty will result In complete p&ci-
6cetion in all sections of the country.
4. Local elf-government, with impartial
suffrage, will guard the ights of al citizens
more securely than any centralized power.
The public welfare requires tbs supremacy
of the civil over the military authority, and
the freedom of person under the protection
of the hG6eGS corpus. We demand for the
individual The largest liberty consistent with
public order, for the state self-government,
and for the nation o return to the methods
Of peace and the constitutional limitations
of power.
3. The civil service Of the government
has become g mere instrument Of partisan
tyranny and personal ambition, aud an OBJ
ject of selfish greed. 1t is a scandal and
rsproseh upon free institutions, and breeds
Decentralization dangerous to the perpetui-
ty Of Republican government.
6. We therefore, regard a thorough re-
form of the civil service IS one of the most
pressing necessities of the hour; that hon
esty, capacity, and fidelity constitute the
only vEhd claims to public employment
that the offices of the government cease tC
De matter of arbitrary favoritism and pat
ronAge, and that public station shall become
again place OF honor. To this end it il
mperetively required that no President
shall be candidate for re election.
I. We demand system Of federal tax
alton which shall not unnecessarily interfere
with the industry of the people, and which
shall provide the means necessary to pa
| the expenses Of the Government, economi
cslly administered, the pensions, the interes
on the dublic debt, and moderate annua
reduction Of the principal thereof; and
recognizing that there are, in our midst
honest but irreconcilable differences of opin
ion with regard to the respective systems o
protection and free trade, We remit the dis
cussion of the subject TO the people 10 thei
congressional oistricta, and the decision o
Congress thereon, wholly free from executiv,
interference or dictatiop.
&. The public credit must be sacred
maintained, and we denounce Reputation
10 every form and guise.
8. a speedy return to specie payment
is demanded alike by the highest considers
tions Of commercial morality and homes
government.
/ 10. We remember with Gratitude th
heroism and sacrifices Of the soldiers an
sailors of the Republic, and 10 act of our
shall ever detract from their Justly eGrne
fame or the full rewards of their patriotism
IL. We are opposed to all further grant
of land to railroads or other corporation
The public domain should be held sacred I
actual settlers.
: IL. We hold that it is the duty of th
government In its intercourse with foreig
nations to cultivate the friendships of peaC
By treating With oil On fair and equal term'
regarding it alike dishonorsble to demau
what is not right or submit 10 what
wrong.
IL For the promotion and, success {
these vital principles, and the support of to
candidates nominated by this convention
We invite and cordially welcome the eo-ope
alton Of all patriotic citizens without reg"r
TO previous political sfilistion.