Clarksville chronicle. (Clarksville, Tenn.) 186?-1872, 1872-05-11
CINCINNATI CONVENTION.

dress and resolutions, unanimously
adopted by the Committee: 4a
ADDRESS.
The Administration now in power
has rendered itself guilty of wanton
disregard of the laws of the land, and
usurpatfOn of powers not granted by
the Constitution. IL has acted as Il
the laws had binding force only for
those who are governed and not for
those who govern. II has thus struck
a blow at the fundamental principles
of constitutional government and the
liberties of the citizens. The presi-
dent of the United States has openly
used the powers and opportunities OF
his high Office for the promotion of
personal ends. He has kept notori-
ously corrupt and unworthy men in
places of power and responsibility to
the detriment of the public interest.
He has used the public service of the
government as a machinery of parti-
san and personal influence, and inter
fered with tyranical arrogance in the
political affairs of States and munic;-
pallties; he has rewarded with infu-
entail and lucrative Office men who
had acquired his favor by valuable
presents, thus stimulating the demor-
alization of our political life by his
conspicuous. example. He has shown
himself deplorably unqualified to the
tasks imposed upon him by the neces-
sites of the country, and culpably
careless of the responsibilities Of his
high office. The partisans of the adj
ministration, assuming to be the Re-
publican party and controlling its or
ganization have attempted to Justify
such wrongs and palliate such abuses,
to the end of maintaining partisan as
cendancy. They have stood in the
way OF necessary investigation and in
dispeDsable reform; that, as serious
fault could be found with the present
administration of public affairs,
thus seeking to blind the eyes of the
people; they have kept alive the pas
sions and resentments of the late civil
war, to use them for their own lvant-
age. They have resorted to arbitrary
in direct conflict with the
organic law, instead of appealing to
the better instincts and latent patriot
ism OF the Southern people by restor-
ing to them those rights the enjoyment
OF which is indispensable for success
ful administration of their own local
affairs, and would tend to move pat
r otic and hopeful national feeling
They have degraded themselves and
The name OF a party Justly entitled TO
the confiden 20 of the nation, by base
sycophancy to the despot of Execu-
tive power and patronage, unworthy
OF Republican freemen. They have
sought to silence the voice of lust
to stifle the moral sense of
the people and subjugate public opin-
ion by tyrannical arty discipline
They are striving to maintain them
selves in authority for selfish ends, by
an INSCRIPTIONS use of the power
which rightfully belongs to the people,
and should be employed only in the
service of. the country. Believing
that an organization thus led and con
trolled, could no longer be of service
to the best interests of the republic.
we have resolved to make an independ
ent appeal to the sober Judgment, CON
science and patriotism of the Ameri-
can people.
Resolutions.
We, the Liberal Republicans of the
United States, in National Convention
assembled at Cincinnati, proclaim the
Following principles 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 to metc out
equal and exact justice to all, of what
ever nativity, race, color, or persua-
sion, religious or political.
2. We pledge ourselves to maintain
the union of these States, emancipa
tion and franchismcnt, and 10 opposc
any reopcning of the questions settled
by the 18th, 14th and 18th amend
ments of the Constitution.
3. We demand the immediate and
absolute removal Of all disabilities
imposed on account of the rebellion
which was finally subdued several
Years ago, believing that universal am |
lesty will result in complete pacifica-
ion in all sections of the country.
. 4. Social self-government with i'm
partial suffrage will guard the rights
IT all citizens more securely than any
centralized power. The people and
he public welfare require the suprcm-
lcy of the civil over the military au-
hority, and freedom of person under
he protection of the habeas corpus. |
We demand for the individual the
argest liberty, consistent with public |
rider, for the State self-government
nd for the nation a return to the
of peace and the constitu-
ional limitations or power.
8, The civil service of the Govern
ncnt has become mere instrument
# partisan tyranny aud personal am
,itlon and an object of selfish greed.
t is scandal and reproach upon free
and breeds demoraliza-
ion dangerous TO the perpetuity of
cpubllcan government.
q. We therefore regard thorough
eform Of the civil service as one of
he most pressing necessities of the
our; that honesty, capacity and fidel-
iy constitute the only valid claims to
nblic employment; that the officers
1 the Government cease to be mat
or of arbitrary favoritism and pat
anaee, aud that public station be-
ONE again post Of honor. To this
nd il is impcrativcly required that no I,
President shall be candidate for re-
lection.
The Revenue Plank.
Z. We demend system of Federal
,xation which shall not unnecessarily
ltefere with the industry of the people,
nd which shall provide the means
ccessary to pay the expenses of the
overnmont economically administer
]. the nensinns. the interest ON the