The Valley Virginian. [volume] (Staunton, Va.) 1865-1895, 1872-07-25
THE LIBERAL AND DEMOCRATIC PLAT
FORM.

The following are the resolutions in full
adopted by the Liberal Republican National
Convention at Cincinnati, and approved and
adopted by the Nationai Democratic
Convention, at Baltimore:
We,the Liberal Republicans of the Unitea
States, in National Convention assembled at
Cincinnati, proclaim the following principles
as essential to a just government :
First-We recognize the equality of all
men before the law, and hold that it is the
duty Of the Government, 10 its dealings with
the people, to mete out equal and exact JUS
tice to all, of whatever nativity, race, color,
persuasion, religious or political.
Second%-We pledge ourselves to maintain
the union of these States, emancipation and
enfranchisement, and to oppose any reopening
of the question settled by the thirteenth,
fourteenth aud fifteenth amendments of the
constitution.
Third-We demand the immediate and
absolute 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 the complete
paci6cation of all sections of the country.
Fourth-Local government with i'm
partial suffrage, will guard the rights of all
citizens more securely than any centralized
power. The public welfare requires the su-
premacy of the civil over the military author
ity, and the freedom OF persons under the pro-
lection Of the h.bess corpus. We demand
for the individual the largest liberty cohsis-
tent with public order for the States self
government, and for the nation return to
the methods of peace and the constitutional
limitation of power
Fiith-The civil service of tie govern.
ment, has become mere instrument Of par
tsan tyranny and personal ambition, and an
object of selfish greed. 1t is scandal aud
reproach upon cur free institutions, and
breeds decentralization dangerous to che per-
petuity Of republican government. We
therefors regard thorough reform of the eli
vii service as one Of the most pressing neces-
sites of che hour that honesty, capacity
and fidelity Constitute the only valid claims
to public employment that the Offices Of Che
government cease TO be a matter Of arbitrary
fayoritism and patronage, and that public
stations become again posts Of honor: 70
this end it is impetati5ely required that no
President shall be a candidate for reelection.
Sixth-We demand system of federal
taxation which shall not UNNECESSARILY inter-
fere with. the industry of the people, and
which shall provide means necessary to pay
the expenses of the government economical
~ administered, pensions, the interest on the
public debt and moderate reduction, annu-
ally, Of the principle thereof, and recognizing
that there are in our midst honest, but ire
concllable differences of opinion with regard
to the respective systems Of protection and
free trade, we re nit discussion of the subject
to the people in their congressional districts,
and to the decision of Congress thereon
wholly free of executive interference or die
tation.
Scventh-The public credit must be sa-
credy maintained, and we denounce repudi--
alton in every form and guise.
Eighth-A speedy return to specie pay
ments is demanded alike by the highest con
siderations of commercial morality and honest
government
Ninth-We remember with gratitude the
hereism and sacrifice of the soldiers aud sail
ors of the republic, and no act Of ours shall
ever detract from their justly earned fame or
the full reward of their patriotism
Tenth-We are opposed to all further
grants of lands to railroads or other corpora
lions. The public should be held sacred to
actual settlers.
Eleventh-We hold that it is the duty of
the government, in its intercourse with for
eign nations, to cultivate the friendship Of
peace by treating with all on fair and equal
terms, regarding it alike dishonorable either
to demand what is not right or to submit to
what is wrong.
Twelhh-For the promotion and success
of these vital principles, and the support of
the candidates nominated by this convention,
we invite and cordially welcome the co -oper-
alton of all patriotic citizens, without regard
to previous political affiation.