The semi-weekly Republican. (St. Francisville, La.) 1872-1872, 1872-05-07


sential to a just government
l. We recognize the equality of all
men before the law, and hold that il
is the duty Of the government, in its
dealings with the people, to mete
out equal and exact justice to all, of
whatever nativity, race, color or per-
suasion, religious or political.
q We pledge ourselves to main
tain the union Of these States, eman-
cipation and enfranchisement, and
to oppose any re-opening of the
questions settled by the thirteenth,
fourteenth and fifteenth amendments
of the constitution.
8. We demand the immediate and
absolute removal of all disabilities
imposed on account of rebellion,
which was finally subdued seven
years ago, believing that universal
amnesty will result in complete paci-
fication in all sections of the coun-
try. ---+
4. Local self-government, with i'm
partial suffrage, will guard the rights
of all citizens more securely than
any centralized power. The public
welfare requires the supremacy of
the civil over the military authority,
and freedom of person under the
protection of the habeas corpus. We
demand for the individual the larg-
est liberty consistent with public Or
der for the State self-government,
and for the nation return to the
methods Of peace and the constitu-
tional limitations Of power,
s. The civil service of the govern
ment has become a mere instrument
Of partisan tyranny and personal am
bition, and all object Of self greed,
ssnd is a scandal and reproach upon
f''nn W. 4.s--..
al;zation dangerous to the perpetuity
of the republican government (; we
therefore regard thorough reform
of the civil service as one OF the
most pressing necessities OF the
hour that honesty, capacity and
fidelity constitute the Only vail
clai.ns to public employment that
the offices of the government cease
to 10 matter Of arbitrary favorit-
ism and patronage, and that Il pub
lie station shall become again the
,, post of honor i; to this end it is i'm.
+. pcratively required that no President
shall be candidate for re election
4 G. We demand federal taxation
which shall not necessarily interfere
with the industry Of the people, ane
which shall provide the means neces
sary to pay the expenses Of the gov
y ernment economically administered
pensions, the interest on the publ
y debt, and moderate reduction all
! rually of the principal thereof
: and recognizing that there are il
! our midst honest though irreconcl
q q able differences of opinion with re
Z" gard to the respective System OF pre-
y lection and free trade, we remit th
! discussion of the subject to the pee
ple in their congressional district
- - and to the decision Of Congres
II thereon, wholly free Of executive il
! terhrence or dictation.
, 7. The public credit must be S;
J. credly maintained, and we denount
i Reputation in every form and guis
s. A speedy return to specie pa
~ ment is demanded alike by the hig
~ est consideration of commercial mo
~ ality and honest government.
L 8. We remember with gratltu'
the heroism and sacrifices of the 81
~ diers and sailors Of the republic, al
81 no act of ours shall ever detra
" from their justly earned fame or Il
~ full rewards of their patriotism.
y 10. We are opposed to all furth
49, grants of lands to railroad or 9th
-. corporations. The public donna
. should be held sacred to actual s.
~ tiers.
he II. We hold that it is the duty
"a the government, in its intercou'
with foreign nations, to cultivate
c:,a.,,;n IF naace bv treaty with