The weekly register. [volume] (Point Pleasant, Va. [W. Va.]) 1862-1909, 1872-10-31
The Liberal and DemOc'
ratio Platform.

and the nominees of, the Cincinnati Con.
ven.ion, we publish it for reference:
PLATFORM.
We, the Liberal Republicans OF the
United States. in National Convention as.
sembled at Cincinnati. proclaim the follow
log principles as essential ,oa just gov
erDnent--
First-We recognize the equality Of all
men before the Iaw and hold that it is the
duty Of the Government, in its dealings
with the people, to mete out equal aud eS.
ac. justice to all, Of whatever nativity,
race, color or persuasion, religious or po'
li,ical.
Second We pledge ourselves to main.
tain the Union Of the States, emancipation
and enfrauchiscmcnt, and to oppose any
reopening Of the questions settled by the
ID, 14th and 18th amendments OF the con.
stiution.
Third-We demand the immediate and
absolute removal Of all disabilities imposed
on account Of the rebellion, which was f.
nally subducd seven years ago. believing
that universal amnesty will result in the
complete paciicalion Of all sections Of the
country.
Fcurth-I.ocal self.government, with
impartial suffrage, will guard the rights Of
all citizens more securely than any centra-
lizcl power The public welfare requires
the supremacy Of the civil over the militia
ry authority, and the freedom Of persons
under the protection Of the habeas
corpus. We demand for the
individual the largest liberty consistent
with public order for the States self.gov-
eminent, and for the nation a return to
the methods Of peace aud the Constitution
al limitations Of power.
Fihh-The civil service Of the govern
ment has become mere instrument of
partisan tyranny and personal ambition,
and an object Of selfish greed. 1t is o
scandal and reproach upon our free iusti-
tutions, and breeds a decentralization dan.
gcrous to the pcrpctuity of republican gov
eminent.
Sixth-We therefore regard thorough
reform Of the civil service as one Of
the most pressing necessities Of the hour;
that honesty, capacity and fidelity cons!i.
tutc the only valid claims to the public
employment; that the Offices Of the govern
ment cease to be matter Of arbitrary IA
vor:tism and patronage, and that public
stations become again posts Of honor. To
this end it is imperatively required that no
President shall DO candidate for re-elect.
ion.
Seventh We demand asystem Of FEEDER.
al taxation which shall not necessarily in.
terfere with the industry of the people; and
which shall provide means necessary to
pay the expenses of the government. econ
omicalIy administered, pensions, the inter.
est on the public debt, aud a moderate re.
duction, annually Of the principal thereof,
and recognizing that there are 10 our
midst, honest, but irrecoucilable differen-
ces Of opinion with regard to the respect
i've systems Of protection and free trade,
we remit the discussion Of the subject to
the people in their Congressional Districts,
aud to the decision Of Congress thereon,
wholly free Of Executive Interference or
dictalion.
Eigth-The public credit must be sa'
crcdly maintained, and We denouuco repu'
diation in every form and guise.
Ninth-A speedy return to specie pay.
ments is demanded alike BY the highest
considerations of commercial morality and
honest government.
Tenth-We remember with gratitude
the herosm and sacrifice 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.
Eleventh-We IRE opposed to all furth.
or grants Of land to railroads or other cor
poratious The public domain should be
held sacred to actual settlers.
Twelfth-We hold that it is the duty Of
to cultivate the government, in its inter.
course with foreign nations, the friend
ship Of peace by treating with all on fair
and equal terms, regarding it alike dis
honorable either to demand what is not
right. or to submit to what is wrong
differentiation the promotion and sue
cess Of these vital principles, aud the sup.
port Of the candidates nominated by this
Convention, we invite aud cordially vel.
come the cooperation of patriotic citizens