New Orleans Republican., 1873-08-14
WHOLE NUMBER l949.

ported the following platform which was;
adopted unanimously without debate:
WHEREAS, Political parties are formed to
meet public emergencies, and when thew
have discharged the duty which called
them into being they may become the
means OF abuses as gross as those they
were organized to reform: now. whereas
both political parties have discharged the,
obligations assumed at their organization,
and being no longer potent as Instruments
of reform of the abuses which have grown
up IL them, therefore we deem it inconsis-
tent TO attempt to accomplish a political re-
form BY acting with and on such organiza-
ton; therefore,
Resc!eed That we, in free conven ton, do
declare as the basis of our future political
action
r.rst--That all corporations are sub
Ieet to legislative control: that those Gre
a'ed by Congress should be restricted and
coHtro!leo Dy Congress. and that those
under State laws should be subject 10 con-
trol respectively OF the States creating
them; that such legislative control should
oe an express abrogation of the theory of
the inallenable nature of chartered rights,
and that it should be at all times so used as
to prevent meneyed corporations from be-
coming engines OF oppression
Seconu-Ihat the property of all corpo-
ratons should be assessed by the same
officers and taxed at the same rate as the
property OF individuals.
Tnird-That the Legislature of Iowa
should by law, fix maximum rates of
freight TO be charged by railroads of the
State, leaving them free to compete below
the rates.
fourth-That we favor such modification
of our banking system as will extend it's
benefits 10 the whole people. and thus de-
stroylng all monopoly now enjoyed by ia
vOred few.
Fifth-That we demand a general re-
vision OF -he present tariff laws, that shall
give Us free salt, iron, lumber and cotton
and woolen fabrics. and reduce the whole
system 70 the revenue basis only,
SiXtE-That we will not knowingly
nominate any bad men to office nor give
place TO persistent seekers therefor,
Dat will freely seek for ourselves compe-
tent officers. as heretofore political leaders
have sought Office for themselves, and that
we win nominate only those known to be
faithful and in sympathy with these de-
clararions. and will at the polls repudiate
any candidate known to be unit or incom.
petent.
Seventh-That we demand the repeal OF
the back salary and the return to the
United States treasury OF all money drawn
Hereunder by members of the last Con.
gress, and Of the members of the present
SUA.S lCss Wc uCtA1uu lAo ICpcdi VI INC
law increasing the salaries, and the passage
of a law fixing a lower and more reason
able compensation for public officers. be-
ieving that until the public debt is paid and
the public burden is lightened, the salaries
Of our public servants should be more in
proportion to the rewards OF labor in pri-
vare life.
Eighth-That we are opposed to all ia
ture grants of land to railroad or other
corporations, and believe that the public
domain should be held sacred to the actual
settlers, and We are in favor of a law by
which each honorably discharged soldier,
or his heirs, may use such discharge in any
government land office in full payment tor
quarter section OF unappropriated public
land.
Ninth-That all public officers who
betray their pledges and trust are un-
worthy of renewed confidence. and those
who criminally tritle with the public funds
must be punished as criminals, regardless
of their previous influence or the political
importance of their bondsmen.
Tenth-That we are in favor of strict
construction Of our constitution by our SU-
preme and other courts, and are opposed to
The exercise OF all doubtful powers by ju-
ticiai or other officers.
Eleventh-That in the corrupt Tammany
steal, Credit Mobilier fraud, congressional
salary swindle and official embezZlements,
and the hundreds of other combinations,
steals. frauds and swindles by which the
Democratic iand Republican legislators,
Congressman and office holders have en-
ciched themselves, defrauded the country,
and impoverished people, we find the
necessity OF independent action and the
importance Of united effort, and cordially
invite all men, of whatever calling, busi-
ness, trade or vocation, regardless of po-
G.ical views, to join us in removing the
evils that SO seriously affect us all.
The convention concluded with a speech
by John p. Irish, chairman of the Demo-
cratic State committee, who pronounced
uneqnivocaly in favor OF the movement,
and said that last year had shown him that
the Democratic party had outlived its day
and rs usefulness. About one-third Of the
counties in the State were represented by
some two hundred and fifty delegates.