The Grange advance., 1873-10-15
ANTI-MONOPOLT PLATFORM.

ANTI-MONOPOLI PLATFORM.
WHEREAS, The leading issues that have hitherto
divided he people Of this country into political par
ties have ceased exist and it is unwse to seek to
continue the old party organizations, now that new
and monlentous questions have arisen aid,
WHEREAS, The principal questions now demanding
Consideration is that involving the privileges and
powers Of corporations as antagoulzing with ana
operating in opposition to the well-beng OF the peo-
pie: and,
WHEREAS, We. the farmers, mechanics, and labor
ers Of the State Of Minnesota deem the triumph OF
the people in this contest with nonopolies essential
the perpetua,on Of our free institutions and the
promotion Of our private and national prosperity
and,
WHEREAS In addition to this, and to the honest
and economical administration Of the government,
We recognize no party distinctions political s-
now before the country rs worthy OF more than
minor consideration: be it, therefore, rsso!red:
first-That the purpose OF all proper government
il the promotion Of the welfare OF the entire people
and that therefore, the conduct OF any cltzen asso
citation. or co-partnerrhip, whether chartered or or
otherwise which may operate to the preudlce OF TINS
general welfare sntagonstic to the true objects OF
government and violative Of the fundamental pFln-
ciples upon which all correct law lis based
Second-That receive with satisfaction the ue-
cisiOn Of the Supreme Court in the case OF Blake
against the Wnona st. Peter Railroad Company, in
which the court holds in effect that railroads are
as such the right to pEseeribe rate Of tolls and
charges attribute Of the sovereignty OF the peo-
pie. Of which no legslation can divest them and
that the thanks Of all the people Of this State are due
to W. ?. Clough the attorney for llaintifs whose
skill and ability and devotion to the cause Of the
people, secured this great judicial triumph.
Third-That will recognize no political party
nor individual aspirant for Office worthy Of our
support unless it or he will unite with US IN decler-
ing that government cannot alenate It's soveEegnsy
either in whole in part to any person or associ
alton or corporation for any purpose whatever, but
is always and must forever remain subject to the
sovereign authority and control Of the government
Fourth-That We will not aid in eevaslng any man
to any important public position whatever, who will
either deny object to the exercise by the Legsa'
ture OF the power to revoke aud annul Ut any tlme
any privilege claimed to be involved in any charter
to any corporation, railroad otherwise which e1-
perience has shown s or may be exercised by such
corporation, or by other similar corporations, to the
detriment Of the public welfare and that we will de-
mand from every candidate for high executive ley
isative judicial position, to whom we accord our
support that he shal pledge himself to recognize the
maintenance of this right by the government as .
sacred duty essential for she preservation OF the lo
critics of the people, and the stability and prosperity
Of the commonwealth.
Fitth-Tnat taxes can only be rightfully levied for
the purpose Of raising revenues todefsy the
Of the government in the discharge Of it's legitimate
duties supporting public nstitytose aud promoting
posts to the benefit Of csss OF classes in
the community, while being detrimental to other
classes, are unjust and oppressve and that tariffs
levied imported articles may be and often are so
arranged to become thus discrminative and lnju-
rous and that s therefore, essential that the ut
most should be taken in framing such tariff laws
in order that these Objectionable features may be
avoided and that they operate for the wellbeing
Of the entire community.
eixth-That is contrary to the spirit and purpose
Of republican government that its servants should
be for their public services to al extent
that will make Office holding attractive to human Gu
pdty; and that in the late act Of Congress- ncreas-
ing official and Congressional salaries notwithstand
ing the pleas and excuses urged in its palliation
recognize only corrupt and reprehensible avarice
and reckless disregard Of the public veal which
deserve the severest censure; and that We demand
the repeal Of the law At the earliest practicable
ment and declare every man who supported and ap-
proved it, aided and abetted in procuring its pass
age and approval, received benefit through its
actment whether in the shape Of back future pay
unworthy Of the confidence Of his fellow citizens
and unfit for the further occupancy Of any position of
honor or trust.
seventh-That all participants in the Credit Mobil-
er and other corrupt exposed by the in
vestgaton Of the late Congress and by the late Treas
ury investigation Of this State deserve to have been
punished as criminals; and that those who aided in
screening them from more complete exposure and
consequent punishment, should likewise become OBJ
jects Of public scorn and esntumely.
Eighth-That We have seen with alarm the start
ling revelations in reference to the condition Of
State Treasury; the undoubted defalcation of one
Treasurer of over 100000 and the reported defalca
ton of his successor of nearly the losning Of
the public funds to merchants and lumber dealers !;
the making up Of accounts with bogus certificates Of
deposit; the fact that nearly half a million Of the
left unendorsed required by law and complete
y at the mercy Of these dishonest officials the false
statements Of the State Treasurer before the commit
tee and finally the desperate efforts that
cessfully made to hide the ring of guilty parties who
had used the State Treasurer as their tool.
Ninth-That every public officer is amenable to
the people for his conduct and that public sentiment
should demand and compel the resignation Of all
those who guilty Of misrepresenting their con-
stituents Of mafeasance in Office, OF negecting
to execute faithfully the duties entrusted to them.
aptt- hot thn fonc and lopy. Of <cl
lowed to county and other officials within the State
frequently excessive, and that these should
be greater than paid by private individuals to their
liar responsibilities; and that We demand that the
State Legislature shall, at its next session. remedy
this evil and reduce such salaries fees &C., to what
sation; and thus by removing the inducements for
holding lessen the desire for seeking Office, and obv
viate to considerable extent of the most potent
causes Of local and political corruption.
Eleventh-That the present system of collec ting
axes merits condemnation, and that insist upon
having the laws altered that this duty shall be
performed by the town treasurers, thus saving the
tax payers trouble and expenRe and obviatng Of
the most prolific causes of the creation and fostering
Of corrupt rings at tho county to speculate of
Of the necessities Of tha people, and often to misuse
Twelfth-That we claim that the law requiring the
railroad companies to fence the line of their road
should be strictly enforced, and that the said
panies should be compelled to pay for all loss or
damages to stock caused by the absence of such
fences.
Thirteenth-That are opposed to the monopoly
of wood and coal in great cities by the railroad
rings shameful upon the industry of the peo-
pie
Fourteenth-That in favor Of the free water
communication with the ocean by means of the i'm
provement of the Mississippi and other great rivers
OF the State and the improvement Of the great lakes
and that We are n favor Of examination by the
National Government Of the region between the St.
CroiN and Lake SUPERIOR to ascertain whether canal
communication lie made to connect the tribu.
taries Of the Mississippi with waters Of Lake Superior
Fifteenth-That.we are in favor of such reasonable