The Richmond palladium. [volume] (Richmond, Ind.) 1855-1875, 1874-05-20

May 7th meeting. 1874, passed wIthou,
dissent, the accompanying preamble
and resolutions, and instructed iii
secretary to present the same TO the
Richmond papers and the Indianapo
lis Sentinel for publication:
Whereas, the political leaders Of
the old parties have rendered them
selves guilty OF wanton disregard OF
the laws of the land, and have acted
as If the laws had binding force. only
for those who are governed, and moi
for those who govern; and
Whereas, they have stood in the
way of necessary investigations, and
indispensable reforms, pretending that
serious fault can be found in the ad
ministration Of public affairs; thus
seeking 10 blind the understanding OF
the people; and
Whereas, They are striving to main
tain themselves in power for selflsh
motives. by an INSCRIPTIONS employ
ment of the authority which rightful-
~ belongs to the people, and should
be used only in the service OF the
country, and
Whereas, Recent developments in
SOuRIcse anu III OuI AcSicldt uTes
prove to us that Office holders, Office
seekers and politicians, without re-
gard to party, have become so de-
longer worthy of the respect and con-
idence of the people; and,
Whereas, By an unparalleled sys-
tenn of political wire working" chi
canery and lobbying, the fees and
salaries Of public officers have been
increased at time when the people
were most grievously oppressed by
taxation and burdened with heavy
national debt when every considera-
ton of justice, honesty and economy
demanded that they should be re-
duced therefore, be it
Resolved, That We concede the
equality of all before the law, and
maintain that it is the duty of govern
ment to mete out equal and exact jus
tice to all, irrespective of race, color
or persuasion, religious or political.
Resolved, That the primary object
OF free government is proper protec-
ton of persons and property and that
the laws should be faithfully admins
tered to secure this; and
Resolved, That we are in favor Of
political reform, and to that end We
demand honesty, economy and purity
of official life.
Resolved, That We discard and ut
terly repudiate the politicians maxim,
ito the victors belong the spoils, -
making the civil service of the gov
crnment a mere instrument of parti-
san tyranny and personal ambition, an
object of selfish and voracious greed,
scandal, disgrace and reproach on
cur free institutions; but instead
thereof we are in favor of civil service
reform making honesty and capacity
the only claims for public employ
ment.
Resolved, That we will let the office
seek the man instead of the man the
office, and will select for all Offices,
honest, capable and incorruptible
men, and thus make Office once more
what it should be, post of honor.
Resolved, That we are opposed to
all grants of land to railroads or other
.corpol ations. as We hold that the pub
lie domain should be held sacred for
actual settlers
Resolved, That the industrial in
tercsts of the nation must be garded
and protected against the exactions of
monopolies and gigantic corporations.
Resolved, That the pretended re-
peal of the increased salary" and
f'back pay" law, after the appropria-
don of the grab" both before and
l.fter sevice performed. by many men,
,ers of congress, and the failure to
apply it to the president, is gross de-
,.eption and fraud upon the public,
,,nd nothing short of its unqualified
repeal will satisfy the just demands of
an outraged people.
Resolved, That we are in favor of a
/, General curtailment of the fees and
! alaries of all officers; more particu-
Early in the fees of the clerk of the
Circuit Court, sheriff aud county
treasurer, which are now beyond all
reason in our more populous counties;
and that we early and earnestly call
the attention of the people to this sub
iect.
Resolved, That We are beginning to
learn who are our friends, and who
our enemies and when the time comes
we will use just discrimination at the
ballot box; and support none but
those who are true to the interests
and welfare of the people.
Resolved, That We ask the people
TO unite and act with US at the polls,
and aid in arresting the progress of
,ficial corruption and political mis-
rule, as it becomes more than ever the
lluty of all good citizens to require
strict adherence to and faithful COM
pliance with the principles upon which
our political institutions rest.
Resolved, That in the corrupt
credit mobilier" fraud, the congress
sional salary swindle and official en-
bozzlement, and the hundreds of other
cabals, combinations, steals, frauds,
tricks, stratagems and swindles by
which democratic and republican leg
sslators, congressman and Office hold
ers. have enriched themselves, impov-
erished the country, defrauded and
disheartened the people, we find the
importance of independent and deci-
sive action, and the necessity of united
effort; and cordially invite all men, of
whatever calling, occupation, business,
profession, trade or vocation, regard
less of past political views and affilia-
tons to unite with us in removing the
evils and wrongs that so seriously at
feet and concern us all.
j. GRAHAM, Pres't.
s. c. HILL, Sec'y.
ENechePss Liberalism.