Marshall County Republican. (Plymouth, Ind.) 1856-1878, 1874-09-24
Michigan Politics.
DEMOCRATIC PLATFORM.

Resolved, That we arraign the party
in power for its unexampled extrava-
gance and corruption, and for its un-
constitutional and dangerous usurra-
tlons of powers not delegated to the
Federal government, and we demand
an honest, economical and just admins
tration of the national offices. We de-
mand an immediate abandonment of all
efforts to rule States for corrupt party
purposes by an infamous alliance of
carpet baggers, scalawags and bayonets.
We demand the adequate punishment
of all men guilty of corruption and EN-
bezzlement in Office. We demand an
immediate repeal of the law increas-
ing salaries, and of the infamous
"gag law" by which the party
In power seeks to muzzle free press.
Denouncing its wholesale appro-
| priation of the public domain to Credit
Mobilier and other corrupt corporations,
we demand of the Government care
full reservation of the remaining public
lands for the use and benefit of the
Union soldiers and sailors and of the
actual settler. We demand a repeal of
the Legal-tender act, to take effect not
1 IL
and free banks, with a secured cur
rency. We demand tariff for revenue
only, free from urjust determinations
that raise little or no revenue, create
monopolies, unnecessarily raise the cost
OF living and encourage corrupt leg
islation, and demand the pay
ment of all forms of the ma
tional debt in coin or its equivalent,
and an equal and just distribution of
the taxes and imposts required to raise
the needed revenue.
ResolUed, That in the management of
our State affairs we demand prudence
in the collection of taxes, and honesty
and economy in the expenditure of
money. That we condemn the man
agement of our State finances for the
reasons 1. That with large balance
In the treasury the taxpayers in these
times should be, but are not, relieved
of any of their annual burdens.
2. That this large balance is loaned to
the pets of political ring, for which
no adequate security is required, while
if it be lost the bond of
the State Treasurer is quite
too small to protect the State.
3. That the books and accounts Of
the State Treasurer, being public rec
ords, the Legislature has refused
to permit them to be thoroughly exam
ined by the representatives of the peo-
pie /; the State Treasurer has refused to
report to the Legislature the location
and condition of the million of money
in his hands but above all that the po-
| II ii
tolerated this refusal, all of which are
facts well calculated to excite serious
fears for the safety of our money.
RESOLVED That we are in favor of
amending our State Constitution at the
earliest time possible so that the Legis-
lature may have power to regulate the
liquor traffic.
ResOlced, That when the State, i'm
PEELED by public necessity, confers
corporate powers to secure public bene-
fit such powers must be held subject to
just laws judicially interpreted and a
sound public policy that protects alike
the rights and interests of the State, the
people and the corporation.
Resolved, That the railroad and in
dustrial interests of our State should be
|
have right to such legislation as will
secure reasonable and uniform rates of
| freight.
Resolved, That we cordially recon-.
mend to the voters of the State the can
didates nominated by this convention,
and invite all opposed to the present
administration of our State and national
affairs to cooperate with us in their
| election.
PLATFORM OF THE INDEPENDENTS.
Believing that it will be impossible to
secure such reforms of administration
apd changes of policy as will restore the
honesty and enconomy of the early days
of the republic through either of the
political parties heretofore trusted with
power; tired of shutting financial ex-
periments and false standards of value,
and deeming the encroachments of the
Federal authority upon the powers for
long time exercised exclusively by the
States prejudicial to our liberties, we
will perfect our organization as a ma
tional reform party, and present candi-
dates upon the following platform
l. A reduction of the numbers and
diminution of the power of the officers
created under the national government.
2. A reduction of the salaries paid to
such an extent that no fund for political
purposes can be raised by assessment
upon holders, and that no office
shall be sought on account Of its emolu-
ments.
3. Political opinion should be neither
a reason for an appointment to Office nor
ground for removal therefrom, but
frequent changes should be made to Sc
cure purity of administration.
4. A prohibition of recommendation
to or solicitation for Office by any Sena-
tor or Representative, and the election
of all local general officers by the
people.
5. A speedy return to hard money as
the only honest standard of value.
6. All banking, State or national,
should be free.
Z. Adherence to the principles adopt
ed at Lansing, August 6, 1874.
The Patrons of Husbandry.