The Manitowoc pilot. [volume] (Manitowoc, Wis.) 1859-1932, 1875-09-16
Reform Platform.


Col. VIM. F. Villas, 70 the Committee on
Resolutions, report the following platform,
which after some discussion was adopted:
THE PLATFORM.
The representatives Of the Democratic and
Liberal electors Of Wisconsin, in Con.
genticn assembled. congratulate the people
of the State, regardless of partizan distnc-
tion, on the progress thus far made in the
reduction OF State expenditures; in the Wig
orous and impartial administration of the
laws; in the repeal Of obnoxious legislation;
in the additional protection assured to he
Industrial and producing classes, and in the
Punishment of debasng spirit of political
partyism from official places; and we do re-
solve and declare:
First. That we will abide by the principles
CT political reform, adopted by the PEOPLES
Reform Convention, in 1873, and subs ,ouent-
ly re-adopted by 5000 M jority of The peo-
pie of Wisconsin at the polls.
Second. That we will abide by the decar.
alton of principles unanimously agreed upon
by the Reform and Independent members of
the Wisconsin Legislature of 1875, to-wit:
the preservation OF the public credit, honest
payment Of the national debt.rigid economy,
State and Federal more and cheaper facili-
ties OF transportation within and without the
State; the completion of the Fox and Wis
consin Rivers Improve ment, sound currency
III coin or its equivalent; a tariff for revenue
only: leyying lighter duties upon articles of
necessity than upon articles of luxury ;sover-
eighty OF the State over corporations of its
own creation; no sympathy for men who vote
or apologize for Credit Mobilier corruptiuus
In Congress or elsewhere, or who affiliate
with men OF corrupt practices in State or
federal legislation, sovereignty of federal
government in the exercise of its delegated
powers; sovereignty OF the States and the
people as 10 all powers not delegated TO the
federal government nor prohibited to the
States; supremacy Of the civil authority in
lines of peace; liberty. equality and frater-
nifty for all men under the law; freedom of
the press from federal gag laws; freedom of
religion and opinion; hostility to all State or
federal enactments which usurp jurisdiction
over the priv tie conscience or the punishment
of one man for the offenses of another; eleva-
tion of labor and its permanent and positive
protection in all its rights, without in Justice
10 capital, and the perpetual sub, rlination
of the interess of party to rinciples, and
the good of the whole people.
We furthermore resolve and declare:
First. That being but one people, and
having but one country, ii is essential 10 our
national peace and prosperity that harmony
prevail between the federal and state govern
ments in all their legal and constitutional re-
latiOns that towards that end il is necessary
that demonstration. with allits amendments,
be acknowledged as the supreme law through
out the land, and that no effort be made to
counterfeit the letter or spirit of its provis-
ions, but we strongly condemn all attempts
of the ederal government to absorb or ex-
ercise powers not expressly delegated by the
Constitution, and the interference of the
local concern.
Second. That in the administration of our
national affairs of late years, we find but
little TO praise, and much TO regret and dis
approve.
Third. That the trainers Of our govern
mentwisely guarded against union of church
and state, and we insist that the principles
OF our constitution m this respect shall be
adhered to strictly, and forever; that in the
administration of our public aflirs, all sec
tartan issues shall be discarded
Fourth. That under our constitution, the
school fund and its revenues are set apart
and exclusively devoted to the support and
maintenance of public schools that all agi-
tation relating to the division of the same is
impolitic and uncaled for; that such schools
are an indsputable element of republican
institutions and @e believe in more and more
perfeciing the system, So as to bring a thor
oush and free common school education
within the reach of all: but we also insist
that as required by our constitution the pub
lie schools throughout our State shall be
kept free from sectariau instruction in order
that they may become accessible TO all with
out Inference with the wight of conscience
Fifth. That the power given to the Legis-
lature by the constitution of our State, to
exempt property from taxation, was expect
ed TO be exercised with the utmost caution,
but that much complaint has been made that
the power has been used with very little res
tralnt TO the detriment of public interests,
and we accordingly recommend all early re
vision ef the laws upon this subject
Sixth. That after the many unsuccessful
efforts of the Republican party of Wisconsin
10 promote temperance by prohibItery legis-
lation, we rejoice IN the final ackn ledge
ment that true education and sound morals
are the best agencies for that purpose: but
that We deem it essential 10 remain vigilant
rather than con6de in the decl aratious
possible dictated by partisan exgency,
instead of by settled convictions of priuci-
pie and duty; and we furthermore recon-
mend any amendment OF the present exercise
law necessary 10 secure every portion Of the
people from arbitrary infringements upon the
letter or spirit of its provisions
Seventh That We congratulate tie people
Of Wisconsin upon the set lemt n, of the