Wood County reporter. [volume] (Grand Rapids [i.e. Wisconsin Rapids], Wis.) 1857-1923, 1875-03-25
The National Platform of the Independent
Reformers.

The platform adopted by the National
Convention recently in session at Cleve-
land, Ohio, is as follows:
Our Government is founded solely upon the con-
sent of the people, and its powers are subject to
their control. The evils we now live under have
resulted from the acts of unfaithful repre-
sentatives, who have set the interests of party
above those OF the people. These evils are chief
ly displayed in our monetary system and the
monopolies which it has engendered: this
system being monarchical in it's Princi-
pies and subvers1ve of republican government
and as experience demonstrates that we can have
no hope of reform from existing political parties
it becomes our imperative duty to organize lew
party TO the end thatwe may resist the encroach-
ments OF the money power upon the rights of the
people, stay the tide of corruption and extrava-
gance which overfows the land, and place the
control OF the resources and finances of the coun
try ID the hands of the people. We. therefore,
establish the Independent party, and declare its
principles to be as follows
l. 1t is the duty of the Government to establish
monetary system based on the faith and re-
sources OF the nation, in harmony with the genius
OF this Government and adapted to the industrial
and commercial needs of the country To this
end the notes of all National and State banks
should be withdrawn from circulation and paper
money issued by the Government directly to the
people, IN payment OF the Government obliga-
lons: without the intervention of any system of
banking corporations, which money shall be legal
tender in payment of all debts, public and pr
vate duties on imports included, except that Dor
ton of interest and principal of the present pub
lie debt that is by express terms of the law Great
Ing 1t made payable in metallic money: this
money to be interchangeable at the option of the
holders with registered Government bonds bear
ing rate Of interest not exceeding 365 per cent
per annum. II.
2. This system of finance will, by stimulating
our industries and commerce. soon make the
United States the depository of the precious
metals of the world.
g. The adoption of this system, by furnishing
sufficient money at low interest, will solve the
quesilon OF cheap transportation, because it will
enable railroads and the carrying trade to relieve
themselves of their loads of debt and lower their
rates, and enable the people to construct addi-
uonal lines wherever internal commerce may re-
qulre.
4. 1t is the duty of the Government in all it's
legislation to keep in view the full development
of the agricultural and mineral resources of the
country, and its manufacturing interests.
5. The great interests of the productive indus
try claim their just recognition at the hand of the
Government of the people, and through the mon
etary system here proposed all these interes is
can be fully secured. aE t..
g. As the public domain is the rightful heritage
OF the people, it should not be distributed to
spectators or corporations but reserved for act
ual settlers.
z. 1t is the duty of the Government to equalize
the bounties of soldiers and to bring to speedy
settlement all other just claims arising from the
late war;
8. All the rights. privileges and immunities rec
ognized by the Government should be based on
the fact of citizenship equal rights before the law
being secured by the Constitution.
9. We insist upon and demand severe retrench-
ment and economy in all branches of the public
affairs. $500 tA
10. Rivers and harbors, being under the iuris-
diction Of the Government. should be by it i'm
proved when necessary TO the commerce OF the
people.
II. Through the monetary system herein pro
posed there will be established between the ciu-
zens OF this country firm and lasting bond of
union by giving common interest In the common
Government, and bringing peace and prosperity
TO each and all inhabitants.
r. As all special privileges, immunities and
powers conferred on corporations of any kind or
nature are granted at the expense of the people
dinate to the rights of the people and subject to
the subyersion and control of the power granting
them.