The true northerner. [volume] (Paw Paw, Mich.) 1855-1920, 1875-03-19
The Independent Platform.

The following is the platform of principles
adopted by the Independents at their recent
national convention in Cleveland:
Our government is founded solely upon the con-
sent of the people, and its powers are subject 10
their control. The evils now live under have re-
suited from the acts of unfaithful representatives,
who have worked in the interests of party above
those of the people These evils are chiefly dis
played in our monetary system, and the monopolies
which it has engendered. This system being mon
arccal in it, principles and subversive of republican
government, and as experience demonstrates that
can have no hope of reform from existing politi-
cal parties, it becomes our imperative duty to
ganize a party, 10 the end that may resist
the encroachments of the money power upon the
rights of the people, stay the tide Of corruption and
extravaganza which overows the land and place the
control of the resources and finances of the country
In 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 a
monetary system based upon the faith and resources
of the nation. in harmony with ths genius OF this
government, and adapted to the in lustria and
mercal 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of all national and State banks should be withdrawn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
government obligations, without the intervention Of
any system of banking corporations, which money
shall be legal tender in payment of all debts, pub
lie and private, duties nnposts included, except
that portion of the interest ana principal of the
present public dept that is by the express terms Of
.
This money 10 bc interchangeable at tho option Of
the holders for registered bonds bearing rate of
interest not exceeding 3.65 per cent. per annum.
q This system Of finance will be stimulating Ia
our industries and commerce, and 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 ques-
ton 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 20 construct additional
lnes wherever internal commerce may require.
L. 1t is the duty of the government in all ts legis-
agricultural and mineral resources Of country.
and ALEC its manufacturing interests.
s. That the great interest of productive industry
claim their just recognition at the hands of the gov
eminent Of the people, and that through the none
tary system here proposed all those interests can be
fully secured.
6. That the public domain is the rightful heri-
tage Of the people IL should not be distributed h
spectators corporations, but reserved for actual
settlers.
7. That IL in the duty Of the government 10 equal
i've the bounties of soldiers, and 10 bring speedy
settlement of all other just claims arising from the
late war.
g. All rights, privileges and immunities recognized
by the government should be based upon the fact of
citizenship equal rights before the law being secured
by the Constitution.
q That we insist upon and demand severe re-
trenchment and economy in all branches OF public
affairs.
10. The Rvers and harbors, being under the juris.