Wood County reporter. [volume] (Grand Rapids [i.e. Wisconsin Rapids], Wis.) 1857-1923, 1876-06-01

cred somewhat lengthy address, mainly
devoted to the currency question. He re-
viewed the financial history of the coun-
try, and from its lessons drew the con-
clllslon that National paper currency,
BASED on the credit of the Government,
and made receivable for all forms of taxes,
duties and debts, and convertible into ia
terest-bearing bonds, at some equitable
rate OF interest, and recoverable into
currency at the will of the holder, will
secure uniformity of value to degree
that gold has never attained, and cOnduce
to the general business prosperity of the
people OF the country. The reading Of
this address was frequently interrupted by
applause.
At the session on the 18th the following
platform was adopted
The Independent party is called into existence
Dy the necessities of the people, whose industries
are Frustrated, whose labor is deprived of its lust
reward by ruinous policy, which the Repubi-
can and Democratic parties refuse to change; aud
In view of the failure of these parties to furnish re-
lief TO the depressed industries of the country,
thereby disappointing the Just hopes and eXpecta-
lions OF suffering people, we declare our princ-
pies, and invite all independentand patriotic men
TO JOIN our ranks in this movement for financial
reform and industrial emanciUation.
l. We demand the immediate and unconditional
repeal of the Specie Resumption act of Jan ia
1878, and the rescue Of our industries from the
ruin and disaster resulting from its enforcement:
and we call upon all patriotic men TO organize in
every Congressional District of the country with
the view OF erecting Representatives to Congress
VINO VIII carry out the wishes OF the people in this
regard. and stop the present suicidal and destruc-
tive policy of contraction.
?. We believe that United States note, issued
directly by the Government. convertible Ge-
mand into United States obligations bearing
less rate of interest, not exceeding cent day
each 500, and Interchangeable for United
States notes at par, will afford the best crculat
ing medium ever devised. Such United States
notes should be a full legal-tender for all pur-
tlons as are by existing contracts expressly made
payable in coin, and we hold that it is the duty
of the Government to provide such a circulation
for the Nation to whom ii belongs.
3. 1t is the paramount duty of the Government.
in all its legislation, 80 keep in view the full de-
VelOpment of all Legitimate Observation-Disclosures
al, mining, manufacturing and commercial.
4. We most earnestly protest against any further
issue of gold bonds for sale in foreign markets,
by which we would be made, for long period,
heWers OF wood aud drawers of water to foreign.
ers. especially the American people would
gladly and promptly take at par all the bonds
which the Government may need to sell, provided
they are made payable at the option of the hold
er, and bearing lnte est at $500 per cent. per
annum, or even lower rate.
s. We further protest against the sale of Gov
eminent bonds for the purpose OF purchasing sill
yer 10 be used as substitute for our more con-
yenient and less huCtuating fractional currency.
which, although well calculated to enrich the
owners OF silver mines, yet in its operation, will
stll further Cypress, in taxation, an already
burdened people.
The following resolutions were also
subsequently adopted:
Whereas, The people of this Nation are obliged
to pay every obligation whatever in coin, the
option at the time such obligation made of
paying in either gold silver and since that time
the right to pay with silver, which is the
cheaper of said metals, having been Cancelled by
the act OF Feb. II, 1873, CemOnetiZlng the silver
dollar in fraud of the wishes of the people. we,
therefore demand that the silver dollar of four
hundred and twelve and fve-tenth grains weight,
and nine parts full metal, which full
legatender for all purposes for more than eighty
years in this country, shall be restored precisely
to what it was during the time the obligations
were made which it was fully competent TO pay,
so the people may use 1t for making such pay
ments as they choose.
Res0Iged, That this Convention utter its solemn
protest against any further subs dies to the rail-
road corporations, either in the shape of grants of
public domain, or of the guaranteeing of bonds to
build and construct said railroads.
The first ballot for candidate for Presi-
dent of the United States resulted as fol-
lows: Peter Cooper, of New York, 300;
ex-GOv. VIM. Allen, of Ohio, 81; Gov.
Curtin, of Pennsylvania, IS; Alexander
Campbell, of New York, g Mr.. Cooper's
| nomination was made unanimous.
Newton Booth, of California, was then
nominated for Vice President, on the first
ballot, and his nomination was made
unanimous.
4 motion was adopted for a committee
of five to issue an address to the people of
the country.
Adjourned SINE de-
The National Independent Executive
Committee organized on the afternoon of
the 18th by electing Moses A. Field, of
Detroit, Chairman, and Thomas j. Du
rant, of Washington, Secretary, An Ex-
ecutive Council, consisting Of the Chair
man and Secretary, w. P. Groom of New
York, f. w. Hughes of Pennsylvania
| and Alexander Throop, was appointed,
and the Committee adjourned