The Redwood gazette. [volume] (Redwood Falls, Minn.) 1873-1940, 1876-06-01
The National Independent Convention.

The National Independent Convention
met at indianapolis on the 18th. About
$50 delegates were in attendance.
The Hon. Ignatius Donnelly, of Mime
sofa, was chosen temporary Chairman,
and made short speech on the financial
question. A permanent organization was
effected by the election of Hon. Thomas
J. Durant, of the District of Columbia, as
permanent President, and a number of
Vice. Presidents and four Secretaries.
On taking the chair, Mr.. Durant deliv-
cred a 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 conclu-
sion that g National paper currency,
based on the credit of the Gov
eminent, and made receivable for
| all forms of taxes, duties and debts,
and convertible into interestbear-
ing bonds, at some equitable rate OF inter-
| est, and recoverable into currency at the
will Of the holder, will secure uniform
ity 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 SIAC 1CSolOA III tuC 4Cl1l3 luC 1O1lOW1uS
platform was adopted:
The Independent party is called into existence
| by the necessities Of the people, whose indus.
tries are Frustrated, whose labor is deprived of
reward BY policy which the
change; and in view of the failure of these par
ties to furnish relief 10 the depressed industries
of the country, thereby disappointing the just
hopes and expectations of a suffering people, We
| declare our principles, and invite all indie
pendent and patriotic men to join our ranks in
| this movement for financial reform and industrial
emancipation.
l. We demand the immediate and uncondi-
| tional repeal OF the Specie-kesumption act of
Jan. Il. Is, and the rescue of our industries
from the ruin and disaster resulting from its en-
| forcement; and we call upon nll patriotic men to
organize in every Congressional District of the
country with the view Of electing Representatives
to CONGRESS who will carry out the wishes Of the
| dal and destructive policy of contraction.
2. We believe that a United States note, issued
by hs on de-
less rate of interest," not exceeding one cent day
| on each 500, and re-exchangeablc for United
States notes at par; will afford the best circulat-
| notes should be full legal-tendcr for all pur-
poses, except for the payment of such obligations
as are by existing contracts expressly made pay:
the Government to provide such circulation for
| the Nation to whom it belongs.
8. tits the paramount duty Of the Government,
III " Keep Ill view the Iull OC.
velopment Of all legitimate business sgricultur-
al, mining, manufacturing and commercial:
4. We most earnestly protest against any fu1 ther
| issue Of gold bonds for sale in foreign markets,
by which we would be made, for = long period,
| hewers of wood and drawers of water 10 foreign
en-, especially Is the American people would
which the Government may need to sell, provided
they are made payable at the option of the holder,
and bearing interest at 65-100 per cent. per
| s. We further protest against the sale of Gov
| eminent bonds for the purpose of purchasing sill
| yer to be used as . substitute for our more con-
which, although well calculated to enrich the
owners Of silver mines, yet in its operation, will
still further Cypress, in taxation, an already over
| burdened people.
The following resolutions were also sub
sequently adopted:
Whereas, The people Of this Nation are
obliged to pay every obligation whatever in coin.
paying in either gold silver aud since that time
The right to pay with silver, which is now the
silver dollar in fraud of the wishes of the people,
we, therefore, demand that the silver dollar, OF
four hundred and twelve and hvs-tenth grains
weight and nine parts full metal, which was full
lega-tender for all purposes for more than eighty
years in this country, shall be restored precisely
to what it was s. during the time the OBLIGATIONS
so the people may usei for making such payments
as they choose.
Resolved, That this Convention utter its solemn
protest againet any further subsidies 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, 800;
ex. Gov. VIM. Allen, of Ohio, 81 ex-Gov
Curtis, of Pennsylvania, So: Alexander
Campbell, of New York, 2. 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.
A motion was adopted for committee
of five to issue an address to the people of
the country. ''
Adjourned sine die.
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 Pennsylva-
MIA, and Alexander Throop, was appoint
ed, and the Committee adjourned.