The workingman's advocate. [volume] (Chicago [Ill.]) 1864-1877, 1876-04-22
Declaration Of Principles
OF THE
INDEPENDENT PARTY

Our Government is founded solely upon the
consent of the people, and its powers are
subject to their control. The evils we now
live under have resulted from the acts Of
unfaithful representatives, who have set the
interest of party above that Of the people.
These evils are chiefly displayed in our none
tarv system aud the monopolies which it has
engendered this system being monarchical
in its principles and subversive of Republi-
can Government. And as experience demon
strates that we Ca have no hope of reform
from existing political parties it becomes our
imperative duty to organize a new party, to
the end that we may resist the encroach-
ments of the money power upon the rights Of
the people, stay the tide Of corruption and
extravaganza which Overhows 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 fol-
lows
|. 1t is the duty Of the Government
establish monetary system based upon the
faith and resources of the nation, in harmony
with the genius Of this Government, and
adapted to the demands of legitimate bust
ness. To this end the circulating notes of all
National and State banks, as well a. all local
currency, should be withdrawn from circula-
ton, and paper money issued by the Gov
eminent directly to the people without the in
intervention of any system of banking corpora
lions, which money shall be q legal tender in
payment Of all debts, public and private,
duties on imports included, Except that por-
ton of the interest and principal of the pres
snt public debt that is, BY the express terms
Of the law creating 1t, made payable in me-
talhc money, shall be SO Paidl. This money
to be interchangeable, It the option Of the
holders, with registered government bonds,
bearing a rate of interest not exceeding 3 IS
per cent. per annum.
2. This system of finance will, by stimu.
lating 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 fur.
nishing Sufficient money at low interest, viii
solve the question of cheap transportation
because it will enable the rallrOadt and car
rying trades to relieve themselves Of theil
loads of debt, lower their rates, and enable
the people to construct additional lines when
ever internal commerce may require.
4. 1t is the duty Of the Government, il
all its legislation, TO keep in view the full de
velopment of the agricultural and mnera
resources OF our country and its manufactur
ing interests.
5. That the great interests of productiv,
industry claim their just recognition at tn
hands of the Government, and through tn
monetary system here proposed all these in
terests can be fully secured.
.. That as the public domain is the right
, tul heritage Of the people, it should not b.
distributed to spectators or corporations bu
: reserved for actual settlers
Z. That it is the duty Of the Government
to equalize the bounties Of soldiers, and t,
bring to a speedy settlement all ether jus
claims arising out of the late war.
s. All rights, privileges and immunitie
recognized by the Government should b.
based on the fact Of citizenship, equal right
before the law being secured by the constitu
! ton.
9. That we demand and insist upon sever
retrenchment and economy in all branches .
the public service.
TO- The rivers and harbors being unde
the jurisdiction Of the Government shout
be by 1t improved when necessary to tn,
commerce of the people
III. Through the monetary system herein
proposed, there will be established between
the citizens of this country, East, West
North and South, firm and lasting bond 0
union, by giving a common interest ia com
mou Government, and bringing peace an,
prosperity to each and all of its inhabitants
~ As all special privileges, immunitie
and powers conferred ON corporations of an,
kIrd or nature are granted at the expense o
the people, these privileges and powers mus
be held subordinate to the rights OF tn
people, and subject to the supervision An,
control OF the power creating them.