The workingman's advocate. [volume] (Chicago [Ill.]) 1864-1877, 1876-01-08
Declaration of Principles
or THE
INDEPENDENT PARTY

Our Government Is founded solely upon the
consent Of the people, and it's powers
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
tary system and the monopolies which it has
engendered this system being monarchicai
| In its principles and subversive of Republ-
can Government. And AZ 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 overfiows 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:
l. 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 as all local
currency, should be withdrawn from circula-
ton, and a paper money issued BY the Gov
|
intervention Of any system OF banking corpora
tions. which money shall be 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
ent public debt that is by the express terms
of the law creating it, made payable in me-
tallic money, shall be paid. This money
to be interchangeable, at the option Of the
holders, with registered government bonds,
bearing rate Of interest not exceeding 3. Is
per cent per annum.
,. This system of finance will, BY stimu
latlng our industries and commerce, sOoI
make the United States the depository ii the
precious metals of the world
3 The adoption Of this system, by fur.
nishlng efficient money at low interes,, vii
solve the question Of cheap transportation
because 1t will enable the railrOadt aud car
rying trades to relieve themselves Of then
loads Of debt, lower theIT 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 lie
velopment Of the agricultural and minera
resources OF our country and its manufactur
ing interests.
.. That the great interests OF productive
industry claim their just recognition at tn,
/ vi Tile AHoNeFnmenl, anu lHfOuGu Lnt
monetary system here proposed all these in
terests can be fully secured.
q. That as the public domain Is the right
tul heritage of the people, it should not b,
distributed to spectators or corporations but
reserved for actual settlers
2. That it is the duty Of the Government
to equalize the bounties of soldiers, and L
bring to a speedy settlement all otEar Just
claims arising out of the late war.
5. All rights, privileges and immunitie'
recognized by the Government should b,
based on the fact az citizenship, equal righti
before the law being secured by the constitu
ton.
9. That we demand and insist upon severt
retrenehment and economy in all branches b
the public service.
10. The rivers and harbors being unde
the jurisdiction Of the Government. shoul.
be by it 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, a firm and lasting bond o
union, by giving a common interest in com
mon Government, and bringing peace an,
prosperity to each and all of its inhabitants
H. As all special privileges, immunitie
and powers conferred on corporations OF an,
kind or nature are granted at the expense .
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.