The Rock Island Argus. (Rock Island, Ill.) 1877-1885, 1882-10-03
THE PLATFORM.

ReS0EUed, /. That the democratic party of the
state of Illinois, in convention assembled reafnrn
the great principles which are the foundation oil
free government, among which are equal rights to
all and exclusive privileges to none, protection OF
the weak against the entertainments of the strong,
equal taxation, free speech, a free press, free
schools and first Of all free and incorruptible bal
3 That we favor honest reform for the civil ser
money office holders corrupt the ballot and
control elections the most threatening as 1t is the
most insiduous danger that besets free govern
ment, and the shameless resort to such methods by
the national republican committee and by the re-
publican repndiation coalition in Virginia, eynces
the inter abandonment of principle and meets our
unqualified condemnation.
g. That we denounce the reckless extravaganza
and profgacy of the republican party in the appro
priation of the public treasurey manifested during
the last session of congress, which increased the
of the past year made by democratic congress to
the enormous extent of 7S,000,O00.
4. That we extend our heartiest sympathy to the
Irish people in the struggle for their rights in which
they are now engaged, and recognize In their per
sistent efforts obtain their freedom despite the
dungeon and all other Infamous appliances charac
teFistic of British rule over Ireland, love of lib
erty which is unparalleled in history, and sheds
ray of gor- sgo2 the Irish national character, com
mending Il "a ~espect, admiration and support
of freedOgs: i re Hg1fe throughout the world.
5. That il Is "a upon our government to
protect its citizSH. VIZ 'orn and naturalized, at
home and N.Y. ~ denounce and condemn
the present dlinistration for its neglect
of duty iowa Ely imprisoned as suspects
in the jails o. he arbitrary action of the
British govet
q. That SO N reduction of federal
taxation to - . consistent with the
wants of IN ssder an honest and eco
nomical adI affairs, and that such
taxes be 80 aaenre an equitable dis
2 Tb b. - .sa:r OF the state has proved
false to ~ saaee to to the people
With no va3 ebt against the state,
the So tas2 ft-aT aIave been 0nethrd
greater fsfat rfA y@sRg year. The various
boards OF ar !.>-ttations have been used
TO advance e irteS:-etS OF the republican
p& ity man fer tho comfort of the unfortu
Ms e en-, wGlnen 4nd 1.5.d:eG committed TO their
fFffre-N sl.f rrfal
roGa4.i by nembers 90 UzIAecsssary clerks and at
ten@snss, whose salaries gaid from the state
fyrsa-EY5 The hHmia2izfs sTseCfaSle is presented
g tbe governor Of the stass sHysag in his annual
rieesGg> that the sum of 3, S0eSU would be ample
&c Jay al the expenses of the state for two years,
AND s.se same governor approving bills passed by
the republican Legislature apprspriating nearly 81
So0tOO for such expenses; and tile large fund re-
ceived annually from the Illinois Central Railroad
company under the wise provisions = II law enacted
by democratic legislature, inss - of being uti
lzed 70 reileVe the people from 3, iaion has been
misused as q stimulus To incfea1-s Ixation.
6 That the offices OF the wa - sc and rvilroad
commissioners, now filled by tar appointment OF
the governor, should be Allied by election by the
people.
Q. That we demand revision she present nm
just ana in many respects prohi ~ tariff which
~ framed in the interest OF capital and while il ia
vors and fosters ubiquitous nonopOiies, Is unjust
and oppressive 10 the aboring MAN in all the walks
of life. The constitution cOsifers congress the
power to raise revenue by duties --,sorts, and
inst and proper exercise of that p favor
tariff, based on the principle of rev. rs@, which Will
deal Justly with existing business relations and with
all Legitimate industries, and at the Tins dis
courage mOnopolies and remove the burdens impos
ed by the present tariff upon all the aboring people
of the country, and hereby declare that there Is
no power given by the constitution % congress To
levy tariff tax the people for the purpose of
protection without reference to revenue.
TO- That while we have purpose interfere
with just laws in force in Illinois FOR the regulation
of tho traffic in intoxicating liquors, and eonceding
the right of the people TO amendment If uecessa
ny Of such laws to prevent the evils of
ciety growing out of abuses in the of itoxicat
ing liquors, the convention declares that t is not the
ieglt4tsa1e province OF government to control the
habits, iscs appetites and Ib9ffies of the popp}e
so long they peaceabie and OFsiersg. and 30
not epcroach Upan the rghtof ethens of society,
and We therefore de0sare that the prohibition by the
constitution or by general lnws of the manufacture
sale of vinous, spirstuouE EGlit liquors would
be in violation Of individual and oEal rights, ard
contrary TO the fundamental prf-a ees Of free gov
eminent.
II. That we appeal "a. sogfie # this state
without regard TO form, To1riiea sa.iiasions, to
unite with at the comzlg lf-t ltli in carrying
into effect the foregoing principle.