The Rock Island Argus. (Rock Island, Ill.) 1877-1885, 1882-10-07
THE PLATFORM.

RSSOtUeG, ]. That the democratic party OF Ine
state of Illinois, in convention assembled, reaiirm
the great principles which are the foundation OF
free government. among which are equal rights to
all and exclusive privileges to none, protection OF
the weak against the encroachments of the strong,
equal taxation, free speech, free press, free
schools, and first of ali free and incorruptible bal
lot.
2. That we favor honest reform for the civil ser
money from office-holders corrupt the ballot and
control elections as the most threatening as 1t is the
most insiCiuous danger that besets free govern
ment, and the shameless resort to such methods by
the national republican committee, and by the re-
publican Reputation coalition in Virginia, eynces
the utter abandonment of principle and meets our
unqualified condemnation.
g. That we denounce the reckless extravaganza
and prohigacy of the republican party in the appro
pration of the public reasurey manifested during
the last session of congress, which increased the
of the past year made by democratic congress to
the enormous extent of SIS, OOO.O 600.
4. That 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
dungeon and all other infamous appliances charac-
terstic of British rule over Ireland, love of lib
erty which is unparalleled in history, and sheds q
ray of glory upon the Irish national character com
mending it to the respect, admiration and support
of freedom-Ioving people throughout the world.
5. That it is incumbent upon our government to
protect its citizens native born naturalized st
home and abroad and we denounce and condemn
the present republican administration its neglect
of duty toward those lately imprisoned suspects
in the jails of Ireland by the arbitrary action OF the
g. That we are in favor of reduction of federal
taxation to the lowest point consistent with the
wants OF the government under an honest and eco
nomcal administration of its affairs and that such
taxes be adjusted as TO secure equitable dis
tribution of these burdens.
Z. The Republican party of thestate has proved
false to the pledges it has made 10 to the people
With not a cent of bonded debt against the state,
the taxes for the past year have ave been onethso
boards of the state institutions have beer used
more to advance the interests of the republican
party than for the and comfort of the unfOrtu
nate men, women and children committed to their
charge. The various radical state officials are sur
rounded by numbers of unnecessary clerks and at
tendants, whose salaries are paid from the state
treasury. The humiliating spectacle is presented
OF the governor OF the state saving In his annual
message that the of 8, 100000 would be ample
10 pay all the expenses OF the state for two years.
the republican legislature appropriating nearly 81
600 600 for such expenses; and the large fund re-
ceiyed Annually from the Illinois Central Railroad
company under the wise provisions of law enacted
by democratic legislature instead of being util-
lied to relieve the people from taxation has been
misused stimulus to increased taxation.
8. That the offices of the warehouse and rBilroad
commissioners, now filed by the appointment OF
the governor should be filled by election by the
people.
g. That demand revision of the present I'M
just, and in many respects prohibitory tariff which
is framed in the interest of capital and while it IA
and fosters fniquitous lnonopolies. is unjust
and oppressive to the laboring man IN all the walks
of life The constitution confers congress the
power to raise revenue by duties on imports, and as
just and proper exercise OF that power favor
tariff based on the principle of revenue which viii
deal justly with existing business relations and with
all legitimate Industries. and at the same time dts
courage monopOles 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 to congress to
levy tariff tax the people for the purpose of
protection without reference torevenue.
10. That while we have purpose to interfere
with just laws in force in Illinois for the regulation
of the traffic in intoxicating liquors, and eonceding
the right OF the people to an amendment If necessa
of such laws to correct the evils of
cety growing out of abuses in the of iutoxieat7
ing liquors. the convention declares that 1t is not the
legitimate province of government to control the
habits tastes appetites and liberties of the people
SO long they are peaceable and orderly, and do
not encrOach upon the rights of others Of society,"
and therefore declare that the prohibition by the
constitution or by general laws of the manufacture
sale of vinons spirituous or malt liquors would
be in yioatonof individual and personal rights, and
contrary to the Fundamental principles of free gov
eminent.
II. That appeal to the people of this state,
without regard to former political affiliations to
unite with us at the coming election in carrying
into effect the foregoing principles.