The Rock Island Argus. (Rock Island, Ill.) 1877-1885, 1882-10-24
THE PLATFoRM.

ResotCed l. That the democratic party OF the
state of Illinois, IN convention assembled. reairm
she great principles which are the foundation OF
free government, among which are equal rights 10
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 all free and incoTruptble bal
lot
q That we favor honest reform for the civil ser
vice, and denounce the extortion of large sums OF
control elections the most threatening it 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 reputation coalition In Virginia eyinces
the utter abandonment of principle and meets our
g. That we denounce the reckless extravaganza
and prohigacy OF the republican party in the appro
priaton of the public sreasurey as manifested during
the last session of congress, which increased the
appropriations for the current fiscal year over those
OF the past year made By democratic congress to
the enormous extent OF ST., 0O000D.
d. That we extend our heartiest sympathy to the
Irish people in the struggle for their rights which
they are now engaged, and recognize in their per-
sstent efforts obtain their freedom despite the
dungeon and all other infamous appliances charac
teristic 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-loving people throughout the world
5. That it is incumbent upon our government to
home and abroad, and we denounce and condemn
the present republican for its neglect
of duty toward those lately imprisoned suspects
in the ais of Ireland, by che arbitrary action of the
British government.
taxation 70 the lowest point consistent with the
wants of the government under an honest and eco
nomica administration of its affairs, and that such
taxes be adjusted as TO secure an equitable dis
tribution of these burdens.
the kepublican party OF the state ma has proved
With not cent of bonded debt against the state,
the taxes for the past year have been one-third
greater than tn the preceding year. The various
boards of the state institutions have been 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
PENDANTS, whose salaries paid from the state
treasury. The humiliating spectacle is presented
message that the sum of So 900, 900 would be ample
to pay all the expenses OF the state for two years,
the republican Iegislature apDroDriatng nearly 81
600 900 for such expenses; std tie large fund re-
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.
g. That the offices of the warehouse and railroad
commissioners, filed by the appointment of
people.
g. That we demand revision of the present un-
just and in many respects prohibitory tariff which
is framed in the interest of capital and while it IA
yors and fosters iniquitous 1nonopolies. is unjust
and oppressive to the laborng man in all the walks
of life The constitution confers on congress the
power to raise revenue by duties imports, and as
just and proper exercise of that power we favor
tariff based the principle of revenue, which viii
deal justly with existing business relations and with
all legitimate Industries, and at the same time dis
courage monopoles and remove the burdens lmpos-
ed by the present tariff upon all the abOring people
cf the country, and hereby declare that there is
no power given by the constitution TO congress to
levy tariff the people for the purpose of
protection without reference to revenue.
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 conceding
the right of the people to an amendment, if necessa
of such laws to prevent correct the evils of
ciety growing out of abuses in the of intoxicat
ing liquors. the convention declares that is not the
nrOVfOcp government control
habits tastes appetites and liberties of the people
long they peaceable and orderly. and do
not encroach upon the rights of others of society,"
and we therefore declare that the prohibition by the
constitution by general laws of the manufacture
sale of vinous, spirtuous malt liquors would
violation of individual and personal rights and
contrary to the fundamental principles of free gov
eminent
II. That we 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.