The Rock Island Argus. (Rock Island, Ill.) 1877-1885, 1882-10-12
THE PLATFORM.

Res0lped, l. That fSe democratic party Of the
state of Illinois, in convention assembled, reaffrm
the great principles which the foundation o.
free government, among which are equal rights te
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 ncorruptbe bal
lot.
q That we favor honest reform for the civil ser
vice, and denonnce the extortlon OF large sums Of
control elections the most threatening as is the
ment and the shameiess resort to snch metbods by
the national republican committee, and by the re-
publican reputation coalition in Virginia, evinces
the utter abandonment of principle and meets our
g. That we denounce the reckless extravaganza
priation of the public treasurey 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 78,0O0,0O0
a. That we extend our heartiest sympathy to the
Irish people in the struggle their rights in which
they are now engaged, and recognize in their per-
sistent efforts 10 obtain their freedom despite the
dungeon and all other Infamous appliances charac-
teristc of British rule over Ireland, love of lib
erty which is unparalleled in history, and sheds a
ray of glory upon the Irish national character COM
mending it to the respect, admiration and support
of freedom-loving people throughout the world.
s. That it is incumbent upon our government to
protect its citizens native born and naturaliZed at
home and abroad. and we denounce and condemn
the present republican administration its neglect
of duty toward those lately Imprisoned as suspects
in the jas 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
nomica administration of its affairs, and that such
taxes be adjusted as to secure equitable dis
tribution of these burdens.
z. The Republican party OF the state has proved
false to the pledges it has made to to the people
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 varions radical state officials sur
rounded by numbers of unnecessary clerks and at
PENDANTS, whose salaries are paid from the state
treasury The humiliating spectacle is presented
OF the governor OF the sIate SAYING IN MS annual
message that the sum of $3000,Oo0 would be ample
to pay all the expenses OF the state Tor TWO years.
and the governor approving bills passed by
the republican Legislature appropriatng nearly 81,
900 900 for such expenses; and the large fund re
ceived 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 as a stimulus to increased taxation.
g. That the offices OF the warehouse and rRliroad
commissioners, now filed by the appointment of
the governor, should be filed by election by the
people
just and in many respects prohibitory tariff, which
is framed in the interest of capital. and while it ia
vors and fosters iniouitous InonopoIies il 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 on imports, and
tariff, based the principle of revenue which will
deal justly with existing business relations and with
legIlnnaJe Ut the SAINT
courage mOnopolies and remove the burdens impos-
ed by the present tariff upon all the labOring people
of the country and hereby declare that there is
power given by the constitution to congress to
levy tariff tax on the people for the purpose of
protection without reference to revenue.
10. That while have purpose to interfere
with just laws in force in Illinois for the regulation
of the traffic in intoxicating liquors, and concedng
the right of the people TO an amendment if necessa-
nv, of such laws to prevent correct the evils of
ciety growing out of abuses in the of intoxicat
ing liquors. the convention declares that il is not the
legitimate government
go long as they peaceab1e 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
or sale of vinous, spirituous malt liquors would
be in violation of individual and personal rights and
contrary to the fundamental principles of free gov
eminent
IL. 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.