The Rock Island Argus. (Rock Island, Ill.) 1877-1885, 1882-11-04
THE PLATFORM.

ResoLyed / That the democratic party of the
state of Illinois, in convention assembled, reatlirm
the great principles which the foundation of
free government. among which equal rights TO
the weak against the encrOachmeutS of the strong.
equal taxation. free speech, a free press, free
schools and first of all free and Incorrnpthe bal
lot.
2 That we favor honest reform for the civil ser
vice, and denOunce the extortinu of large sums OF
money from oficeholders to corrupt the ballot and
control elections the most threatening a. II Is the
most insiduous, danger that besets free govern
ment, and the shameless resort 20 such methods by
the national republican committee, and by the re
publican Reputation coalition in Virginia, evinces
the utter abandonment of principle and meets our
unqualified condemnation.
g. That we denounce the reckless extravaganza
and proigacy of the republican party in the appro
priation of the public treasurey a manifested during
the last session of congress, which increased the
appropriations for the current fiscal year over those
OF the past year made by demo ratio congress TO
the enormous extent of SIS, .USi
4. That extend our heartiest sympathy TO the
Irish people in the struggle for heir rights in which
they are engaged, and recognize IN their per
sistent efforts obtain their freedom despite the
dungeon ana al otheF lhIah0us appiiaices cha[lc-
teristic of British rule Ireland love of lib
erty which Is Unparalleled IN history and sheds
ray OF glory upon the irish nato character com
mending it TO the respect, admiration and support
of freedom-loving people throughout the world.
3. That it is incumbent upon government to
protect its citizens, native born and naruralized
home and abroad and We denounce and condemn
the present republican tration or It's neglect
of duty toward those lately imprisoned suspects
IN the as of Ireland by the arbitrary action Of the
6. 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 so adjusted to equitable dis
:. The Republican party of the state has proved
false TO the pledges it has made TO t. the people
With not a cent OF bonded debt against the state,
the taxes for the past year have been One-third
greater than IN the preceding year. TIE various
boards of the state institutions have been used
more to advance the interests OF rfle republican
party than for the and comfort OF the unfortH
nate men, women and children committed TO their
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 state saying III his annual
message that the sum of So 600 600 we a be annie
TO pay all the expenses of the state for years
aud the same governor approving bills passed by
the republican legislature approprating nearly 81,
cetved annually fiom ne Illinois Central Iiaroad
company under the wise provisions of n law enacted
by democratic Legislature instead Of being util-
lzed TO relieve the people from taxation, has been
misused as a stimulus to increased taXatio1T
8. That the offices of the warehouse and railroad
commissioners, filed by the appointment of
the governor, should be filled by election by the
people.
g. That We demand revision Of the present un-
just, and IN many respects proh5itory tariff, which
Is framed in the interest of capital and while ia
vors and fosters ubiquitous nonopolies is unjust
and oppressive TO the laboring man in all the walks
power TO raise revenue by duties imports and as
a just and proper exercise of that power we favor
tariff based on the principle of revenue, which will
deal justly with existing business relations and with
all legitimate Industries. and the same time dis
ed by the present tariff upon all the labOrng people
OF the country, and we hereby declare that there is
no power given by the constitution 10 congress to
levy tariff or tax on the people for the purpose
protection without reference TO revenue.
10. 2 hat while we have purpose 10 interfere
with Just laws in force in Illinois for the regulation
OF the traffic IN Intoxicating liquors. and cOncediug
the right of the people to amendment if neC@sli-
ry of such laws to prevent the evils Of so
cety growing out of abuses III the of ntoxfcat-
ing liquors. the convention declares that the
legitimate province of government 10 control the
habits tastes, appetites and liberties the people
so long they are peaceabie and orderly and do
not encroach upon the rights OF or of society,"
and therefore declare that the prohibition by the
constitution by general laws of the manufacture
or sale of vinOus spiritu0us malt liquors would
be in violation of individual and personal rights and
contrary to the fundamental principles Of free gov
II That we appeal to the people of this state,
without regard TO former political affiliations to
unite with at the coming election in carving
into effect the foregoing principles