The Rock Island Argus. (Rock Island, Ill.) 1877-1885, 1882-11-07
THE PLATFORM.

Res0EUed, /. That the democratic party of the
state of illinois, in convention assembled reafirn
the great principles which the foundation OF
free government, among which equal rights to
all and exclusive privileges to none protection OF
the weak against the entertainments of the strong
equal taxation, free speech, free press, free
Schools and first of all free and incorruptible bal
2. That we favor honest reform for the civil ser
vice, and denounce the extortion of large of
money from Otfice holders to corrupt the ballot and
control elections the most threatening is the
most insiduous, danger that besets a free govern
ment, and the shameless resort TO 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
8. That we denounee the reckless extravaganza
priation OF the public treasurey manifested during
the last session of congress, which increased the
of the past year made by a democratic congress to
the enormous extent of SIS, OO0,oOo.
T. That we extend our heartest sympathy 10 the
Irish people in the struggle for their rights in which
they are now engaged, and recognize in their per
sstent efforts TO obtain their freedom despite the
dungeon and all other infamous appliances charac-
teristic of British rule Ireland love of lib
erty which is unparalleled in history, and sheds
ray of glory upon the Irish national character
mendlng 1t to the respect, admiration and support
of freedom-loving people throughout the world.
5. That it is incumbent upon our government to
protect its citizens native born and naturalized at
the present republican administration its neglect
OF duty toward those lately imprisoned suspects
IN the Jas of Ireland by the arbitrary action of the
British government.
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 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 a cent OF bonded debt against the state
the taxes for the past year have been e-tfird
greater than tn the preceding year The various
more to advance the interests of the republican
party than for the and comfort of the unfortn
nate men, women ana children committed TO their
charge. The various radical state officials are
rounded by numbers of unnecessary clerks and at
tenoants, whose salaries are paid from the state
treasury. The humiliating spectacle is presented
of the governor of the state saying in his annual
message that the sum of s. 900, 600 world be ample
TO pay all the expenses of the state for two years,
and the same governor approving bills passed by
the republican lcgislat. aIpropriating nearlys 81
0OO, 900 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
mlsused as stimulus to increased taxation
g. That the offices of the warehouse and railroad
commissioners, now filed by the appointment OF
the governor, should be filed by election by the
people.
o. That we demand a revision of the present I'M
just, and in many respects prohibitory tariff, which
10 framed in the interest capital and while it ia
vors and fosters ubiquitous lnonopolies is unjust
and oppressive To the aboring in all the walks
OF life. The constitution c0nfers congress the
power to raise revenue by duties imports and as
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 at the same time dis
courage monopoles and remove the burdens impos- |
ed by the present tariff upon all the laboring people
Of the country and we hereby declare that there is
no power given by the constitution congress to |
levy tariff or tax on the people for the purpose of
protection without reference to revenue.
10 That while we have purpose to interfere i
with just laws in force in Illinois for the regulation
of the traffic in Intoxicating liquors. and concedino
the right of the people to amendment if necessa.
ry OF such laws to prevent correct the evils of So
clety growing out of abuses in the of intoxicat-
ing liquors. the convention declares that it is not the
eglIlmate province OF government to control the
RADIUS tastes, appet1tes and liberties of the people
hIa md Il 10.
not encroach upon the rights of others of society
ana we therefore declare that the prohibition by the
constitution or by general laws of the manufacture
DR. sale OF yinous, sprituous malt liquors would
De 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
mite with us at the coming election in carrying !
MO enect the foregoing principles.