The Rock Island Argus. (Rock Island, Ill.) 1877-1885, 1882-10-23
THE PLATFORM.

ResoSue0 / That the democratic party of the
state of Illinois, in convention assembled, reatiirm
the great principles which 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 all free and ncorrupuble bal
2 That we favor honest reform for the civil ser
vice, and denounce the extortion of large sums of
money from ofce-holders to corrupt the ballot and
control elections the most threatening. II IS the
most insiduous danger that besets free govern
ment and the shameless resort to such methods By
the national republican committee, ana 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 profigacy of the republican party IN the appro
priatlon OF the public treasrrey as during
the last session of congress, which increased the
appropriations for the current fiscal year those
Of the past year made by democratic congress 10
the enormous extent of S9S,O00.0Oe.
T. That we 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
sistent efforts obtain their freedom despite the
dungeon and all other infamous appliances charac-
Geristic of British rule Ireland love of lib
erty which is unparalleled in history, and sheds
ray of glory upon the Irish national character,
mending il to the respect admiration ana support
Of freedom loving people throughout the world.
5. That it is incumbent upon our government to
protect its citizens native born and natufazed, at
home and abroad, and we denounce and condemn
the present republican administration for its neglect
Of duty toward those lately imprisoned as suspects
in the as of Ireland, by the arbitrary action Of the
British government.
=. That we are IN favor OF reduction OF federal
taxation 70 the lowest point consistent with the
wants of the government under an honest and eco
nomical administration of its affairs, and that such
taxes be so adjusted as to secure an equitable dis
tributiOn of these burdens
:. The Republican party of the state has proved
false to the pledges it has made to to the people.
With 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
to advance the interests of the republican
party than for the care and comfort the unfortn-
nat
charge. The various radical state officials sur
rounded by numbers of unnecessary clerks anc at
PENDANTS, 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 OF s., 00O0 600 would be ample
pay all the expenses of the state for two years,
aud the same governor approving bills passed by
0O0, eco for such expenses; and the large fund
ceived annuaI'g s,1 ~ .3..4i- Central Railroad
company under sie wise PROVISIONS of alaw enacted
by democratic legislature, instead of being utiI-
lied to relieve the people from taxation, has been
msused a stimulus to increased taxation.
8 That the offices OF the warehouse ana rBIiroad
commissioners, now filed by the appointment of
the governor, should be filed by election BY the
people.
g. That we demand revision of the present I'M
just. and in many respects prohibtOry tariff, which
Is framed IN the interest of capital, and whie II IA
vors and fosters iniquitous lnonepoes. is. unjust
and oppressive to the laboring in all the walks
OF lie. The constitution confers on congress the
power TO raise revenue by duties on imports and a.
a just and proper exercise of that power favor
tariff, based on the principle of revenue which VIII
deal justly with existing business relations ana with
all legitimate industries and at the time dis
courage monopolies and remove the burdens impos-
cd by the present tariff upon all the laboring people
OF The country and we hereby declare that there IS
power given by the constitutions to congress 10
levy a tariff or tax 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
ry Of such laws to prevent correct the evils OF
cety growing out of abuses in the of intoxicat
ing liquors. the convention declares that it is not the
legitimate province of government to control the
habits tastes appetites liberties of the people
so long as 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 by general laws of the manufacture
or sale Of vlnous spirftuous malt liquors would
be In 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 las at the coming election in carrying
into effect the foregoing principles.