The Rock Island Argus. (Rock Island, Ill.) 1877-1885, 1882-09-29
THE PLATFORM.

Res0tued, l. That the democratic party of the
state of Illinois in convention assembled reafirm
the great principles which the foundation OF
free government, among which are equal rights e
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 incompatible bal
lot
2 That we favor honest reform for the civil ser
vice, and denounce the extorton of large sums OF
money from office-ho1ders to corrupt the ballot and
control elections the most threatening as 1t is the
most inSiduous danger that beSets a free govern
ment. and the shameless resort to such methods by
the national republican commltIee ana oS me re-
publican reputation coalition IN Virginia -eyfnees
the utter abandonment of principle and meets our
unqualified condemnation.
g. That we denounce the reckless extravaganza
and proiigacy of the republican party IN the appro
praton OF the public treasurey as manifested during
the last session of congress, which increased the
appropriations for the current fiscal year over those
the enormous extent of 100000,
4. 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 eharae-
terstic of British rule over Ireland, love of lib
erty which is unparalleled in history, and sheds
ray of glory upou the Irish national character, COM
mendingit to the respect admiration and support
of freedom-loving people throughout the world.
;. That it is incumbent upon government to
protect its citizens, native born and naturaZed. at
home and abroad. and we denounce and condemn
the present republican administration for its neglect
of duty toward those lately imprisoned suspects
in the ais of Ireland by the arbitrary action of the
British government.
taxation to 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
I. The Republican party of the state has proved
false to the pledges it has made to to the people.
With a cent of bonded debt against the state,
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 unforta
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
OF the governor OF the state saving IN ms annual
message that the of S. O00, 600 would be ample
to pay all the expenses of the state for two years
ana the same governor approving ohls passed Dy
the republican legislature appropriating nearly So
GOo.C00 for such expenses; and the large fund re-
ee1ved annually from the Illinois Central Railroad
company under the wise provisions of law enacted
by democratic legislature, instead of being util
lzed to re1eVe the people from taxation, has been
misused a stimulus to increased taxation.
s That the offices of the warehouse and Railroad
commissioners, filled 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
is framed in the interest of capital, and while it ia
vors and fosters ubiquitous fnonopolies is unjust
and oppressive to the Laboring man in all the walks
of life. The constitution cOnfers congress the
power to raise revenue by duties on imports and as
just and proper exercise of that power favor "A
tariff, based the principle of revenue which will
deal justly with existing business relations and with
all Legitimate industries, and at the same time dis
courage monopolies and remove the burdens impos-
ed by the present tariff upon all the laborng people
of the country, and hereby declare that there is
no power given by the constitution to congress to
levy tariff or tax on the people for the purpose of
protection without reference to revenue.
10. hat 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 amendment. if necessa
of such laws TO prevention correct the evils of
cety growing out of abuses in the of intoxicat-
ing liquors. the convention declares that is not the
legitimate province OF government to control the |
so long as they 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 vInous spirituous 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
unite with us at the coming election in carrying |
into effect the foregoing principles