The Rock Island Argus. (Rock Island, Ill.) 1877-1885, 1882-10-27
THE PLAT FORM.

Resolved l. That the democratic party of the
state of Illinois, in convention assembled reaflrn
the great principles which are the foundation OF
free government, among which equal rights to
an and exclusive PRIVILEGES to none protection o.
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 Sums OF
money from ONCE holders to corrupt the ballot and
control elections the most threatening as 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. evnces
the utter abandonment of principle and meets our
unqualified condemnation.
and profigacy of the republican party in the appro
praton Of the public treasurey manifested during
the last session of congress, which increased the
OF the past year made by democratic congress to
the enormous extent of $78,0D0 oO1.
4. That we extend our heartiest sympathy TO the
Irish people in the struggle for their rights in which
they are now engaged, and recognize in their per
dungeon and all other Infamous appliances charac
terstic of British rule over Ireland, love of lib
erty which is unparalleled in history. and sheds
ray of glory upon the Irish national character,
nendingit TO the respect, admiration and support
OF freedom loving people throughout the world.
5. That it is incumbent upon government to
protect its citizens. native born and naturazed at
the present republican administration its neglect
OF duty toward those lately imprisoned suspects
in the ails of Ireland, by the arbitrary action of the
6. That we are in favor of reduction of federal
wants of the government under an honest and eco
nomical administration OF its affairs and that sueh
taxes be so adjusted as to secure an equitable dis
tribution of these burdens
z. The Republican party of the state has proved
With not cent Of bonded debt against the state,
the taxes for the past year have ben one thlrd
boards of the state institutions has5a been used
more to advance the interests of the republican
party than for the care an6 comfort o. the unf9rtn
charge The various radical state officials are sur
rounded by numbers of unnecessary clerks and at
PENDANTS, whose salaries are PAID from the state
treasury. The humiliating spectacle is presented
Of the governor of the state saying in his annual
message that the snm of 5000 900 wo..N be ample
to pay all the expenses OF the state l n two years
and the same governor approving biis passed BY
the repnhl can i-ri~ 'ra Ippropriatlng nearly 81
600 ,O00 Tor such eipvsszs$; aud the large fund
ceived annually from the Illinois Central railroad
by democratic Legislature instead of being nth
lied to relieve the people from taxation has been
misused as stimulus to increased taxation.
8. That the offices of the warehouse anu 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 IN
just, and in many respects prohibitory tariff which
Is framed In the interest OF capital and while it IA
vors and fosters iniquitous Inonopolies is unjust
and oppressive to the laboring man in all the walks
of life The constitution confers on congress the
power to raise revenue by duties imports, and as
tariff based on the principle of revenue, which win
deal justly with existing business relations and with
81 IegltinaIe dnonstrles, ana at the same ume ais
ed by the present tariff upon all the aboring people
OF The country, and hereby declare that there is
no power given by the constitution to congress to
levy tariff or tax the people for the purpose of
protection without reference to revenue.
10. That while we have no 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 amendment if ucessa-
~, Of such laws to prevent the evils of
cety growing out OF abuses in the of intoxicat
Ing liquors. the convention declares 1t lis not the
legitimate province of government to control the
habits tastes, appetites and liberties of the people
1s1a.
not encroaeh upon the rights of others of society,"
and therefore declare that the prohibition by the
constitution by general laws of the manufacture
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.
H. That we appeal to the people of this state,
Without regard to former political affiliations, to
unite with at the coming election in carrying
into effect4he foregoing principles