The Rock Island Argus. (Rock Island, Ill.) 1877-1885, 1882-11-01
TIE PLATFORM.

ResOEged 1. 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 tC
all and exclusive privileges to nome protection Of
the weak against the entertainments of the strong
equal taxation, free speech. free press, free
schools, and first of all free and incorruptfbe bal
2. That we favor honest reform for the civil ser
vice, and deneunce the extortion of large sums Of
money from ONCE holders to corrupt the ballot and
control elections the most threatening is the
most insiduous danger that besets a free govern
the national republican committee and by tile re-
publican reputation coalition IN Virginia, eylnces
the utter abandonment OF principle and meets our
g. That we denounce the reckless extravaganza
priation Of the public treasurey as during
the last session of congress. which increased the
appropriations for the current sca year over tnese
the enormous extentof $751; 00e. ---ssa-
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 10 obtain their freedom despite the
dungeon and all other infamous appliances charac-
teristic Of British ruleo IreIand love of lib
erty which is unparalleled In history, and sheds a
ray of glory upon the Irish national character
mendingit to the respect. admiration and support
of freedom loving people throughout the world
IT, Il NAIVE BORN and nstnran at
home and abroad, and we denounce and condemn
9e ss sta DOR ~ megee
in the jas 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
nomical administration of its affairs, and that such
taxes be adjusted as to secure an equitable dis
tribution.of these burdens.
false to the pledges it has made to to the people
With not a cent of bonded debt against the state,
srs a rof sae pass gap hsse
boards Of the state institutions have been used
more to advance the interests OF me t repn9can
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 are paid from the state
treasury. The humiliating spectacle is presented
message that the 8 sn of seo woui Sc ampe
10 pay all the expenses Of the state for 20 years,
the republican legislature approprfating nGsrly ST.
100000 for sreh EXPENSE -li,i he large fund re-
ceved anIi;,lily 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
misused as a stimulus to increased taxation.
s. That the offices of the warehouse and rgiroad
commissioners now 1lled ID. by the appointment OF
people. 80
o. That we demand a revision Of the present IN
Is framed in the interest Of capital ana While tia
vors and fosters iniquitous lnononoles. is unjust
and oppressive tethe iaboring man IN all the walks
of life The constitution confers on congress the
power to raise revenue by duties imports and
just and proper exercise of that power we favor
tariff based the principle revenue which will
deal justly with existing business relations and with
al legitnlAle INDUSTRIES, anu at Inc same Time us
courage pnonopolies and remove The burdens imposs
ed by tIepresent tariff pom all the lAboring people
of he country, and hereby eelare that there Is
no power given by the constitution to congress to
levy tariff 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 fofee in Illinois forthe regulation
of the traffic IN Intoxicating liquors. conceding
the right of the people to amendment. if
ry of such laws to prevent the evils of
ciety growing out of abuses in the of intoxeat
ing liquors. the convention declares that it, not the
legitimate province of government TO control the
habits, tastes appetites and liberties of the people
long they are peaeeable and orderly, and do
not eneroach upon the rights of others of society,"
and therefore declare that the prohibition by the
constitution or by general laws of the manufacture
OF sale of vinous. spirtuous malt liquors would
be in violation of individual and personal rights and
contrary the fundamental principles of free gov
eminent.
without regard to former political Affiliations to
unite with US at the coming election in carrying
into effect the foregoing principles. y8