The Rock Island Argus. (Rock Island, Ill.) 1877-1885, 1882-10-30
TIE PLATFORM.

Ees1EUe1 l. That the democratic party OF the
state of illinois, in convention assembled reaftfrm
the great principles which are the foundation Of
free government. among which are equal rights to
all and exclusive privileges 20 protection Of
the weak against the encroachments of the strong,
equal tsssticn free speech s free free ns
lot.
2 That we favor honest reform for the civil ser
vice. and denounce theeztprtion Of large sums Of
money from once holders ID corsEt the ballot and
control elections the most threatening asst is the
most insiduous, danger that besets free govern
ment, and the shameless resort TO such methods by
the national republican. committee, and By the re-
publican Republication coalition IN Virginia, eyinces
the utter abandonment OF principle and meets our
unqualified eoddemnation-
and proigacy OF the republican party IN the appro
priatiOn OF the public treasurey manifested during
spproprations for the current Ascal year those
OF the past year made by democratic congress to
the enormous extent 81 - svonstv to the
Irish people In the struggle for their rights in which
they are nov engaged and resogniae in tnelr per
dungeon and all othes infamous appliances charac-
ssFssas os Brs,sn rs,s Sser s aS Se ss
of glory upon the Irish national character, com
mending Il e the respsct admiration and support
S. That ik = incumbent upon our goFernIneI4 70
protect its citizens. native born and nam razed
home and abroad, and we denounce and condemn
the present republican administration for its neglect
Of duty toward those lately impsi.ened a. sasPects
g. That we arefn favor OF reduction OF federal
Sca1-St~%At
wants of the government under an honest and eco
nomieaI sdminstraton o. its affairs, and that snch
taxes be adjusted as to secure an equitable dis
tributon 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 cent of bonded debt against the state,
the taxes for the past year have been oneffhird
boards Of the state institusions have been esed8
more 70 advance She interests of the republican
nate men, women and children committed their
charge The various radical state officials are sur
rounded by numbers Of unnecessary clerks ana at
tendsnts, whose salaries paid from the state
treasury. The humiliating spectacle IS presented
message that the sum Of So oeo 6oe would be ample
to all the expenses OF the state Tor TWO years,
and the same governor approving Dill passed ey
OO0O0 for sCch sxpeISe<; 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 nth
lied TO relieve the people from taxation, has been
misused as q stimulus to increased taxation
s. That the Offices of the warehouse and rBiIroad
commissioners, now filed BY the appointment of
the governor. should be filed by election by the
9. That we demand o revision Of the present I'M
Is framed n The intessss Of capital and while a
vors and fosters iniquitous Inondpoies. i unjust
and oppressive TO the laborng man in all the walks
OF life. The constitution confers congress the
power to raise revenue by duties imports, and
just and proper exercise of that power favor a
tariff based the principle of revenues which viii
deal justly with existing business relations and with
all legitimate industries, and at the time dis
couuee mDnopolies and Femove the burdens impos=
ed b. ue pfessnh tariff upon all the laborfpg people
of the country and hereby declare fha9there Is
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. That while we have no purpose 80 interfere
with just laws in force in Illinois for the 9aton
of the traffic in intoxicating diquors, and coceGEg
the right OF the people to amendment If nccessa-
of snch laws to prevent correct the evils of
ciety growing out OF abuses In the of intoxicat
ing liquors. die dechresthat It 5 not the
legitimate province of government to control the
habits tastes appetites and liberties Of the people
N as fhPF md 0rffpr and do
not encroach upon the rights OF others o. of society
and we 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.
II. That we appeal to the people Of this state
without regard 10 former political aflifations, to
unite with ne Asssl1e coming election in carrying
into efectth foregoing principles - -