The new North-west. [volume] (Deer Lodge, Mont.) 1869-1897, 1882-10-06
REPUBLICAN TERRITORIAL PLATFORM
1882.


tana abide In the conviction that the princi-
Piles and action of their party for Its
entire existence of more than quarter of a
century have commended IL to the consider
ate approval Of all civilization as a bench.
cent, moral and intellectual force inspired
by lofty aims and engaged in heroic endea-
vor. IL has woven its principles into consti-
tutional law, has given 10 the world high
example Of its fidelity 20 liberty 10 has met
every novel question in spirit of prudence
and determined 1t with conscientious cour-
age. Born at time when faction would de-
stroy the Republic and continuing during an
era Of vtuperation and detraction unparal-
slled in history, IL has answered each Islander
with a nobler deed. 1t has given dignity to
political action, renown TO the generation,
and martyrs TO history
Second. or these martyrs this convention
would recall to-day with melancholy and af-
fectionate pride the name Of James Abran
Garfield, whose cruel death cannot curtail his
usefulness while the memory and example of
men endure.
Third The administration of Chester A..
Arthur has been faithful To the great inter
ests committed to his charge. IL has dissipa-
ted by its intelligent attention to public
. affairs the eager distrust and quernlous
criticism which unjustly greeted its advent,
and by Its patriotism, prudence and courage
is commanding itself to the thoughtful and
impartial citizens of the Republics .s#
Fourth. That Montana, by its large and
Der; by the extent, variety, value and solidity
Of its material industries and resources; by
the prudence, moderation, intelligence and
patriotism Of It's people, is entitled 20 eman-
cipation from the thraldom of Territorial
existence, and TO admission into the Union
M State.
Fifth. That we again record our convic-
ton that appointments TO the offices in Mon
tana by the President Of the United States,
should be made from among our own citizens
M ra4fa af hn Ri NYtl
which does not recognize TO this extent home
gover nment Is n delusion aud snare.
Sixth. That small and independent legis-
lative districts afford ali opportunity to the
people to be represented by men OF their
choice, with whom the constituencies are
acquainted, and who know what their dis
tricts desire; that this principle forms the
chief excellence OF representative democ-
racy, and It's fragrant violation two years ago
by an official board for partisan reasons, can
not be too strongly condemned. -..l.
Seventh That the fertile Indian reserva-
lions within the limits of Montana are need
lessly large for the purposes 10 which they
are devoted, and notably the reservations
south of the Yellowstone and north of the
Missouri should be forthwith reduced In area
. TO such size rs Is absolutely required for the
Indians, and the balance thrown open to oc
cupancy by settlers in this Territory.
Eighth. That while the Republican party
OF Montana, among the conveniences and
and maintaining of railroads IN our age oil
the highest Importance, and that while we
hail with Joy the construction of such roads,
into and through this Territory, and desire
10 be just and even generous to the corpora
lions prompting such enterprises, we would
view with the greatest distriist and alarm
and oppose with all our energies any attempt
on the part Of such corporations to contro
the public and political affairs Of this Terri
tory H.lw #-H3 t'". .. N' T"f"!1. =. .
Ninth. That the spectacle presented by
the Democratic party of Montana, which a
the result OF eighteen years of discussion, ha'
been reduced TO n confessed minority of thu
electors of Montana, appealing to corporate
Intervention to save IL from merited defeat
IL degrading to American citizenship, dero
gatory TO the rights of the people, and IL j
were permitted 10 become successful woult
be destructive of liberty. .au ltI r5sar~ -
- Tenth. That this convention, in the nam'
of the Republicans of Montana, pledges Il
the Hon. Alex. C.. Botkin, the nominee TO
Delegate TO Congress, their most earnest Ia
Dor and their undivided support. a.ra=.a 4