The Rock Island Argus. (Rock Island, Ill.) 1877-1885, 1882-10-14
THE PLATFORM.

ResoEoed. /. That the democratic party of the
state of Illinois. iii convention assembled, reairm
the great principles which are the foundation OF
free government. among which are equal rights TO
an ana exclusive prvlleges 70 none, pfetecLlon o.
equal taxation, free speech, free press, free
schools, and first OF all free and incorruptible bal
lot
2. That we favor honest reform for the civil Ser
vice, and denounce the extortion of large sums of
money from Office holders to corrupt the ballot and
control elections the most threatening ii 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 Repatriation coalition in Virginia ev1nces
the utter abandonment of principle and meets our
unqualified condemnation.
g. That we denounce the reckless extravaganza
ana profilgacy OF me repnoncan party m me apPro
the last session of congress, which increased the
appropriations for the current fiscal year over those
OF the past year made by democratic congress to
the enormous extent of SIS, 100000.
4. That 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 charac-
teristc of British rule over Ireland love of lib
erty which is unparalleled in history, and sheds q
ray of glory upon the Irish national character
mending it to the respect, admiration and support
of freedom loving people throughout the world
s. That it is incumbent upon our government to
home and abroad, and we denounce and condemn
Of aptV award tbose lately imnrisoneS rs snsneets
In the aiis of Ireland by the arbitrary action OF the
British government.
g. 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
nomcal administration of its affairs, and that such
taxes be so adjusted as to secure equitable dis
tribution 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 one-third
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 unfortn
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
of the governor OF the state saying In his annual
message that the sum of S3OO0,OO0 would be ample
to pay all the expenses of the state for tive years,
and the same governor approving bills passed by
the republican legislature appropriating nearly 81
600 600 for such expenses; and the large fund
ceiyed annually 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
misnsed stimulus to increased taxation.
g. That the offices of the warehouse and rBilr0ad
commissioners now filed by the appointment of
the governor, should be filed by election by the
people
just and in many respects prohibitory tariff, which
is framed in the interest of capital and while IA
vors and fosters ubiquitous lnOnOpoies. 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 imports, and
just and proper exercise of that power we favor
tariff, based the principle of revenue which will
deal justly with existing business relations and with
ali legitimate fnaustfles anu At the same time us
courage monopolies and remove the burdens impos-
ed by the present tariff upon all the laborpg people
of the country, and hereby declare that there il
power given by the constitution to congress to
levy tariff tax on the people for the purpose of
protection without reference to revenue.
TO- That while we have purpose to interfere
with inst 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
ry of such laws to prevent the evils of
ciety growing out of abuses in the of intoxcat
ing liquors. the convention declares that is the
habits, tastes, appetites and liberties of the people
long 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
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, to
unite with at the coming election in carrying
into effect the foregoing principles.