The new North-west. [volume] (Deer Lodge, Mont.) 1869-1897, 1882-09-29
REPUBLICAN, TERRITORIAL PLATFORM
1882.

Resolved, That the Republicans OF Mon
tana abide in the conviction that the princi-
pies and action of their party for Its
entire existence Of more than quarter Of
century have commended IL TO the consider
ate approval of all civilization as benef-
cent, moral aud intellectual force inspired
by lofty aims and engaged in heroic endea-
vor. II has woven its principles into consti-
tutional law, has given 10 the world high
example Of its fidelity to liberty; IL has met
every novel question In aspirit OF prudence
and determined IL with conscientious cour-
age. Born at a time when faction would de-
stroy the Republic and continuing during an
era Of vituperation and detraction unpparal-
ellsd In history, 10 has answered each slander
with nobler deed. 1t has given dignity to
political action, renown to the generation,
and martys TO history.
Second. OF these martyrs this convention
would recall to-day with melancholy and af-
fsctionate pride the name OF James Abraham
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. 1t has dissipa-
ted by its intelligent attention to public
affairs the eager distrust and querulous
criticism which unjustly greeted its advent,
and by its patriotism, prudence and courage
Is commenting itself to the thoughtful and
impartial citizens of the Republic
Fourth. That Montana, by Its large and
stable population rapidly increasing in num-
Der; by the extent, variety, value and solidity
of its material industries and resources; by
the prudence, moderation, intelligence and
patriotism of its people, IL entitled to eman-
cipation from the thraldom Of Territorial
existence, and 10 admission into the Union
as a State.
Fifth. That we again record our convic-
ton that appointments to the offices in Ion
tana by the President of the United States,
should be made from among our own citizens
and that any reform Of the civil service
which does not recognize to this extent home
government is delusion and snare.
Sixth. That small and independent legis-
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 its fragrant violation two years ago
by an Official board for partisan reasons, can
not be too strongly condemned.
Seventh. That the fertile Indian reserva-
tions within the limits of Montana are need
lessly large for the purposes TO which they
are devoted, and notably the reservations
south of the Yellowstone and north Of the
Missouri should be forthwith reduced In area
70 such Size as Is absolutely required for the
Indians, and the balance thrown open to &C.
cupancy by settlers In this Territory
Eighth. That while the Republican party
means of civilization, consider the building
and maintaining of railroads IN our age Of
the highest importance, and that while we
hail with joy the construction Of such roads,
into and through this Territory, and desire
TO be just and even generous to the corpora
tions promoting such enterprises, we would
view with the greatest distrust and alarm,
and oppose with all our energies any attempt
on the part OF such corporations to control
the public and political affairs of this Terri
tory.
Ninth. That the spectacle presented by
the Democratic party Of Montana, which as
the result OF eighteen years of discussion has
been reduced TO q confessed minority Of the
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 II II
were permitted TO become successful would
be destructive Of liberty.
Tenth That this convention, in the name
of the Republicans of Montana, pledges to
the Hon. Alex. G. Botkin, the nominee for
Delegate to Congress- their most earnest la
Dor and their undivided support.