The Rock Island Argus. (Rock Island, Ill.) 1877-1885, 1882-11-06
THE PLATFORM.

ResoEUed l. That the democratic party of the
state of illinois, in convention assembled reaffrn
the great principles which are the foundation OF
free government, among which are equal rights to
az anu t it thp Observation-Disclosures OF the strong
equal taxation. free speech, a free press, free
schools, and first of all free and incorruptble bal
lot.
q 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 as 1t is the
most insiduous, danger that hesets free govern
ment and the shameless resort 10 such methods by
the national republican committee, and by the re-
publican Reputation coalition in Virginia, evinces
the utter abandonment of principle ana meets our
unqualified condemnation.
s. That we denounce the reckless extravaganza
and profgacy of the republican party in the appro
priation OF the public treasurey manifested during
fhe 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 S7S. O0O, 00J.
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
sstent efforts TO obtain their freedom despite the
dungeon and ell other infamous appliances eharac-
teristic of British rule over Ireland, love OF lib
erty which is unparalleled in history, and sheds
ray of glory upon the Irish national character com
mending it to the respect, admiration and support
of freedom-l loving people throughout the world
5. That it is incumbent upon government to
protect its citizens, native born and naturalized at
nome anu aDroaa anu We 9eoaaGe anu -, eonue ,t
the present republican or lts neglect
of duty toward those lately imprisoned as suspects
in the as of Ireland by the arbitrary action of the
6. That we are in favor of reduction of federal
taxation 10 the lowest point consistent with the
administration of its affairs, and that such
taxes be adjusted to secure an equitable dis
tribution of these-burdens.
{. The Republican party of the state has proved
false to the pledges IT has made TO t. the people.
With not cent of bonded debt against the state,
the 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 unfortu
nate men, women and children committed TO their
charge. The various radical state officials
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 of $4,000, 600 would be ample
pay all the expenses of the state for years,
and the same governor approving bills passed By
the reprboan l'risafnf' anpropriating nearly 81
900 600 Tor such zpoI.ss#-; and the large fund
ceived annually from the Illinois Central Railroad
company under the wise provisions of a law enacted
by democratic Legislature. instead of being util-
lied to relieve the people from taxation, has been
misused as stimulus to increased taxation.
8. That the offices of the warehouse and railroad
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 it ia
vors and fosters ubiquitous Inonopolies. is unjust
and oppressive TO the laborng man in all the walks
of life. The constitution coufers 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 win
deal justly with existing business relations and with
all legitimate industries, and at the same time dis
courage monopolies and remove the burdens impOs
ed by the present tariff upon ali the laboring people
of the country, and hereby declare that there is
power given by the constitution to congress to-
levy a tariff tax the people for the purpose of
protection without reference to revenue
10. That while we have purpose to interfere
with just laws in force in Illinois for the regulation
of the traffic in intoxicating liquors, and eonce1ng
the right of the people to amendment if nccessa-
ry of such laws to prevent the evils of
ciety growing ont of abuses in the of intoxcat-
ing liquors. the convention declares that it is
legitimate province of government to control the
habits tastes, appetites and liberties of the people
f,1,nr
not encroach upon the rights of others of society,"
and therefore declare that the prohibition by the
constitution by general laws of the manufacture
or 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 Us at the coming election in carrying
into effect the foregoing principles.