The Rock Island Argus. (Rock Island, Ill.) 1877-1885, 1882-10-02
TIE PLATFORM.

ReSOloed l. That the democratic party of the
state of Illinois, in convention assembled, reaffirm
the great principles which the foundation of
free government, among which are equal rights 10
all and exclusive privileges to none protection of
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, il is the
most insduous, danger that besets free govern
the national republican committee, and by the re-
publican reputation coalition in Virginia, eviaPes
the inter abanaonment OF principle and meets our
g. That we denounce the reckless extravaganza
and proigacy of the republican party in the appro
priation of the public treasurey manifested during
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 $7S,OO0G0O.
q. That extend our heartiest sympathy to the
Irish people in the struggle for their rights in which
they now engaged, and recognize in their per-
sistent efforts obtain their freedom despite the
dungeon and all other infamous appliances charac-
terstic of British rule Ireland, love of lib
erty which is unparalleled in history. and sheds
ray of glory upon the Irish national character COM
meHding it to the respect admiration and support
of freedom loving people throughout the world.
5. That it il incumbent upon our government to
protect its citizens native born and naturazed, at
home and abroad. and we denOunce and condemn
the present republican administration for its neglect
of duty toward those lately imprisoned suspects
In the as OF Ireland by the arbitrary action of the
British government.
taxation to the lowest point consistent with the
wants of the government under an honest and eco
nomical administration of its affairs, and that such
taxes be so adjusted as to secure an equitable dis
tribution of these burdens.
2. The Republican party of the state has proved
false to the pledges it has made TO to the people.
With not a cent of bonded debt against the states
greater than IN the preceding year. The various
boards of the state institutions have been used
more 70 b ADVANCE tne interests OF me rePn5ncan
nate men, women and children committed to their
charge. The various radical state officials sur
rounded by numbers of unnecessary clerks and at
PENDANTS, whose salaries paid from the state
treasury. The humating spectacle is presented
OF the governor OF the state saying I'm his annual
message that the sum of 50 900 900 would be ample
to pay all the expenses of the state for two years.
and the same governor approving bills passed by
the republican legislature appropriating nearly 81
O0O,OOO for such expenses and the large fund re-
ceived annually from the Illinois Central Railroad
company under the wise provisions of a law enacted
by democratic legislature, instead of being util-
Ined 70 FeleVe the people from taSaton has been
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
r. framed in the interest of capital and while it IA
vors and fosters inquitous Inonopolies is unjust
of life. The constitution c0nfers on congress the
power TO raise revenue by duties imports, and as
Just and proper exercise of that power we favor
tariff, based on the principle OF revenue, which will
deal Justly with existing business relations and with
courage monopolies and remove the burdens inlIos-
ed by the present tariff upon all the laborng people
of the country and hereby declare that there is
no 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 no purpose to interfere
with just laws in force in Illinois for the regulation
of the traffic in intoxicating liquors, and conceding
the right OF the people To An amendment, If necessa
ry OF nch laws TO prevent correct the evils of
ciety growing out OF abuses in the of intoxcat
ing liquors. the convention declares that not the
legitimate province OF government TO control the
habits, tastes, appettes and liberties of the people
so long as they are peaceable- and orderly. and do
not encroach upon the rights of others Of society,"
and therefore declare that the prohibition by the
constitution or by general laws Of the manufacture
sale of vinOns, spirituous malt liquors would
be in violation of individual ard personal rights and
contrary TO the fundamental principles of free gov
eminent.
without regard to former political sHhilAtions. to
unite with us at the coming election In carrying
into effect the foregoing principles.