The Rock Island Argus. (Rock Island, Ill.) 1877-1885, 1882-10-04
THE PLATFORM.

ResOlo4d l. That the democratic party of the
state of Illinois, In convention assembled, reaffirm
the great principles which are the foundation OF
free government among which are equal rights 10
the veal ssanst the enerosehnents Of the strong,
equal taxation, free speech, free press, free
schools and first of all free and incorruptible bal
e 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 it is the
most insiduous, danger that besetsa free govern
tie hsfonaT sepnhisan Committee and by the re-
publican Reputation coalition in Virginia evinces
the utter abandonment of principle and meets our
unqualified condemnation.
8. That we denounce the greekless extravaganza
praton Of the public as 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 extento OF 500, 00l f. 4.ss... 3
4. That we 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
e o 3SssP 5hE eepSs e
terstic of British rule over Ireland, love OF ho-
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 loving people throughout the world.
5. That it is incumbent upon our government TO
protect its citizens native born and naturalized at
home and abroad. and we. denonnees and condemn
Of dty sossra those istsy imprisoned As SUSPECTS
in the ias ireland, by the arbitrary action OF the
s. 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
uomics administration Of its affairs, and that such
taxes be adjusted to secure an equitable dis
tribution of these burdens a -
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
greater than tn the preceding year, The various
boards OF the state institutions have been used
pfty than for the care and Comfort of the unfortu
nate men, women and children committed to their
charge. The various radical state officials sur
rounded bynumbers of unnecessary clerks and at
PENDANTS, whose salaries paid from the state
treasury the hnmillafng spectacle is presented
OF the governor of the state saving In his annual
message that the sum of $4,000 600 would be ample
70 pay an the expenses of the state for two years.
and the same governor approving bills passed by
the republican legislature approprfating nearly 81
900 900 for sachexpensess and the large fund re-
ceived annually from the Illinois Central Railroad
company under the wise provisions of law enacted
by democratic legislature, instead of being util-
misused as stimulus to increased taxation
g. 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 prohibtory tariff, which
is framed IN the interest Of capital and while it IA
vors and fosters ubiquitous monOpolies is unjust
and Oppressive to.the aboring man in ali the walks
OF life. The constitution confers on 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 sxisfng business relations and with
I'll ieRlumaJe 1ndUsJr1eS at the same time us
courage monopolies and remove the burdens impos-
ed by the present tariff upon all the laborng people
of the country and we hereby declare that there is
no power given by the Constitution to congress TO
levy arih or tax on the people for the purpose OF
protection without reference to revenue
r. no. Thatwhile we have no purpose to interfere
with just laws in force in Illinois for the regulation
Of the traffic in intoxicating liquors, and eoncedng
the right OF the people to an amendment if necessa-
OF such laws to prevent or correct the evils OF SO
ciety growing out of abuses In the of intoxicat
ing liquors the convention declares that is not the
legitimate province OF government to control the
habits, Tastes 4ppetites and ibertiesof the people
long as they are peaceable and orderly, and do
not encr0ach 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 vinUuss spirituous malt liquors would
be in violation a. Individual and personal rights and
contrary I'd the fundamental principles of free gov
eminent. = sS@ a
without regard to former political Affiliations, to
unite with MS at the coming election in carrying
into effect the foregoing principles.