The Rock Island Argus. (Rock Island, Ill.) 1877-1885, 1882-10-20
THE PLATFORM.

Reeelce1 l. That the democratic party Of the
the great principles which are the foundation Of
free government, among which are equal rights TO
de weak against the entertainments Of the strong,
equal taxation, free speech, free press, free
schools. and first OF sl free and incompatible bal
e That we favor honest reform for the civil ser
vice, and denounce the extortion Of large sums OF
money from ofce-holdefs to corrupt the ballet and
control elections the most threatening as II is the
most insiduous, danger that besets free govern
the national republican committee. and by the re-
publican reputation coalition IN Virginia evinces
the utter abandonment of principle and meets our
g. That we denounce the reckless extravaganza
and Prohigsey Of the republican party n the sspPro
the last session Of congress-, which increased the
appropriations for the current fiscal year those
the enormous extent of SIS, 0O0 600.
e. That we extend our heartiest sympathy 10 the
Irish people in the struggle for their rights In which
they are now engaged, and recognize In their per-
eistent efforts 10 obtain their freedom despite the
teristie of British rule over Ireland love of lib
erty which is unparalleled In history, and sheds a
ray of glory upon the Irish national Character com
mending 1t to the respect, admiration and support
Of freedom-leviug people throughout the world.
6. Thatit La incumbent upon our government to
kome and shroad, and we denounce and condemn
the present republican administration for its neglect
In the as Of Ireland by the arbitrary action Of the
British government.
O. ThaeWe are In FAVOR o. reduction or 1edefal
taxation to the lowest point consistent with the
aomica administration Of its aEars, and that such
taxes be adjusted IS TO secure an equitable dis
Gibution Of these burdens.
2. The Republican party Of the state has proved
win NOT cent Of bonded debt against the state,
the taxes for the past year have been one-thfd
boards Of the state institutions have been used
more 10 advance the interests or the republican
To raG tn
charge. The various radical state officials
rounded by numbers OF unnecessary clerks and at
tendants, whose salaries are paid from the state
treasury. THIS humifisting spectacle is presented
OF the governor Of the state saying in his annual
10 pay all the expenses of the state for years,
aRd the same governor approving bills passed by
coo 900 for such expenses; and be large fund re-
ceived annually from the Illinois Central Railroad
by democratic legislature, instead of being util-
lied 70 relieve the people ffem taxation. has been
hs4 +b cas ~ th s-s6onSe aS ;1roed
commissioners, now filed by the appointment of
the governor, should be filed by election by the
Q. That we demand revision Of the present I'M
just, and In many respects prohbtory tariff, which
vors and fosters iniquitous monopolies is unjust
and oppressive to the lsboring man in all the walks
ef life. The constitution confers on congress the
power TO raise revenue by duties on imports and as
Just and proper exercise OF that power we favor
deal justly with existing business relations and with
Nil legitimate industries, and at the same time dis
courage monopolies and remove the burdens impos-
cd by the present tariff upon all the laborng people
Of she country, and hereby declare that there is
mo power given by the constitution to congress to
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 concedng
the right Of the people to amendment, IL necessa-
~ Of such laws TO prevent correct the evils of
caety growing out OF abuses in the of intoxcat
ing liquors. the convention declares that 1t is not the
legitimate province Of government to control the
hshts, tastes, appetites and liberties Of the people
90 long as they are peaceable and orderly, and do
not encro9ch 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, spirttuous malt liquors would
be In volatisn 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 nssat the coming election in carrying
into effect the foregoing principles