The Rock Island Argus. (Rock Island, Ill.) 1877-1885, 1882-10-26
THE Platform.

RESOLVED j. That the democratic party of tho
state of Illinois, in convention assembled, reafarn
the great principles which are the foundation d
free government, among which are equal rights n
all and exclusive privileges TO none protection O
equal taxation free speech, . free press, free
schools and first of all free and incorrupbe bal
lot.
2 That we favor honest reform for the civil ser
vice, and denounce the exturtion OF large sums 81
money from Office holders to corrupt the ballot ant
control elections the fhreaening, it is the
most insiduousx danger that besets free govern
the national republican committee, and by the re
publican repudistion coalition in Virginia. esinees
the utter abandonment of principle and meets our
unqualified condemnation.
8. That we denounce the reckless extravaganza
pration Of the pubic treasures 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 Si8. 900. 00n.,
4. That we extend our heartiest sympathy to abe
IZsh people in the struggle for their rights in which
they are now engaged and recognize in their per
sistent efforts obtain their freedom despite the
dungeon and all other infamous appliances charac-
erty which is unparalleled b histoS, aIslsheds~a
msnding Il to- the resp ssss, ana s nor.
OF freedom-ioving people throughout the world
5. That 1t is Incumbent upon our government to
protect its citizens native born and naturalized
hoaae and abroad. and we denounee and conaehsn
the present republican min ton 'erit neglect
of duty toward those lately Imprisoned suspects
IN the als OF Ireland, by the arbitrary action of the
s. mat we are in favor OF reduction of federal
taxation to the lowest point consistent with the
nomical aflmnstraton OF les affairs and that such
taxes be adjusted as 10 secare an equitable dis
tributlon Of these burdens -,
Z. The Republican party of the state has proved
false TO the pledges it has made 10 t. the people.
With not cent of bonded debt againsl the s: ,s
greater than tn the preceding year, The various
boardsof the state institutions have been used
party than for the care and esmforf6 me unfertu
nate men, Nosen and children eonfstisd to f1ieirs
charge The various radical state officials sur
rounded by numbers of unnecessary clerks and at
tendants, whose salaries paid from the state
Of the gavernor of the siste pssyin in MS snnnai
message that the of $. 900 900 would be ample
and he same al pns
the republican Legislature appropriatin& Aearly s.
100000 for such expresses anal the Large fund
ceved Annually ora Rae iHois oentral isssilfond
company under the wise provisions of law enacted
lied to relieve the people from taxation has been
misused as stimulus to increased taxation. IS
8 That the offices OF the warehouse and ft'ilroad
people.
g. That we demand q revision OF the present I'M
just. and In many respects prohibitorv tariff, which
is framed in the interest of capital and while it IA
and Oppressive to the laboring all the walks
of life The constitution eonfers Oh congrcas the
power to raise revenue by dutesen imports, and
just and proper exercise OF that power favor
tariff, based on the principle of revenue, which will
deal justly with existing business relations and with
all legitimate industries, and at the time dis
courage monopoes and remove the burdens impos-
ed by the present tariff upon all the aboring people
of the country, and hereby declare thatthere is
no peWef STBn Dy the constitution to eongrPss tos
levy tariff or tax on the people for thepGfpose Of
protection without reference to revenue.
10 . hat while we have no purpose to interfere
with just laws in force in Illinois for the regulation
of the traffic in intoxicating liquors. and concedin
the right of the people to an amendments ~ ree
ry, of such laws to prevent the evils
cfety growing out of abuses in the of intoxicat
ing liquors, the convention declares that it
legitimate province of government TO control the
habits, tastes appetites and liberties of the people
SO long as they are peaceable and orderly, and do
not encroach npon the rights of others of society,"
and we therefore declare that the prohibition by the
or sale Of vinoils spirftuous or malt Iianors would
be in violation of individual and personal rights and
contrary to the fundamental principles of free gov
eminent.
IL 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.