Alma record. (Alma, Mich.) 1878-1928, 1886-09-03
; 0CoIitical opinion to thl

OF the freedmen, the protection OF Amcrl-
can labor the passage of the homestead
laws granting the public domain To actual
settlers; the restoration and preservation
OF the public credit, the resumption of
specie payments and the firm establish
ment IN the national statutes of the prin-
ciple OF genuine civil service reform The
progress of the state and nation for "A
quarter OF century of republican rule ~
sufficient answer to all charges against
Its course in the past and l. n guarantee
that its future achievements will be equally
grand and beneficial TO the people
They reafiirm their loyal adherence to
the declaration of the principles of the ma
tional republican party. and adout OH the
basis of their pledges TO the people this
statement of republican principles and
policies.
First-We favor "A tariff upon the i'm
ported products of lowpriced foreign
labor, fairly and justly distributed. so as
10 protect the interests of American wage
workers without adding to their burdens,
and we point 10 the history of republican
legislation as exhibiting such wise re-
visions OF the tariff laws from time 70
time as have secured these valuable results
for the country and the people. The party
whose quick sense of duty to the people is
responsible for those achievements can be
depended upon 10 make such future re-
visions Of the laws as shall be found To be
most advantageous to the real interests of
American industry, and conspicuous
among the changes we now deem Salutary
Is the restoration OF the tariff Of 1861 on
wool The record of the democratic party
shows its utter incapacity TO deal with
this subject.
Second-The money of the constitution
Is gold Snd silver, and the paper repre,en-
tative OF money, including gold and silver
certificates, and treasury and bank notes,
should always be convertible into coin of
al Il .af.af pt hn of ha
holder. We produce both gold and silver
largely in our own country, and therefore
these metals, so far a. l. consistent with
sound principles of finance, should be
utilized as money.
Third-We regard with favor the intell-
gent organization of labor for such worthy
purposes aS mutual education and for the
protection of their interests in all things
relating To their welfare, and the indus
trial welfare of the country, and we favor
the enactment of state and national laws
providing the settlement Of controversies
between employers and employees by meth
DDS OF voluntary arbitration, or by the es-
tablishment of courts OF Cancellation TO
avoid the waste, loss and ill-feellng result
ing from strikes and lockouts. and the
usual burden and expense of litigation.
We are opposed 10 the further importa-
tion of Chinese labor into this country. or
of any other foreign laborers under the
contract system. We favor any plan for
the relief Of free labor from the Competi
tion of convict labor which does not i'm
pose upon free labor greater expense OF
supporting convict, in idleueSS or useless
labor. and We favor the adoption OF laws
providing for the protection of workers
in our mines and other hazardous caliingS,
for the regulation OF the labor OF
children, and for such other meas
ures as Will sustain and improve the
material and social welfare of our in
a - ri a.
opposed to the doctrine of the so-caled
anarchists, and we believe in the utmost
protection 10 each and every individual,
in the enjoyment Of the fruits OF all his
personal efforts TO earn an honest llyeli-
hood.
Fourth We believe that when any con-
siderable portion of the state desires TO ex-
press itself 10y vote upon change in the
organic law IL ought to be allowed TO do
50 IN a constitutional manner. and recog-
nizinge thelevlls OF intemperancean and deslr-
ing to overcome those evils. We believe the
temperance question Is one upon which
that expression should be so permitted.
We further demand the thorough enforce
ment Of the present tax and police laws as
they stand on the statute books.
Flfth-We are opposed to the granting
OF the government domain 10 nonresident
foreigners 10 the exclusion of our own
citizens, 10 whose ownership and use for
homes it should be dedicated.
Sixth-We again declare our consistent
sympathy with the just and consistent re-
publican policy and practice OF granting
out of the nations abundance. generous
pensions TO the disabled veterans of our
wars, whether for the country's defense
or for the preservation Of the Union. We
denounce the present national administra-
ton for It's indefensible vetoes OF meritori-
Gus measures TO the relief of veterans, and
the widows and orphans of veterans, and
lff,, Ia NJ al M IN
which those vetoes were expressed. We
protest against the removal from official
places Of worthy and disabled Union sol
dicrs TO make way for partisan civilians
and cX confedcratcs.
Seventh-Wc favor such wise national
legislation in regulation Of commerce be
tween the states US will prevent extortion
by common carriers and secure for the
producer the transportation OF his prod
uctS 10 all markets at n reasonable and
proper cost and without unjust di,rrimi-
nation in favor of any class interests or
sections We also favor the amendment
of the patent laws so as to exempt the
owners and users of patent articles pur
chased in the ordinary way of trade from
any liability TO the patentee or his assigns.
Eight -Repudiatint the arrogant claim
Of thu supremacy Of church over state, we
insist that ii Is the duty OF congress TO
enact such laws as shall promptly ana ef-
feotuallV suppress the system OF pOlvgainy
ana that the laws 30 enacted shall be rigid
" enforced by the civil authorities. II pos
sible. and 10y the military If necessary.
Ninth-We reaflrm our sympathy with
the oppressed OF other lands, and especial
" with the Irish nation, in their gallant
struggle for the sa red fight of self govern
ment Their case is one which should not
appea, in vain 20 liberty loving and Ito
crty enjoying people. and we congratulate
them that under the leadership of Charles
Stuart Parueil that cause ha- been cs-
poused by the liberal party of Great Brit
ain and champoned by Gladstone, the
greatest Englishman Of the age.
Tenth-We commend the wise. cconomi-
cal and iudicious administration of our
state affairs during the past two years
under our able and efficient republican
officials. and congratulate the people that
owing 10 30 year. Of republican rule Michi-
gan stands among the foremost OF tine
states i'm education, intelligence and
material prosperity.
Eleventh-Wc condemn the democracy
in congress for its hagrant outrages OF tho
spirit and letter Of the constitution in re
fuSing admission 10 the territory of Dallo-
ia. manfestly entitled TO an honorable
place in the Sisterhood OF states.
Twelfth-Finally, we charge the demo
cratic party with gross inCompetency in
the administration of national affairs and