Year: 1874

Following are the resolutions adopted by
the Illinois State Farmers Convention Ito be
known hereafter as the Independent Re-
form Party, held at Springfield on the 10th


We, the farmers, mechanics and other citizens
OF Illinois, in delegate convention assembled,
deeming it needfui for the best interests of this
State and nation that independent political action
be taken by and in behalf of the producing, in
dustrial and other business classes, and in oppo-
sition to corporate monopolies that are influence
ing, even controlling, our Legislatures, courts
and executives, and taxing and depressing our
citizens, appealing to the great fundamental
principles of American liberty and invoking the
favorable Judgment onr countrymen, do hereby
resolve,


That the preservation of our national life de-
mandS imperatively that every American voter
should attend with care all primary nominations
and elections so as to insure the election of COM
petent and honest men to all offices in the Gov
ernment.


RESOLVED, That the recent record of political
parties of this country is such as to forfeit the
confidence and respect of the people, and that we
are therefore absolved from all allegiance to
them, and will act no longer with them


RESOLVED, That We insist on severe retreneh-
ment, reform and economy in all branches of foUr
public affairs, and believe that with such eeono-
my the taxes now collected from the people might
be reduced at least one-half, without impairfng
the efficiency of any branch of the public service
State or national


form of abuses in the ciyl-serviee, through which
the patronage of the Government is dispensed as
reward for partizan service rather than with re-
gard to public necessity.


ResciUed, That we are in favor of improving
and perfectng the navigation of our lakes, rivers
and water connections as soon as it can be prop
erly done.


Resofped, That we are opposed to any further
grants of public lands or loans of public credit,
and of national, State or local subscriptions in
aid of corporations.


Resolsed, That we demand the repeal of our ma
tional banking law, and believe that the Govern
ment should issue legal tender circulation direct





ernment bonds bearing the lowest possible inter-
est.


ResoFved, That patent laws are too often made
TO subserye the interests of monopolists and they
should be carefully revised and restricted.


Resefred, That we are opposed to any con-
struetion of the State Constitution which will
justify, under any pretext whatever annual in
stead of biennial sessions of the State Legisla-
ture.


RESOLVED, That the existing railroad legislation
of this State should be sustained and enforced
til thoroughly tested before the courts. That we
oppose any legislation by Congress, under the
plea OF regulating commerce between States,
which shall deprive the people of their present
control and influence through State legislation,
and that the claim of railroad companies of the
right to fix their freights and fares Independent
of the people involves the highest attributes of
sovereignty and the right of the conqueror to
levy contributsDns at win upon subjugated peo-
pie or State. - As this power cannot co-exist
with government of the people, it must be re-
sisted.


Resoiued, That the right of the Legislature to
regulate and control the railroads of a State must
be vindicated established and maintained as an
essential attribute of the State Government; and
that those holding the doctrine that railroad
charters are contracts, in the sense that they
not subject to Legislative supervision and control,
have no just appreciation of the necessary pow
ers and rights of a free government; and that we
will agree to no truce, and submit to no compro-
mise short of the complete supremacy of the
State Government in its right through its Legsla-
ture to supervise and control the railroads of the
State in such manner as the public interest may
demand.


Resotyed, That we condemn the practice of our
public officials in receiving free passes from rail-
roads.


Resolyed, That the principle of protection, as
applied to duties on foreign imports, is contrary
to the spirit and intent of the Constitution, as it
majority for the benefit of favored few. We
are, therefore, opposed to all duties levied with
this end in view, as unjust and unequal, and We
insist upon q repeal of all laws leVying such du-
ties, and that taxes shall be levied for revenue,
and that only.


Resoiped. That this Convention earnestly re-
commend to the independent voters of the va
rious Congressional and Legislative districts of
the State to put in nomination at an early day,
and use their best efforts to elect, candidates
who will support the principles herein enun-
ciated.


ResoIeed, That the contract system practicedin
the construction of our public works, national,
State or municipal, has been a fruitful source OF
corruption and fraud at the expense of the labor
ing and mechanical classes, as well as against
public interests, and such o system should be re-
vised or reformed.


Resolved, That we, the Independent Reform
Party of the State of Illinois, invite the people of
this State regardless of past party affiliations to
unite with us in support of the platform and tick
ct of this Convention; and we appeal to the better
Judgment of all of our business and professional
men to lend us their aid and sympathy, remem-
sbering, as they well may, that upon our prosper
ity and happiness depends their success in busi-
ness.