Daily American telegraph. [volume] (Washington [D.C.]) 1851-1852, 1852-09-17
AMERICAN TELEGRAPH.
rIfE WIG PLATFoRM.

The Wings Of the United States, in Convention
assembled, firmly adhering to the great conserya'
tive republican principles by which they are con-
trolled and governed, and now, as ever, relying
upon the intelligence Of the American people with
an abiding confidence in their capacity Tor SELF
government and their continued devotion TO the
constitution and the Union, do proclaim the fol-
lowing as the political sentiments and determine
tons for the establishment and maintenance of
which their national organization as party Is
effected:
l. The government Of the United States is of
limited character, and it is confined 10 the ex-
ercise Of powers expressly granted by the eonsti-
tuition, and such as may be necessary and proper
ior carrying the. granted powers into fuh execu-
tiou, aad that all powers NOT thus granted or
necessarily implied are expressly reserved 10 the
States respectively and 10 the people
. The State governments should be held Sc
cure in their reserved rght9, and the general gov
eminent sustained in its constitutional powers,
and tha Union Should be reyered and watched
over ~ F." tho palladium Of our liberties.
81 That, while struggling freedom everywhere
enIists the wqrmest sympathy OF the Wing party,
NE atiu adhere to the doctrines of the Father Of
his ly4ntry, as announced in his Farewell Adj
drcsa, Of keeping ourselves free from all entan-
rin- alliances with foreign countries, and Of
never quitting our own to stand upon foreign
ground, That onr mission rs a republic is not to
propagate our opinions, or impose on other coun-
tries our form OF government by artifice force,
but to teach by example, and show, by our sue
cess, moderation, aud justice, the blessings of
sclf-goyernInent and the advantages Of free in
situations.
A. That where the people make and control the
government, they should obey its constitution,
laws and treaties as they would retain their self
respect and the respect which they claim and
viii enforce from foreign powers.
s. Government should be conducted upon prin-
ciples Of the stricteat economy, and revenue suf-
fcent Tor the expenses thereof, in time Of peace,
ought 10 be mainly derived from o duty on i'm
ports, and not from direct taxes and in levying
such duties, sound policy requires just discrimi-
nation, and protection from fraud by specific du-
ties when practicable, whereby suitable encour-
areueat may be assured to American industry
equally to all classes and to all portions of the
country.
6. The constitution vests iii Congress the power
to open and repair harbors, and remove obstruc-
TORS from navgable rivers and it is expedient
that Congress- should exercise that power, solen-
eUer such mgroueTsntsars necessary for the common
dTence, or for the protection aud facility Of
commerce with foreign nations among the
States such improvements being, in every in
stance, national and general in their character.
7. The federal and State governments are parts
OF one system, alike necessary for the common
prosperity, peace, and security, and ought TO be
regarded alike with cordial, habtual, and
immoyable attachment. Respect for the author.
ity Of each, and acquiescerce in the constitu-
tional measures Of each, are duties required BY
the plainest considerations Of national Of State,
anu Of individual welfare
&. The series Of acts Of the 3lst Congress com
monty known as the Compromise or Adjustment
(the act for the recovery Of fugitiyes from labor
inciuded) are received and acquiesced in by the
Wings OF the United States as final settlement,
in principle anu substance, Of the subjects to
which they relate; and, 50 far as these acts are
concerned, we win maintain them, and insist
on their strict enforcement, until time and ex-
psrerce shall demonstrate the necessity Of fur
ther legislation, 20 guard against the evasion Of
the laws OH the one hand, and the abuse of their
powers on the other-notimpairi their present
efficiency to carry out the requirements of the
constitution; and We deprecate all further agita-
ton Of the questions thus settled, as dangerous
TO our peace, and will dscountenance all efforts
to continue renew such agitation, whenever
wherever, or however made !; and we will main
tain dis settlement as essential to the nationality
Of the Nhig party and the integrity of the Union
J. e., CHAPMAN, OF Maryland,
President 81 thc Wig National Convention.
r.. A. UPTON, Of Louisiana
~ ne - t1gio