Green-Mountain freeman. [volume] (Montpelier, Vt.) 1844-1884, 1852-08-26
WHO NATIONAL PLATFORM.

Tie Wings of the United States, in Conyen
ton assembled, firmly adhering 10 the grca
conservative Republican principles by whicl
they are controlled and governed, and now, a
ever. relying upon the Intelligence Of the
American people, with an abiding confidence II
their capacity for scif.goyernment, and tbei
continued devotion to the Constitution and the
Union, do proc claim the following as the polItlca
sentiments aud determinations, Tor the estab
Ilshment and maintenance OF which their Ia
tional organization as a party is cfoctGd:--
l. The Government of the United States Is o
a limited character, and it is coniaed to the eXcr
else of powers expressly granted by he Cons,
tuition, aud such as may be necessary and proper
TO carrying the granted powers into full excu
ion and that al! powers thus grated or necessa
Tty implied Gje expressly reSerUsd 10 the Siute re-
SpectiucLlh and TO the people,
Z. The State Governments should be held sc
cure in their reserved rights, and the Genera
Government sustained in its constitutional pow
ers, and the Union should be reycred and watch
ed over as the palladium of our liberties"
3. That while struggling freedom every where
enllsts the warnest sympathy OF the Wing par.
ty, we still adhere to the doctrines OF the Father
OF his Country, as announced in his Farewell
Address, oil keeping OurseiveS free from all en-
tangiing alliances aoith foreign countries, ant
never quitting our own to stand upon ioro Igi
ground, That our mission as a Republic is no
TO propagate our opinions, or Impose on othc,
countries our form of government by artihce o.
force, but to teach by example aud show b,
our success moderation, and Justice, the bless
lnga OF sei-government, and the advantages o
free institutions.
4. That where the people make and contro
the Government they should obev its conAIllu
ton, laws; and treatles, as they would rptair
'helr seli,reSPect and The respect which they
claim and will enforce from foreign Powers.
). Government should be conducted upor
principles OF the strlctest economy, and revenu,
sufficient for the expenses thereof IN tune 0
peace, ought to be mainly derived from dut,
on imports, aud not from direct taxes and. II
leyyng such duties, sound policy requires ;
Just discrimination and protection from fraud b,
specific duties, when practicable, whereby sulta
Die encouragement may be assured to American
Industry, equally TO all classes and to all portion
Of the country.
.. The Constitution vests in Congress tn
power to open and repair harbors, and remoy
distinctions from navlgable rivers and it is ex
pedlent that Congress should exercise that pow
ef whenever such Improvements are necessar
Tor the protection and facility of commerce wit
foreign nations or among the Slates-such i'm
Provenenls being, IN every instance, nationa
and general in their character.
Z, The Federal and State Governments ar
parts OF one system, alike necessary for the com
mon prosperity, peace, and security, and ough
to be regarded alike with cordial, habltua, an
lmmovable attachment. Respect for the author
lty OF each, and acqpescence in the constitution
al measures of each, are duties required by thu
plalnest considerations Of National, Of State, an
Of Individual welfare.
8. That the series of acts Of the Thir
ty First Congress- the act known as the Fugi
tive Slave law lncludsd-are received and &C
quiesced in BY the Wing party of the Unite
states, RS settlement in principle and substanc
OF the dangerous and exciting questions whlc
they embrace; and SO far as they are concerned
we will maintain them and insist upon lhei
strict enforcement until time and experience
shall demonstrate The necessity of further legis
Iatlon, 10 guard against the evasion OF the law
on the one hand and the abuse of their power
on the other, not lmpalrng their present ellicien
cy and we deprecate all further agitation of tn
questions thus settled as dangerous to our peace
and will dlsCouutenance all efforts TO continue
or renew agitation wherever or however the at
tempt may be made; and we will maintain tai
system as essential to the nationality OF the VIII!
party and Lhe integrity Of the Union"