Daily national era. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1854, 1854-01-21
THE WING PLATFORM.
ADOPTED AT BALTIMORE. JUNE i. lssa.

ADOPTED AT BALIlMohE. JUNK >, lss1
The Wings of the United States, in
Convention assembled, firmly adhering 10
the great conservative republican princi-
Piles by which they are controlled and gov
erned, and now. as ever, relying upon the
intelligence of the American people, with
an abiding confidence in their capacity for
self-goyernmeni and their continued deyo-
ton TO the Constitution and the Union,
do proclaim the following ~ the political
sentiments and determinations, Tor the
establishment and maintenance Of which
their national organization rs a party is
effected
|. The Government Of the United States
is OF limited character, aud il is confined
to the exercise Of powers expressly granted
by the Constitution, and such AZ may be-
necessary and proper for carrying the
granted powers into full execution, and
that all powers not thus granted or neces.
sariIy implied are expressly reserved 90
the States respectively and 90 the people.
III. The State Governments should be
held secure in their reserved rights, and
the General Government sustained in IT,
constitutional powers, and the Union
should be revered and watched over as
" the palladium Of our liberties"
Ill. That while struggling freedom,
everywhere, enlisis the warmesi sympathy
Of the Wing party, we still adhere 20 the
doctrines Of the Father OF his Country, a.
announced in bis Farewell Address, III
keeping ourselves free from all eniangling
alliances with foreign countries, aud al
never quitting our own to stand upon for
eign ground. That our mission rs a Re
public is net to propagate our opinions,
or impose on other countries our form of
government, by arti6ce or force, but 10
teach by example, and show by our sue
cess, moderation, and Justice, the bless
ings Of selfgovernment and the advan-
tages Of free institutions.
Nv. That where the people make and
control the Government, they should obey
IFS constitution, laws, and treaties, rs they
would retain their seli-respect, and the re-
spect which they claim and will enforce
from foreign powers.
v. Government should be conducted
upon principles Of the strictesi economy,
and revenue sufficient for the expenses
thereof, in time Of peace, ought 10 be-
mainly derived from duty on imports,
and not from direct taxes; and, in lcyying
such duties, sound policy requires jus,
discrimination and protection from fraud
By specific duties, when practicable,
whereby suitable encouragement may be
assured to American industry, equally 10
all classes and to all portions Of the conn-
try.
vi. The Constitution vests i'm Congress
The power TO open and repair harbors, and
remove distractions from navigable rivers
and it is expedient that Congress shall ess
'ercise that power whenever such Improve
menfs are necessary for the common defence
or for the protection and facility Of con-
merce with foreign nations or among the
States such improvements being, in every
instance, national and general in their
character.
VII. The Federal and State Govern
ments are parts Of one system, alike ne
cessary for the common prosperity, peace,
and security, and ought TO be regarded
alike with cordial, habitual, and immosa-
BILE attachment. Respect for the authority
of each, and acquiescence in the constitu-
tional measures of each, are duties re-
quired by the plainest considerations Of
National, of State, and individual welfare.
VIII. The series Of acts Of the 31sl
Congress, commonly known as the Com
promise or Adjustment, (the act for the
recovery Of fdgitives from labor included,
are received and acquiesced in by the
Wings Of the United States as a final set.
Element, in principle and substance, of the
subjects to which they relate; and so far