Daily American organ. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1856, 1855-03-22
WASHINGTON. D. THURSDAY AFTERNOON, MARCH o. 1855

JlONs ~. C.s lHU hSDA
ments Of others only as they shall square with, or
differ from his own that 1t is time enough for the
rightful purposes Of civil government, for its Off
GERS 70 interfere when principles break out into
overt acts against peace and good order; and
finally that truth Is great and will prevail II left to
herself that she Is the proper and sufficient antag
onist OF error, and has nothing to fear from the
coniiict, unless by human interposition dsamed of
her natural weapons, free argument and debate
errors ceasng to be dangerous when II is permitted
freely to combat them.
BE it, therefore, enacted by the General rs
sem6ly, That no man shall be compelled to fire.
quent or support any religious worship, place, or
ministry whatsoever nor shall he be enforced. re-
strained, molested orburdened In his body or goods
norshall he otherwise sufferer account religious
opinions belief but that all men shall be free to
profess, and by argument to maintain, their opin-
ions in matters Of religion and that the same shall
in no wise diminish, enlarge, or affect their civil
capacities.
And though we well know this Assembly, elected
by the people for the ordinary purposes of legis-
lation only, have power to restrain the acts of
succeeding assemblies, constituted with powers
equal to our own; and that therefore, to declare
this act irrevocabe would be Of no effect in law
yet we are free to declare and do DECLARE that the
mankind, and that If any act shall be hereafter
passed to repeal the present or to narrow its ope-
rations, such an act will be an infringement of
natural right.
The following preamble and resolutions,
adopted at a mass meeting Of the citizens Of
Washington, on the 27th day Of September
last present the general sentiments Of the
/" American party" in this city, and will doubt
less be read with interest by the friends OF
American principles throughout the country,
to wit
Whereas, public meeting Of citizens Of Washing
upon q call made in and approved by the Executive
organ the proceedings of which, in the resolutions
said TO have been adopted vt that meeting and in the
speeches OF certain selected orators ut subsequent
eye in the columns Of said organ, and its kindred
presses, with appreciation; and whereas said reson
ITEMS however dressed up in abstract professions OF
patriotism, aslal principles dear 70 the American
and to the peace and prosperity Of our country and
Whereas the Executive Is invoked therein to remove
from public employment such oficeholders as enter
tam those principles thereby 70 psrpsrate ruthless
honest difference Of opinion: therefore
hseotoed That mere professions of love TO the con-
stitution and to civil and religious freedom, when
contradicted BY actions, cannot deceive the sensible
WHOSE
spprehensions have been excited at behofding the
strides that have been made toward complete con-
troll Of our government by the subjects Of q foreign
potentate well-known as the ayowed enemy of our
are solemniy devoted.
Reso1ged That as vigilant custodians OF that benc
hcent system of civil and religious freedom bequeath-
ed to us by the fathers Of the republic it Is duty
70 meet and repel all insdious attacks upon lib
critics as well as all open assaults; and that we view
with indignation and alarm the assertion Of princi-
pies and purposes the part of the recognised
gonents OF the Roman Catholic Church in the United
States, subversive of eur republican institutions,
which constitute aggressons Of such character
that If not resisted will lead at no distant day.
TO the overthrow of the American Constitution and
the complete establishment of despotism.
Resolued, That WHILE in the past political divisions
Of the country, as Wings and Democrats, we have
struggled In honest conflict contested principles
and measures, all of which are now settled yet in
hs present crisis Of danger to all that both parties
bold dear we will bury every remembrance Of past
opposition, and pledge TO each other cur lives
fortunes, and our sacred honor net 70 cease
ertions until our country shall be freed from the
dangers that now menace it
Resolvsd, That we proclaim, as the cardinal princ
pies OF our political and moral creed sacred regard
for the constitution In all its provisions upon which
are based our glorious American principles
Of speech freedom Of opinion, freedom Of conscience,
freedom Of the press, together with school system
for the diffusion OF intelligence, sancted by open
Bible the rule of faith and practice holding as
established principle that intelligence and virtue are
essential 70 the success Of q free government
Rssolped, That while we welcome 70 our country
the victims Of tyranny from foreign lands and offer
them place by side under the shield Of our
stituton we claim for Americans the right to govern
tAeir own country; and those who do not like our
government have our hearty consent 70 20 elsewhere
II tho pursuit Of happiness
Resoaoed That the fourth resolution Of the meeting
at Oarusis Saloon, recommending TO the President Of
the United States prescription Of all officers Of the
federal government who may have thought fit TO be-
come members Of the association Of Know Knoth-
ngs--a recommendation which, before its adoption,
had been recognised and acted upon by the ETecu-
tive Of the United States proposes alarming and
dangerous nfraction Of the principles Of sefgoyern-
ment and calls for the prompt and decisive rebuke
Of all the free citizens Of these United States without
distinction Of party, sect or creed.
RssoJped, That every Protestant denomination In
the United States maintains the constitutional prn
ciple Of separation Of Church and State-in which
principle many American Catholics sincerely concur
while on the other hand, the Pspal Church abroad
openly, and always, and everywhere maintains the
doctrine Of obedience Of the civil 70 the ecclesiastical
authority, both In Europe and America the sad and
rusneus effects Of which, in the one, are seen In
countless emigrants flying from its tyranny and
misery TO our own happy land, and in the ether, in
the Ignorance and poverty Of the masses, in the
wealth and vices of the clergy, and in the ceaseless
insurrectons, massacres and proverbia instability
Of our Southern sister Republics.
Reso1ued, That upon these principles we appeal
from the opinions, whose proclamation has caused
this meeting, 70 the people Of the United States;
and, although we might infer they are an exponent
OF executive feelings, from the ecia positions Of
those who controlled the proceedings yet we win sti
hope that the President who alone has the power,
will arrest the prescription already begun Of faithful
ofceholders, both Democrats and Wings, for daring
70 entertain American and Protestant sentiments,
and will reject the meroenary suggestion urged upon
him by the fourth resolution Of the meeting last week.
az covert scheme TO crafty the appetite Of Office
seekers at the expense Of many who zealousy and
removal under existing circumstances win FIX an in
delible stain upon him q man and the President
Of the United States.
fesoJped, That having seen the denunciations that
almost daily issue from certain presses against the
"fusionists' ef the North, who are denounced alb
sorbed IN the traitorous factions" which distract
those States by which they after another be-
ing placed in opposition 70 the administration,
were astonished 70 hear the pressing inviton in the
second resolution Of our opponents 70 men Of all po
litical opinions, without regard TO their political
sntccedents" V form fusion with them in their
future sctionsn invitation broad enough 10 include
.rwt. r. Ill - H.