The Richmond Indiana palladium. [volume] (Richmond, Ind.) 1854-1855, 1855-08-23
The Republican Association of Wa,hin. ton
District of Columbia.
WrsHISGroN. August l6,

The following is the Declaration. Platform
and Constitution Of the Republican Associa
ton Of Washington. District of Columbia:
WHEREAS, BY the repeal Of the eighth sec
ton Of the Act for the admission of Missouri
into the Union the Territories of Kansas and
Nebraska have been opened 10 the introduction
OF Slavery, and all the Compromises, real or
imag upon that subject are thus violated
and annulled. and deep dshonor inflicted
upon the age in which we live
Now therefore, in cooperation with all
those throughout the land W no oppose this and
similar measures which We deem 10 be contra
~ to the spirit of the Cons tuition. and which
are designed to extend and perpetua:e slavery,
we do a>>ocia'e ourselves together under the
name and title Of the Republican Association
OF Washington. d. {.
And We adopt the following S our political
platform, 10 VIII:
First. That Congress possesses power
over the insIllu ion of slavery in the several
States; but that outside of Safe jurisdiction.
the constitutional power of the Federal Gov
eminent should be exerted to secure life hb-
ertv and happiness to all men, and therefore,
second There should be neither slavery
nor involuntary ser,itude, except for The pun
ishment of crime In any OF the territories Of
the United States.
Third. The people are the rshtful source
Of all political power, and all officers should
as far As practicable. be chosen bv direct
vote OF the people.
Fourth. Candidates for political Offices
should be men oi undoub ed integrity and So
briefly. and pledged to support the princip Piles
of this platform by all lawful and onstiIulion-
al means.
CONSTITUTION.
Article |. Any person may become mem
her oft TIM, A a N suh~cr Ih "a ~
Platform and Constitutions:
Art. H. The officers of this Association
shall be a President. Vice Presidents, three
Directors. Treasurer. Recording Secretary
Corre> ponding Secretary, who shall serve until
such day the Association shall appoint as
the time for the annual meeting. then and
thereafter tie officers shall be elected anuu-
ally.
Art III, The three Directors. with the
President, Secretary and Treasurer. shall con
stitute committee 10 attend 10 the proper
distribution of such funds as MAJ be placed
at their disposal By the Association. and TO
perform such other duties as may from time
10 time be assigned them.
Art ". The funds of this Association shall
be devoted exclusively to the payment of the
necessary contingent expenses Of the same
si,.: ~. -.1ss;t.t,.I .inn 81
such means may have tendency to q =
vance the primes pies laid down in our platform.
Art '. In order TO secure concert of ac-
ton. the more direct interchange OF intelli-
gence and general co operation throughout
the country, invite the formation Of similar
Associations IN any State. county. city or vi
IA u. in the Mon, whose officers shall be er-
on7rIo members OF this Association. and who
are requested TO report to this Association the
names of their officers aud mum Der of mem
bers. for general information Of the whole.
Art VI This Association may Al any time
as mark OF respect, elect to the Office Of hon
orarv NIce-president, or To honorary member
ship any distinguished or influential gentle
man, whether a resident or non resident. pro
vided he be known 10 favor our platform and
constitution.
Art VII This constitution may be altered
or amended bv vote OF iwo-thlfds Of tbs
members present at any Of lis reg ilar meet