American union. [volume] (Morgantown, Va. [W. Va.]) 1855-1859, 1855-11-03

# PLaIFORM AND PRINCIPLES.
I. The acknowledgement of that Almigh.
ty Being, who rules over the Universe, who |
presides over The Councils Of N;,tons-who |
conducts the affairs of men, and who. in e..
very step by which we have advanced to the |
character OF an independent nation, has dis
tinguished us by come token of Providental
agency. .at Eh# et
III. The cultivation and development Of |
sentiment of profoundly intense American
ieeling; of passionate attachment to our
country, its history and its institutions; of
admiration for the purer days OF our nation
al existence; Of generation for the heroism
that precipilatel our Revolution, and of en-
ulation for the virtue, wisdom and patriot
ism that framed our Constitution and first
successfully applied its provisions.
III. The maintenance of the Union Of
these United States as the paramount politi- |
cal good; or TO use the Language of Washing.
dtn, '',he primary object Of patriotic desile."
And hence:
LIST. Opposition to all attempts to weaken
or subvert it..
End. Cncompromising an,agonism to ev-
cry principle of policy that endangers it.
Sd. The advocacy of an equitable adjust.
ment of all political differences which threa-
SchS 40 ih'eSINy VI pe'peluhy' rH.
4th. The suppression Of all tendencies TO
itopolical visions, founded on ''seographi-
cal Determinations, or OH the belief that
there is a real difference of interests and
views between the various sections of the
Union.
9Th. The full recognition of the rights of
the several States, as expressed and reserved
in the Constitution, and careful avoidance,
by the General Government, Of all interfer-
ence with the rights by legislative or ex.
ecuiiye action. g..
Nv. Obedience to the Constitution of
these United States, as the supreme law of
the land, sacredly obligatory upon oil its
parts and members; and steadiast resistance
to the spirit OF innovation upon its principles;
| however specious the preteXts Avowlng
| that in all doubtful or disputed points it may
only be legally ascerlained and expounded
by the judicial power of the United States.
And as corollary to the above:-
| A habit OF reverentia obedience to The
| laws, whether National, State, or Munich
! pal, until they are either repealed or declar-
ed unconstitutional blythe proper authority
2. a tender and sacred regard for those
acts OF craftsmanship, which are to be con.
| tradistngushed from acts or ordinary legs-
lation, by the fact Of their being Of the ma
iure oil compacts and agreements; and so, TO
be considered fixed and settled national
policy. a
V. hradical revision and modification OF
the laws regulating immigration, and the
settlement OF immigrants. Offering to the
honest mmIc rant, who from love OF liberty
or hatred OF oppression, seeks an asylum in
the United States, a friendly reception and
protection. But unqualifiedly condemnng
the transmission to our shores, of felons and
paupers.
Vl.-The essential modification Of The Ma
turallzatIon Laws.
The repeal by the Legislatures Of the res
pective States, OF all the State laws allowing
foreigners no. naturaiZed 10 vote.
The repeal, without retroactive operation
of all acts of Congress making grants of lane
to mnaturalized foreigners, and allowing
them to vote in the Territories.
| VlI.-Hostility to the corrupt means by
which the leaders Of party have hitherto
forced upon us our rulers and political creed
Implacable enmity against the present
demorallzing system OF rewards for poli,i-
cal subserviency, aud of punishments for po-
liiicai independence.
Disgust for the wild hunt after office
which characterizes the age.
These on the one hand. On the other
Imitation Of the practice of purer days of
the Republic; aud admiral on of the maxim
that coffee should seek the man, and not
man the office" and Of the rule that, the
just mode Of asceriaiulng fitness for office,
IS The capablity, The faihfulness, and the
honesty OF the incumbent or candidate.
VIll.-Resis,ance to the aggressive policy
and cOrrupiiDg tendencies OF the Roman Ca.
thoiic Church in our country by the advance
ment TO all political stations-executiv
legislative, judicial and diplomatic--of those
only who do not hold civil allegiance, di-
recuy or indirectly, to any foreign power,
whether civil or ecclesiastical, and who are
Americans by birth, education and training;
thus fulfilling the maxim "AMERIcANs ONLY
SHALL GOVERN AMERICA
| The protection Of all citizens in the legal
and proper exercise Of their civil and reli
gious rights and privileges; the maintenance
OF The right OF every man to the full, unre-
strained and peaceful enjoyment OF his own
religious opinions aud worship, and Jealous
resistance Of all attempts, By any sect de.
nomination or church, to- obtain the ascen-
dency over any other in the State, by means
OF any special privileges, or exemption by
any practical combination Of it's members or
| by division of their civil allegiance with
any foreign power, potentates or ecclesias-
| tic.
| lX.--The reformation Of the character OF
our National Legislature. by eleveinI to
| that dignifed and responsible position
| men OF higher qualifications purer morals,
aud more unsellish patriotism.
1.-THE restriction of executive patron.
| age especially in The matter Of appoint.
| ments'o ofice--so far as it may be permit
ted BY the Constitution, and consistent with
the public good
XL-The education Of the youth Of our
country in schools provided by the State;
which schools shall be common 10 all. with.
ont distinction Of creed or party, aud free
from any influence or direction Of denomi-