American union. [volume] (Morgantown, Va. [W. Va.]) 1855-1859, 1855-07-07
The American Platform.

PLATFORM AND PRINCIPLES.
!. The acknowledgement Of that Almigh-
~ Being, who rules over the Universe, who
presides over The Councils of Na,ons-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.
tinguishcd us by some token of Providential
agency.
Il. The cultivation and development of a
s"n'iment Of profoundly intense American
feeling; Of passionate attachment TO our
county, its history and its institutions; Of
admiration for the purer days OF our nation
a existence; Of venera,ion for the heroism
that preciri,ated our Revolution, and of EN-.
ulaton for the virtue, wisdom and patriot
ism that framed our Constitution and frs.
successfully applied its provisions.
Ill. The maintenance of the Union Of
these United States as the paramount politi-
cal good; or to use the language Of Washing
ton, 1.-The primary object of patriotic desire"
And hence:
lst Opposition to all attempts to weaken
or subver, it.
2nd Cncompromising an,agonism to ev-
cry principle of policy that endangers it.
81. The advocacy of an equitable adjust
ment Of all political differences which threa.
items its integrity or perpetui,y.
4,h. The suppression Of all tendencies TO
political divisions, founded on topographic
cal determinations, or on the belief tina,
there is a real difference Of interests and
views between the various sections Of the
Union.
9Th. The full recognition Of the rights OF
ahe several States, as expressed and reserved
in The Constitution, and a careful avoidance,
by the General Government, Of all interfer-
ence with the rights by legislative or ex-
ecuiive action.
Nv. Obedience to the Constitution Of
7hese United States, as The supreme law Of
the land, sacredly obligatory upon all its
paris aud members; and steadfas, resistance
20 the spirit OF innovation upon its principles,
however specious the pretexts. Avowing
that in all doubtful or disputed points i. may
only be legally ascertained and expounded
by the judicial power Of the United States.
And as corollary to the above:-
l A habit OF reverentiel obedience to the
laws. whether National, State, or Munich
gal, until they are either repealed or declar-
ed unconstitutional by the proper authority.
2. A tender and sacred regard for those
acts Of craftsmanship, which are to be con.
tradistinguished from acts or ordinary legis-
lation, by the fact Of their being Of the ma
ture of compacss and agreements; and so, to
DE considered fixed and settled national
policy.
" A radical revision and modification Of
the laws regulating immigration, and the
settlement of immigrants. Offering to the
honest immigrant, who from love Of liberty
or hatred of oppression, seeks an asylum in
ahe United States, a friendly rece p,ion and
}soteciion. But unqualifedly condemnng
;hc transmission to our shores, of feons and
Pdwpers.
Vl--The essential modification of the Ma
turalIza ion Laws.
fhe repeal by the Legislatures Of The res
rac,ive States, Of all the State laws allowing
io.eigners no. naturalzed TO vote.
Fhc repeal, without retroactive operation
OF all acts Of Congress making grants Of land
:, uunainrali2ed foreigners and allowing
inen 20 vote IN The Territories.
VlI.-flosiility to the corrupt means by
which me leaders Of party have hitherto
forced upon us our rulers aud political creed.
lmpiacable enmity against the present
Gar4oralizing sy stem of rewards for Poiti-
col )scryicucy, and Of punishments for po-
liiical iDde pendenCe.
Disgust for the wild hunt after office
which chafacerizes the age.
These on the one hard. On The other
imitation Of the practice Of purer days of
the Republic; and admiration Of the maxim
that coffee should seek the man, and not
man the Officer and of the rule that, the
.nat mole Of nscertainlng fitness for office,
Df iDs carahiily, the faithfuness, and the
honesIy ol the incumbent or candidate.
Wilt Resistance TO the aggressive policy
and aorrupting tendencies Of the Roman Ca
,hclic Church in our country by the advance
nent TO all political statons-executive,
legislative, judicial and diplomatic---of those
only who do not hold civil allegiance, d.
rcc,ly or indirectly, TO any foreign power,
whether civil or ecclesiastical, and who are
Americans by birth, education and training;
thus fulfilling The maxim "AMBRicANs ONLY
SHALL GOVERN AMERICA"
The protection Of all citizens In the lesai
ind proper exercise Of their civil and reli'
aious rights and privileges; the maintenance
Of the right Of every man TO tho full, unre-
strained and peaceful enjoyment OF his own
religious opinions and worship, and jealous
r,s;s,,nce Of ali ATTEMPTS. by any sect, de-