American union. [volume] (Morgantown, Va. [W. Va.]) 1855-1859, 1855-09-15
The American Platform.

~ Being who rules over the Universe, who |
presides over The Councils Of Na,ions--who
conducts the affairs Of men, and who, in e.
very step by which we have advanced TO the
character Of an independent nalion has dis,
,ingushed us by some token of Providential
agency.
ii. The cultivation and development Of
sentiment Of profoundly intense American
| feeling; of passionate attachment TO our
country, it's history and its institutions: of
admiration for the purer days of our nation
al existence; of venera'ion for the heroisn
| that precipitated our Revolution, and Of EN-.
ula,ion for the virtue, wisdom and patriot
ism that framed our Constitution aud first
successfully applied lis 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. 1.-THE primary object Of patriotic desile"
And hence:
LIST. Opposition to all attempts to weaken
or subverl it. ......
2nd. Uncompromising an,agonism TO ev-
cry principle OF policy that endangers it..
3D.. The advocacy of an equitable adjust.
ment of all political differences which threa-
tens It's integrity or perpetuny.
4ih. The suppression Of all tendencies TO
itopollcai visions, founded on 'ge0gra PHI
! cal determinations, or on the belief that
there is zeal difference of interests and
| views between the various sections of the
! Union.
| 9th. The full recognition Of the rights of
the several States, Us EXPIRE ssed and reserved
III the Constitution, and careful avoidance.
by the General Government, of all iutcrfer-
ence with the rights by legislative or ex-
| ecutive action.
w. Obedience TO the Constitution of
these United States, as the supreme law Of
the land, sacredly obligatory upon all lis
! parts and members; and steadfast resistance
10 The spirit OF innovation upon its principles,
! however speclous The preteXls Avowing
that IN all doubtful or disputed points it may
only be legally asceriained and exp0unded
by the Judicial power of the United States.
And as a corollary TO the above
habit of reverenliaI obedience to the
laws, whether National, State, or Mnnici-
pal, until they are either repealed or declar-
ed unconstitutional by the proper authority.
2. tender and sacred regard for those
acts oi craftsmanship, which are to be con-
! tradlstInSuished from acts or ordinary legis-
iauon, by the fact Of their being OF the ma
tu'e OF compacls and agreements: and so. to
! be considered fixed aud settled national
{ policy.
'. 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 Ut oppression, seeks an asylum III
! The United Stales, friendly reception and
! protection. But unqnaIliedIy comlemning
he transmission 10 our shores, of lplons and
panpers.
Nl-The essential modification Of the Ma
turalIzatIon Laws.
The repeal by the Legislatures Of the res
per'lve STATES, Of all the State laws allowing
| foreigners no. naturaliZed TO vote.
The repeal, without retroactive operation
OF all acis OF Congress making grants Of and
10 nma,uralized foreigners, aud allowing
| them 10 vote in the Territories.
ll.-liOsility to the corrrpt means nv
Which the leaders of party have hitherto
forced upon us our rulers and political creed.
lmplacable enmity against the present
demoralizing sy stem of rewards for poli,i
cal subservIency, and Of punishments for DO
hllcai 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 purcr DAYS of
the RepubIc; and aamira, on of the maxim
that "ottice should seek the man, and no,
man the Office" and of the rule that. the
Just mode OF ascertainlng fitness for Office,
- The capabIlty, the failhfulness, and the
honesty OF The incumbent or candidate.
| Nill.-Rcss,ance TO the aggressive policy
! and "orrupilng tendencies of the Roman Ca
'ho'ic Ihufch III our country by the advance
ment 10 all political stalons-executive
Legislative, Judicial and diplomalic--of those
only who do not hold civil allegiance, d.
recIiy or Indirectly, to any foreign power,
whether civil or ecclesiastical. aud 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.
slous rights and privileges the maintenance
OF the right OF every man 10 the full. unre-
strained and peaceful enjoyment of his own
| religious opinions and worship. and a Jealous
resistance of all attempts, BY any sect. de.
nomination or church, to obtain the ascen-
dcncy over any other in the State, by means
OF any special pri, ileges, or exemption be
any practical combination Of its members, or
by division Of their civil allegiance with
any foreign power, potentales or ecclesias.
tic.
K.--The reformation Of the character of
our National Legislature, by eleva,iug to
! That dgnlfieJ and responsible position
men OF higher qualifications, purer morals,
and more unselfsh patriotism
A.--The restriction OF executive patron.
age especially in the matter Of appoint.
ments 10 oiliceso far as it may be permit
ted by the Constitution, and consistent with
the public good.
El.-The education Of the youth Of our
country in schools provided by the State;
which schools shall be common TO all. with.
out distinction Of creed or party, and free
from any influence or direction Of denomi-