The spirit of democracy. [volume] (Woodsfield, Ohio) 1844-1994, 1855-03-28

exposing Its secrets and counteracting its
evil inttusnces. The Sag NIGHTS. if we
sre-correc'ly informed, openly avow their
membership, and boldly proclaim their
principles; and if the Constitution pub
llshed below. be correct exposition OF
their "faith and practice" there is little TO
be ashamed Of. Yet We do not approve
OF secret political organizations. whatever
we may think OF their objects. We re.
gard them as unnecessary and danger.
Gus.
ARTlCLEI.
DECLARATION OF PRINCIPLES.
DEC. l. AS fundamental article in our
political creed, we hold, in the language
OF The Constitution of the State OF Ohio /
that All men have natural and inde
'easaoie right to Worship Almighty God
according to the dictates Oft their own con
Sciences aud that no religious tes, she'll
De required as qualification for Office
SEC. T. As principle equally dear 10
every friend OF. our Republican form OF
Government. we hold that whenever the
born subject OF any foreign state, poten-
tate or power, renounces and foreswears
all allegiance TO the same. and by our
avs, anu his own free will aud accord.
ioecomes a citizen OF the United States, all
distinctions ON account of birth are anti.
American, anti Republican. and danger
Gus 10 the perpetuity OF free institutions.
which hss made this Government. above
a" others, the home of the down ,rodden
and oppressed OF other lands.
SEC. 8. That with the early fathers Of
the Republic-the wise aud patriotic me,,
of the Republic, who framed, adopted and
gave to ihe world tae American Deciara
loh~oi independence, in the resolves OF
the l4th OF August, I776. adopted by the
Continental Congress. we hold that 1T is
the wise policy Of these States to extend
the protection oftheir laws 10 all those who
should settle among them, Of batever ma.
t'oa or religion they might be. and to ad-
mt them TO participation of the benefits
OF civil and religious freedom and the
benevolence Of this practice. as well as its
salutary effects, have rendered il worthy
OF being continued IN future times
SEC. f. That secret political party.
known TO the world as Kao,o N5things.' y
out to the Unlisted as the ..Sapreme Or.
der OF me Star Spangled Banner.' has
reared its organizing head in our mid 5,
binding its members by sacred and
dreadful oashs TO set at nought and TO
render nuga,ery that grea, principle o.
our liberties, man ST free right to worship
God as his conscience may dictate. IN ak
ing freedom OF worship. unless i, is exer-
clsed as q majority ofis members choose
an estrangement from places Of honor OF
| OF Proflt-and to render nugatory and
void the pledges of the Continental Con.
gress, almost coincident with the Decla
ration OF Independence, and drafted and
passed by the same men, aud thus to ere.
ate In our midst privileged class. like ,he
nobility OF Europe, based upon birth and
not upon merits.
SEC. 5. That we are opposed to such q
party-opposed to its attacks npon the
Constisuilon-opposed 10 it because ofthe
principles, at war with free government
which II Neutrality-suspicious. 10 it. because
1t was germ OF the tressopable Hartford
! Convention which, during the darkes
hours OF the war with England. met a.
band OF conspiring traitors. giving aid
and comfort TO the enemy, and who de
ciared, among other things, as their 6tl
resolve. THAT no person VINO shall here
after be naturalized. shall be eligible a.
member OF the Senate or House of Re
representatives.. nor capable Of holding any
civil office under the authority OF the Uni
ted States - and this they did as Know
Nothhglsm now does. under the falls,
plea. they "were no parties to the compac
aud have no stake in the welfare OF ths
country but what is recent and trans
tory"
SEC. 6. That standing by cur govern
ment as il is-believing il to be the free s
aud best OF any human government ye
devised-holding to the principle Of religi
Gus toieration "as the mariner cllngs TO hi
last blank when rkness and tempes, clos.
around him are antagonistic 10 SO
called Know Nothingism in all thing
which propose change OF the settled prin
c'ples and policy OF our government.
ARTICLE ii.
OBJECTS AND NAME OF THIS ASSOCIATION.
SEC. l. That in order tina, our opposi
ton to Know Noihingism may be the NOR
ettectual--in preventing the incendiary eli
forts oil those who sesk TO change The gov
ernmei,t as regards religious freedom
and who seek to make birth Il qualfica
ton tor office. We form ourselves into al
association To- be known as the ..Sa,
: Nichts Constitutional Council.
SEC. 2. That Tor the presentits proceed
ings shall remain secret, but no oalhs ar
: 10 Os administered. and lis proceeding
are not, IN any torn or manner, to inter
iere with the religious. political, or othe
natural rights OF any man. ~
SEC. 8. That az soon as it is able I
ward off the danger which now msnsce
, the Republic. aud with the defeat and ez
g posure of Know NothingisIn. this Coun
e Gil shall be dissolved. and cease 10 hay
3 an organized existence.
d Sec. 4. That for the purpose OF carry
It ing this Constitution into effect the Cour
. Gil shall have power to make and ordai