Edgefield advertiser. [volume] (Edgefield, S.C.) 1836-current, 1855-01-03
OUR PRINCIPLES.

First We shall advocate repeal of the
laws Of naturalization, or if that cannot be ac-
complished then such modification of those
laws, as will prevent future immigrants from
becoming citizens, short of residence of twen-
ty-one years, after taking the oath Of allegiance
10 the United States, and Of aluration of all
Other powers, potentates, and princes
Second. We shall advocate The passage of a
stringent law by Congress to prevent the immi-
grafton hither of foreigners, who are either pau
pers or criminals, and to send back to the coun-
tries from which they come, all such foreigners
of these classes MS may in violation of such
law, hereafter reach our ports; and to require
the President of the United States to demand
from any government, which may send hither
such. classes of its Subjects immediate and am
pile satisfaction for such outrage, and proper
indemnify against the repetition thereof.
Third. We shall oppose the election or ap-
pointment of any toreign-bsrn citizen TO any
office of trust, honur or emolument, under the
Federal or State governments, or the employ
ment or enlistment of such persons in the army
or navy tn time Of aUar; maintaining, rs we do
the opinion, that the natire.born citizens of the
United States have the right to govern the land
of their birth and that all immigrants from
abroad should be content with the enjoyment of
ife liberty and property under our institutions,
without seeking to participate in the enaction,
administrations. execution of our laws.
Fourth. We shall advocate and urge the
adoption of such an amended form Of an oath 10
support the Constitution of The United STATES,
and to be administered to all persons elected or
appointed TO any office of trust, honor, or emo
lument, under the Federal or State governments,
as will etfectually exclude from such offices all
persons, who shall not directly and erplicity
recognise the obligations and binding force of
the Constitution OF the United States, as para
mount to all obligations of adhesion or allegi-
ance to any foreign prince, power, potentate, or
authority whatever, under any and all circum-
stances.
Fifth. We shall maintain the doctrine that
no one of the States of this Union has the right
to admit to the enjoyment of free suffrage any
person of foreign birth, who has not been first
made citizen Of the United States, according
10 the "unitorm rule" Of naturalization prcscrb-
ed by Congress, under The provisions of the
constitution.
Sirih. We shall oppose now and here after,
any union Of Church and Stale," no matter
what class of reIigionsts shall seek TO bring
about such union.
iSecenth. We shall vigorously maintain the
rested rights of all persons, of native or foreign
BIRTH and shall at all times oppose the slightest
interference with such vested rights.
Eighth. We shall oppose and protest against
all aJridgment Of religious liberty holding it as
cardinal maXin that religious tauh is ques-
ton between each individual and his God, and
over which no political government, or, other
human power, can rightfully exercise any super
vision or control, at any time. in any place, or in
any form.
Ninth. We shall oppose all "higher law"
doctrines, by which the constitution is to be set
at nought, violated, or disregarded whether by
politicians, by religionists, or by the adhercnts
or followers of either, or by any other class Of
persons.
Te,uh We shall maintain and defend the
constitution as it stands, the Union as it exists
and the rights of the StateS, without diminu-
ton as guaranteed thereby: opposing ut all
times, and to the extent OF our ability and in
huence, all who may assail them, or either of
them.
Eleventh. We shall oppose no man, and sus-
tain no man, on the ground Of his opposition to,
or his support of, Democratic measures, or
Wing measures but we shall oppose those who
oppose our doctrines, and sustain those who
sustain our doctrines.
Tuelhh And lastly, We shall nsc our ut
most exertions to build up an " American par
ty" whose maxim shall be:
Americans shall rule their country!