The Opelousas patriot. [volume] (Opelousas, Parish of St. Landry, La.) 1855-1863, 1855-07-28

these measures into. effect. Who docs not see how
eagerly the leaders, both great and small, Of the old
parties, would have combined to crush out the lie
during the struggling moments of paTturition, or even
in It's early growth, IF an element so adverse to their
party existence, and 90 certain to deprive them Of the
" spoils of Office "? Who that understands the infu-
ence Of party in restraining the impetuous, urging for
ward the timid, and controlling the masses with the
not see that it would not have required an infant
Hercules to have destroyed the American party, If ii
had exposed its first efforts at union to the assault OF
such q combination? Its formation and its existence
would have been an impcssibiittyy, Deeplyimpressed
/ with this belief, we met in secret for the purpose Of
organizing. In doing SO, we knew that we exposed
ourselves to the censure Of our opponents, to whom
this secrecy afforded an argument Of defamation,
when they did not dare oppose our principles and
and we knew also that we !est.ranged from rs many
who were friendly to our object, but who were un-
willing to promote it by secret organization. Con.
%scious, however, ofthe rectitude Of our motives, and
our purpose being the welfare Of our country, we did
not hesitate to incur the censure and defamation Of
our opponents, and the partial estrangement of our
too timid friends. But our party having now attained
the vigor of manhood, and being prepared to do bat
tie for our cause, through the press and on the hust-
ings, now publish these our principles, and by them
we are prepared to stand or fall.
Platform.
l. We advocate an amendment OF the Naturaliza-
ton Laws, with proper safeguards to preserve the
purity of the elective franchise.
2. We advocate the passage of such laws as will
this country. S45
8. We oppose any interference in the vested rights
Of all persons, whether they be Of native or foreign
birth.
4. We are in favor Of non-intervention with slavery
by the Federal Government, except for the protection
Of our constitutional rights.
s. We advocate a high National Policy, such as
will afford stern and unwavering protection to the
American name abroad, and will follow and guard
the American citizen wherever he moves.
8. We believe that America should be governed by
Americans, etfecting the same through the ballot-box
alone, the only Legitimate instrument of reform in
this country. ssaa@ =
7. We believe that the office should seek the man,
and not the man the Office, and shall oppose the dis.
tribution of office among ofice-seekers, or as o reward
for partisan services W. ~
s. We will maintain and defend the Constitution
Of the United States, the Union as it now exists, and
the rights Of the States without diminntion, insisting
upon a faithful performance on the part of the Gen
eral Government of all the duties enjoined upon lit by
the Constitution.
8. While we approve Of the platform adopted by
the late National Council of the American Party at
Philadelphia, we reject the application of the princi.
pies of the eighth article to American Catholics, as
unjust, unfounded, and entirely unworthy Of our
country. We shall forever continue to protest against
any abridgement Of religious liberty, holding il as a
cardinal maxim that religious faith is q question be.
tween each individual and his God. We utterly con-
denim any attempt to make religious belief a test for
political office, and can never affiliate with any party
which holds sentiments not in accordance with these.
10. We war with no party as such, but shall oppose
all who oppose us in the advocacy Of these great
American principles.
State Policy.
Reform Of abuses, and retrenchment in our State
expenditures.
Education Of the youth Of the country In schools
established by the State.
A constitutional organization of the Swamp Laltl
Commissioners. y
more efficient administration of the Internal I'M
provement Department, with o view Of improving
our inland navigation. 4.f =