Daily American organ. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1856, 1855-03-19

GERS TO Interfere when principles break out into
overt acts against peace and good ORDER and,
finally, that truth is great and will prevail If left 10
herself that she Is the proper and sufficient antag-
onist OF error, and has nothing TO fear from the
conflict unless by human interposition disarmed of
her natural weapons, free argument and debate,
errors ceasing TO be dangerous when IL Is permitted
freely to combat them.
BE it, therefore, enacted By the General As
Sen6ty, That no man shall be compelled to fire.
quent or support any religious Worship place or
ministry whatsoever, nor shall he be enforced re-
strained molested, burdened in his body or goods
rshall eotherwise suffer account
opinions or belief but that all men shall be free to
profess, and by argument to maintain, their opin
ions In matters OF religion and that the same shall
in no wise diminish enlarge, or affect their civil
capacities.
And though we well know this Assembly, elected
by the people for the ordinary purposes Of legs-
ation only, have no power to restrain the acts Of
succeeding assemblies, constituted with powers
equal to our own; and that therefore, to declare
this act irrevocable would be of no effect in law
yet we arc free to declare and do declare that the
rights hereby asserted are of the natural rights Of
mankind, and that If any act shall be hereafter
passed to repeal the present. or to narrow its ope-
rations, such an act will be an Infringement of
natural right.
The following preamble and resolutions,
adopted at q mass meeting of the citizens Of
Washington, on the 27th day Of September
last, present the general sentiments of the
American party" in this city, and win doubt
less be read with interest by the friends of
American principles throughout the country,
to wit: -
Whereas, public meeting of citizens of Washing
ton was held at Carusi's Saloon the 10th instant
upon q call made in and approved by the Executive
organ, the proceedings Of which, in the resolutions
said to have been adopted at that meeting and in the
speeches OF certain selected orators at subsequent
adjourned meeting, are now spread before the public
eye IN the columns Of said organ, and its kindred
presses, with appreciation; and whereas said resolu-
tens, however dressed up in abstract professions Of
patriotism, asDaI principles dear TO the American
heart and necessary to the safety of the constitution
ana 70 the peace and prosperity Of our country and
from public employment such ofceholders as enter
aln those principles thereby to perpetate ruthless
honest difference of opinion therefore
esotv6d, That mere professions of love TO the con-
stitution and to civil and religious freedom, when
oontradcted by actions, cannot deceive the sensible
and vigiant guardians of American liberty, whose
apprehensions have been excited at beholdng the
strides that have been made toward complete con-
troll Of our government by the subjects of foreign
potentate wcil-known as the ayowed enemy of our
whole American system, to whose overthrow they
are solemny devoted.
Resotoed, That as vigant custodians Of that bene-
foent system Of civil and religious freedom bcqueath-
cd to us by the fathers of the republic il is our duty
70 meet and repe all insidious attacks upon our lib
ertles as Wei rs all open assaults; and that we view
WITH Indignation and alarm the assertion of princi-
pies and purposes, the part of the recognised ex-
poncnts OF the Roman Catholic Church in the United
States, subversve of eur republican institutions
which constitute aggressions of such character
that If not now resisted, will lead at no distant day
70 the overthrow of the American Constitution and
the complete establishment of despotism
Rssoteed, That while, in the past political divisions
Of the country, IS Wings and Democrats, we have
and measures all Of which are now settled, vet in
The present crisis Of danger 10 all that both parties
hold dear we viii bury every remembrance Of past
opposition and pledge 70 each other our lives, our
ertions until our country shall be freed from the
dangers that now menace it.
ResoJced, That we proclaim, as the cardinal princ-
pies Of our political and moral creed, sacred regard
for the constitution in all its provisions upon which
are based our glorious American principes-freedom
Of speech, freedom Of opinion freedom Of conscience
freedom OF the press, together with school system
Bible as tho rule of faith and practice holding as an
established principle that intelligence and virtue are
essential 10 the success Of free government
Resolved, That while we welcome 10 our country
them place BY our side under the shield Of our con
sttuton, we claim for Americans the right 10 govern
tAcir own country; and thsse who do not like our
government have our hearty consent 70 90 elsewhere
Rsso,oed That the fourth resolution Of the meeting
at Caruss Saloon, recommending TO the President OF
the United States prescription OF all officers Of the
federal government who may have thought it TO be-
ings-a recommendation which, before its adoption,
had been recognised and acted upon by the Execu-
tive Of the United States-proposcs an alarming and
dangerous infracon Of the principles Of selfgovern
Of all the free citizens Of these United States without
distinction Of party, sect or creed
Resotped That every Protestant denomination in
the United States maintains the constitutional prin
cfpfe OF separation Of Church and State-in which
principle many American Catholics sincerely concur
while on the other hand, the Papal Church abroad
openly, and always and everywhere maintains the
doctrine Of obedispce Of the civil TO the ecclesiastical
authority, both IN Europe and America the sad and
ruineus effects Of which, In The one, are seen in
countless emiRrsnts flying from its tyranny and
misery 70 our own happy land, and in the ether, in
the ignorance and poverty Of the masses, in the
instructions massacrcs, and proverbiai instability
OF our Southern sister Republics.
Resotued, That upon these principles we appeal
from the opinions, whose proclamation has caused
this meeting, 70 the people of the United States;
and, although we might infer they are an exponent
Of executive feelings from the efcal positions Of
those who controlled the proceedings, yetwe will still
hope that the President who alone has the power,
ofice-hoders both Democrats and Wings, for daring
70 entertain American and Protestant sentiments,
and will reject the mercenary suggestion urged upon
him by the fourth resolution Of the meeting last week.
as covert scheme 10 crafty the appetite Of Office
seekers at the expense Of many who zealously and
efficiently aided in his elevation 10 power and whose
removal under existing circumstances will fx an in
delible stain upon him man and az the President
Of the United States
ResolDed, That having seen the denunciations that
almost daily issue from certain presses against the
"fusonists' Of the North, who denounced as alb
sorbed in "the traitorous factions" which distract
those States by which they after another be-
ing placed in opposition 10 the administration, we
were astonished 10 hear the pressing nvition in the
second resolution Of opponents 70 Of all po
litical opinions, without regard 10 their political
antecedens," 70 form 'fusien" with them in their
future sctionan invitation broad enough 10 include
Garrison, Abby Kelly, and Fred Douglas, besides
their coadjutors in the two houses Of Congress.
.Resoiced, That we, too, appeal TO all Americans
who love the Union, which "Inust be preserved" and
the constitution, which established and maintains IT,
and the rights Of the States which compose it, and
especially TO the religious, the moral and the order
loving casses, TO unite with in efecting the re-
ferns necessary TO the safety and prosperity of our
country, believing, AZ do that il is high time the
career Of interested and interruptions demaQogues
ko x.1