The New York herald. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1840-1920, 1855-08-17
The Republican Association Of Washing

The Republican Association OF Washing
DECLARATION, PLATFORM AND CONSTITUTION OF
THE REPUBLICAN ASSOCIATION OF WASHINGTON.
WASHINGTON, August 16, 1855.
Whereas the repeal of the eighth section Of the act
for the admission Of Missouri into the Union the Terrific
res Kansas and Nebraska have opened to the in
PRODUCTION Of slavery and all the compromises real
imaginary, upon that subject thus violated and
nued and deep dshonor inflicted upon the age in which
we live
Now therefore, In cooperation with all those through
out the land who oppose this and other similar measures
which deem to be contrary to the spirit Of the cns
slavery do associate ourselves together under the
name and title Of THE Republican Association of Wash
And We adopt the following as political platform, to
First That Congress possesses no power over the In
sitution of slavery in the several States but that out
side of State jurisdiction the constitutional Of the
federal government should be exerted life liberty
and happiness to all men. And, therefore,
Second There should be neither slavery involun-
tay seryitude except for the punishment of crime in
any Of the Territories of the United States.
Third The people the rightfu Of all politi
cal power; and all officers should, far practicable
be chosen by direct vote of the people
Fourth Candidates for political Offices should be
Of undoubted integrity and sobety and pledged to snp
port the principles this platform by all lawful and
Art !. Any person may become member Of this asso
citation on subscribing to ts platform and constitution
Art q The officers of this association shall be presi-
dent vice presidents three directors treasurer
ing secretary and corresponding secretary, who shall
serve until such day the association shall appoint
the time for the annual meetng then and thereafter the
officers shall be elected annually.
Art g. The three directors with the president
tares and treasurer, shall constitute committee TO at
tend to the proper distribution of such funds may be
placed at their disposal by the association and to peo
such other duties may from time to time be assigned
them.
Art 4. The funds Of the association shall be devoted
exclusively to the payment Of the necessary contingent
expenses Of the for the purchase and circulation of
important documents and information and in the of
such means as may have tendency to advance the
principles laid down in platform.
Art D. In order to secure concert of action the
direct interchange Of intelligence and general coopera
ton throughout the country invite the formation of
similar associations in State county, city village
in the Union, whose officers shall be ero members Of
this association and who requested to report to this
association the names of their officers and number of
members, for general information of the whole.
Art g. This association may at any time, mark Of
respect elect to the Office Of honorary vcepredent
TO honorary membership, any distinguished inHaen
tal gentleman whether resident sident, pro-
vided he be known to favor platform and constitution
Art !. This constitution may be altered amended
by vote OF twothrds of the members present. any Of
it's regular meetings.