The spirit of democracy. [volume] (Woodsfield, Ohio) 1844-1994, 1855-06-27
Know Nothing National Platform.

Great Know Nothing National Convention at
Philadelphia, as we find it published. in the K.
N. Organs; that contained in parentheses of
course excepted. This platform was adopted
by a vote of so to So.
4 1.-The acknowledgment of that Almighty |
Being, who rules over the Universe-who pre-
sides over the Councils of Nations-who con-
ducts the affairs of men, and who, in every
step by which we have advanced to the char
acter of an independent nation, has distin-
guished us by some token of Providential agen-
cy. (Hew many were drunk when that was
adoptedO
1.-THE cultivation and development of a
sentiment of profoundly intense American feel
ing; of passionate attachment to our country;
its history and it's institutions; of admiration
for the purer days of our National existence,
of vcneration for the heroism that precipitated
our Revolution, and of emulation of the virtue,
| wisdom and patriotism that framed our Consti-
tuition and first successfully applied its provis-
ions. (4th of July and Star-spangled Banner!D
| III.-The maintenance of the union of these
United States as the paramount political good;
or to use the language of Washington, "the pri-
mary object of patriotic DESIRE" And hence:
1st. Opposition to all attempts to weaken or
snbvert It (Amen.)
I'd. Uncompromisins antagonism to every
principle Of policy that enlangers it. (So mote
It be.)
Sd. Tho advocacy of an equitable adjustment
of any political differences which threaten its
integrity or perpetuity. (For definition OF
reputable" see plank XH.)
The suppression of all tendencies to political
division, founded on geographical discrimina-
tions, or in the belief that there is real differ
ence of interests and views u between the var-
l Of fha Tynio
4 4th. The full recognition of the rights of the
several States, as expressed and reserved in the
lConstitution; and a careful avoidance, by the
General Government, of all interference with
their rights by legislative or executive action.
(Stereotype.)
Il V.--Obedience to the Constitution of these
Unitcl States, as the supreme law of the land,
sacredly obligatory upon all its parts and mem
bcrs; and steadfast resistance to the spirit OF
innovation upon its principles, however spe-
cious the pretexts. Avowing that in all doubt
full or disputed points it may only be legally as
tcertained and expounded by the judicial power
J of the United States.
/ And, as corollary on the above:
ri l. A habit Of reverential obedience to the
laws, whether National State or Municipal, un-
til they arc either repealed or declared uncon-
stitutional by the proper authority. (Particu-
larly, Fugitive Slave Law.)
4 2. A tender and sacred regard for those acts
of craftsmanship, which are to be contradis
tinguished from acts of ordinary legislation, by
the fact Of their being of the nature of comracts
and agreements; and so, to be considered 8
!, fixed and settled national policy. (Missour
! CompromiseY
VA radical revision and modification o.
). the lava regulating Immigration, and the settle
o ment of Immigrants. Offering to the homes
4 immigrant, who, from love of liberty or hatred
3 of oppression, seeks an asylum in the United
!, States, friendly reception and protection
S But unqualifedly condemning the Transmission
o to our shores of felons and paupers. (Bless thu
0 rich and curse the poor.)
9 vI.-The essential modification of the Natu
fraiization Laws.
3 The repeal by tho Legislatures Of the rospec
tive States of all State laws allowing foreigner
not naturalized to vote. (Naturalized ditto,
a you could, chr
The repeal, without retroactive operation, O
= all acts of Congress making grants Of lands t.
$ unnaturalized foreigners, and allowing them t
t vote in the Territories. (.Afraid they'll vot
! against slavery, are your
VlI.-Hostility to the corrupt means b.
? which the leaders of party have hitherto forces
L upon us our rulers and our political creeds
d (Going to repent.)
Implacablc enlnity against the present dc
g serviency, and of punishments for political in
e dependence. (And quit posting refractory mem
e bers as perjurers, &c)
: Disgust for the wild hunt after Office whic
:, characterizes the age. (Why don't you q lit j
y theng)
It These on the one hand. On the other
IL Imitation of the practice of the purcr day
). of the Republic; and admiration of the maSii
that aofiicc should seek the man, and not ma
e the Offices" and of the rule that, the just mod
st of ascertaning fitness for ice is the capabi
.g ity, the faithfulness, and the honesty of til
incumbent or candidate. vide Massachuset
Legislature.)
I'll VIII.-Resistance to the aggressive polio
!. and corrupting tendencies of the Roman Cati
= olic Church in our country by the advancemeI
l. to all political misunderstanding, legislatiy
A. judicial or diplomatic--of those only who d
n not hold civil allegiance, directly or indirect
. to any foreign power, whether civil or eccle,
- astical, and who are Americans by birth, educ
tion and training thus fulfilling the maxim
/" AMERICANS ONLY SHALL gGovRRS AMERICA
(Athoists and Infdels, but no Catholic, good I
rs bad.)
: The protection of all citizens in the legal an
proper exercise of their civil and religion
7 rights and privileges; the maintenance of Il
le right of every to the full, unrestricted 81
h peaceful enjoyment of his own religious opil
h. ions and worship, (unlcss he is a Catholic) an
III jealous resistance of all attempts by any sec
= denomination or church to obtain an ascende1
II cy over any other in the State by means of an
special privileges or exemption, by any polit
10 cal combination of its members, or by divi
10 ion Of their civil allegiance with any foreig
NJ power, potentate or ecclesiastic.
,0 IX.--lThe reformation of the character of OIL
10 National Legislature, by elevating to that di
30 Lnilied and responsible position men of high
10 qualifications, purer morals, and more unselis
70 patriotism. Cry Ned Buntline.)
lot X.-The restriction of executive patronas
sol especially in the matter of appointments
DO ofice-so far as it may be permitted by Il
10 Constitution, and consistent with the publ
DO good. (Defnite--very.)
lOi XI.-,The education of the youth of o,
10 country in schools provided by the State; whic
)ol schools shall be common to all, without di
10 tinction Of creed or party, and free from an
81 influence or direction OF q denominational I
&, partizan character,
loI And, inasmuch as Christianity, BY the Co,
10 stitutions of nearly I'LL the States; by the
10 cisicns of the mos. eminent Judicial author
Il a., ~.