Washington sentinel. [volume] (Washington [D.C.]) 1853-1855, 1855-02-28

ton of the Democracy Of every county in the
State, which organization shall be based upon
the National Democratic platform of 1882 in
volying no new issues, nor incorporating any
new creed, which involves local questions or
sectional issues.
Resotced, That one Of the great and cardi-
nal principles of Democracy is the inherent
right of the people to govern themselves.
Resotred, That we congratulate the country
on the present peaceful and prosperous condi
ton of the State and nation under the auspices
of our Democratic National and State admin
istrations, and point, with high degree Of
pride and satisfaction, TO the influence of our
present State executive in promoting the car
dinal interests of the State.
Resolced, That the elevation of our dstin-
guished fellow-citizen, the Hon. Jesse d..
Bright, to the position of Vice President Of
the United States, is compliment to the man,
and TO the State of Indiana, which we receive
with high degree of pride and satisfaction.
Resolccd, That this Association recognize as
Democrats in good standing, all those who
openly prefer and espouse true cardinal princi-
pies upon which our party organization is
based, and who are willing to act with us,
upon the platform laid down by the National
Convention Of 1852.
Resolred, That while We discard any new
party tests, we believe it is right and proper,
that the constituents of representative and
his fellow citizens should hold to strict account
ability, that man, who, in the support Of or op-
position to measures, violate the letter or spirit
Of the National Democratic creed, and his pro.
fessions and pledges. That we cannot counte-
| nance departure from the true principles of
Democracy i'll the legislation or administration
of our National or State Government, and that
| secret enemies Of constitutional rights, and of
the Union Of the States.
Resotred, That in our system Of government,
free speech and open discussion are essential,
not only for the purpose of consulting the pub
nc mind, but also, to secure due response
blity to the people in regard to political action;
| and that all societies which deliberate and de-
termine upon measures Of public policy Sc
crety, and apart from their fellow-citizens,
pursue course which must become dangerous
in popular government, and will DESTROY in
the end that fraterna feeling and sense Of com
mon interest so necessary among citizens of the
same State and coniederacy.
Resotred, That the establishment Of religious
freedom in this country was one Of the great
objects OF the Constitution ofthe United States,
which provided no other qualification for office,
in point OF faith, than an oath to support that
Constitution, which prescrbes "That no re.
ligious test shall ever be required as quail.
ication to any office or public trust even
| under the United States" and declared that
Congress shall make no law respecting an es-
tabishment of religion or prohibiting the free
| exercise thereof Any political combination
thereof which seeks in any manner to attain
these ends, thus prohibited, violates the spirit,
although it may evade the letter of the Consti-
| tuition, as fully and completely as if the same
were accomplished under the form of law.
Resolred, That the liberal principles embod-
led by Jefferson in the Declaration of Indepen-
dence, and sanctioned in the Constitution,
which makes ours the land Of liberty and the
| asylum of the oppressed of every nation, have
ever been cardinal principles in the Democra-
tic faith, and every attemptto abridge the right
OF becoming citizens among us ought to be
resisted with the same spirit which swept the
alien and sedition laws from the statute books.