The western Democrat. [volume] (Charlotte, N.C.) 1852-1870, 1855-06-29
T,c Know-NothIng Convention.

p,asitcnt. The delegates are TO be selected by
he Safe Corncils-and each State is 10 have the
nn,ber of us in the electoral college.
The last act Of the convention was the passage
Of resolution condemnatory OF The present ad-
mni,traton.
The next session is to be held in the CITY of
New York, the first Tuesday in June next
The following is he "Platform and PrincpIes''
,drp,ed by the Southern delegates and the New
York delegates in Convention:
1.-The acknowledgement of that Almighty
Ring who rules over the Universe-who presdes
over the councils Of natIons-who conducts the
affairs of men, and who, in every step by which
we have advanced to the character of an indppen.
dent nation, has distinguished US by some token
of Providental agency.
1.-THE cultivation and development OF sen.
,iment of profoundly intense American feeling OF
passionate attachment TO country, its history
and institutions; OF generation for the heroism
that precipnated our Revolution and of emula-
ton Of the virtue, widom, and patriotism that
framed our constitution and first successfully ap.
Piled its provisions.
UI-The maintenance of the union Of these
United States the paramount political good or,
10 use the language OF Washington, 'the primary
object of patriotic desire" And hence
Ist Opposition to all attempts to weaken or SUBJ
vert il.
I'd. Uncompromising anagonsm TO every prin.
cipe of policy that endangers it.
Sd. The advocacy of an equitable adjustment OF
all political differences which threaten its integrity
or perpetuIty.
All. The suppression of all tendencies to politi-
cal division, founded on geographical dscrimini-
ntianS, the belief that there is zeal differ
cnce of interest and views between the. various
sections of the Union
jh. The full recognition of the rights Of the
several States, expressed and reserved in the
Constitution; and careful avoidance, by the
General Government, OF all interference with their
rights BY legislative executive action.
iN.-Ob rdience 10 the Constitution Of these
Unircl States, the sgpreme law Of the land,
rreily obligatory all ITS branches aud members
and seadast resistance TO the spirit of innovation
upon lis principles, however specous the prereXts.
Avusing that in all doubtful disputed points 1t
NAV only be legally ascertaned and exPoundeG
by the judicial power of the United States.
And, a corollaTy To the above:
l. s habit Of revprenlal obedience 10 the laws
whether Nation Al, State, or Municipal until they
are either repealed or declared unconstitutional by
the proper authority.
? A tender and sacred regard for those rc's of
craftsmanship, which are to be contra6isngu ished
from acts Of ordinary legislation, by the fact Of
their being of the nature oI cnmpacts and agree
mruiS and so, Ia be considered u fixed and settled
National policy.
VA radical revision and modification of the
I,ws regulating immigration and The settlement Of
Iurm grants. Offering tu the honest immigrant
~h', from love of liberty or haired IT opPr"s~ion.
s'rIS asylum in the Uni'ed States, friendly
reception md protection. But UnquaII6edy con-
mn,ug lie Transmission 10 our shores OF telons
aud pnup"T~.
Vl.-The essential modification of the Na!uraIi,
z,u"n Laws.
The repeal by the Legislature of The respective
S'rlcs, OF all State laws allowing foreigners not
natnraIiznd to vote.
The repeal, without retroactive operation, OF all
acts of Congress making grants OF land to unnatu-
rrizd foreigners, and allowing them to vote in
the Territories.
Yll.-Hosrili,y 10 the corrupt means by which
the leaders OF party have hitherto forced upon US
rulers and our political crecds.
Implacahle cnmitv against the prevalent d"mor-
alizing system of r,.wa rds for political sulservIen
cy, and of punshmcnts for political independence
Disgust for the wild hunt afcr office which
characteristics the age.
These on the one hand. On the other:
Imirann Of the practice of the purer days Of
the Republic and admiration OF the maxim thai
office should seek The man, and not the Of
hce" aud of The rule that, the just mode of asc"r-
tanning The fitness for office is the capabl;y the
tailhIun"sS, aud honesty Of the incumbent or can
dIair
VIII.-Resistance to the aggressive policy and
Church in our country by the advance .nent to all
political srations-execulive. Legislative, judicial,
ar dipomaric-Of those only who do not hold civil
allegiance, directly or indirectly, TO any foreign
power, whether civil or ecclesiastical, and who
ere Americans by birth, education, and training
thus fulfilling the m"Xim: "AMERICANs ONLY
SHALL GOVERN AMERICA"
The protection of al! citizens in The legal and
proper exercise Of their civil and religious rights
and privileges; the maintenance of the right OF
every man 10 the full, unreslrained. and peaceful
enjoyment of his own religious opinions and wor
ShP, and J.alouS resistance OF all attempts by
any sect, denomination church TO obtain an as
tendency over any other in the State. by means
OF any special privileges or exemption, by any
political composition Of its members, or by d.
E!sloE Of their civil allegiance with any foreign
power, poentate, or eccIesIastic.
A--The reformation of the character Of our
Nioua Legislature, by elevating to that dignlied
and responsible position men Of higher qualifica-
Tons, pnrer morals, and more unselfsh patriotism
A'-The restriction of executive patronage, es-
pecIaIly IN the matter OF appointments Office, so
far as It may be permitted by the Constitution and
consistent with the public good.
Al.-The education of the youth Of our country
IN schools provided by the State; which schools
shall be common TO all, without distinction Of creed
or party, and free from any influence direction
n