The Opelousas patriot. [volume] (Opelousas, Parish of St. Landry, La.) 1855-1863, 1855-05-19
PRINCIPLES OF THE AMERICAN
Al PARTY.

fyAhIf IA }% J
Asywe have not before done 20, We give be-
low . part Of the principles which we under;
stand govern and are to govern the American
party They are our sentiments, and we shall
steadily advocate them, to the extent of our
ability. If single individuals, North or South,
differ from or go beyond US in their views and
feelings, we hold that they have Travelled from
the landmarks, and that we, or the party to
which we belong, are not responsible. We
know that there are Abolitionists that belong
to the party, and we know that there are reli-
gious fanatics also belonging to the party,
This can not be helped. The North almost en-
masss are opposed to slavery, and many COM
munities bitterly opposed to the Catholic
religion, who, in their zeal and enthusiasm,
would prescribe all who are opposed to them.
Yet it does not follow that all are SO. We ask
if the Democratic party did not extend oil over
the Union, and if it did not embrace in its
numbers hundreds and thousands Of the most
enthusiastic and rabid Abolitionists. Did not
the Abolition vote in Newly ork in 1874 secure
Mr.. Folks election to the Presidency? Who
will deny this? Yet does it follow that the
Democratic party is uniriendly to the South,
are Abolitionists, and won't do to be trusted ?
The argument is equally forcible.
Away, then, with all this subtle and fimsy
stuff, as that the American party are Adolf
~tionists, Anti Catholics or Anti Republicans.
We don't believe any well informed man utters
his honest sentiments when he makes the
charge.
That every friend Of the American party
may be able to state the views and principles
of the party touching religion and slavery, let
him carefully preserve the annexed planks OF
its platform. The balance pertain to the cx-
clusion Of all foreigners from Office, and from
the ballot-box till after q residence Of twenty
one years, and Of all foreign paupers and GRIM
inals from our country.
eve shall oppose, now and hereafter, any
" union Of Church and State no matter what
class Of religionists shall seek to bring about
such union"
1--WE shall vigorously maintain the uested
rights Of oil persons, Of native or foreign birth,
and shall at all times oppose the slightest in
reference with such vested rights"
We shall oppose and protest against all
abridgment Of religious liberty, holding it as a
cardinal maxim, that religious faith is a ques.
ton between each individual and his God, and
over which no political government, or other
human power, can rightfully exercise any super.
vision or control, at any time, in any place, or
in any form."
We shall oppose all "higher law" doc.
trines, by which the constitution is to be set at
nought, violated or ~disregarded, whether by
politicians, by religionasts, or by the adherents
or followers Of either, or by any other class Of
PERSONS" ..a.=
ave shall maintain and defend the constitu.
tion as it stands, the Union as it exists, and the
rights of the States, without diminution as
guaranteed thereby opposing at all times, and
to the extent of our ability and influence, all
who may assail them, or either of them.'
ave shall oppose no man, and sustain nc
man, on the ground of his opposition to, or his
support Of Democratic measures or Wing
measures ; but we shall oppose those who op
pose our doctrines, and sustain those VINO sus
tain our doctrines"
"And lastly We shall use our utmost ezer
tions to build up an i" american party" whose
maxim shall be-:
AMERICANS SHALL RULE THEIR COUNTRY!