American union. [volume] (Morgantown, Va. [W. Va.]) 1855-1859, 1855-08-25

by The National Council at Phladelpaia.
PLATFORM AND PRINCIPLES.
!. The acknowledgment of that Almigh.
~ Being, who rules over the Universe, who
presides over the Councils of Nations
conducts the affairs of men, and who, in e.
very step by which we have advanced to the
character of an independent nation, has dis
tinguishcd us by some token of Proydential
agency. ...
III. The cultivation and development of
sentiment of profoundly intense American
feeling; of passionate attachment to our
country, itshistory and its institutions; of
admiration for the purer days of our nation
al existence; of venera,ion for the heroism
that precipitated our Revolution, and of en-
ula,ion for the virtue, wisdom and patriot
ism that framed our Constitution and first
successfully applied its provisions.
Ill. The maintenance of the Union of
these United States as the paramount politi-
cal good; or to use the language of Washing
dtn, "the primary object of patriotic desire"
And hence:
ist. Opposition to all attempts to weaken
or subvert it. .Ht
End. Uncompromising antagonism to ev-
cry principle of policy that endangers it.
Sd. The advocacy of an equitable ADJUST
ment of all political differences which threa-
tens lis integrity or perpetuity.
4lh The suppression Of all tendencies to
itopolicai visions, founded on tgeographi-
cal determinations, or on the belief that
there is q real difference of interests and
views' between the various sections of the
Union.
5th. The full recognition of the rights of
the several States, as expressed and reserved
in the Constitution, and careful avoidance,
by the General Government, of all interfer-
ence with the rights by legislative or ex-
ecutive action.
Nv. Obedience to the Constitution OF
these United States, as the supreme law of
the land, sacredly obligatory upon all lis
parts and members; and steadfast resistance
to the spirit of innovation upon its principles,
however specious the pretexts. Avowing
that in all doubtful or osdispnted points i, may
only be legally ascerained and expounded
by the judicial power of the United States.
And as corollary to the above:-
1 A habit of reverentia obedience to the
laws, whether National, State, or Munici-
pal, until they are either repealed or declar.
ed unconstitutional by the proper authority.
2. A tender and sacred regard for those
acts of craftsmanship, which are to be con-
tradistnguished from acts or ordinary legis.
atiun, by the fact of their being of the ma
ture of compacts and agreements; and so, to
be considered fixed aud settled national
policy.
! " A radical revision and modification OF
the laws regulating immigration, and the
settlement of immigrants. Offering to the
honest immigrant, who from love of liberty
or hatred Of oppression, seeks an asylum in
the United States, friendly reception and
protection. But unqualifiedly condemnng
The transmission to our shores, of felons and
paupers.
|
turaIzation Laws.
The repeal by the Legislatures Of the res
| pective States, Of all the State laws allowing
| foreigners no. naturalzed TO vote.
The repeal, without retroactive operation
of all acts of Congress making grants ofand
to unnaturaized foreigners, and allowing
them 10 vote in the Territories.
VII. Hostility to the corrupt means by
which the leaders Of party have hitherto
forced upon us our rulers and political creed.
Implacable enmty against the present
demoralizing system of rewards for politi-
cal subserviency, and of punishmentS for po-
litical Independence.
Disgust for the, wild hunt after office
which characterizes the age.
These on the one hard. On the other
Imitation Of the practice Of purer days OF
the Republic; and admiral on Of the maxim
that "offlce should seek the man, and no,
man the oGicen and of the rule that, the
just mode of ascertainng fitness for office,
is the capabiliy, the faithfuness, and the
| honesty ot the incumbent or candidate.
VllI.--Resis,ance to the aggressive policy
and corrup,ing tendencies of the Roman Ca
tholic Church in our country by the advance
ment 10 all political stations executive,
legislative, judicial and dipomatic--of those
only who do not hold civil allegiance, di-
rec,ly or indirectly. 10 any foreign power,
whether civil or ecclesiastical, and who arc
Americans by birth, education and training;
thus fulfilling The maxim "AmtslcANs oatS
SHALL GovBRa AMEhicA.'
| The protection Of all citizens in the legal
and proper exercise Of their civil and reli-
gious rights and privileges; the maintenance
of the. right Of every man to the full, unre.
strained and peaceful enjoyment Of his own