American union. [volume] (Morgantown, Va. [W. Va.]) 1855-1859, 1855-09-22

PLATFORM AND PRINCIPLES.
!. The ACKNOWLEDGMENT of that Almigh.
~ Beng, who rules over the Universe, who
pres'dcs over The Councils OF Na,ious--who
conducts The affairs Of meu, aud who, in e.
very step by which we have advanced to the
character OF an Independent, nation, has dis
NuEuished us by some token Of Providential
ageucy.
II. The cultivation aud development Of
sentiment Of profoundly intense American
feeling; OF passionate attachment To our
county, It's history aud it's institutions; of
admiration for the purer days Of our nation
al existence; Of veneration for the heroism
that precpi,ated our Revolution, and of en-
u!atIun for The virtue, wisdom and patriot
ism that framed our Constitution aud first
successfully applied its provisions.
III. The maintenance Of the Union of
these United States as the paramount politi-
cal good; or TO use the language Of Wushing-
dtn, "the primary object Of patriotic desile."
And hence:
LIST. Opposition to all attempts to weaken
or snbver il.
2nd Cncompromsing an,agonism TO ev-
cry principle OF policy tina, endangers it.
81. The advocacy of an equitable adjust.
ment Of all political differences which threa.
tens It's integrity or peTpetulty.
4lh The suppression of all tendencies to
itopoica visions, founded on "geographi-
cal Determinations, or on the belief that
there IL real difference Of interests and
views between the various sections OF the
Union.
9Th. The full recognition Of the rights Of
the several States as expressed aud reserved
III the COuslitu ion, and careful avoidance,
by the General G0vernment OF all interfer-
ence with the rights by Legislative or en-
ecltive action.
". Obedience to the Constitution Of
these United States, as the supreme law of
the land, sacredly obligatory upon all It's
parts and members; and steadiasi resistance
10 the spirit OF innovation upon It's principles,
however specious the pretexls. Avowmg
that i'll all doubtful or disputed points il may
only be legally ascerluimcd and expounded
by the judicial power of the United States.
And as corollary TO the above
4 habi. OF reverenial obedience to the
laws, whether National, State, or Munic-
pul until they are either repealed or hrclar-
ed unconstitutional by the proper authority.
,. tender and sacred regard for those
acts OF craftsmanship, which are TO be con-
tradistmgnshed from acts or ordinary lrgis.
lation, by the fact of their being Of the ma
ture Of compactS and agreements: and so, to
be considered fixed aud settled national
policy.
Y. \ 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 q friendly reception and
Rut npnuul f.ll,- Lon
he transmission to our shores OF ieons and
panperS.
Vl.--The essential modification of the Ma
luroliz9tOn Laws.
The repeal by the Legislatures Of the res
pecIve States, Of all the Safe laws allowing
foreigners no. naturalIZed 10 vote.
The repeal, without retroactive operation
OF all acls OF Congress making grants al iand
to unnaturalized foreigners, and allowing
them 10 vote in the Territories.
Nll.-HosDlity 20 the corrupt means by
which the leaders Of party have hitherto
forced upon lis our rulers and political creed.
lmplacab!e enmity against the present
d"moTalIZing system OF rewards for poil-
ca subserviency, and Of punishments for po-
htlca Independence.
Disgust for the wild hunt after office
" h'CI ChdIdCIel lHCS ~. aye.
These on the one hard On the other
Imitation OF the practice Of purcr DAYS of
the Republic; aad admira, ON of the maxim
that "othce should seek the man, and TO,
man the office" and of The rule that, the
just mode OF aSccF;anlng fitness for office,
ls the capablllly, the Ianhfulness, and the
honesty OF the incumbent or candidate.
Nlll.-ResIs,anCe to the aggressive policy
and corruptlng tendencies of the Roman Ca
lhoIc Church ~ our country by the advance
ment To all political stations-pxecuive
Legislative, judicial and dipomalic--oi those
only who DO not hold civil allegiance, iii.
reclly or indirectly, TO any foreign power,
whether civil or ecclesiastical. AID who are
Americans by birth, education and training;
thus fulfilling ihe maxim "AMERIcANs ONLY
SHALL GOVERN AMERICh.'
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 10 the full, unre-
strained and peaceful enjoyment OF his own
religious opinions aud worship, and JEALOUS
resistance " oil attempts, by any sect, de
nomination or churh. to obtain the asCen.
dPncy over any other in the State, by means
OF any special priv il"ges, or exemption b,
any praCucal combination Of it's members. or
by DIVISION OF their civil allegiance with
any foreign power, pCtentalcs or ecclcsias.
TIC.
TX The reformation Of the character Of
our National Legislature, by eieyaring to
that diguilieJ amt responsible position
men Of higher qualifications, purer morals,
aud more unseIiish patriotism.
X.--The restriction Of executive patron.
especially in The matter Of appoint.