Daily American organ. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1856, 1855-04-14


ments Of Others only as they shall square with, or
differ from, his own that IL is time enough for the
rightful purposes of civil government for its off,
GERS to interfere when principles break out into
overt acts against peace and good order; and,
finally that truth Is great and win prevail If left to
herself that she is the proper and sufficient antag
onist Of error, and has nothing 10 fear from the
conflict, unless by human Interpolation disarmed Of
her natural weapons, free argument and debate
errors ceasing to be dangerous when il is permitted
freely to combat them
Be Il, therefore enacted 5y the General As
ss1a6ty, That no man shall be compelled TO fire.
quent or support any religious worship, place, or
ministry whatsoever nor shall he be enforced, re-
strained, moested burdened in his body or goods
norsha he otherwise suffer on account
opinions or belief but that all men shall be free to
profess, and by argument to maintain, their opin-
ions In matters of religion, and that the same shall
in no wise diminish enlarge, or affect their civil
capacitios.
And though we well know this Assembly, elected
BY the people for the ordinary purposes of legis-
lation only, have no power to restrain the acts Of
succeeding assemblies, constituted with powers
equal to our own; and that, therefore, to declare
this act irrevocable would be of no effect in law
yet we are free to declare, and do declare that the
rights hereby asserted of the natural rights Of
mankind, and that If any act shall be hereafter
passed to repeal the present. or to narrow its ope-
rations such an act will be an Infringement Of
natural right.
The following preamble and resolutions,
adopted at q mass meeting of the citizens OF
Washington, on the 9th day of September
last, present the general sentiments of the
/" American party" in this city, and viii doubt
less be read with interest by the friends Of
American principles throughout the country,
to wit:
ton was held at Carusis Saloon ON the 10th instant
upon call made in and approved by the Executive
organ the proceedings Of which, in the resolutions
said 70 have been adopted ut that meeting and in the
speeches of certain selected orators at subsequent
adjourned meeting, are now spread before the public
eye in the columns of said organ and it's kindred
presses, with appreciation; and whereas said resou-
uens, however dressed up in abstract professions Of
Patr1otlsm, astaI principles dear to the American
heart and necessary to the safety Of the constitution
and to the peace and prosperity of our country; and
Whereas the Executive is invoked therein to remove
rem public employment such ofaceholders enter
tain those principles thereby to perpetrate ruthless
prescription of both Wings and Democrats for an
honest dlterence OF opinion therefore
Hsso1Oed That mere professions of love to the
sntuflon and to civil and religious freedom, when
oontrndlcted by actions cannot deceive the sensible
and vigilant guardians Of American liberty, whose
apprehensions have been excited at beholding the
strides that have been made toward complete con
troi OF our government by the subjects of foreign
potentate weil-known as the avowed enemy of our
whole American system, TO whose overthrow they
are solemnly devoted
Rssolued, That as vigiant custodiaps Of that bene
ncent system of civil and religious freedom bequeath
cd TO US by the fathers of the republic ii is duty
TO meet and repel all insidious attacks upon our lib
critics as well as all open assaults and that we view
with indignation and alarm the assertion of princi.
pies and purposes, the part of the recognised
4azEAL r. Tt.A1
States, subyersive of republican institutions,
which constitute aggressions Of such character
that not now resisted, viii lead, at distant day,
TO the overthrow OF the American Constitution and
the complete establishment of despotism-
RssolUed, That while, in the past political divisions
OF the country, as Wings and Democrats, we have
struggled in honest conflict contested principles
and measures, all Of which are now settled yet in
the present crisis of danger TO all that both parties
hold dear we win bury every remembrance Of past
opposition, and pledge to each other lives, our
fortunes, and sacred honor net 10 cease our ex
ertions until our country shall be freed from the
dangers that now menace it.
ResotUed, That we proclaim as the cardinal princi-
pies OF our political and moral creed sacred regard
for the constitution in all its provisions upon which
are based eur glorious American principles
OF speech freedom Of opinion, freedom Of conscience
freedom Of the press together with school system
for the diffusion Of intelligence sanctied by open
Bible the rule of faith and practice holding as an
established principle that intelligence and virtue are
n R0f6Tumo0L
Rsso1ped, That while we welcome 70 our country
the victims OF tyranny from foreign lands and offer
them place by side under the shield of our con-
sttuton, we claim for Americans the right to govern
their own country; and those who do not like our
government have hearty consent 10 20 elsewhere
IN the pursuit Of happiness.
Rssoloed That the fourth resolution of the meeting
A. Carusis Saloon, recommending 10 the President ei
federal government who may have thought ct to be-
come members Of the association Of Know Knoth-
ings-A accommodation which, before its adoption
bad been recognised and acted upon by the Execu.
i've Of the United states-proposes an alarming and
dangerous infacton Of the principles of selfgovern
ment and calls for the prompt and decisive rebuke
OF all the free citizens OF these United States without
distinction Of party, sect or creed
heeotcsd, That every Protestant denomination In
the United States maintains the constitutional prin-
ciple Of separation Of Church and State-in which
principle many American Catholics sincerely concur
while on the other hand, the Pspal Church abroad
openly and always, and everywhere maintains the
doctrine Of obedience Of the civil TO the eccesiastcal
authority both In Europe and America; the sad and
rutneus effects Of which, in the one are seen in
countless enigrsnts flying from its tyranny and
misery 70 our own happy land, and in the other, in
the ignorance and poverty Of the masses, in the
wealth and vices Of the clergy, and in the oeaseess
insurrectons, massacres and proverbial instability
OF our Southern sister Republics.
Resotped, That upon these principles we appeal
from the opinions, whose proclamation has caused
this meeting, 70 the people Of the United States; ;
and, although we might infer they are an exponent
Of executive feelings, from the efcial positions Of
those who controlled the proceedngs yet we win still
hope that the President who alone has the power
win arrest the prescription already begun Of faithful
ofice-hoders, both Democrats and Whigs for daring
70 entertain American and Protestant sentimental
and win reject the mercenary suggestion urged upon
him by the fourth resolution OF the meeting fast week.
a. covert scheme TO gratify the appetite Of Office
seekers at the expense Of many who zealously and
efficiently aided in his elevation 10 power and whose
removal under existing circumstances win 6x an in
delible stain upon him and AZ the President
of the United States
fesoteed, That having seen the denunciations that
almost daily issne from certain presses against the
fusionists' II the North who are denounced as alb
sorbed IN the traitorous factions" which distract
thosa States, by which they after another be-
ing placed in opposition TO the administration,
were assonshed to hear the pressing nvition in tbs
second resolution Of opponents TO Of all po-
htcsl opinions, without regard 10 their political
snteccdents" to form "fusien" with them In their
future actionan invitation broad enough 10 include
Garrison, Abby Kelly, and Fred Douglas, besides
their coadlutors IN the two houses Of Congress.
Resotpsd, That we too, appeal 10 all Americans
who lore the Union, which 'must be preserved" and
the constitution, which established and maintains IL
and the rights Of the States which compose it and
especially 10 the religious the moral and The order
loving cIsRscR unite with mn In effcctinQ the rr