The national era. [volume] (Washington [D.C.]) 1847-1860, 1856-04-03

Reports ct'the COmmiaes-Speech Of Coz. Ford.
The following is the majority report. as
adopted by the Convention, by vote of 1874
to As:
Majority Report
Whereas the American organization in Ohio
had its origin in, and has been maintained for.
purposes of reform
And whereas q true regard for the honor of
the American name, the security of American
rights, and the prosperity of the American peo-
pie, require a stead(ast maintenance of the
great principle of Freedom upon which Ameri-
can institutions are based;
We, therefore, the delegates Of the Councils
Of the American Order in Ohio, in State Conn
Gil assembled, fully approve Of the action of
those delegates from Ohio in the National
American Council and Convention recently as.
sembled at Philadelphia, in refusing TO accept
the platform or support the nominations then
and there made; and we hereby repudiate those
nominations, and embrace this occasion to re,
affirm substantially the platform adopted by
the State Council at its session In Cleveland in
June last, as follows:
We proclaim TO the world the following prin
ciples ofthe American party of Ohio:
lst The unlimited freedom Of religion. dis
connected with politics; hostility to eeclesiast.
cal influences upon the affairs Of Government o.
who are thoroughly Americanizcd, and own NO
temporal allegiance, by reason Of their religion.
higher than that to the Constitution.
I'd We propose 40 prescription OF birth, but
welcome exiles and emigrsnts from other lands
to free participation in the benefits of American
institutions, and the privileges Of American
citizenship, with such restrictions only es o.
needful to make sure that those who avail ,beTo.
selves of this liberalitv, understand and will
defend these institutions against ell aggression
civil or ecclesiastical, 10 wbish end the Iaw,
regulating naturaizatioD should be properly
amended.
Sd. Opposition to all political organizations
composed exclusively of foreigners. and 70 for.
eign military companies, and to all atsemnts e.
exclude the Bible from schools supported ~, ~
Government - -'
4th. Slavery is local, not nas;onsl. We On.
pose its extension into any of oar Territories
and the increase Of its political power. by the
OF any slave States or otherwise
ana we demand Of the General Government am
immediate ! redress of the great wrongs which
nave been inflicted upon the cause of Freedom
and the American character by the repeal OF
the Missouri Compromise, and the introduction
OF Slavery into Kansas, in violation of law. bv
the force Of arms and the destruction of the
elective franchise,
oth. In humble Imitation of the wisdom of
Washington, we oppose all Intervention In the
affairs of foreign States; yet on all proper oc.
casions we will not withhold our sympathy from
any people aspiring 10 be free.
9th, We support American industry and
genius against the adverse policy of fore;cn
nations, and facilities to internal and external
commerce by the improvement Of rivers and
harbors, and the construction OF national roads
connecting the Atlantic and the Pacific Oceans
and uniting the various sections of the Union
Ith. The Union of these States should h,
mads perpetual by faithful allegiance to the
Constitution.
., d. BAKER, DAVID HoLBRooE,
dHEo. ;. BUNKER, DAVID HEAToN,
y L. SsEEp, ID. w. SwIGART,
"EoRGE ii. FREY, Committee.
Minority Report.
The undersigned, members of the Committee