American union. [volume] (Morgantown, Va. [W. Va.]) 1855-1859, 1856-02-02
The American Platform.

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The following are the platform and prin-
clples'oi the American Organization adopted
by the National Council at philadelphia.
PLATFORM AND PRINCIPLES.
!. The acknowledgement Of that Almigh.
ty Being, who rules over the Universe, who
presides over the Councils Of Na,ions--who
conducts tho affairs OF men, and who, in G.
very step by which we have advanced TO the
character OF an independent nation, has dis.
inguished us by some token Of Provdental
agency.
III. The cultivation and development of a
sentiment Of profoundly intense American
feeling; of passionate attachment, to our
country, It's history and its institutions; Of
admiration for the purcr days of our nation
al existence; OF venera,ion for the herosm
that 2recipilated our Revolution, and of EN-.
uiat0n Tor the virtue, wisdom and patriot
ism that framed our Constitution and first
successfully applied its provisions.
III. The maintenance Of the Union OF
these United States as the paramount politi-
ca good: or TO use the language OF Washing.
din, 1.-The primary object OF patriotic dosne."
And hence:
lst. Opposition to all.a,,empts to weaken
or subvert it,
2nd. Uncompromising antagonism 10 ev-
cry principle of policy tina, cndangers it,
81. The advocacy Of an equita bic adjust.
ment of all political differences which ,hrea-
tens It's integrity or perpe,uiiy.
ilh. The suppression Of all tendencies TO
itopolicai visions, founded on ''gcogra phi
cal determinations, or on the belief that
there ia 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 and reserved
in the Constitution, and y careful avoidance
by the General Government, Of all interfer-
cnce with the rights by legislative or ex.
ecutiye action.
~. Obedience to the Constitution OF
these United States, as the supreme law of
the land saCredly obligatory upon all its
parts and members; and steadfast resistance
10 the spirit OF innovation upon it's principles
however specious the pretexts. Avowing
that in all doubtful or disputed points il may
only be legally ascertained and expounded
by the Judicial power Of the United States.
And as corolary to tho above:-
a habit Of reverenial obedience TO the
laws, whether National, State, or Munich
pal, until they are either repealed or declar.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.
tradistingushed from acts or ordinary lpgis.
lation, by the fact Of their being of the na-
iure OF compaCts and agreements; and so, to
be considered fixed and settled national
policy. ...... ..
V. radical revision and modification Of
the laws regulating immigration and the
settlement mi f..rin ~, .,
honest immigrant, who from love Of Liberty
or hatred OF oppression, seeks an asylum IN
the United States, a friendly rece piiun and
protection. But unguaIIiedly condemuiug
the transmission to our shores, OF !clons and
paupers.
Nl.-The essential mod llcs,ion Of the Ma.
turallzatiOn Laws.
The repeal by the Legislatures Of the res.
pectye States, Of all The State laws allowing
foreigners no. naturaliZed TO vote.
The repeal without retro-a active operation
OF all acts OF Congress making grants of land
TO unnatnralized foreigners and allowing
them 10 vote in The Territories
Nll.-lloslility to the corrupt means by
winch the leaders OF party have hitherto
forced upon us our rulers and political creed.
impIacabc enmity against the present
demorallzng system OF rewards for poii,i.
ca subseryicncy, and of punshments for 20.
lilical independence. '...
Disgust for the wild hunt after Office
winch chaTacleiizes 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 coffee should seek the man, and no,
man tie Office" and Of the rule that, the
just mode OF ascertainlug fitness for office,
IS The capablli,y, the fai,hfulness, and the
honesty OF the incumbent or candidate.
Resistance to the aggressive policy d,
and corInpIlng tendencies Of the Roman Ca.
thoIic Church in our country by the Advance.
III eat 10 all political statiOns--eyecutiye
icgisIa tive judicial and dipIomatic---of those
only who do not hold civil allegiance, iii.
rectly or indirectly, 10 any foreign power.
whether civil or ecclesiastical. aud who.ate
Americans by birth, education and trui,iny:
thus fulfilling the ma$im "AMERIcAHs oSLY
SHALL GovERG AMERICA"
The protection OF all citizens in the legal
and proper exercise Of their civil and rcii. !
gious rights and privileges; the majntenarce
oil The tight OF every man 10 The fall, nnte.
strained ard peaceful enjoyment Of his own
religious opinions and worship, and Jealous |!
resistance OF all attempts, by any sect, de. |
nomination or church, 10 obtain The aseen. |
dency over any other in the State, By ms ms
OF any 'Tcclal privileges, or exemption by !