American union. [volume] (Morgantown, Va. [W. Va.]) 1855-1859, 1856-02-09
The American Platform.
The following are the platform and prin.
ciples'ot the American Organization. adopted
by the National Council at Philadelphia.
PLATFORM AND PRINCIPLES.

]. The acknowledgement Of that Almigh.
~ Being, who rules over the Universe, who
presldes over The Councils Of Nations
conducts the affairs OF men, and who, in c.
very step by which we have advanced TO the
character OF an Independent, nation, has dis
ungulShcd us by some token Of Providen,ial
agency.
III. The cultivation and development OF a
sentiment of profoundly istense American
feeling; OF passionate attachment TO our
country, its history and lis institutions; Of
admiration for the purer days Of our nation
al existence; Of veuera,ion for the heroiSm
that precipilated our Revolution, and of en-
ulatIon for the virtue, wisdom and patriot
ism that framed our Constitution aud frs,
successfully applied It's provisions.
III. The maintenance of the Union Of
these United States as the paramount poIiti.
cal good; or TO use the language Of Washing
dtn, "thc primary object of patriotic desire"
And hence:
LIST: Opposition to all attempts to weaken
or subvert it.
end. Uncompromising an,agonism to ev-
cry principle OF policy that endangers it.
81. The advocacy of an equitable adjust.
ment of all political differences which lhrca-
tens its integrity or perpetuily.
fAH' uC Suppression Oh all teDuenCleS 10
itopolicai visions founded on topographic
cal Determinations. or on the belief that
there is II 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 careful avoidance,
by the General Government, Of all intcrier-
rnco with the rights by Legislative or ex-
eculive 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 steadast resistance
to the spirit OF innovation upon lis principles.
however speciouS the preteXtS. hvuwing
that in all doubtful or disputed points it may
only be legally ascerlained and expounded
by the judicial power Of the United States.
And as COro!lary to the above
habit of rcverentioI obedience to the
laws, whether National, State, or Munich
pal, until they are either repealed or declar-
cd unconstitutional by the proper authority
.. tender and sacred regard for those
acts OF craftsmanship, which are to be con.
tradistinguShed from acts or ordinary lrgis-
au0n, by the TACT OF their being OF The liza
tnre OF compactS and agreements; AMI So to
De considered a fixed and settled national
policy.
V. radical revision and modification Of
the laws regulating immigration, aud 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 unquaIIGrJly cundemning
The transmission 10 our shores, Of ielons and
paupcrS.
NI.-The essential modification Of the Ma.
turalIzatIon Laws.
The repeal by the Legislatures Of the res.
pectlve States, of all the State laws allowing
foreigners no: naturalized to vote.
The repeal, without retroactive operation ,
OF all acts OF Congress making grants of land !
10 unnaIuralized 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.
lmplacabe enmity against the present |!
dGmoralIZimg system OF rewards for polili. |
cal subscrvIency, and Of punishments for po- !
Inical independence.
DISCUS, for the wild hunt after Office
which ChaTacterizcs the age.
These on the one hand On The other
Imitation Of the practice of purer DAYS of !
The Republic; and admiral on of the maxim |
hat "oifce should seek the man. and no,
man the Office" and OF the rule that, the |
Just mode OF asccuaiung fitness for Office,
Is the capabiliiy, the faiihfulness, and the
honesty OF the incumbent or candidate.
Vill.-Reslstance TO the aggressive poiicv
and corrup,ing tendencies OF the Roman Co
holic Church in our country by the advance
nent 10 all political stationS-cxeculvc,
legislative, judicial aud dpIomalic--Of those
)niy who do not hold civil allegiance, di-
fCly or indirectly, TO any foreign power,
whether civil or ecclesiastical, and who are
Americans 10y birth, education and training;
hus fulfilling ihe maxim "AMERtcANs ONLY
SHALL GOVERN AMERICA"
The protection Of all citizens in the legal
md proper exercise Of their civil and reli.
,ious rights and privileges; the maintenance
u the ilght OF every man 10 the full, nnrc-
trained and peaceful enjoyment of his own
eiIglous opinions and worship, and Jealous
csislance OF all attempts, by any sect, de-
domination or church, to obtain the ascen.
Iency over any other in the State, by me ans
u any SPECIAL pri, ileges, or exemption by
ny practical combination of It's members. or
y division of their civil allegiance with
ny 'o'c'5" power poNehlales or eCcieslas.
ic.
K.-The reformation Of the character Of
,ur National Legislature, b. eleya,ing to
hat dianiiieJ and responsible position
nen OF higher qualifications, purer morals,
nd more unseIfsh patriotism.
X.--Thp restriction OF executive patron.
&c especially in the matter of appoint.
,ents 10 oiiice---so far as il may be permit.
"a by the Constitution, and consistent with
he public good
@l.-The education Of the youth Of our
onntty in schools provided by the State
'hicb schools shalI be common TO all. with.
vt distinction Of creed or party aud free
'oln any innuence or direction Of denomi.
eiiopal Or pariizan character,