Fremont journal. [volume] (Fremont, Sandusky County [Ohio]) 1853-1866, 1856-02-22

aIInority Reporf.


Cd -EiI57noa oELgF FE Bsglia Ell G7TT
..u.u.s,
i1sag minority Report. saah
Submitted to tie National Aaasrieda Con
ventioa on the 22d of No6eaJer, 1856
f. by Thomas SPooNER. i,fa'H .-A
The undersigned, minority of the Com,
nlittee dissenting from some Of the PROPOSE
Itions reported by the majority, submits the
following as his views Of what IS demanded
lby the Order asa 2-t o1 ~ a13dl is-.l
tr--t PLATFoRN OF PRIxoIPLEs.
| assembled in Convention rs members OF
the American organization dissenting from
the platform of principles and measures, set
forth by the majority of the American Ma
tional Convention, which was convened at
Philadelphia; and considering that frank
and distinct promulgation of our own prin-
ciples and measures is due alike to ourselves,
to the organization We represent, and to our
fellow citizens atlarge- therefore declare
l. That we generate and viii forever up
hold the American Union in its integrity.
2. That we insist that the government of
the Union shall be sustained in the exer-
else Of the powers which the Constitution
confer, and that those powers shall be exer-
eised for the objects which the Constitution
indicates, for the establishment Of Justice,
for the insurance of domestic tranquility, for
the common defence, for the promotion Of
the general welfare, and for the security of
the blessings of liberty.
8. That the rights Of the States, the
fright of persons, must be maintained against
all unconstitutional aggressions, from what
ever quarter such aggressions may proceed.
4. That the Executive Legislative and
Judicial Department Of the government
should be guided in their action solely by
reference to the welfare Of the People, and
should never be permitted to exceed their
Constitutional powers.
I 5. That improvements of rivers and har-
bors of national importance are eonstitu-
tionai objects of national legislation: and
since the revenues of the Government are
collected by duties should be levied with
wise discrimination, so as to promote the in
terests of American Industry, and impose
the lightest possible burden upon labor.
6. That our foreign policy Should be one
Of generous sympathy with the oppressed
nations, and our negotiations should beeon-
Quoted in the spirit of justice and frank
ness, and with entire publicity.
z. That in the administration of every
department of the Government, and She
honor of the American name, the security
of American institutions, the prosperity of
the American people should be cardinal and
paramount objects.
s. That prescription on account of birth
or creed is unwarranted by American prin-
ciples. Exiles and emigration from other
lands should be made welcome to the partiei-
patton and benefits of American institutions,
and to the privilege of citizenship, with
such restrictions as are necessary to make
sure that those who avail themselves of this
hberaity understand and will defend these
institutions against all aggressions, whether
OF foreign powers or of ecclesiastical bodies,
and to prevent the deportation of criminals
and paupers from other Governments to our
land; to which end the laws regulating Nat
uralization and immigration should be prop
erly amended. eT
8. That to resist all attempts of ecclesi-
astical power or factious combination wheth-
er native or alien, to subvert or impair
American institutions, is the sacred duty alike
of the Native and Naturalized citizen, which
must always and under all circumstances be
faithfully performed.
10, That we reafirm the principles de-
clared by theunanimous vote of the Faith
ers of the Republic in the Congress of I787,
"That Slavery, or involuntary servitude, is
inconsistent with the fundamental principles
of civil and religious liberty" and are
therefore bound to insist that Slavery be-
excluded from National Territory, and that
the just influences of the National Govern
ment be exerted on the side of freedom.
II. That the General Government should
ever refrain from the exercise of powers
not granted by the constitution, and there
fore, should carefully abstain from all in
reference with Slavery within the limits of
any State in which it is allowed or sane
toned.
II. That adhering to these principles and
pursuing this line of policy, the American
Organization will henceforth act without Sc
crecy to its principles and objects; and re-
garding the question of slavery extension as
national one, and as being at present ofI
paramount Importance, will cheerfully and
cordially cooperate with all their fellow citi-
zens who are ready to unite with them IN
defense of Constitutional freedom against
unconstitutional aggression.
Is. That we advise the Order to contin-
ue and perfect its organization, to openly
promulgate and defend its principles, keep
ing in mind that human freedom is the cor
ner-stone upon which American Institutions
are based-that this principle must become
a fixed fact by the Legislation of our Ma
tional Congress. THOS. SP0ONER,
MINORITY OF COMMITTEE.
Ciacipnati, Nov. 22d, 1855.
New York, Feb. IL.
The EUening Post of to-day will contain
the letter of Gen. Houston to President
Pierce, alluded to in the prints. The Gen.
erals remarks are chiefly confined to advice
touching tho formation of the Cabinet of the