American union. [volume] (Morgantown, Va. [W. Va.]) 1855-1859, 1856-02-23

Inc ioilowing are the platform and pfin-
ciples'of The American Organizati opted
BY The National Council at Philsdelpais.
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 the affairs of men, and who, in e.
very step by which we have advanced TO the
character OF an Independent nation, has dis
unguished US by some token of Pfovidential
agency.
III: The cultivation and development Of
sentiment Of profoundly intense American
leeiing; OF passionate attachment to our
country, its history and its institutions; of
sdmirstion for the purer days of our nation
al existence; of veneration for the heroism
that precipi,ated our Revolution, and Of en-
ulatian for the virtue, wisdom and patriot
ism that framed our Constitution and 6rs,
successfully applied ills provisions.
III. The maintenance of the Union of
these Omitted States as The paramount politi-
cal good; or 10 use the language Of Washing.
dtn, "the primary object of patriotic desire"
And hence:
LIST. Opposition TO oil attempts to weaken
or subven it.
End Incorporating antagonism 10 ev-
cry principle Of policy that endangeIs ii.
I'd. The advocacy of an equitable adjust
meat of all political differences which thres-
tens it's Integrity or perpetuity.
Attn. The suppression Of all tendencies TO
itopolical visions, founded on 'geogrsphi-
cal Determinations, or on the belief that
there Ia real difference of interests and
views" between The various sections of the
Unioa.
9Th. The full recognition Of the rights Of
the several Ststes, Us expressed aud reserved
in the Constitution, and careful avoidance
By the General Government, Of all interfer-
enee with the rights By Legislative or en-
ecuiiye sction.
Nv. Obedience to the Constitution Of
these United States, as the supreme law OF
the land, sAcfedly obligatory upon all its
parts and members; and steadfsst resistance
TO the spirit OF innovation upon its principles,
however specious the preteEls Allowing
that in all doubtful OF disputed points j, may
Only be legally ssceTtained and expounded
by the judicial power of the United States.
And as q eoroilsry to the above:-
A habit of reyerentisi obedience TO the
laws. whether Nstioaal, State, or MuHici-
pal, until they are either repealed or dsciar-
ed unconstitutional by the proper authority
2. A tender end sacred regard for those
acts of craftsmanship, which are to be con.
trsdistnguished from scts or ordinary lesis.
lation, by tho fact Of their being of The ma
tnre OF compacts and agreements; aad so, to
be considered fixed aad settled national
policy.
V. A radical revision and modification Of
the laws regulating immigration, and the
settlement OF immigrants. Offering to the
homes. Immigrant, who from love Of liberty
or hatred OF oppression, seeks an asylum in
the United States, friendly reception and
protection. But unquaiiiiedly condemuing
the transmission to our shoIes, Of felons and
paupers.
Vi-The essential mod fcsiion Of the Ma
turalIzation Laws.
pec.ive States, Of all the State laws allowing
foreigners not naturalized to vote.
The repeal, without retroactive operation
Oh ell acts OF Congress making grants Of land
to unns'urslized foreigners, and allowing
them TO vote in tho Territories.
Vll.-HosiiIity to tho corrupt means by
which the leaders Of party have hitherto
forced upon us our rulers and political creed.
Impacsble enniity sgainst the present
system OF rewards for poiiii.
ca sabseryency, and Of punshments for 20.
liticsi independence.
Disgust for the wild hunt after Office
which characteIizes 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
that "otfice should seek the man, and no,
man the olfice,' and of the rule that. the
just mode OF asceriainlHg fines, for Office,
IS The carsbiliiy, the faihfulness and the
honesty OF the incumbent or candidate.
Vlil.-Resistance TO the aggressive policy
and coruptlng tendencies of The Roman Ca.
Iholc Church in our country by the advance.
nent 10 all political stations--exccutive
judicial and diplomalic--of those
only who do not hold civil allegiance, di.
Tecsly or Indirectly, to any foreign power
whether civil or ecclesiastical and who are
Americans by birth, educa,ioE and training;
hus fulfilling the maxim hAMERicANs ONLY |
SHALL Govern AMERICA"
The protection OF all citizens in the legal |
ind proper exercise Of their civil and reli. |
,ious rights and privileges; the maintenance |
II the right Of every man TO the full, un,e. |
strained and peaceful enjoyment Of his own
eligious opinions and worship, and Jealous
esislance Of all attempts, by any sect, de-
nomination or church, to obtain the aseen-
Iency over any other in the State, by me ans
II any special privileges, or exemption by .
my practical combination Of it's members, or
" q division OF their civil allegiance with
NY ioreign power potenta,es or ecclesias.
ic.
iX.--The reformation Of the character OF
ur National Legislature, by eeva,ipg to
hat dignifeJ aud responsible position
men OF higher qualifications, puref morals,
nd more unselfish patriotism.
x.--Thc restriction Of executive patron.
ge especially in The matter Of appoint.
nents 10 ofico--so far as it may be permit
I'd by the Constitution, and consisten, with
he public good.
8I,--The education Of the youth Of our
Ountty i'm schools provided no lbo State. !