Weekly hawk-eye and telegraph. [volume] (Burlington, Iowa) 1855-1857, 1856-02-20

ny and unanimity. A goodly number, from all
portions Of the county we're in attendance,
among whom WAS numerous delegation Of our
German fellow-citizens OF the city and county,
who heartily joined the movement and partic-
patcd in the proceedings. The ball has been
set in motion-,hc Republican party has been
inaugurated in Dcs Mones--end before the year
grows old, It will triumph over all opposing
parties.
Republican Mas Meeting.
The Republicans Of DesMones county met at
Marion Hail. Saturday, Feb. TO- The meeting
was called to order by Col. Warren. Mr. Luke
Palmer was appointed Chairman and Prof Coll
as Secretary.
On motion committee OF FIVE was appointed
to draft resolutions consisting of Messrs, F,z
Henry Warren, J +. Tallant, Mr.. Bechtold, A.
West and J. q, Low.
In the absence of the committee, Prof Fish
was called out and made some remarks touching
i. the present aspect Of political affairs He con-
sidered the question Of the day. the slavery ques-
ton This question had destroyed both the pc :
litcal parties aud thrown every other matter
into the shade. All minor matters should be
thrown aside and the question of slavery extern
sion fully met and decided. Slavery was, as he
considered il, local question, with which, where
II existed by authority of State laws, he did not
propose to interfere.
Prof Coll followed In n few remarks. There
one question which the Germans did not con-
slider minor one. IT was the .maintainancc Of
the present naturalization laws ard their consti-
tutional right TO hold Office. If upheld by the
Republicans, they would heartily join and sustain
the movement. But il not, they would oppose
the new party. Not that they would be less in
favor of freedom, but that the abolishng Of the
present naturalization laws would destroy their
political rights and take away their power to act
at all.
Prof G. spoke of many charges that had
been alleged against the Germans He said
there was as much thrift and as little paupcrism
among Germans as any other citizens. That
they were an industrious people, digging our Ca
mails, making our Railroads, tilling our lands,
laborng in our shops.-Whils,1 many were found
in learned professions ....
Prot. G. also spoke Of Religious freedom as
of much Importance Let there be no intolcr
ance in the Republican party and they would
have no opposition from the Germans.
Col Warren, from the committee on resolu-
tons, reported the following platform, which is
the same, with very little alteration, us the one
adopted by the Republicans of Dubuque, in u
meeting held in that city on the ID Instant.
United by a common resolve TO maintain
Right against Wrong, and believing in the de-
termination of yirtuous and intelligent people
to sustain justice, we declare
l. That Governments are instituted among
men to secure the nalicnabie rights of Life,
Liberty and the Pursuit of Happiness
9. That the mission of the Republican Party
is to maintain the Liberties of the People, the
Sovereignty Of the States, and Perpctuity of the
Union,
s. That under the Constitution, and by Right,
Freedom alone is National.
4. That the Federal Government being ore OF
limited powers derived entirely from the Consti
tuition, its agents should construe its powers
strictly and never exercise doubtful authority
always expcdcnt and dangerous.
b. That if this plain Jeilersonan doctrine were
lcve itself of all responsibility for the existence
ofSlaycry, which Republicanism insists it should
and means it shall do.
4. That tie Slave Power, having violated this
policy and the principles on which it is based, by
u disregard OF Law aud by its own prctcnsions
by an invasion of State and personal rights, by
breaking solemn covenants and disregarding
cred and long established privileges, has forced
upon the country the issue, whether Freedom
shall be limited to the Free States, or Slavery TO
the Slave States, and made that issue absorbing
aed paramount.
I. That regarding Slavery in the States as a
local institution beyond our reach and above our
authority, bu: recognizing it OF vital concern to
every citizen, in its relation to the Nation, we
will oppose its spread, aud demand that all Ma
tonl territory Mail be free.
s. That the repeal ot the Missouri Compro-
mise and the refusal of the. Slave Power to abide
by the principle on which the repeal was pro-
fessedly based make the national domain the
battle ground between Freedom and Slavery,
and while Republicans stand on a national ba-
sis, and will ever manifest and maintain nation
al spirit, they will shrink from no conflict, and
shirk no responsibility on tits issue, through the
slave power shall draw geographical line and
blaze il with sectional mark.
.. That we ask no conformity of opinion, and
no unity Of belief in MINOR matterS-State or
NationsE that in regard to Office we hold merit,
not birth place, to be the test--deeming the
rule of Thomas Jetterson--is he honest: is he ca
pabley-ihe only true rule; that We arc opposed
to the extension of the time required for natu.
ralization, believing as We do, that we should
welcome the exiles and cmisrants from the old
world, to homes of enterprise and of freedom
in the new.
10. That regarding free speech and free
thought or whatever makes unqualified and alb
solutc civil and religious liberty, as the only
means whereby personal rgh; and freedom OF
conscience can be established and maintained
and free labor as the only basis OF substantial
growth and sure progress in a free Republic
the Republican party asks for sympathy and CO.
operation OF free men of every section OF our
common country, as it shall con,cnd for these
grea, principles aud press them forward to
triumphant result.
II, That We cordially re-atfirm the true prin-
ciple OF Popular Sovereignty established by our
himself aud the fullest political and social free
dom, under tho laws and coniormaaly TO the let
ter and spirit of the Constitution.
~. That, as an intelligent people are the safe
GUARD OF the State and cSscn,il 10 maintain the
Republican policy, VI w:M aa,ccate to the full.
cs, extent free schools Tor the people.
Is. That We regard tie ccatSst now waeinc il
Kansas, between the eiusenS oi that Territory
and their invaders. ,he border rasians OF Ms.
sour. with deep and abiding interest, confident
that victory viii in the end, abide With the right
To those lighting the battles of freedom in the
vanguard we offer our warmest S, mpa,hics, and
ne Go hereby pledge ourselves TO afford them
material aid" 10 the best OF our ability.
On uo,cn delegates were APPOINTED 10 attend
nc Republican Convention to assemble at Iowa