Vermont Watchman And State Journal

Indiana, without respect to party, and actuated by a common devotion to our Republic, and a common reverence for its founders, have assembled ourselves together in commemoration of the passage of the Ordinance of July 13, 1787, consecrating the North-Western Territory to Freedom; and Whereas, the unanimous adoption of said Ordinance by the Representatives of all the States in the Union at that date, clearly evinces that opposition to the extension of Slavery to the extent of Constitutional power was the fixed policy of our fathers; and, Whereas, we regard the recent repeal of the 8th section of the 'Missouri compromise' as a gross and wanton violation of the faith of the Union, plighted to a solemn compact, restricting the extension of Slavery; therefore,

Resolved, That we are uncompromisingly opposed to the extension of Slavery: and further, that we utterly repudiate the platform of principles adopted by the self-styled Democratic Convention on the 24th day of May, 1854, indorsing and approving the Kansas-Nebraska iniquity.

Resolved. That we will waive all former party predilections, and in concert by all lawful means seek to place every branch of the Federal Government in the hands of men who will support the rights of Freedom, restore the Missouri Compromise, and refuse, under all circumstances, to tolerate the extension of Slavery.

Resolved further, That our Revolutionary ancestors regarded Freedom as national, and Slavery as sectional. That we will steadfastly adhere to their policy and firmly resist every attempt to reverse it.

Resolved, That an Administration that lacks the courage, ability and disposition to protect the citizens of one State or Territory, in the free exercise of the elective franchise, against the assaults of armed mobs from other States or Territories, is undeserving the confidence of a free people, and ought not to be continued in power longer than a constitutional opportunity is afforded to exchange it for one that will have moral courage and independence enough to rise itself above all party prejudice; one that will not in its zeal to support 'Compromise measures' lose sight of Freedom, Justice and the Constitution, but will administer the Government fearlessly, wisely and for the good of the whole people.

Resolved, That intemperance is a great and intolerable evil, and imperatively demands the earnest efforts of all good men for its total suppression, and to this end we solemnly pledge ourselves to each other and to all the people of the State, never to present Prohibitory Liquor Law of this State have been even more beneficial than was anticipated by its friends: we therefore ask for the law a full and fair trial and should our own experience shall demonstrate provisions necessary to secure its benevolent objects, we will cheerfully assist in procuring all needful and proper amendments thereto.

Resolved, That both experience and the unmistakable manifestations of a just public sentiment demand a change of the Constitution and laws of this State so as to limit the elective franchise to such persons as are actual citizens of the United States, either by birth or by a full and final conformity with the laws on the subject of naturalization.