Daily American organ. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1856, 1855-03-17
Basis Principles of the American Party of
Virginia.

Determined to preserve our political institutions
In their original purity and vigor, and to keep them
unadulterated and unmpaired by foreign influence,
either civil or religious, as well as by home faction
and home demagogujsm and believing that an
American policy, religious, POLITICAL and CONNER
cia necessary for the attainment Of these ends we
shall observe and carry out in practice, the follow
ing principles:
i. That the suffragcs Of the American people
for political offices, should not be given to any
other than those born on our soil, and reared and
matured under the influence Of our institutions.
q That no foreigner ought to be allowed to ex-
ercise the elective franchise, till he shall have re-
sidsd within the United States q sufficient length
of time to enable him to become acquainted with
the principles and imbned with the spirit of our
institutions, and until he shal have become tho
roughly identified with the great interests Of our
country. r
8. That whilst no obstacle should be interposed
10 the immigration Of all foreigners Of honest and
industrious habits, and all privileges and immun-
ties enjoyed by any natiye-bom citizens of our
country should be extended to all such immigrants
except that Of participating In any Of our political
administrations; yet all legal means should be
adopted TO obstruct and prevent the immigration
Of the vicious and worthless, the criminal and
psuper.
4. That the American doctrine Of religious tol-
Grafton, and entire absence Of all prescription for
opinions sake should be cherished as one OF the
very fundamental principles of our civil freedom
and that any sect or party which believes and main
tains that my foreign power religious or political,
has the right 70 control the conscience or direct
the conduct Of freeman, occupies position which
In totally at war with the principles OF freedom Of
opinion. and which "a mischeyous In It's tendency,
ard which principle II carried into practice, would
prove wholly destructive of our religious and civil
liberty. lat
rna MS = Il - n. II r.. Ill
izen Ia the only permanent basis OF all true liberty
and genuine equality.
9. That the intelligence Of the people Is neces-
sary 10 the right use and the continuance Of our
liberties, civil and religious; hence the propriety
and importance OF the promotion and fostering OF
al means Of moral and intellectual culture by some
adequate and permanent provision for general ed
ucation.
4. That the doctrine of availability, now 20 prev
alent and controlling, In the nomination OF candi-
dates for Office, in total disregard to all principles
OF right, OF truth, and OF Justice, Is essentially
wrong, and should be by all good men condemned.
8. That, as a general rule, the same restrictions
shouId be prescribed TO the exercise of the power
Of removal from Office, as are made necessary to be
observed in the power Of appointment thereto !
and that executive influence and patronage should
be scrupulously conferred and jealousy guarded,
Q. That the sovereignty OF the States should be
supreme in the exercise Of all powers not express
" delegated TO the federal government, and which
may not be necessary and proper TO carry out the
powers 20 delegated, and that this principle should
be observed and held sacred In all organizations OF
the American party.
10. That all sectarian intermeddling with politics
or political institutions, coming from whatever
source Il may, should be promptly resisted by all
such means as seem 10 be necessary and proper for
this end.
IL. That whilst the perpetuity OF the present
form Of the federal government of the United
States is actually necessary for thu proper develop
ment Of all the resources of this country, yet the
principle Of fnon-intervention both on the part Of
Rthe federal government and Of the several States
of the Union, In the municipal Affairs Of each other,
Is essential TO peace and prosperity OF our country,
and TO the wel-being and permanence OF our insti-
tutions, and at the same time the only reliable
bond Of brotherhood and union.
Ia. Thered republication and licentious indul-
gence IN the enjoyment Of civil privileges, are as
much 10 be feared and deprecated by all friends
TO wel-regulated government and true liberty, ~
any Of the forms Of monarchy and despotism.
H. That the true interests and welfare OF this
country, tho honor Of this nation, the individual
and private rights Its citizens conspire to de.
mand that all other questions arising from party
organizations, or from any other sonrce, should be
held subordinate TO and in practice made 10 yield
TO the great principles herein promulgated.