Daily American organ. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1856, 1855-01-16
The .Americnn Party--Its Duties.

The American party has now become strong Its
movements are important-its existence Is great
and ponderous fact in the political element Of the
nations. Its acts are corespondingly important.
What it performs should be of nature and in a
manner that is worthy its principles and profess
sions.
What are some Of its dutiesp We win briefly
glance over them
In the first place to keep out all mpertnent ie-
sues. Let us be understood. BY impertinent is-
sues we mean all sentiments, doctrines measures,
policies that do not come directly in the line, and
and for the puposes for which the American party
was originally established, and without which it
would not have been established. The old platform
with the old and soiled planks must be stood upon.
There only is the ark of safety. These issues and
principles, measures and policies are eninently Of
a nature to unite all sections Of the country.
They are broad, national, sound. They are such
that good and true Americans cannot disagree
lnpon They are for the common good of the
common corntry--for the welfare of the Ameri-
can people aid the American nation.
| So much for a general word. Let us detail
little.
After the principle Of the election of Americans
| to all our offices, major or minor, our duty is to
strike for repeal of the naturalization laws. We
regard this as one of the great objects for which
the party was formed. II is too late to array sta
tistcs present statements, marshal logic to show
what an immense evil the present laws are; laws
which are no letter than none. The simple fact
that foreigners arrive upon shores and walk at
once to the ballot-box, should decide every man ia
| the land to put an end to-the outrage. This then
is one of our duties; and which should be ever
present In our eyes.
Another is to have no fellowship with other po-
litical parties. We care not what the purpose may
be, the principle OF coalition is wrong and serious
present object may sometimes be gained but at
the expense of future disasters that far outdo them
Besides, the American party Is entirely different
from all others. Saints cannot house with Satan
without damage. Let us bear these things in mind.
As Americans let US fight our own battles. If VIC
fall il win be In good cause; If we succeed other
wise good cause is made bad one, and will be
Of no ayail-except ruinousy.
Another duty is never to forsake principle and
take up mere policy. The moment man or party
departs from its faith, even temporarily, II is at
| sea without chart, compass or rudder. The chan
| ces are that il will 20 below the wave; which 1t
merits We have the best of principles, the safest
Of platforms. Why not stand by and upon them
To do any other way is TO peril certain good for
an almost certain evil Principle before policy al
ways; and never policy without principle.
Other duties viii suggest themselves to the re-
Aecting ank patriotic mind. The success Of the
American party depends upon its fidelity to its
| AMERICAN PRINCIPLES; and il has no others. We
must stand by one another, within our own circle
| Of action, keeping out all mpertnent issues and
men, The cause is straight the duty plain. Let
| us be true and faithful, and success WILL CONE
| american Crusader.