American Lancaster gazette. [volume] (Lancaster, Ohio) 1855-1860, 1855-06-28
PIATFORm OF THE AMERICAN
PARTY.

Convention: Is
PLATFORM AND PRIScRLEs.
I. The acknowledgment of that Al
mighty Being. wto rules over the Uni
verse-who presides over the Councils OF
Nations-who conducts the affairs OF men,
and who. in every step by which we have
advanced to the character OF an indepen-
daut nation. has distinguished US 10y some
token of Providential agency.
II. The cultivation and development OF
sentime 6t of profoundly intense Ameri-
can feeling; of passionate attachment to
our country. its history and its Institutions;
of admiration for the purer days of our
National existence; of veneration for the
heroism that precipitated our Revolution
and of emulation of the virtue, wisdom
and palrio ism that framed our Constitu-
ton and first successfully applied its pro-
visions,
Ill. The maintenance Of the union OF
these United States as the paramount politi-
cal good; or, to use the language of Wash
ington. "the primary object Of patriotic
DESIRE And hence
ist. Opposition to all attempts to weak
en- or subvert it.
ed. Incorporating antagonism to
every principle Of policy that endangers
liz.
Sd. Tie advocacy ofan equitable adjust
meut of all political differences which
threaten its integrity or psrpetuity.
4th. The suppression of all tendencies
to political division, founded on "gcograph-
zeal DETERMINATIONS. or on the belief that
there is real difference Of interests and
views between the various sections Of the
I Union.
9th. The full recognition of the rights
of the several States, as expressed aud re-
served in the Constitution, and careful
avoidance by the general government, Of
all interference with their rights by legis'
lative or executive action.
w. Obedience TO the Constitution ol
these United States, as tho supreme law
of the land sacredly obligatory upon al
its parts and members, and steadlast resist
ance to the spirit of innovation upon it
principles, however specious the pretexts
Avowing that in all doubtful or disputed
points, it may only be legally ascertaiuet
; and expounded by theJ JUDICIAL power Of tn
Upited Saes.
And, as a corollary to the above.
/. A habit of reverential obedience t
= the laws, whether National, State, or Mu
. nicipal, until they are either repealed O
!, declared unconstitutional by the prope
70 authority.
:, 9. A tender and sacred regard for thos
y acts of statesmanship, which are to be con
! ira distinguished from ac;s Of ordinar
. legislation, by the fact Of their being Of th
J nature of compaets and agreements; an
3 so to be considered fixed and settled ma
tional policy.
V. A radical revision and modification
! Of the laws regulating immigration, and til
. settlement Of immigrants. Offering to th
Is honest immigrant, who from love libert
% or haired of oppression, seeks an asylur
' in the United States, friendly receptio
J and protection. But unquali6cdly cor
= = demning the transmission to our shores {
= lelons and paupets.
D. VI The essential modification of Il
Naturalization Laws.
Tho repeal by the Legislatures of Il
respective States, Of all State Law
allowing foreigners not naturalized
vote.
The repeal, without retroactive operation
Of all acts of Congress making grants
land to unnatuWlized foreigners, al
allowing them to vote in the Terrific
les.
VII. Hostility to the corrupt means
which the leaders of party have hither
forced upon us our rulers and our polite
creeds.
Implacable cnmily against the prese
demoralizing system Of rewards for poll
cal subserviency, and of punishments
political independence.
Disgust for the wild hunt after off
which characterizes the age.
These on the one hand. On the other
Imitation of the practice Of the pul
days of the Republic; and admiration
the maxim "that eflice should hunt
man, and not man the Office" and OF
rule that, the Just mode of ascertaining
ness for Office is the capability, the faithf
ness, and honesty Of tho incumbent
candidate.
/, VIII. Resistance to the aggressive pc
cy and corrup.ing tendencies Of the Rom
Catholic Church in our country by the 1
vaucement to all political stations-exet
tive, legislative, judicial or diplomatic
those only who do not hold civil allegian
directly or indirectly, TO any foreign pow
whether civil or ecclesiastical, and W
are Americans by birth, education Z
training thus fulfilling tho maxi
I. AMERICANS ONLY SHALL GOVERN AME
Ca"
The protection of all citizens in the le
and proper exercise of their civil and
ligious rights and privileges; the mar
nance Of the right Of every man to the {
unrestrained and peaceful enjoyment
:" his own religious opinions and worsf
and jealous resistance Of all attempts
any sect, denomination or church to obi
an ascendency over any other in the ST.
and by means OF. any special privileges or
'crn emption, by any political combination
.son its members, or by division Of their c
per- allegiance with any foreign power poi
Plat tate or ecclesiaslic.
k The reformation Of the cbaracte
orn- our National Legislature. by elevating
'res- that digniied and responsible position /
lone, of higher qualifications, purer morals,
recy more uuselfsh patriotism.