Daily American organ., 1856-08-23
WASHINGTON D. c. SATURDAY AFTERNOON AUGUST % 1856
Platform of the American Party, adopted
at the session OF the National Council,
February 2Ist. 1856.

" lis
February 2Ist, 1856.
lst. An humble acknowledgment to the Su-
preme Being, for His protecting care vouchsafed
TO our fathers in their successful Revolutionary
struggle, and hitherto manifested to us, their de-
scendants, in the preservation of the liberties, the
Independence, and the union Of these States.
I'd. The perpetuation of the Federal Union, as
the palladium Of our civil and religious liberties
and the only sure buwark of American Indepen-
dence. E. &
3D. americans must ra1ie america, and to this
end, ,atipeborp citizens should be selected for all
State, Federal, and municipal Offices or government
employment, in preference to all others never
| theless, 4N 'gE r. 1a4
4th. Persons born of American parents residing
temporarily abroad, should be entitled TO all the
| rights Of native-born citizens; but
| 9th. No person should be selected for political
station, whether of native or foreign birth who
recognises any allegiance or obligation of any de-
scription to any foreign prince potentate or power
or who refuses to recognise the Federal and State
constitutions leach within its sphere) as paramount
| to all other laws, as rules of political action.
9th. The unqualified recognition and mainte-
nance of the reserved rights of the several States,
and the cultivation of harmony and fraternal good
will between the citizens of the several States and
| to this end, non-interference by Congress with
questions appertaining solely to the Individual
States, and non-intervention by each State with
the affairs of any other State.
7th. The recognition of the right of the native
born and naturalzed citizens of the United States
permanently residing in any Territory thereof, to
frame their constitution and laws, and to regulate
their domestic and social affairs in their own mode
subject only to the provisions of the Federal Con-
stitution, with the privilege of admission into the
Union whenever they have the requisite popula-
tien for one Representative in Congress. Provided
aisodys, that none but those who are citizens of
the United States, under the constitution and laws
thereof and who have fixed residence in any
such Territory, ought to participate in the forma-
tion OF the constitution, or in the enactment of
laws for said Territory or State.
I Sth An enforcement of the principle that no
State or Territory ough to admit others than cti-
zens o. the United States to the right Of suffrage
or of holding political office. ..t
9Th change in the laws of naturalization,
making continued residence of twenty-one years,
ofallnot hereinbefore provided for an Indispensable
requisite for citizenship hereafter and excluding all
paupeIs, and persons convicted of crime from land
ing upon our shores but no interference with the
vested rights of foreigners.
10th. Opposition to any union between Church
and State interference with religious faith, or
worship, and no test oaths for Office.
18th. Free and thorough investigation into any
and all alleged abuses of public fnctionaries, and
strict economy in public expenditures.
18th. The maintenance and enforcement OF all
laws consttutionsly enacted, until said laws shall
be repealed, or shall be declared null and void by
competent judicial authority.
18th. Opposition to the reckless and unwise
policy of the present administration in the general
management Of our national affairs and more es-
pecialy as shown in removing Americans (by
designaton) and conservatives in principle, from
office, and placing foreigners and ultrasts in their
pLnces as shown in trucking suoserviency to
the stronger, and an nseent and cowardly brava-
do towards the weaker powers; as shown in re-
opening sectional agitation, by the repeal of the
Missouri Compromise; as shown in granting to un-
naturazed foreigners the right of suffrage in Kan
sas and Nebraska; as shown in its vaciating course
on the Kansas aud Nebraska question; as shown
in the corruptions which pervade some Of the de-
partments of the government; as shown in dis
gracing meritorious naval officers through preju.
dice or caprice; and shown in the laundering
msmanagement of our foreign relations. ..
14th Therefore, to remedy existing evils, and
prevent the disastrous consequences otherwise re-
sulting therefrom, we would build up the "Ameri-
can party" upon the principles hereinbeiore stated
18TH That each State Council shall have autho-
rity TO amend their several constitutions, so to
abolish the several degrees, and institute pledge
of honor, instead of other obligations for fellow
ship and admi sion into the party.
10th. A free and open discussion of all political
principles embraced in our platform.