American union. [volume] (Morgantown, Va. [W. Va.]) 1855-1859, 1856-08-16
AMERICAN PLATFORM


LIST. An humble acknowledgment to the
Supreme Being who rules the universe, for
his protecting care vouchsafed TO our fathers
in their successful Revolutionary struggle,
and hitherto manifested TO us, their descend
ants, 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 bulwark Of Amer.
lean independence.
Sd. AMERICANS MUST RULE AMERICA, and
to this end, native born citizens should be Sc
lected for all State, Federal and municipal
offices or government employment, in pref
erence to naturalzed citizens neucrihelcss,
4th. Persons born of American parents
residing temporarily abroad, should be emit
tied to all the rights Of native born citizens
but ......
9Th. No person should be selected for po-
litical stations whether Of native or foreign
birth, who recognizes any allegiance or OBJ
legation OF any description to any foreign
prince, potentate or power, or who refuses
TO recognize the Federal and State constitu-
lions (each within its sphere) as paramount
to all other laws, as rules Of political action.
9th. The unqualified recognition and main
tenance 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-inter-
ference by Congress with questions apper-
tanning solely to the individual States and
non.ntervention BY each State with the af-
fairs Of any other State.
7,h 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
10 the provisions Of the Federal Constitution,
whenever they have the requisite popula-
ton for one Representative in Congress-
Provided, alVays, 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 formation of the
constitution, or in the enactment of laws
for said Territory or State.
9Th. An enforcement Of the principle that
no State or Territory can admit others than
native-born citizens TO the right Of suffrage,
or of holding political office, unless such
person shall have been na,uralized accord
ing to the laws Of the United States. s..
9th. A change in the laws Of naturalza.
ton, making a continued residence OF TWEEN
ty-one years, of all not heretofore provided
for, an indispensable requisite for citizen
ship hereafter, and excluding all paupers and
persons convicted of crime, from landing
upon onr shores but no interference with
the vested rights Of foreigners. ..... ..
10Th Opposition to any union between
Church and S tate no interference with re.
ligious faith, or worship, and no test ooths
for Office, except those indicated in the 9Th
section Of this platform.
18th. Free and thorough investigation in
TO any and all alleged abuses OF public func.
tionaries, and strict economy in public ex-
penditures. ..' ...,
18Th. The maintenance and enforcement
OF all laws until said laws shall be repealed,
or shall be declared null and void by compe-
tent judicial authority.
18th. Opposition to the reckless & unwise
policy Of the present administration in the
general management Of our national affairs,
and more especially as shown in removing
Americans (by designation) and conserva-
iives in principle, from Office, and placing
foreigners and ultraisis in their places; as
shown in trucking subserviency to the
stronger, and an insolent and cowardIy bra.
vado towards the weaker powers as shown
IN re-opening sectional agitation, by the re.
peal of The Missouri Compromise as shown
in granting TO unnaturaized foreigners the
right TO suffrage in Kansas and Nebraska
as shown in its vascilaling course on the
Kansas aud Nebraska question as shown
in The removal Of Judge Bronson from the
Collectorship Of New York upon false and
unteDable grounds as shown in the corrup
tons which pervade some of the depart.
ments Of the government as shown in dis
grazing meriorious naval officers through
prejudice or caprice and as shown in he |
laundering Encouragement of our fore.g1
relations.
l4th. Therefore, TO remedy existing evils
and prevent the disastrous consequences
otherwise resulting therefrom, we would
build up tie american party" upon the
principles hereinbcfore stated, eschewiug all
sectional questions, and uniting upon those
purely national, and admitting into said
party all American citizens, (relerred 10 in
The Sd, 1lb, and 9Th sections, who openly a.
vow the principles and opinions heretofore
expressed, and who will subscribe their
names TO this platform, Provided, never.
theless, that a majority of those members
present at any meeting Of local council
where an applicant applies for membership
in the American party may, for any reason
by them deemed sufficient, deny admission
TO such applicant.