Daily American organ. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1856, 1856-08-08
Platform of the American Party, adopted
at the session of the National Council,
February 2lst. 1856. Na asas

at the session OF the NatIOnaI Council,
February 21st, 1856. AZ
lst. An humble acknowledgement 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 bulwark of American Indepen-
dence.
Sd. americans mast rule america, and to this
end, native-born citizens should be selected for all
State, Federal and municipal Offices orgovernment
employment, in preference to all others: never
theless,
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-
scripton to any foreign prince potentate power,
or who refuses to recognise the Federal and State
constitutions leach within its sphere) 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 faternal 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-interyention by each State with
the affairs of any other State.
7th. The recognition of the right of the native
born and naturaized 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-
stituton, with the privilege of admission into the
Union whenever they have the requisite popula-
ton for one Representative in Congress. PROVIDED
alsoays, 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-
ton of the constitution, or in the enactment of
laws for said Territory or State. tf
9Th. An enforcement of the principle that no
State or Territory ough to admit others than cit-
zens of the United States to the right Of suffrage
or of holding political Office.
9th. A change in the laws of naturalization,
making a continued residence of twenty-one years.
ofa not herenbefore provided for, an Indispensable
requisite for citizenship hereafter, and excluding all
paupers, 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 no 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 functionaries, and
strict economy in public expenditures.
18th. The maintenance and enforcement OF all
laws constitutonally 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
designation) and conservatives in principle, from
Office, and placing foreigners and ultrasts in their
places as shown in trucking subserviency to
the stronger and an inselent 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
and Nebraska as shown in its vacillating course
on the Kansas and 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 as shown in the biundering
mismanagement of our foreign relations.
l4th. 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 herenbefore stated
18th. That each State Council shall have autho-
rity to amend their several constitutions SO as 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.