The Empire County argus., 1856-07-12
National American Platform.
(AdoDted at PhiLoleLDbin Esbrunru ood 1875

tAdopted at Philadelphia, February 221, 1861
p tirs|An humble acknowledgment to the Supreme
BENG VINO rules the universe, for his protecting care
vouchsafed to our fathers their successful Revolutionary
struggle, and hitherto manifested to u.s. their
IN the preservation of the liberties the independence and
the union of these States
Second-The perpeiuaon of the Federal Union as tho
palladium OF our civil and religious liberties and the only
sure bulwark of American Independence.
1hlrd-Americans must rule America and 10 this end
nave born citizens should be selected for all State Fede
raj and municipal offices Of government employment in
preference to naturaized citizens, neuertheless;
Fourth.-Persons born of American parents residing
temporarily abroad should be entitled TO all The rights T
nave-born citizens; but
tith-No persons should be elected for political station
(Wheher native or OF foreign birh) who recognizes any
allegiance or obligation of any description 10 any foreign
prince otentae, or Power, who refuses TO recognize
me federal and State Constitutions each within its
sphere as paramount to all other laws as rules Of poti.
cal action. F
Sixh-The unqualified recognition and maintenance of
the reserved rights of the several States and the cuya
uon OF harmony and fraternal goodwill between the c
Zes OF the several States and this end nonnterference
by Congress with questions apperanng solely the ind
vdua Staes and intervention by each Slate with the
affairs OF any other state.
Seventh The recognition ofthe right of the native born
and naturazed citizens of the United States permanently
residing any Territory thereof to frame their Constt.
ton and Laws and 10 regulate their domestic and social
affairs in their modes subject only TO the provisions
OF the Federal Constitution, with the right of admission
INTO the Union whenever they have the requisite popua.
on Tor one Representative in Congress- Provided always
mat none but those who citizens of the United States
under the Constitution and laws thereof and who have
hxed residence in such Territory ought participate
IN the formation of the Constitution in the enactment
OF laws for said Territory or State.
EIghh-An enforcement of the principle that State
or Territory can admit others than nativeborn citizens
the right OF suffrage or of holding political office unless
such persons shall have been naurazed according to the
laws of the United States
Nnlh.-A change in the laws of naturalization making
continued residence of twentyone years. all not here.
oore provided for an indispensable requisite for citizen
ship hereafter, and excluding all paupers and persons
but no
Interference with the vested rights of foreigners.
Ieh'h.-opposion to any union between Church and
Slate no interference with religious faith worship and
no test oahs for office except those indicated in the 5h
section of this platform
Eleyenh.-Free and thorough investigation into any
and all alleged abuses of public functonares and strict
economy in public expenditures.
Tweltth-The maintenance and enforcement of all laws
until said laws sha be repealed shall be declared null
and void by competent judicial authority.
irieenih-Oppositon to the reckless and unwise pol
icy OF the present Administration in the general manage
ment of national affairs and more especially as shown
in removing Americans" (by designation and conserva-
yes in principle, from office, and placing foreigners and
ultralsts in their places shown in trucking subser
vlency to the stronger and insoent and cowardly
bravado towards the weaker powers shown in eope.
ing sectional agitation by the repeal of the Missouri COM
promise as shown in granting 10 unnauraized foreign.
ers the right or suffrage in Kansas and Nebraska shown
IN ITS vascillating the Kansas and Nebraska
question: shown in the removal of Judge Bronson ON
,he ooectorshp OF New York upon false and un'enabe
grounds as shown In the corTuptons which pervade some
OF the Departments of the Government as shown in dis.
gci neritoions naval officers through pi iud.ce or
caprice; and as shown in the laundering msnala
OF our foreign relations.
Fourteenth Therefore, to remedy existing evils and
prevent the disastrous otherwise resulting
hereflon we would build up the "American party" upon
the principles herenbefore stated eschewing all sectional
questions and uniting upon those purely national and
admitting into said party all American citizens (eferred
to IN the 3d. 4th and 5th sectons) who openly the
principles and opinions heretofore expressed and who will
subscribe their names to this platform Provided never
theless that ory of those members present any
meeting OF local council where applicant applies for
membership IN the American party may for any
by The deemed sufficient deny admission such applicant
Ftieenh.-A free and open discussion of all political
principles embraced in platform.