Glasgow weekly times. (Glasgow, Mo.) 1848-1861, 1856-02-28
AMERICAN PLATFORM.

HAlluNAL AmEhlCAN PLATfUHm. |
Alta regular meeting &C the. National
Council Of the Amcaicun Party, begun and
held at Philadelphia on the 9th Of June 1855, |
ue following was adopted as
The Platform and Principles Of the Or
ganization.
1.-The acknowledgment Of that Almieh-
ty Being who Rules over the Universe
who presides over the councils of nations, -
who conducts the affairs OF men, and who,
in every step by which we have advanced
ttothe character Of an independent nation,
has distinguished us by some token of Prov
ideniial agency.
. 1.-THE cultivation and development Of
sentiment Of profoundly intense American
! feeling; OF passionate attachment to our cotln-
try, its history and its institutions; of admi-
ration for the purer days of our national en-
istense; Of venerotion for the heroism That
precipitated our Revolutions; and of emula-
ton Of The virtue, wisdom, and patriotism
that framed our constitution, and FIRST sue.
cessfully applied its provisions.
lll.-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 de-
sire." And hence
LIST. Opposition 10 all attempts TO weaken
or subvert it,
I'd. Incorporating antagonism 20 every
principle of policy that endangers it.
Sd. The advocacy of an equitable adjust
ment of all political differences which threat
en- its integrity or perpetuily.
4th The srnnresSion of all torJano;es 10
political division, founded on geographical
determinations, or on the belief that there
is a real difference Of interests and views"
between the various sections of the Union.
Duh. The full recognition OF the rights of
the several States, as expressed and re-
served in the Constitution; and careful
avoidance, by the General Government, Of
all interference with their rights, by legisa-
tive or executive action.
lV.-Obedience TO The Constitution Of
these United States, as the supreme law of
the land, sacredly obligatory upon all its
parts and members; and steadfast resistance
10 The spirit Of innovation upon its princ.
pies, however specious the pretexts. Avow-
ing that IN all doubtful or disputed points il
may only be legally ascerained and ex-
pounded by the judicial power of the United
States.
And, as a corollory 10 the above.
l. A habit of reyerental obedience TO
the laws, whether NATIONAL State, or Mu-
nicipal, until they are either repealed or de-
clared unconstitutional by the proper au-
thority.
2. A tender and sacred regard for those
acts of craftsmanship which are 10 be con-
tradistinguished from acts of ordinary legis-
lation, by the fact Of their being of the ma
ture of compacts and agreements: and so, TO
be considered a fixed and settled national
policy.
VA radical revision and modification
OF the laws regulating immigration, and the
settlement Of immigrants. Offering 10 the
honest immigrant who, from love of liberty
or hatred Of oppression, seeks an asylum in
the United States, friendly reception a d
protection. But unqualifedly condemning
the transmission to our shores Of felons and
paupers.
Vl.-The essential modification Of the
. Naturalization Laws.
The repeal by the Legislatures of the
respective States, of all State laws allowing
foreigners not naturalzed to vote.
The repeal, without retroactive operation,
OF all acts of Congress making grants Of
land to unnaturaized foreigners and allow
ing them to vote in the Territories.
Vll.-Hostility 10 the corrupt means by
which the leaders Of party have hitherto
forced upon us our rulers and our political
creeds.
Implacable enmity against the prevalent
demoralizing system Of rewards for politi.
cal SnhE md e -. Z
political independence.
Disgust for the wild hunt after Office
which characterizes the age.
These on the one hand. On the other:
Imitation Of the practice ofthe purer DAYS
OF the Republic; and admiration of the max
i'm that "oiiice should seek the man, and not
man the Office" and of the rule, that the lust
mode of ascertaining fitness for Office Is the
capability, the faithtulness, and tie honesty
ofthe incumbent or candidate.
VIII. Resistance TO the aggressive policy
and corrupt tendencies of the Roman Cath
Ole Church in our country, by the advance
ment TO all political stations executive, leg
islative, Judicial or diplomatic of those only
who do not hold civil allegiance directly or
indirectly, to any foreign power, whether
civil or ecclesiastical, and who are Ameri-
cans by birth, education and training, thus
fulfilling the maxim, Americans only shall
govern America"
TX. The reformation of the character Of
our National Legislature, by elevating TO
that digsified and responsible position men
of higher qualifications, purer morals, and
more unselfish patriotism.
X. The restriction Of Executive patron
age, especially in the matter of appoint
ments 10 office, so far as it may be permitted
by the Constitution, and consistent with the
public good.
XII. The education of the youth of our
country, in schools provided by the State,
which schools shall be common to all, with
out distinction of creed or party, and free
from any influence or direction of denoml-
national or partisan character.
And, inasmuch as Christianity, by the