Sugar planter. [volume] (West Baton Rouge [i.e. Port Allen, West Baton Rouge Parish, La.]) 1856-1925, 1856-07-19
Platform Of the National American
Party.

A0ASys .... 4HrF,E.
lst. An humble acknowledgement to the
Supreme being forHls protecting care vorch-
safed to our fathers in their successful revo-
lutionary struggle. and hitherto manifested to
us, their descendants, in the preservation OF
the liberties. the Independence and the union
OF these States.
I'd. The perpetuation of Che Federal Union,
and Constitution. as the palladium OF our civil
and religious liberties, and the only sure bull
wark of American independence.
Sd. Amer,caus must rule America and
to this end native born citizens should be Sc
lected Tor all State, federal and lhunlclpal
Offices or government employment, IN pre-
ference to all others.
4th. Persons born of American parents re-
siding temporarily abroad should be entitled
to all the rights of a native born citizen.
5th. No person should be selected for po-
litical station whether OF native or foreign
BIRTH who recognizes amy allegiance or obi
cation of any descIiptlonto any foreign prlnccs
potentate or power, or who refuses to recoS-
nize the Federal and State Constitutions
leach within its sphe1e) as paramount to all
~>ber laws, as rules Of political action.
9th. The unqualified recognition and main
t%ainance of the reserved rights of the several
States, and the cultivationof harmony and ira
ternal good will between the citizens OF the
several States. and to this end, non-interterence
by Congress with questions appertalning solely
TO the individual States, and non-inteIv ention
by each State with the adoirs Of any other
State
18th. The recognition of the right of the ma
tive-born and natura!ized citizens of the United
States, permanently residingin any Territory
l--.- r~-,> Ii, ,o,%,A{in, o,l yS-s
and to regulate their domestic and social af-
fairs, in their own mode, subject only to the
provisions of the Federal Constitution, with
the privilege ofadmissionin into the Union when
ever they have the requisite population for one
Representative in Congress, provided always,
that none but those who are citizens ofthe Uni
ted States. under the constitution and laws
thereof, and who have a fixed residence in any
such Territory: ought to participate in the for
nation of the constitution, or in the enact
ment of laws for said Territory or State.
Sth. An enforcement of the principle that
no State or Territory oughtto admit ther sthan
native born citizens 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, Of all not heretofore provided for, an
indispensable requisite for citizenship hereat-
ter,.and excluding all paupers and persons
convicted of crime, from landing upon our
shores; but no interference with the vested
rights of foreigners.
10th. Opposition to any union between
Church and State no interfe renee with reli-
sious faith, or worship, and no test oaths for
office.
18th. Free and thorough investigation into
any and all alleged abuses of public function
aries, and a strict economy in public expends
itures. .r 7a ..~ e. -.
18th. The maintenance and enforcement of
all laws constitutionally, enacted, until said
laws shall be repealed, or shall be declared
null and voidby 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 especially as shown in removing
Americans 10y designationl and conservatives
in principle. from office, and placing foreigners
trucking suoserviency to the stronger, and
an ~insolent and cowardly bravado towards
the weaker powers: as shown in re-opening
sectional agitation, by the repeal of the Mis-
souri, Compromise; as shown in granting to
unnaturalized foreigners the right Of suffrage
in Kansas and Nebraska; as shown in its
vascilating course on the Kansas and Nebras-
ka question; as shown in the corruptions
which pervade some Of the departments of the
Government; as shown in disgracing merito-
rious naval officers through pre- judice or ca
price; ard as shown in the laundering mis-
management of our foreign relations.
14th. Therefore, to remedy existing evils,
and prevent the disastrous consequences 9TH
erwise resulting 3therefrom We would build
up the american party'' upon the princi-
pies h~ereinbefore stated.
18th. That each State Council shall have
authority to amend their several constitutions
so as to abolish the several degrees, and in
stitute a pledge Of honor instead of other
obligations for fellowship and admission into
the party. -
10th. A free and open discussion Of all po-
Htical principles embraced in our platform.