The daily dispatch. [volume] (Richmond [Va.]) 1850-1884, 1856-02-23
National American Council.

PHILADELPHIA, Feb. 2l--The National Ameri-
can Council passed this evening the platform Of
principles published on the 18th inst, in the Wash
ingt0n Organ as a substitute for the whole plat
form established by the June Convention. The
vote stood yeas 10S nays n. Various members
from Ohio made speeches on the subject some de-
clarng that the platform was death blow to
Americanism in Ohio, while others expressed
themselves content, and defended Mr.. Ford. of
Ohio, from the charge of Black Republieansm,
made by Mr.. Bennett of New York
The Council is still in session at 10 o'clock to-
night, but will probably soon adjourn sine die.
The platform above alluded to is as follows:
LIST. An humble acknowledgment to the Supreme
Being who rules the Universe for His protectn &
Fouchsafed to fathers in their success sful
revolutionary struggle, and hitherto manifested to
us, their descendants, in the preservation of the
liberties, the independence, and the union of these
States.
ID The perpetuation of the Federal Union, as
the palladium of civil and religious liberties
and the only sure buwark of American independ-
ence. .--F
Sd. americans must rule america; and to this end
native born citizens should be selected for all State
federal, and municipal offices government en-
plOyment, in preference to naturaiZed citizens
HecertheleSS,
4th. Persons born of American parents residing
temporarily abroad should be entitled to all the
rights of native born citizens: but
5th. No person should be selected for political
station (whether of native or foreign birtb,) who
recognises any allegiance or obligation of any de
scription to any foreign prince potentate or power
who refuses to recognise the Federal and State
constitutions (each within its sphere) as paramount
to all other laws 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 fraternal 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-intervention by each State with
the affairs of any other State.
7th. The recognition of the right of the native
born and naturazed 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
Constitution, with the right of admission into the
Union whenever they have the requisite popula-
ton for one representative in Congress PYouided
al1DagS that none but those who are citizens of
the United Ststes under the Constitution and laws
thereof and who have a fixed residence in any
such Territory, ought to participate in the fJrma
ton 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 admit others than native
born citizens to the right Of suffrage, or of holding
political Office, unless such persons shall have been
naturalized according to the laws of the United
States.
9th. A change in the laws of naturalization, max.
ing a continued residence of twenty -one years, of
all not heretofore provided for an Indispensable
requisite for citizenship hereafter, and excluding
all paupers any 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 interference with religious faith or
worship and test oaths for office, except those
indicated in the 5th section of this platform.
Ilth Free and thorough investigation into any
and all alleged abuses of public functonaries and
q strict economy in public expenditures
18th. The maintenance and enforcement of all
laws until said laws shall be repealed, or shall be
declared null and void by competent judicial au-
thority.
18Th Opposition to the reckless and unwise pol
icy of the present administration in the general
management of our national affairs, and more es-
pecially as shown in removing Americans" (by
designation and conservatives in principle from
office, and placing foreigners and ultraists in their
places: as shown in trucking subserYiency to
the stronger and an insolent 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-
naturalized foreigners the right to suffrage in Kan
sas and Nebraska; as shown in Its VacHatng
course on the Kansas and Nebraska question: as
shown in the removal of Judge Bronson from the
Colleetorship of New York upon false and untena
BILE grounds as shown in the corruptions winch
pervade some of the departments ct the govern
mepts: as shown in disgracing meritorious naval
officers through prejudice or caprice aud as shown
in the laundering mismanagement OF our foreign
relations.
l4th Therefore, 10 rculcuy e~lstiHB GYMS, anu
prevent the disastrous consequences otherwise re
suItinr tberefrom we would build up the "Amer1
CO n party" upon the principles herein before stat
ed escheyving all sectional questions and uniting
upon those purely national and admitting into said
party all American citizens (referred to ia the Sd
lth and 5th sections) who openly avov the prInci
pies and opinions heretofore expressed, and who
will subscribe their names TO this platform. Pro
vidcd nevertheless, that majority of those mem
bers'present at any meeting of y local eounci
where an applicant applies for membership in the
American party may, for any reason by thei
deemed sufficient, deny admission TO such apph
cant
18th. A free and open discussion Of all politica
principles embraced in our platform.
RespecfulIy submitted s