Daily American organ. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1856, 1856-10-29
WASHINGTON WEDNESDAY AFTERNOON OCTOBER 30 1856
Platform Of the American Party, adopted
at the session OF the National Council,
February 2Ist. 1854. f

at the session OF the National Council,
February 2lst, 1855. aats Et
ist An humble acknowledgment to the Su.
preme Being, for His protecting care youchsAfsd
to our fathers in their successful Revolutionary
struggle, and hitherto manifested to us, their de-
scendants, in the preservation of the hbertes the
Independence, and the union of these States
I'd. The perpetuation of the Federal Union, ss
the palladium of our civil and religious liberties,
and the only sure bulwark Of American Indepen-
dence.
Sd. americans mast r,ale Anssrica, and to this
end ,atiUe-born citizens should be selected for all
State, Federal, and municipal Offices or government
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 natve-born citizens but $50.
9th. No person should be selected for political
station, whether Of native or foreign brth, who
recognises any allegiance or obligation of any de-
scrption to any foreign prince, potentate or power
or who refuses TO recognise the Federal and State
constitutions leach within its sphers) 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 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 Con-
stitution with the privilege Of admission iAto the
Union whenever they have the requisite popua-
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.
!. 8th. An enforcement of the principle that no
State or Territory ough. to admit others than citi
zens OF the United States to the right of suffrage,
or of holding political Office.
9th. A change in the laws of naturalization,
making continued residence of twenty one years,
Of all not hereinbefore provided for indispensable
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.
llth. Free and thorough investigation into any
and all alleged abuses Of public functonaries, and
strict economy in public expenditures
18th. The maintenance and enforcement OF all
laws constitutionaly enacted, until said laws shall
be repealed, or shall be declared null and void by
competent judicial authority. fsE
18th. Opposition to the reckless and unwise
policy of the present administration In the general
management Of our national affairs, and more es-
pecially az shown in removing "Americansn (by
designation) and conservatives In principle, from
Office, and placing foreigners and utraists in their
places as shown in trucking subserviency to
the stronger, and an insslent and cowardy 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 Of suffrage in Kan
sas and Nebraska shown in nitsvacillating 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 prcju-
dice or caprice and as shown in the laundering
mismanagement of our foreign relations.
14th. Therefore, to remedy existing evils, and
prevent the disastrous consequences otherwise re-
sulting therefrom, we would build up the "Ameri-'
party" upon the principles herenbsfore stated.
10Th. That each State Council shall have autho-
rity to amend their several constitutions, 30 to
abolish the several degrees and institute pledge
of honor, instead of other obligations for fellow
ship and admission into the party.
10TH A free and open discussion of all political
principles embraced in our platform. @ st