Daily American organ. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1856, 1856-05-31
~ WASHINGTON. D. c. SATURDAY AFTERNOON. MAY 81 1856
Platform Of the American Party, adopted
February 2Ist, 1856. . ~. ~ s@'l z !

Platform Of the AmeTican Party. adoptod
Esh e. the ss,sic. s. Of sse National couacil,
lst. An humble acknowledgment to the Su.
preme Being, for His protecting care vouchsafed
70 our fathers in their successful Revolutionary
struggle, and hitherto manifested to us, their de-
scendants In the preservation of the liberties, the
Independence, and the union Of these States
I'd. The perpetuation Of the Federal Union, az
the palladium Of our civil and religious liberties
and the only sure bulwark of American Indepen-
dence Z 5'.ts..I asA tu-tSn
Sd. Amricans must rule America, and to this
end, n0fiveborn citizens should be selected for a
State Federal, and municipal Offices or government
employment, in preference to all others never
theless, a 4e oW 'aiies nsgsE
4th. Persons born of American parents residing
temporarily abroad, should be entitled to all the
rights Of native-born citizens; but ssthh Hal
9th. No person should be selected for political
station, whether Of native or foreign birth, who
recognises any allegiance or obligation Of any de-
scripton TO any foreign prince, potontate or power
or who refuses to recognise the Federal and State
tsssh wishfn its spherc) as 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-inteference by Congress with
questions appertaining solely to the individual
States, and nOnnteryentions by each State with
the affairs Of any other State. gE- lQa ila gai
7th. The recognition of the right of the native-
born and naturalzed 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 into the
Union Whenever they have the requisite popula-
tlen for one Representative in Congress. Provided
ataoGys, 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. G.
Sth. 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,
ofal not herenbefore provided for an indispensable
requisite for citizenship hereafter and excluding all
paupers, and persons convicted of crime from land
ing upon our shores but no interference with the
vested rights of foreigners bsay1
.9i 10th. Opposition to any union between Church
and State; no interference with religious faith, or
worship, and no test oaths for Office.
lth. Free and thorough investigation into any
and all alleged abuses Of public functionaries, and
q 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. ssE Isl
18th. Opposition to the reckless and unwise
policy 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 subserviency to
the stronger, and an inselent and cowardly bravo
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-
naturazed foreigners the right of suffrage inf Kan
sas and Nebraska; as shown in its vacating 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 preju.
dice or caprice; and as shown in the laundering
mismanagement Of our foreign relations.
l4th Therefore, to remedy existing evils, and
prevent the disastrous consequences otherwise re-
sulting therefrom, we would build up the "Ameri-
can party" upon the principles hereinbefore stated
10th. That each State Council shall have autho-
rity to amend their several constitutions, 80 as 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.