Daily American organ. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1856, 1856-10-16
Platform OF the American Party, adopted
8 at the session OF the National Council, !,
EptFuury 1t~f. tsSN. fFa1lIN E4faAAsl l44 n


February 2fst, 1856. +@4,E i-.s as.
,ln ist. An humble acknowledgment to the gu.
preme Being, for His protecting care vouchsafed
TO 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. Dsa
I'd. The perpetuation OF the Federal Union, as
the palladium Of our civil and religious liberties,
and the only sure balwsrk Of American, IndePen-l
dence. .an4tGmtean& sW
Sd. Amsricaas mast rzsls -America, and TO this
end ,satigebom citizens should be selected for all
State, Federal and municipal offices orgovernment
employment, in preference to all others: never'
theless, g ats AeH " sas y1 ss
4th Persons born OF American parents residing
temporarily abroad, should be entitled to Ill the
rights of natlye-born citizens; but +, ,s1sn 81
9th. No person should be selected for political
station, whether of native foreign birth, who
recognises any allegiance obligation of any de-
scrption 60 any foreign prince, potentate or power
or who refuses TO recognise the Federal and State
constitutions Teach within its sphere) 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-nterfcrence by Congress with
| questions appertaining solely TO the Individual
States, and non-interyention by each State with
the aiihfrb Oh claJt s.IF.a .si
7th. The recognition Of the right OF the native
born and naturalized 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 mode
subject only TO the provisions of the Federal Con-
stituton, with the privilege of admission into the
| Union whenever they have the requisite popua-
ton for one Representative in Congress. Provided
GLsOays that none but those who 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-
tion 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 twcnty-one years,
Of not 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. #D
10th. Opposition to any union between Church
and State no interference with religious faith or
worship, and no test oaths for office.
| 18th. Free and thorough investigation into any
and all alleged abuses of public functionaries, and
strict economy In public expenditures
18th. The maintenance and enforcement Of all
laws constitutionay enacted, until said laws shall
be repealed, or shall bo, declared null and void by
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 es-
pecnlly as shown in removing Americans (by
designation and conservatives in principle, from
Office, and placing foreigners and utraists in their
| places as shown In O trucking subserviency to
the stronger, and an inselent and coWardy braya-
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
and Nebraska; shown in its yacillating course
on the Kansas and Nebraska question; as shown
in the cprFuptona which pervade some of the de-
partments OF the government; as shown in dis
gracng meritorious naval officers through preiu.
dice or caprice; and as shown in the blunderIng
nismanagement Of our foreign relations.
18th Therefore, to remedy existing evils, and
prevent the disastrous consequences otherwise
sulting therefrom, we would build up the "Amsri
can party upon the principles hereinbefore stated
10th That each State Council shall have autho-
riy TO amend their several constitutions, as to
abolish the several degrees, and institute pledge
of honor, instead of other obligations for fellow
ship and admis sion into the party.
18th. a free and open discussion Of all political
principles embraced il orr platform.