Sugar planter. [volume] (West Baton Rouge [i.e. Port Allen, West Baton Rouge Parish, La.]) 1856-1925, 1856-08-16
National Platform of the American
PARTY.


LIST. An humble acknowledgement to the
Supreme being torHis protecting care vouch-
sated 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 The Federal Union,
and Constitution. as the palladium OF our civil
and religious liberties, and the only sure bull
wark of American independence.
Sd. Americans must rule America and
TO this end native born citizens should be Sc
,ected Tor all State. federal and municipal
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.
9Th. No person should be selected for po-
litical station whether of native or foreign
BIRTH who recognizes any allegiance or obi
CATION of any description to any foreign prince,
potentate or power, or who refuses to recog-
nize the Federal and State Constitutions
leach within its sphe,el as paramount to all
~>aer laws, as rules of political action.
9th. The unqualified recognition ahd main.
t]ainance of the reserve! rights of the several
States. and the cultivationo of harmony and fra
ternal good will between the citizens OF the
several States and to this end. non-interference
by Congress with questions appertalnlng solely
to the individual States, and non-iute,ventlon
by each State with the affairs OF any other
State
9TH. The recognition of the right of the ma
tive-bornan and naturaiized citizens o the UEited
States, permanently residing in any Territory
thereof. to frame their constitution and laws.
and to regulate their domestic and social at
x.-- =. H.. .,,,, ,ooIo c,h,oct Dp1v 70 tho
provisions of the Federal Constitution, with
the privilege ofadmission intothe Union when
ever they have the requisite population for one
Representative IN Congress, provided always,
that none but those whoare citizens OF the 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
nlent of laws for said Territory or State.
Sth. An enforcement of the principle that
l,State or Territory oushtt to admit others than
native born citizens to the right of suffrage, or
OF holding p%olitica! 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 hereaf-
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 interit renee with reli-
gious faith, or worship, and no test oaths for
office.
18th. Free and thorough investigation into
any and all alleged abuses of public Junction.
aries. and a strict economy in public expend
itures.
18th. The maintenance and enforcement of
III I-.. ..A.%A;o-olI o~~~&oJ ,,%1 e,;l
laws shall be repealed, or shall be declared
null and voidby competent judicial authority.
18th Opposition t. 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 tby designation and conservatives
in principle. from Office, and placing foreigners
and ~ultraists in their places; as shown in a
trucking suoseryiency to the stronger. and
an ~insolent; and cowardly bravado towards
the weaker powers: as shown in re-oTening
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 de departments of the
Government: as shown in disgracing merito-
rious naval officers through pre- udice or ca
price; ard as shown in the laundering mis-
management Of our foreign relations.
18th. Therefore, to remedy existing evils,
and prevent the disastrous consequences 9th
erwise resulting therefrom we would build
up the "American party" upon the princi-
pies hereinbefore stated.
18th. That each State Council shall have
authority to amend their several constitutions
so as to abolish the several degrees, and in
" !
obligations for fellowship and admission into
the party.
10th. A free and open discussion Of all po-
htical principles embraced in our platform.