Daily American organ. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1856, 1856-07-26
Platform Of the American Party, adopted
at the session OF the National Council,
February 2Isr, 1855.

lie
February 2Ist, 1856.
lst. An humble acknowledgement TO the SUI
preme Being, for His protecting care vouchsafed
20 our fathers in their successful Revolutionary
struggle, and hitherto manifested 10 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 as
the palladium OF our civil and religious liberties,
and the only sure bulwark Of American Indepen-
dence. H
Sd. ADisricons must r,tle America and to this
end nativebon citizens should be selected for all
State Federal, and municipal offices or government
employment, in preference 10 all others; never
theless &e a8 ssy
4th. Persons born of American parents residing
temporarily abroad, should be entitled to alI the
rights Of native-born citizens; but
9th. No person should be selected for political
station, whether of native or foreign birth who
recognises any allegiance or obligation of any de-
scrption to any foreign prince, potentatc or power
or who refuses to recognise the Federal and State
constitutions leach within its sphere as paramount
TO all other laws, as rules Of political action
9Th Tho 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-nterference 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 naturalzed citizens of the United States,
permanently residing in any Territory thereof, TO
frame their constitution aud laws, and to regulate
their domestic and social affairs in their own mode,
subject only to the provisions Of the Federal Con-
stution, with the privilege Of admission into the
Union whenever they have the requisite popula-
ton for one Representative in Congress PROVIDED
dLisays, 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-
tion OF the constitution, or in the enactment Of
laws tor said Territory or State
Sth. An enforcement Of the principle that no
State Territory ough to admit others than cti-
zcns 0. the United States to the right of suffrage,
or of holding political Office
9th. change in the laws Of naturalization,
making continued residence of twenty-one years,
ofa not hereinbeforc provided for an indispensable
requisite for citizenship hereafter and excluding all
paupeTs, 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 functonarics, and
strict economy in public expenditures
18th. The maintenance and enforcement OF al
laws constituionally enacted, until said laws shall
be repealed, or shall be declared null and void y
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.
peciully as shown in removing Americans (by
designation) and conservatives in principle, from
Office, and placing foreigners and utraists in their
Places as shown in a trucking subservicncy 70
the stronger, and an inselent and cowardy brsya-
do towards the weaker powers; as shown IN 10
opening sectional agitation, by the repeal OF the
Missouri Compromise as shown in granting 10 IN
naturalzed foreigners the right Of suffrage in Kan
sas and Nebraska shown in its vacillating course
on the Kansas and Nebraska question as shown
in the corruptons which pervade some of the &C.
partments Of the government; as shown in dis
gracing meritorious naval officers through preii.
dice or caprice and as shown in the blundcring
mismanagement of our foreign relations.
4th. Therefore, TO remedy existing evils, ard
prevent the disastrous consequences otherwise re-
sulting therefrom, we would build mp the "Amei
can party" upon the principles herenbelore ststcl
10th. That each State Council shall have autho-
rity 10 amend their several constitutions SO az to
abolish the several degrees, and institute pledge
Of honor, instead of other obligations for Fellow
ship and admi4 sion into the party.
10th. A free and open discussion Of all political
principles embraced in our platform R