Daily American organ. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1856, 1856-09-24
NGToN D. c. WEDNESDAY AFTERNOON SEPTEMBER "a 1856
Platform of the American Party, adopted
at the session OF the National Council,
February 2Ist, 1856.


February 2Ist, 1856.
lst. An humble acknowledgment to the Su-
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.
2d. The perpetuation of the Federal Union, as
the palladium of our civil and religious liberties,
and the only sure bulwark of American Indepen-
dence.
Sd. americans mast rsle Anserica, and to this
end, HatiUe-born citizens should be selected for all
State, Federal, and municipal Offices orgovernment
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 native-born citizens; but
9Th No person should be selected for political
statioH, whether of native or foreign BIRTH who
recognises any allegiance or obligation of any de-
scrpton to any foreign prince, potentate 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. 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 appertaning 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 naturaized 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-
sttution, with the privilege of admission into the
Union whenever they have the requisite popula-
ton for one Representative in Congress. Provided
at1Cays, that none but those who are citizens of
the United States, under the constitution and laws
thereof, and who have a 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
ofal not hereinbefore provided for, 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.
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 functionares and
strict economy in public expenditures.
l2th. The maintenance and enforcement OF all
laws consttutionally enacted, until said laws shall
be repealed, or shall be 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-
pecially as shown in removing Americans (by
designation) and conservatives in principle, from
office, and placing foreigners and ultrasts in their
places; as shown in trucking subserviency to
the stronger, and an insolept and cowardly 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-
naturazed foreigners the right of suffrage in Kan
sas and Nebraska; as shown in its vaciating course
on the Kansas and Nebraska question; as shown
in the corruptons 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 blundering
mismanagement of our foreign relations.
14th. Therefore, to remedy existing evils, and
prevent the disastrous consequences otherwise re-
sultng therefrom, we would build up the "Ameri-
party" upon the principles hereinbefore stated
18th. That each State Council shall have autho-
rity to amend their several constitutions so as TO
abolish the several degrees and institute pledge
of honor, instead of other obligations for fellow
ship and admiss into the party.
10th. A free and open discussion Of all political
principles embraced in our platform.