Daily American organ. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1856, 1856-06-21
WASHINGTON. D. G. SATURDAY AFTERNOON JUNE 21 1856
Platform OF the American Party, adopted
at the session OF the National Council,
February 2lst, 1855.

AT the session OF the National Council,
February 2lst, 1856.
preme Being, for His projecting 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.
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.
Sd. Americans must yule America and to this
end, natiVsbon citizens should be selected for al
State, Federal, and municipal Offices or government
employment in preference TO all others: never
theless,
4th Persons born of American parents residing
temporarily abroad, should be entitled TO Ill the
rights Of native-born citizens but
6th No person should be selected for polifical
station, 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 Stat,
constitutions leach within it's sphere) a. 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 apPertaining solely to the individual
the affairs of any other State.
7th. The recognition of the right of the native
born and natursized 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-
stituton, with the privilege of admission into the
Union whenever they have the requisite popula-
ticn for one Representative in Congress. Provided
hat k,,k 1c
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, in the enactment of
laws for said Territory or State.
9Th. An enforcement of the principle that no
State or Territory ough to admit others than citi-
zens o. 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,
ofall 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.
18th. Free and thorough investigation into any
and all alleged abuses Of public fnnctionaries and
a strict economy in public expenditures
18th. The maintenance and enforcement of all
laws constitutionay 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 ultraists in their
places; as shown in trucking subseryiency to
the stronger, and inselent 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
and Nebraska; shown in its vacillating 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 blundering
mismanagement Of our foreign relations.
14th. Therefore, to remedy existing evils, and
prevent the disastrous consequences otherwise re-
sulting therefrom, we would build up the "Ameri-
party" upon the principles herenbefore 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.