The Empire County argus., 1856-09-20
National American Platform.
(Adopted at Philadelphia, February 22d, 1856

(Adopted at Philadelphia, February 22d, 1869
Frst.-An humble acknowledgment to the Supreme
Being who rules the universe, for his protecting care
vouchsaed to fathers in their successful Revolutionary
struggle and hitherto manifested to u.s. their descendants
in the preservation of the liberties the independence and
the union of these States.
Second.-The perpetuation of the Federal Unon the
palladium of our civil and religious liberties and the only
sure bulwark of American Independence
Thrd.-Amercans must rule America, and to this end,
native born citizens should be selected for all State Fede
raj and municipal offices of government employment in
preference to naturalized citizens, nevertheless;
Fourth.-Persons born of American parents residing
temporarily abroad should be entitled to the rights of
native-born citizens; but
FfthNo persons should be elected for political station
(whether native or of foreign brh who recognizes any
allegiance or obligation of any description to any foreign
prince poenate or Power, who refuses to recognize
the Federal and State Constitutions each within its
sphere, paramount to all other laws rules of po
cal action.
Sixh-The unqualified recognition and maintenance of
the reserved rights of the several States and the cutva
ton Of harmony and fraterna goodwill between the ct
zens OF the several States and this end nonnterrnce
by Congress with questions apperainng solely to the nd
vdua States and nonnteryenon by each State with the
affairs of any other State.
SeventhThe recognition of the right of the native born
and naturazed citizens of the United States permanently
residing in any Territory thereof frame their Constu
on and Laws and regulate their domestic and social
affairs in their modes, subject only the provisions
OF the Federal Constitution with the right of admission
into the Union whenever they have the requisite popua
ton for one Representative in Congress Provided always,
that but those who citizens of the United States,
under the Constitution and laws thereof and who have
residence IN Sucn ought
in the formation of the Constitution in the enactment
of laws for said Territory State.
Eighth-An enforcement of the principle that no State
or Territory can admit others than natvebon citizens to
the right of suffrage of holding political office; unless
such persons shall have been nauazed according the
laws of the United States.
Nnth.A change in the laws of naturalization making
continued residence of twentyone years, of all here
otore provided for indispensable requisite for citizen
ship hereafter, and excluding all paupers and persons
convicted of crme from landing upon shores
interference with the vested rights of foreigners.
Ienth.-oppostlon to any union between Church and
State no interference with religious faith worship and
test oahs for office except those indicated in the 5h
section of this platform.
Eleventh.Free and thorough investigation into any
and all alleged abuses of public functonares, and strict
economy in public expenditures.
Tweltth-Tne maintenance and enforcement of all laws
until said laws sha be repealed shall be declared null
and void by competent judicial authority.
Thireenth-Opposition to the reckless and unwise pol
icy of the present Administration in the general manage
men of our national affairs and more especially shown
in removing "Americans (by desgnation and
tives in principle from office and placing foreigners and
uraiss in their places shown in trucking subser
vency to the stronger and insoen and cowardly
bravado towards the weaker powers shown in reopen
ing sectional agitation by the repeal of the Missouri Com
promise as shown in granting to unnaturazed foreign
the right suffrage Kansas and Nebraska shown
in its vascillang course on the Kansas and Nebraska
questions shown in the removal of Judge Bronson from
the Colectorshp of New York upon false and unenabe
grounds shown in the corrupons which pervade
OF the Departments of the Government; shown in dis
gracing meritorious naval officers through prejudice
caprlce and as shown in the bundering msmanagement
of our foreign relations.
| Observation-Disclosures, to remedy existing evils and
prevent the disastrous consequences otherwise resulting
therefron would build up the american party upon
the principles herenbeore stated eschewng all sectional
questions, and uniting upon those purely national and
admitting into said party all American citizens (reerred
to in the 3d. 4h and 5th sections) who openly the
principles and opinions heretofore expressed and who will
subscribe their names to this platform Provided,
heless that majority of those members present any
meeting of local council where applicant applies for
membership in the American party may for any
Dy the deemed Su1cent, applicant.
Feenth.A free and open discussion of all political
principles embraced in our platform.