Daily American organ. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1856, 1856-05-26
Platform or the American Party, adopted
at the session of the National Council,
February lst, 1855.

Il N0UOU0I COQnClIs
4 February 2lst, 1855.
( lst An humble acknowledgement to the Su-
preme Being, for His protecting care youchsafed
to our fathers in their successful Revolutionary
struggle and hitherto manifested to us, their de-
scendants, in the preservation of the liberties che
independence, and the union of these States 3 y.6g
I'd. The perpetuation Of the Federal Union, as
the palladium Of our civil and religious liberties,
and the only sure bulwsrk Of Amesicsn Indepen-
dence. 4{sM g6 N a9 sg4te ~
3d. Americans must rule America, and to this
end, natipeborn citizens should be selected for all
State, Federal, and municipal Offices orgovernment
employment, in preference to all others: never
theless, s.f f So a5 ~ laNSsiss 8dT
4th Persons born Of American parents reading
temporarily abroad, should be entitled to Ill 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-
scnption to any foreign prince, potentate or power
or who refuses to recognise the Federal and State
constitutions Teach 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 appertaining solely to the individual
the affairs Of any other State.
7th. The recognition of the right Of the native
born and naturalized 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
stitution, with the privilege of admission into the
Union whenever they have the requisite popula-
ton for one Representative in Congress. Provided
alOays, 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 forms-
tion OF the constitution, or in the enactment of
laws for said Territory or State.
9Th. An enforcement Of the principle that no
State Territory oughs to admit others than citi
zens OF the United States to the right Of suffrage,
or of holding political Office y AskG w tss1akkl
9th. A change in the laws Of naturalization,
making continued residence Of twanty-one years.
ofalnot hereinbeforeprovided for an 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. ss 4. N ~ s,ssg ~
10th. Opposition to any union between Church
and State; no interference with religious faith or
worship and no test oaths for Office. 3s Il hsa
11th. Free and thorough investigation into any
and all alleged abuses Of public functionaries, and
a strict economy In public expepditureS sa
18th. The maintenance and enforcement Of all
laws constitutionally enacted, until said laws shall
be repealed, or shall be, declared null and void by
competent judicial authority. ts-gS J. z9f7'0v.
18th. Opposition to the reckless and unvisel
policy Of the present administration in the general
management of our national affairs and moro es-s
pecially as shown in removing "Americansn 1by
designation) and conservatives in principle, from
offioA and placing foreigners and ultraiz6 in their
places; as shown in trucking subseryiency to
the stronger, and an inselent and cowardly bravar
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-
naturahzed foreigners the right Of suffrage ingKAn-
sas and Nebraska; as shown in svacilatng course
on the Kansas and Nebraska question; - shown
in the corruptions which pervade some of the de-
partments of the government !, as shown in dis
gracing meritorious naval officers through tpreju-I
dice or caprice and as shown in the blundering
ofour foreign relatiOns d7I
l4th. Therefore, to remedy existing evils, and
prevent the disastrous consequences otherwise re-
suting therefrom, we would build up the "Ameri-
party upon the principles hereinbefore stated.
10Th. That each State Council shall have autho-
rty to amend their several constitutions, 30 as to
abolish the several degrees, and institute pledge
of honor, instead of other obligations for fellow
ship and admission into the party.
a 10th. free and open discussion of all political
principles embraced in our platform.