Daily American organ. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1856, 1856-05-20
WASHINGTON. D. G. TUESDAY AFTERNOON. MAY 20 1856
Platform Of the American Party, adopted
at the session Of the National Council, !,
February 2lst. 1856.

~ the session OF the National Council,
February 2ist, 1856.
list. An humble acknowledgment 10 the Su-
preme Being. for His protecting care youchsafed
20 our fathers in their successful Revolutionary
struggle, and hitherto manifested 10 u.s. their de.
scendants, Ia the preservation of the lberties the
independence, and the union Of these States.
Sd. The perpetuation of the Federal Union, as
the palladium Of our civil and religious liberties,
and the only sure bulwark of American Indepen-
dence. "a bte k#f
Sd. Americans mast rule A0aerica, and to this
end atiye-born citizens should be selected for all
State Federal, and municipal Offices orgovernrnent
employment, in preference 10 all Others: never
theless,
4th. Persons born Of American parents residing
temporarily abroad, should be entitled TO Ill the
rights Of patiye-born citizens; but
+ 5th, No person should be selected for political
station, whether of native or foreign birth, who
recognises any allegiance or obligation Of any de-
scrpon to any foreign prince, potentate or power,
or who refuses 10 recognise the Federal and State
constitutions each within Its sphere) as paramount
20 all other laws, as rules of political action.
6th The unqualified recognition and mainte-
nance Of the reserved rights Of the several States,
and the cultivation of hsunony and fraternal good
wil between the citizens of the several States and
questions appertaining solely to the individual
States, and nonintervention by each State with
the affairs OF any other State. a
7th The recognition Of the right of the native
born and naturalzed citizens of the United States
permanently residing in any Territory thereof to
fame 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 tho privilege Of admission into the
CEion whenever they have The requisite popula-
ton for one Representative in Congress. Proyided
atscags, 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-
ton OF the constitution, or Ia the enactment of
laws for said Territory or State. #,
sth. An enforcement of the principle that no
State or Territory opgh to ad nt others than citi
oc 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,
ofall not hcrenbefore provided for Indispensable
requisite for citizenship hereafter and excluding all
paupeIa 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 oath5 for office.
llth Free and thorough investigation Into any
and all alleged abuses Of public flnctonaries, and
strict economy in public expenditures.
9th. The maintenance and enforcement OF all
laws constitu;ionay enacted until said laws shall
be repealed, or shall be declared null and void by
competent judicial authority
18th. Opposition 10 the reckless and unwise
policy of the present administration in the general
management of our national affairs, and more es.
pecially az shown in removing Americans (by
designaticn} and conservatives In principle, from
Office, and placing foreigners and ultrasts ia their
places; as shown in trucking subserviency to
the stronger, and an inselent and cowardly braya-
do towards the weaker powers; as shown in re-
opening sectional agitation, by the repeal Of the
Missouri Compromise; as shown in granting to I'M
nSturazed foreigners the right Of suffrage in Kan
sas and Nebraska; shown in its vacillatng course
on the Kansas and Nebraska question; as shown
in the cornptions which pervade some Of the de-
partments of the government; as shown in dis
gracipg meritorious naval officers through preiu-
dice or caprice; and as shown in the laundering
msmanagement of our foreign relations
l8th. Therefore, to remedy existing evils, and
prevent the disastrous consequences otherwise re-
sulting therefrom, we would build,up the "Ameri-
can party upon the principles hereinbefore stated
10Th. That each State Council shall have autho-
rity 10 amend their several constitutions, SO as to
abolish the several degrees, and institute pledge
OF honor, instead of other obligations for fellow.
ship and adni. sion into the party.
18th. A free and open discussion of all political
principles embraced in our platform.
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