Daily American organ., 1856-04-17
WASHINGTON D. G. THURSDAY AFTERNOON APRIL Il. 1856
| Platform Of the American Party, adopted
at the session OF the National Council,
L Eohruarv Ia5G. Fl

y
February 2lst, 1856. $500 t3 atE.|
ist An humble acknowledgment to the SUI
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. 1
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. 5.s.a.sss -. ~ ,ss ~ f3
3D. ADaericans must rule Anerica, and to this
end natiye-born citizens should be selected for all
State, Federal and municipal Offices orgovernment
employment in preference to all others never
theless, ts t .F3t.afslss5 gElss, ....F
4th Persons born of American parents residing
temporarily abroad, should be entitled to all the
rights of natve-born citizens but ,s,f
9Th. No person should be selected for political
station, whether of native or foreign birth,) who
recognises any allegiance or obligation of any de-
scrption 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 appertaining 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 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-
stituton with the privilege of admission into the
| Union whenever they have the requisite popnla-
| ton for one Representatives. in Congress Provided
alsOays, 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, in the enactment of
laws for said Territory or State. tts.s
9Th. An enforcement of the principle that no
State Territory ought 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 herenbefore provided 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.
| 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 functoharies, and
| strict economy in public expenditures.
18th. The maintenance and enforcement of all
laws constitutonally enacted until said laws shall
be repealed, or shall be declared null and void by
competent judicial authority. ,eaa
18th. Opposition to the reckless and unwise
policy of the present administration in the general
management of our national affairs, and more es5
pecialy as shown in removing Americans (by
desgnation) and conservatives in principle, from
Office and placing foreigners and ultraists in their
places as shown in trucking subserviency to
the stronger, and an insolent 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-
naturalized foreigners the right of suffrage in Kan
sas and Nebraska as 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 laundering
mismanagement Of our foreign relations.
| I4th. Therefore, to remedy existing evils, and
prevent the disastrous consequences otherwise re-
| suting therefrom, we would build up the Amer-
can party upon the principles hereinbefore stated
10th. That each State Council shall have ,autho-
rty 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 admis sion into the party. uy'
10th. A free and open discussion of all political
principles embraced in our platform. qs