Nashville daily patriot. [volume] (Nashville, Tenn.) 1855-1857, 1856-08-22
PLkTFoRM OF THE AMERICAN PARTY,
Adopted at the Session Of the National Council
February q, 1855

humble acknowledgement tn the Supreme Being Tor
protecting vouchsafcd to fathers in their success
fu Revolutionary struggle and hitherto manifested 10 u.s.
their descendants preservation Of the liberties the
independence, and the union Of these States
% The perpetaion Of the Federal Union, the paa
dun Of civil and religious liberties and the only sure
bulBark Of American Independence.
81 Americans yiIe AHe,ea, and to this end, M
rborn citizens should selected for all State Federal and
municipal Offices government employment in preference
10 all others nevertheless
4 Persons born Of American parents residing tsmpOra
ry abroad should entitled to all the rights Of
citizens; but,
9Th No person should be selected for political station
(whether Of native foreign BIRTH recognises ale
glance or obligation any description any foreign prince
potentae or power refuses recognise the Federal
and State leach within its sphere paramount
10 all other laws, rules Of political action.
9Th The unqualified recognition and maintenance Of the
reserved rights the several States and the cultivation
harmony and atena good will citizens Of the
States this end nonnterence by Congress
questions appertainng solely the individual States
nonntervention by each State with the affairs d any
other State
7th The recognition the right Of the natvebo and
naturaized citizens United States permanently resd
ing any Territory thereof to frame their constitution and
laws regulate their domestic and social affairs In their
own mode subject only to the provisions Of the Federal
whenever they requisite population for Repre-
sentative in Congress Prooided Gndys that but
thoee who are citizens Of the United States under the
stuton thereof and who have hxed residence in
any Territory ought participate in the formation Of
The constitution, the enactment Of laws for said Terri
tory State.
s An enforcement Of the principle that State Ter
rtory ought to admit than citizens Of the United
States to right suffrage Of holding political Office
sth change in TIE naturalization, making
nued residence wentyone years Of all not herenbefore
provided for indispensable requisite for citizenship here
after excluding paupers and persons convicted
crime from landing upon shores but interference
with the vested rights Of foreigners.
10th Opposition any union between Church and State
with religious faith worship, and no test
Oaths for Office
l1h Free thorough investigation into any and al al
ledged abuses Of public functonaes, and strc economy
in public expenditures.
18TH The maintenance and enforcement Of all laws con-
stituonaly enacted until said laws shall be repealed or
shall be declared null and void by competent judicial an
thority.
18th Opposition to the reckless and unwise policy Of the
present adnnistrton in the general management Of
national affairs and especially shown in removing
"Amercans by designation and conservatives in princ
pe from Office aud placing foreigners and their
places trucking ubseryiency to the stronger
and noent and cowardy bravado towards the weaker
repeal Of souri Comproise shown in granting 10
unnaturazed foreigners the right Of suffrage in Kansas and
Nebrs s shown m It's yascating course on the Kansas
and Nebraska question: shown in the corruptons which
pervade some OF the departments Of the Government;
shown in dsgacing ertorous naval officers through pre-
Judce caprice; and shown In the bundering msnan
agement Of foreign reations. raH
14th Therefore, remedy existing evils, and prevent the
disastrous consequences otherwise resulting herefOm
would build up the American Party" upon the principles
hereinbefore stated.
18TH That each State Council shall have authority %
their several constitutions abolish the several
degress and pledge of honor, instead OF other
obligations for fell wshp and admission into the party
10th free and opea discussion Of all political principles
embraced Ia platform.