Daily American organ. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1856, 1856-06-04
Platform Of the American Party, adopted
at the session or the National Council,
February Dist. 1850. sE 7rET7'


at the session or the National Council,
February 21st, 1856. t4 7gElZ,
lst. An humble acknowledgment to the Su-
prcme 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
I'd. The perpetuaton of the Federal Union, as
the palladium Of our civil and religious liberties,
and the only sure bulwark of American Indepen-
dence. ~
Sd. Apscricans nsstst rale Ameyica and to this
end native-born citizens should be selected for all
State, Federal, and municipal Offices or rgovernment
employment in preference to all others: never
theless, Ae
4th Persons born Of American parents residing
temporarily abroad, should be entitled to all 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-
scrpton 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 R0n-intervcntion BY each State with
the affairs of any other State.
7th. The recognition Of the right of the native
born and naturazed 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-
tim for one Representative 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, or in the enactment of
laws for said Territory or State.
9th. An enforcement of tho principle that no
State or Territory ough; to admit others than cit
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.
ofall not 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.
llth. Free and thorough investigation into any
and all alleged abuses Of public functonaries and
strict economy in public expenditures.
18th. The maintenance and enforcement of all
laws constitutionaly enacted, until said laws shall
be repealed, shall be declared null and void by
competent judicial authority. 81
18TH Opposition to the reckless and unwise
policy of the present administration in the general
management of our national affairs, and more es-
pecidly as shown in removing Americans (by
designation) and conservatives in principle, from
office, and placing foreigners and utraists in their
places AZ shown in trucking subservicncy to
the stronger, and 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-
naturazed foreigners the right Of suffrage in.Kan-
sas and Nebraska; shown in tsyacillating 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
graeing meritorious naval officers through preju-
dice or caprice {; and as shown in the laundering
mismanagement of our foreign relations.
l4th. Therefore, to remedy existing evils, aud
prevent the disastrous consequences otherwise re-
sulting therefrom, we would build up the "Ameri-
can party" upon the principles herenbefore stated
10Th. That each State Council shall have autho-
rity 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 admiss into the party
18th. free and open discussion Of all political
principles embraced In our platform. o