Daily American organ. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1856, 1856-05-19
WASHINGTON. D. G. MONDAY AFTERNOON. MAY 49, 1856
Platform Of the American Party, adopted
at the session or the National Council,
February 2lst. 1850. Ht

Platform Of the American Party, adopted
at the session or the National Council,
February 2lst, 1850.
lst Au humble acknowledgement to the Sn-
premo Being, for His projecting care vouchsafed
to our fathers in their successful Revolutionary
struggle, and hitherto manifested to us their de-
seendants in the preservation Of the liberties, the
independence, and the union Of these States.
I'D. The perpetuati0n of the Federal Union as
the palladium of our civil and religious liberties,
and the only sure bulwark Of American Indepen-
dence.
Sd. americans must rule America, and to this
end sative-bom citizens should be selected for all
State, Federal and municipal Offices or government
employment, in preference to all others: never
theless,
4th Persons born of American parents residing
temporarily abroad, should be entitled to all the
rights of natve-born citizens but
bth No person should be selected for political
station, (whether Of native or foreign BIRTH who
recognises any allegiance or obligation of any de-
scripton to any foreign prince, potentate 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 maintc-
nance of the reserved rights of the several States
and the cultivation Of harmony and fraterhal good
viii, between the citizens Of the several States and
to this end, non-interfercnce by Congress with
questions appertaining solely to the individual
States, and n0n-nteryentOn 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-
stituton, with the privilege of admission into the
Union whenever they have the requisite popula-
ton for one Representative in Congress. Provided
Glaoays, that none but those who are citizens Of
tho United States. undcr 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 the principle that no
State Territory ough to admit others than citi-
zcns 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
paupeis, 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 functionanes, and
a strict economy in public expenditures.
18th. The maintenance and enforcement of all
laws consttutionay enacted, until said laws shall
be repealed, or shall be declared null and void by
judicial authority.
18TH Opposition to the reckless and unwise
policy of the present administration in the general
of our national affairs, aud more es.
pecially as shown in removing Americans (by
and conservatives in principle, from
office, and placing foreigners and ultraists in their
places; as shown in trucking subserviency to
the stronger, and an nselent 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-
foreigners the right of suffrage INF Kan
sas and Nebraska; as shown in its vacilatng 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 preiu.
dice or caprice and as shown in the laundering
of our foreign relations
l4th. 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 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 admission into the party.
10th. A free and open discussion Of all political
principles embraced in our platform.