Raftsman's journal. [volume] (Clearfield, Pa.) 1854-1948, 1856-02-27
amERIcay HATIoyAL CoUNCII,.

mont. For two days reporters were refused
seats, but on the Goth they were admitted.
The Platform adopted in June last, was re-
scinded, and the following substituted
1st. An humble acknowledgment 20 the Su-
preme Being for His protecting care vouch-
safed to our fathers in their successful Revo-
lutionary struggle, and hitherto manifested to
US, their descendants, in the preservation of
the liberties, the independence and the union
of these States.
ID. The perpetuation of the Federal Union
and Constitution: the palladium of our civ
il and religious liberties, and the only sure
bulwark of American independence.
3D.. americans must rule .4merica, and to
this end, native born citizens should be selec-
ted for all State, Federal and Municipal offices
or government employment, in preference to
all others.
4th. Persons born of American parents resi-
ding temporarily abroad, should be entitled TO
all the rights of native born citizens.
5th. No person should be selected for poll
tical station (whether of native or foreign
birth) who recognises any allegiance or obli-
CATION, of any description, to any foreign
prince, potentate or power, who refuses TO
recognise the Federal ard State Constitutions
(each within its sphere) as paramount to all
other laws as rules of political action.
9th. The unqualified recognition and main
tenance Of the reserving rights of the several
States, ard the cultivation of harmony and
fratcrnal goodwill between the citizens of the
several States, and to this end, non-interfer-
solely to the individual States, and non-inter-
vention by each State with the affitirs of any
other State.
7th. The recognition of the right of the ma
tive born and the 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 Constitution,
with the privilege of admission into the Union
whenever they have the requisite population
for one Representative in Congress; Provided
always, That none but those who are citizens
of the United States, under the Constitution
and laws thereof, and who have fixed resi-
dence in any such Territory, ought to partici-
pdlc III Tue VI iIS SOIStlluilOu. Vi III
the enactment of laws for said Territory or
State.
Sth. An enforcement of the principle that
no State or Territory ought to admit others
than citizens Of the United States to the right
of suffrage, OF of holding political office.
9th. change in the laws of naturalization,
making continued residence of twenty-onc
e eli laI for in,
dispensable requisite for citizenship hero af-
ter, and excluding all paupers, and persons
convicted of crime, from landing 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.
l1th. Free aud thorough investigation into
any and all alledged abuses of public func-
tionaries, and strict economy in public ex-
penditures.
18th The maintenance and enforcement of
all laws consttutionally enacted, until said laws
shall be repealed or shall be declared null and
void by competent judicial authority.
18th. Opposition to the reckless and unwise
policy OF the present Administration in the
general management of our national affairs,
and more especially as shown in removing
'sAmericans'' (by designation) and conserva-
tives in principle, from office, and placing for
eigners and ultraists in their places; as shown
in a trucking subserviency to the stronger,
and insolent and cowardly bravado towards
the walker aS shown IN mi ~
sectional agitation, by the repeal of the Mis-
souri, Compromise; as shown in granting to
unnaturalized foreigners the right of suffrage
in Kansas and Nebraska; as shown in its va
cillating course on the Kansas and Nebraska
question; as shown in the corruptions which
peryade some of the departments of the GOV
ernment; as shown in disgracing meritorious
naval officers through prejudice or caprice :;
and as shown in the laundering mismanage-
ment of our foreign relations.
18th. Therefore, to remedy existing evils,
and prevent the disastrous consequences 9TH
erwise resulting therefrom, we would build ND
the "American party" upon the principles
hereinbefore stated.
10Th. That each State Council shall have
authority to amend their several Constitu
tions, so as to abolish the several degrees, and
institute pledge of honor, instead of other
obligations for fellowship and admission into
the party.
18th. A free and open discussion of all po-
litical principles embraced in our platform
--
President Pierce has done all in his power
to win the South to his standard, but the Co.
iumbia, 5. &C., Times, Democratic paper
whlch desires his nomination, thinks that the
Southern politicians will sacrifice him to snnna