Daily American organ. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1856, 1856-07-28
Platform Of the American Party, adopted
at the session OF the National C0uncii,
February 2lst, 1855. --II ~ -T -

at the session or the National Council.
February 2lst, 1855. r .t aFI .
lst- An humble acknowledgment 70 the Su-
preme Being, for His protecting care vouchsafed
70 our fathers In their successful Revolutionary
struggle, and hitherto manifested to u.s. their de-
scendants, 10 the preservation OF the liberties, the
Independence, and the union Of these States.
I'd. The perpetuation Of the Federal Union, as
the palladium Of our civil and religious liberties,
and the only sure bulwarh Of American Indepen.
dence. 81
Sd. Am1icans must rule America, and to this
end native born citizens should be selected for all
State, Federal, and municipal offices orgovernment
employment, In preference TO all others: never
theless, - g,ssasT k a3tH l
4th. Persons born Of American parents residing
temporarily abroad, should be entitled 70 Ill the
rights VI native-born citizens; but
l 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 az 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 fratertal good
will between the citizens of the several States and
to this end, non-interfercnce by Congress with
questions apPertaining solely TO the individual
States, and non-interyention by each State with
the affairs Of any other State. ,sa h
7th. The recognition Of the right Of the native
born and naturaxed 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 popua-
tien for one Representative in Congress. Provided
al,0ays, that none but those who are citizens oi
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 cf
laws tor said Territory or State. $3.50
9Th An enforcement of the principle that no
State or Territory ough TO admit others than citi-
zens Q. 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,
fall 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
vestsd 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 functionsres and
a strict economy in public expenditures
18th. The maintenance and enforcement of oil
laws constitutionaly 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 es.
pecially ss shown In removing americans (by
designation) and conservatives in principle, from
office, and placing foreigners and ntraiss in their
places; as shown in trucking subserviency 10
the stronger, and an insslent and eowardly brava-
do towards the weaker powers; as shown in re.
opening sectional agitation, by the repeal Of tho
Missouri Compromise; ss shown in granting to M.
naturazed foreigners the right Of suffrage In Kan
sas and Nebraska as shown in its vacllating course
on the Kansas and Nebraska question az shown
in the corrup.ions which pervsde some Of the de-
psrtmsnts Of the government; as shown in dir
gracing meritorious naval officers through preu
dice or caprice land as shown in the laundering
mismmagement of our foreign relations.
l4th. Therefore, to remedy existing evils, anil
prevent the disastrous consequences otherwise re.
sulting therefron, We would build up the "Ameri
can party" upon the principles hereinbeore stated
10Th. That each State Council shall have autha
rity 10 amend their several constitutions 90 as to
abolish the several degrees and institute pledge
Of honor, instead of other obligations for fellow
ship and adTi sion into the party
10th. A free and open discussion of all political
principles embraced la our platform