Daily American organ. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1856, 1856-10-08
Platform Of the American Party, adopted
at the session OF the National Council,
February 2Ist, 1855.

at the session OF the National Council.
February 2Ist, 1856.
LIST. An humble acknowledgment 10 the Su-
preme Being, for His protecting care youchsafed
10 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. americans must rrsls Aperica and 10 this
end ativeborn citizens should be selected for all
State, Federal, and municipal Offices orgovernment
employment in preference TO all others: never
theless, gf Hu m sd3
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, (whcthcr 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 It's sphere) as paramount
TO all other laws, as rules of political action.
9Th. The unqualified recognition and mainte-
Of the reserved rights Of the several States,
and the cultivation of harmony and frsternsl 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 non-ntervention by each State with
the affairs of any other State. altN
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 mode,
subject only to the provisions of the Federal Con-
stitution, with the privilege of admission iRto the
Union whenever they have the requisite popula-
ton for one Representative In Congress-. Provided
Gtsays, 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-
tion OF the constitution, in the enactment Of
laws for said Territory or State.
9Th. An enforcement of the principle that no
State or Territory oughs to admit Others than cti-
o. 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 herenbefore provided for, 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 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 functionares and
strict economy In public expenditures.
18th. The maintenance and enforcement of all
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 present administration in the general
management of our national affairs, and more es-
peciully as shown in removing Americans (by
designation) and conservatives in principle, from
Office, and placing foreigners and utraists In their
places; as shown In a trucking subserviency to
the stronger, and an inselent 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
and Nebraska shown in its vacillating course
on the Kansas and Nebraska question AS shown
in the corruptons which pervade some of the de-
partments of the government; as shown in dis
gracing meritorious naval officers through preu-
dice or caprice and as shown in the blunderng
mismanagement of our foreign relations
18th Therefore, to remedy existing evils, and
prevent the disastrous consequences otherwise re-
sulting therefrom, we would build up the Ameri-
party" upon the principles hereinbefore stated
18TH That each State Council shall have autho
rity to amend their several constitutions 30 as to
abolish the several degrees and institute plsdge
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.