The Empire County argus., 1856-04-05
National American Platform.

(Adopted at PAiadelpAia, February 22d, 1860
First.-An humble acknowledgment to the Supreme
Being who rules the universe, for his protecting
vouchsafed to fathers in their successful Revolutionary
struggle and hitherto manifested to their descendants
in the preservation of the liberties the independence and
the union of these States
Second-The perpeuation of the Federal Union the
palladium of our civil and religious liberties, and the only
sure bulwark of American Independence.
Third.Amercans must rule America, and to this end
native born citizens should be selected for all State Fede
raj and municipal Offices of government employment in
preference TO naturallzed citizens, necertheIeSs;
Fourth.-Persons born of American parents residing
temporarily abroad should be entitled to all the rights OF
native-born citizens; but
Fh.-No persons should be elected for political station
(wheher native of foreign brth) who recognizes any
allegiance or obligation OF any description to any foreign
prince, potentae, Power who refuses to recognize
the Federal and State Constitutions, each within its
sphere, paramount to all other laws rules OF poiti
cal action
SixthThe unquai led recognition and maintenance of
the reserved rights of the several States and the cutva-
ton of harmony and aterna goodwill between the citi-
of the several States and to this end noninteerence
by Congress with questions appertanng solely to the nd
vdua States and intervention by each State with the
affairs of any other State.
SevcnthThe recognition of the rghf the native born
and nauIalzed citizens OF the United States permanently
residing in any Territory thereof to frame their Consu-
ton and Laws, and to regulate their domestic and social
affairs in their NODES subject only to the provisions
OF the Federal Constitution with the right of admission
into the Union whenever they have the requisite popua
on for one Representative in Congress Provided always
that but those who citizens of the United States
q
fixed residence in any such Territory ought to participate
in the formation of the Constitution in the enactment
of laws for said Territory State.
Eighth.-An enforcement of the principle that State
Territory admit others than native-bon citizens
the right of suffrage, or of holding political office unless
such persons shall have been naurazed according to the
laws OF the United States
Ninth-A change in the laws of naturalization, making
continued residence of wentyone years. of all not here
toore provided for indispensable requisite for citizen
ship hereafter and excluding all paupers and persons
convicted of crime from landing upon shores but
interference with the vested rights of foreigners.
Tenth.-Opposition to any union between Church and
State interference with religious faith or worship and
no test oaths for office except those indicated in the 9th
section of this platform.
Eeventh.-Free and thorough investigation into any
and all alleged abuses of public funconares, and strict
economy in public expenditures.
Twefh-The maintenance and enforcement of all laws
until said laws sha be repealed shall be declared null
and void by competent judicial authority.
Thlrteenth-Opposton to the reckless and unwse pol
ICY OF the present Administration in the general manage
ment OF our national affairs and more especially shown
IN removing Americans (by designation and conserva-
tlves In principle from Office and placing foreigners and
urasts in their places shown in trucking subser-
Vehcy 10 the stronger and an nsolent and cowardly
bavado towards the weaker powers shown in reopen
ing sectional agitation by the repeal of the Missouri Com
promise; as shown in granting to unnaturazed foreign
er he right or suffrage in Kansas and Nebraska shown
IN It's vascilating the Kansas and Nebraska
questions as shown in the removal of Judge Bronson from
the Coectorshp of New York upon false and untenabe
grounds as shown In the corruptons which pervade
OF the Departments of the Government shown in dis
gracng merorious naval officers through prejudice or
caprice and as shown in the bunderng msnanagement
OF our foreign relations.
Fourteenth Therefore, to remedy existing evils and
prevent the disastrous consequences otherwise resulting
hererom we would build up the "Amercan party" upon
the principles herenbeore stated eschewng all sectional
questions, and uniting upon those purely national and
admitting into said party all American citizens (referred
TO In the 3D. 4h and 9TH sectons who openly the
principles and opinions heretofore expressed and who will
subscribe their names to this platform. Provided,
theless that majority of those members present at any
meeting OF local council where applicant applies for
membership in the American party may, for any
by the deemed sufficient deny admission to such applicant
fhteenth.-A free and open discussion of all political
principles embraced in our platform.