The Empire County argus., 1856-11-08
National American Platform

(Adopted at Philadelphia, February 22d, 1869
first.-An humble acknowledgment to the Supreme
Being VINO rules the universe for his protecting
vouchsafed to fathers in their successful Revolutionary
struggle aud hitherto manifested u.s. their descendants
the preservation of the liberties the Independence and
the union of these States.
Second perpetuaon of the Federal Union, as the
palladium Of our civil and religious liberties, and the only
sure bulwark OF American independence.
Third.-Americans 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 naturaized citizens, neOertheless
Fourth, Persons born of American parents residing
temporarily abroad, should be entitled to all the rights of
nave-born citizens but
FfthNo persons should be elected for political station
twhether native or of foreign brth who recognizes any
allegiance obligation of any description to any foreign
prince poentate or Power or who refuses to recognize
the Federal and State Constitutions, each within its
sphere as paramount to all other laws rules of pot-
cal action.
Sixh.-The unqualified recognition and maintenance of
the reserved rights of the several States and the cutva-
ton of harmony and fraerna goodwill between the c
of the several States and to this end nonntererence
by Congress with questions appertanng solely the ind
vdua States and nonneryention by each State with the
affairs OF any other State.
SeventhThe recognition of the right of the native born
and naturazed citizens of the United States permanently
residing in any Territory thereof to frame their Cons-
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
ton for Representative in Congress. Provided always
that but those who citizens of the United States
under the Constitution and laws thereof and who have
fixed residence in such Territory ought to participate
in the formation of the CONSTITUTIONS the enactment
of laws for said Territory State.
Eighth.-An enforcement of the principle that State
Territory admit others than natvebom citizens to
the right of suffrage, or of holding political office unless
such persons shall have been nauaized according the
laws of the United States.
Ninth-A change in the laws of naturalization, making
continued residente of twenyone years. of all here
tofore provided for indispensable requisite for citizen
ship hereafter, aud 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 worship and
test oaths for Office except those indicated in the 9TH
Eleyenth-Free and thorough investigation into any
and all alleged abuses of public functonarie and strict
economy in public expenditures.
Twefth-The maintenance and enforcement of all laws
until said laws sha be repealed shall be declared null
Acknowledgements to the reckless and unwise pol
icy of the present Administration in the general manage
in removing "Americans by designation) and conserva
tives in principle from Office and placing foreigners and
uraists in their places shown in trucking subser-
vency to the stronger and an insoent and cowardly
bravado towards the weaker powers shown in reopen
ing sectional agitation by the repeal of the Missouri Com
promse shown in granting to unnauralized foreign
ers the right suffrage Kansas and Nebraska as shown
in its vasciating course the Kansas and Nebraska
question as shown in the removal of Judge Bronson from
the CoectOrshp of New York upon false and untenable
grounds shown in the corrupons which pervade some
Of the Departments of the Government shown in dis
grazing meritorous naval officers through prejudice or
caprice and as shown in the laundering misnanagement
of our foreign relations
FourteenthTherefore, to remedy existing evils and
prevent the disastrous consequences otherwise resulting
therefrom, we would build the american party upon
the principles herenbeore stated eschewing all sectional
questions and uniting upon those purely national and
admitting into said party all American citizens (reerred
to in the 3d. 4th and 9TH sectons) who openly avow the
principles and opinions heretofore expressed and who will
subscribe their names to this platform Provided never
theless that majority of those members present any
meeting of local council where applicant applies for
membership in the American party may, for any reason
by the deemed sufficient deny admission to such applicant
Feenth-A free and open discussion of all political
principles embraced in platform.