American union. [volume] (Morgantown, Va. [W. Va.]) 1855-1859, 1856-04-19
AMERICAN PLATFORM. ]


Supreme Being who rules the universe, for
his protecting care vouchsafed to our fathers
In their successful Revolutionary struggle,
and hitherto manifested 10 us, their descend.
ants, in 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 sute bulwark ofAmer.
lean Independence.
Sd. AMERICANS MUST RULE AMERICA, and
to this end, Matte. born citizens should be Sc
lected for all State, Federal, and municipal
Offices or government employment, in pref.
erence to naturalized citizens nevertheless,
4th. Persons born of American parents
residing temporarily abroad, should be emit.
tied to all the rights Of native born citizens
but s
9th. No person should be selected for po-
litical stations whether Of native or foreign
birth,) who recognizes any allegiance or OBJ
legation of any description to any foreign
prince, potenta,e or power, or who refuses
to recognize the Federal aud State consti,u.
lions (each within its spherel as paramount
to all other laws; as rules of political action.
9th. The unqualified recognition and main.
tenance of the reserved rights Of the several
States, and The cultivation Of harmony and
iraternal good will, between the citizens of
the several States, and to--this end, non-inter-
ference by Congress with questions apper-
tanning solely TO the individual States, and
non-intervention by each State with the af-
fairs of any other State.
7ih. The recognition OF the right of the
native born and naturalized citizens OF the
United States, permanently residing in any
territory thereof, 10 frame their constitution
and laws, and to regulate their domestic and
social affairs in their own mode, subject only
10 the provisions Of the Federal Constitution,
with the RICH: of admission into the Union
whenever they have the requisite popula.
ton for one Representative in Congress-
Prosided, al'cays, that none but those who
are citizens of the United States, under the
constitution and laws thereof, and who have
a fixed residence in any such Territory,
ought to participate in the formation of the
constitution, or in the enactment of laws
for said Territory or State.
9Th. An enforcement of the principle that
no State or Territory can admit others than
native-born citizens to the right Of suffrage,
or OF holding political office, unless such
person shall have been naturalized accord.
ing TO the laws of the United States.
9th. A change in the laws Of naturaliza
ton, making continued residence of TWEEN
ty-one years, Of all not heretofore provided
for, an indispensable requisite for citizen
ship hereafter, and excluding all paupers and
persons convicted of crime. from landing
upon our shores; bu, no interference with
the vested rights Of foreigners.
10Th. Opposition to any union between
Church and Slate no interference with re.
ligious faith, or worship, and no test ooths
for Office, except those indicated in the 9th
section OF this platform. ...
nth. Free and thorough investigation in.
to any and all alleged abuses of public func.
tionaries, and a strict economy in public ex.
penditures.
18Th. The maintenance and enforcement,
| u,
or shall be declared null and void by compe
tent judicial authority.
| 18Th. Opposition to the reckless & unwise
policy Of the present administration in the
general management Of our national affairs
and more especially us shown in removing
Americans (by designation) and conserva.
lives in principle, from Office, and placing
foreigners and utrasts in their places; as
shown in trucking subserviency to the
stronger, and an insolcnt ard coward!y bra,
vado towards the weaker powers; as shown
in re-opening sectional agitation, by the re-
peal OF The Missouri Compromise as shown
IN granting 10 unnaturalizcd foreigners the
right to suffrage in Kansas and Nebraska
as shown in its vascillating course on the
Kansas aud Nebraska question as shown
in the removal Of Judge Bronson from the
Collectorship OF New York upon false and
un'enabie grounds; as shown in the corrup.
tons which pervads some Of the depart.
ments OF the government, as shown in dis.
grazing meritorious naval officers through
prejudice or caprice and as shown ia the
blundering Encouragement OF our foreigu
relations.
l4th' Therefore, TO remedy existing evils,
and prevent the disastrous consequences
otherwise resulting therefrom, we would
build up the American party" upon the
principles hereinbefore stated, eschewing all
sectional questions, and uniting upon those
purely national, and admitting into said
party all American Citizens, (reicrred 10 in
the Sd, 9TH, and 9th secions,) who openly a
vow The principles and opinions heretofore
expressed, and who will subscribe their
names 10 this platform, Provided, never.
theless, that majority of those members
present at any meeting Of local council
where on applicant applies fer mem bersbip