Washington telegraph., 1856-07-30
PLATFORM OF PRINCIPLES
OE THE
A M E RI @ A N p A r T Y
Adopted at the Session of the National
COuncil. Feb 21st 1856

Il l. Il Z Il {.
Adopted at the Session of the National
Council, Feb 21st, 1856.
1st. An humble acknowledgment to the
Supreme Being, for His protecting care
vouchsafed to our fathers In their successful
Revolutionary struggle, and hitherto mani
Tested to us, their descendants. in the pre-
servation Of the liberties, the independence,
and the Union of these States
2i. The perpetuation of the Federal
Union. as the palladium of our civil and
religious liberties, and the only sure bull
wark Of American Independence
3D. AMERICANS MUST RULE AMERICA.
and to this end, zaatiue- born citizens should
be selected for all State, Federal, and mu-
nicipal Offices, or Government employment,
in preference to all others: nevertheless,
4th. Persons born of American parents
residing temporarily abroad. should be enti-
tied to all the benefits of natiye-born citi-
zens: but
5th, No person should be selected for DO
litical station, whether of native or foreign
blrth) who recognizes any allegiance or OBJ
legation of any description to any foreign
prince. potentate. or power. or who refuses
to recognize the Federal and State Consti-
tutions Teach within its sphere) as para
mount to all other laws, as rules of political
action.
9th The unqualified recognition and
maintenance of the reserved rights of the
several States, and the cultivation of harrno-
ny and fraternal good viii, between the cit
liens of the several States, and to this end.
non-interference BY Congress with questions
appertainiEg solely to the individual States,
and non-intervention BY each State with the
affairs of any other State:
1th. The recognition of the right of the
native born and naturalized citizens of the
United States, permanently residing in any
Territory thereof. to frame their constitu-
ton and laws, and to regulate their domes-
tic and social affairs in their own mode. sub
ject only to the provisions of the Federal
Constitution, with the privilege OF admission
into the Union when they have the requi-
site population for one Representative in
Congress. Provided aL1oaYs. 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 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 ought to admit others
than citizens of the United States to the
right of suffrage. or of holding political of.
fee.
9Th. A change in the laws of naturaliza-
ton, making continued residence of twen-
ty-one years, of all not hereinbefore provi-
ded for, ali indispensable requisite for citi-
zenshlp hereafter, and excluding all pau
pers. and persons convicted of crime, from
landing upon our shores; but no interfer-
ence with the vested rights of foreigners.
IOth- Opposition to any union between
Church and State; no interference with re-
iIglous faith or worship, and no tests
for office. except those indicated in the 5th
section of this platform.
Ilth- Free and thorough investigation
into any and all alleged abuse of public
functIonarles. and strict economy in pub
lie expenditures.
18th. The maintenance and enforcement
of all laws constitutionally enacted. until
said laws shall be repealed, or shall be De- |
clared null and void by competent judicial
authority.
18th. Opposition to the reckless and un-
wise policy of the present administration in
the general management of our national af.
fairs, and more especially as shown in re-
moving Americans (by designation) and
in principle. from Office, and
placing foreigners and ultraists in their pla
ees as shown in a trucking subserviency
to the stronger, and an insolent and coward |
ly bravado towards the weaker powers: as
shown in re-opening sectional agitation, by
the repeal of the Missouri Compromise; as
shown in granting to unnaturalized foreign
ers the right of suffrage in Kansas and Ne |
oraska /: as shown in its vacillating course |
on the Kansas and Nebraska question as
shown in the corruptions which pervade
some of the departments of the government;
as shown in disgracing meritorious naval |
omcers through prejudice or caprice: and
as shown in the blundering mismanagement
of our foreign relations.
I4th Therefore. to remedy existing evils.
and prevent the disastrous consequences
otnerWlse resulting therefrom, we would
Oulid up the American party upon the
principles hereinbefOre stated
10th. That each State Council shall have
authority to amend their several constitn-
lions, so as to abolish the several degrees
and institute pledge of honor. instead Of
'ther obligations for fellowship and admis
sien into the party.
10th A free and open discussion of all
political principles embraced in our plat
I