Daily American organ., 1856-05-09
Platform of the American Party, adopted
at the session OF the National Council,
Eebruary 2lst. 1874

Il
February 2ist, 1856.
lst. An humble acknowledgment 10 the SUI
preme Being, for His protecting care vouchsafed
TO our fathers in their successful Revolutionary
struggle, and hitherto manifested to u.s. their de-
scendants 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 sure bulwark of American Indepen-
dence. ert f
Sd. Americans must rnie america and to this
end, natiyeborn citizens should be selected for all
State, Federal, and municipal offices or government
employment in preference to all others: never
theess,
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, (Yhethcr Of native or foreign. birth, who
recognises any allegiance or obligation of any de-
scrpton to any foreign prince, potentate or power,
or who refuses to recognise the Federal and State
constitutions leach within its sphere) as paramount
to all other laws as rules of political action.
9th. The unqualified recognition and mainte-
nance OF the reserved rights of the several States,
and the cultivation of harmony and fraternal good
WILL between the citizens of the several States and
to this end, non-interference by Congress with
questions appertaining solely to the individual
the affairs of any other State.
9TH. 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 constitution and laws, and to regulate
their domestic and social affairs in their own mode
subject only to the provisions of the Federal Con
stitution, with the privilege of admission into the
Union whenever they have the requisite popula-
ton for one Representative in Congress-. Provided
MIN hat t.tth he
the United States under the constitution and laws
thereof and who have a fixed residence in any
such Territory, ought to participate in the forma-
ton 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 ough TO admit Others than citi-
zens OF 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 herenbeore provided for an 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; no 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 functionaries, and
strict economy In public expenditures.
18th. The maintenance and enforcement of all
laws consttutionaly 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 the present administration in the general
management of our national affairs, and more es-
pecialy as shown in removing Americans " (by
dcsignaton) and conservatives in principle, from
office, and placing foreigners and ultraists in their
places; as shown in trucking subseryiency TO
the stronger, and an insolent and cowardy 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 vaciliating course
on the Kansas and Nebraska question; as shown
in the coruptons which peryade some of the de-
partments Of the government; as shown in dis
gracing meritorious naval officers through prcju.
dice or caprice; and as shown in the laundering
mismanagement of our foreign relations.
l4th. Therefore, to remedy existing evils, and
prevent the disastrous consequences otherwise re-
sulting therefrom, we would build up the /" Ameri-
can party" upon the principles hereinbefore stated
10Th. That each State Council shall have autho-
rity amend their several constitutions, so as to
abolish the several degrees, and institute pledge
of honor, instead Of other obligations for fellow
ship and adni sion into the party.
10th. free and open discussion Of all political
principles embraced in our platform.