Daily American organ., 1856-08-18
Platform OF the American Party, adopted
at the session OF the National CouiciI,
February 2fst. 1856. stg ~

III.
February 2fst, 1856. ,
lst. An humble acknowledgment TO the Su-
premc Being for His protecting care vouchsafed
10 our fathers In their successful Revolutionary
struggle, and hitherto manifested TO us, 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 bulyark of American Indepen-
dence. aT #I
Sd. AmersodaS mast rule ADiericd and to this
end, 1dtiVeborn citizens should be selected for all
State, Federal, and municipal Offices orgovernment
employment, in preference to all others: never
theless,
4th. Persons born Of American parents residing
temporarily abroad, should be entitled to all the
rights of natiye-born citizens; but
9th. No person should be selected for political
station, (whether of native or foreign birth who
recognises any allegiance or obligation of any de-
scription TO any foreign prince, potentate or power
or who refuses to recognise the Federal and State
constitutions leach within its sphere) az 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 fruternal good
WILL between the citizens of the several States and,
to this end, non-intenerencc by Congress with
questions appertainiug solely to the individual
States and non-intcryention by each State with
the affairs Of any other State.
7th. Tho recognition of the right of the native
born and naturalzed 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-
stituton, with the privilege Of admission into the
Union whenever they have the requisite popula-
tcn for one Representative in Congress- Pr0Uided
ds'0ays, 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 forma-
tion OF the constitution, or in the enactment of
laws tor said Territory or State .@..a#
Sth An enforcement of the principle that no
State or Territory ough to admit others than cti-
zens o. the United States to the right of suffrage
OF of holding political office
eth A change in the laws of naturalization,
making continued residence of twenty-onc years,
ofall not hereinbefore provided for, 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
aud State; no interference with religious faith, or
worship, and no test oaths for Office.
18th. Free and thorough investigation into any
and all alleged abuses of public functionalies, and
strict economy in public expenditures.
l2In. Inc. maintenance ana enforcement OF all
laws consttutionally enacted, until said laws shall
be repealed or shall be declared null and void by
competent judicial authority. @a. :.
18th. Opposition, to the reckless and unwise
policy of the present administration in the general
management Of our national affairs and more es.
peciully as shown in removing americans (by
designation) and conservatives in principle, from
office, and placing foreigners and ultrasts in their
places; as shown in trucking subserviency to
the stronger, and an insoent and cowardly 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
sas and Nebraska; shown in its vacilating course
on the Kansas and Nebraska question; as shown
in the corruptions which pervade 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
msmanagement 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 lave autho-
rty to amend their several constitutions, so as to
abolish the several degrees. and institute pledge
of honor, instead of other obligations for fellow
ship and adini sion into the party.
10TH A free and open discussion of all political
principles embraced in cur platform.