American union. [volume] (Morgantown, Va. [W. Va.]) 1855-1859, 1856-07-05
AMERICAN PLATFORM

III '"eir successful Revolutionary struggle,
and hitherto manifested to us, their descend.
ants, in the preservation OF the liberties, The
independence, and the union Of these States.
2d. The perpetuation Of the Federal Union
rs the palladium of our civil and religious
liberties, and the only sure bulwark of Amer
lean independence.
81. AMERICANS MUST RULE AMERICA, and
20 this end, natire-born citizens should be SO.
lecied for all State, Federal and municipal
offices OF government employment, in pref
crence TO naturalizcd citizens. nevertheless,
A;h. Persons born Of American parents
residing temporarily abroad, should be emit
lied to all the rights OF native. born citizens
but
9th. No person should be selected for po-
Utica! stations whether Of native or foreign
elrth,) who recognizes any allegiance or OBJ
legation Of any description 10 any foreign
prince, potenta,e or power, or who refuses
10 recognize the Federal and State constiiu.
lions (each within lis sphercl as paramount
TO all other laws, as rules of political action
9th. The unqualified recognition and main-
tenancc of the reserved rights Of the several
States and the cultivation Of harmony and
ffaternal good will, between the citizens of
The several States, and to..this end, non inter
ference by Congress with questions appcr-
tanning solely to the individual States, and
intervention b. each State with the af
fairs of any other State.
18th. The recognition OF the rish, Of the
nd tus al -,
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
10 the provisions Of the Federal Constitutions
with the right Of admission into the Union
whenever they have the requisite popula.
1ion for one Representative in Congress-
Provided, alIrays, that none but those who
are citizens Of the United States, under The
constitution and laws thereof, and who have
a fixed residence i'll any such Territory,
ought to participate in the formation Of the
constitution, or in the enactment OF laws
for said Territory or State.
SIh. 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 na,uralized accord
ing TO the laws OF the United States.
9th. A change in the laws Of naturaliza
tion, making continued residence Of TWEEN.
ty-one years, OF all not heretofore provided
for, an Indispensable requisite for citizen.
ship hereafter, and excluding all paVpers and
persons convicted Of crime, from landing
upon our shores but no interference with
tho vested rights OF foreigners.
10Th Opposition to any uniUn between
Church and State no interference with re-
liSious faith, or worship and no test 90 tbs
for Office, except those indicated in the 9th
section Of this platform.
nth. Free AMI thorough investigation in.
10 any and all alleged abuses of public func.
'lonarics, and strict economy IN public ex-
pendituros.
12.h. The maintenance and enforcement,
OF all laws until said laws shall be repealed,
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 as shown ia removing
"Americans" lby designo ton) aud conserva.
,lses in principle, from office, and placing
foreigners and ultralss in their places as
shown in trucking subserviency TO the
stronger, and an insolent and cowardTy bra.
vado towards the weaker powers as shown
IN re.opeUing sectional agitation, by the re-
peal Of The Missouri Compromise as shown
IN granting TO unnaturalized foreigners the
right to suffrage ia Kansas and Nebraska
as shown in its vasciIa,ing course on the
Kansas aud Nebraska question as shown
III The removal OF Judge Bronson from the
CoIieclorship Of New York upon false and
nntenabie grounds; as shown in the corrup-
tons which pervade some Of the depart.
ments Of the government as shown in dig
grazing mehiorious naval officers through
prejudice or caprice and as shown in he
Numbering Encouragement OF our foreg1
relations.
llth. Therefore, 10 remedy existing evils
and prevent the disastrous consequences
Otherwise resulting therefr0m, We would
build up The American party" upon the
principles hereinbefore stated esclswipp nil
sectional questions, and uniting upon those
purely national, and admitting into said
party all American citizens. (toierred 10 in
The 81, 9TH, aud 9Th scctons,) who openly a. !
vow The principles and opinions heretofore
expressed, ard who viii subscribe their
names 20 This platform, Provided. never |
thr'css, that majority Of those mem bcfs
present ut any meeting Of n local council |
where OF applicant applies fcr mem hership !
iB tho American iatty may fof sno to,s,, !
BY them aDcmej sufficient. d, ~ admission
70 such applicant.
l5rh A free and open discussion Of all
politicsI pt0cip,s embraced III oar platform