American union. [volume] (Morgantown, Va. [W. Va.]) 1855-1859, 1856-08-02
AMERICAN PLATFORM.

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 perpe tuation Of the Federal Union
as the palladium of our civil and religious
liberties, and the only sure bulwark Of Amer.
lean Independence. . ... ...
Sd. AMERICANS MUST RULE AMERICA, and
to this end, native born citizens should be Sc.
lec,ed for all State, Federal, and municipal
Offices or government employment, in pref
erence to naturalized citizens neucriheless,
4th. Persons born of American parents
residing temporarily abroad, should be emit
tied to all The rights Of native. born citizens /;
but ... ....
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 fore ign
prince, poteu,a,e or power, or who refuses
to recognize the Federal and State consti,u.
lions (each within its sphere) as paramount:
to all other laws, as rules Of political action.
9th. The unqualified recognition and MAIN
tenance Of the reserved rights OF tho several
States, and the cultivation Of harmony and
fraternal 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.
18th. 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
10 the provisions of the Federal Constitution,
with the right Of admission into the Union
whenever they have the requisite popula-
lion for one Representative in Congress-
Provided. 0lrcGys, that none but those who
arc citizens of the United States, under the
constitution and laws thereof, and who have
fixed residence in any such Territory,
ouGh, 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 naturali2ed accord
ing to the laws of the United States.
OH. A change in the laws Of naturaliza.
ton, makinga continued residence of TWEEN
ty.one years, Of all not here tofore provided
for, an indispensable requisite for citizen.
ship hereafter, and excluding all paupers and
persons convicted Of crime. from landing
upon onr shores; bu, no interference with
the vested rights of foreigners.
10th. Opposition to any union between
Church and Stale no interference with re-
ligious faith, or worship, and no test oaths
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-
tioparies, and strict economy in public ex-
pendtures.
18Th. 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 in removing
Americans (by dcsignotion) and conserva-
tivcs in principle, from Office, and placing
foreigners and ultraIsts in their places as
shown in trucking subserviency to the
stronger, and an nsolent and cowardIy bra
vedo towards the weaker powers as shown
in re-opening sectional agitation, by the re-
peal Of the Missouri Compromise as shown
in granting to unnaturaIizcd foreigners the
right to suffrage in Kansas and Nebraska !;
as shown in It's vasciIating course on The
Kansas aud Nebraska question; as shown
in the removal Of Judge Bronson from the
Colec,orship Of New York upon false and
untenabe grounds; as shown in the corrup
tons which pervade some of the depart.
mcnts Of the government as shown in dis
grazing merilorous naval officers through
prejudice or caprice and as shown in he
laundering nismanagement Of our foreign
relations. -
l4th. Therefore, TO remedy existing evils
and prevent the disastrous consequences
Otherwise resulting thcrefrom. we would
build up the american party" upon the
principles hereinbelore stated, eschewip ing all
sectional questions, and uniting upon those
purely national, and admitting into said
party all American citizens, (reierred TO in
the 3D., 9TH, and 9th seclions,) who openly a.
vow the principles and opinions heretofore
expressed, and who will subscribe ihcir
names 10 this platform, Provided, never.
theless, that majority of those members
present at any meeting of a local council
where an applicant applies for membership
in the American party may, for any reason
by them deemed sufficient, deny admission
TO such applicant.
18Th A free and open discussion OF all
political principles embraced IN or plo torn
HEAP THE or n DA VRT0TS