The western Democrat. [volume] (Charlotte, N.C.) 1852-1870, 1856-03-04

ers in their successful revolutionary strug-
gle, and hitherto manifested to us, their
descendants, in the preservation of the lib
critics, the independence, and the union of
these States.
2. The perpetuation of the federal Union
and Constitution as the palladium OF our
civil and religious liberties, and the only
sure bulwark of American Independence.
3. Americans must rule America. and to
this end native-born citizens should be Sc
lected for all State, federal and municipal
Offices or government employment, in pre-
ference to all others nevertheless,
d. Persons born of American parents re-
siding temporarily abroad should be enti-
tied to all the rights of native-born citizens;
but
5. No person should be selected for poll
teal station, whether of native or foreign
| birth,) who recognizes any allegiance or
| obligation of any description to any foreign
prince, potentate or power, or who refuses
| TO recognize the federal and State constitu-
| tons leach within its sphere) as para
| mount to all other laws. as rules of political
action.
6. The unqualified recognition and main
| tenance of the reserved rights of the sever
al 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 States
| and non intervention by each State with the
affairs of any other State.
| z. The recognition of the right of the ma
tive-b born and naturalized citizens of the l..
States, permanently residing in any Terri
| tory thereof, to frame their constitution and
laws, and to regulate their domestic and
| social affairs in their own mode, subject on
| " to the provisions of the federal eonstitu-
ton, with the privilege of admission into
! the Union whenever they have the requisite
| population for one representative in Con-
gress. Provided always, 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 Terrific
~, ought to participate in the formation of
the constitution, or in the enactment of laws
| for said Territory or State.
8. An enforcement of the principle that
no State or Territory ought to admit others
than of the United States to the right of
suffrage or of holding political office.
9. A change in the laws of naturalization,
making continued residence of twenty-one
years of all not heretofore provided for All
indispensable requisite for citizenship here
after, and excluding all paupers and persons
! convicted of crime from landing upon our
| shores; but no interference with the vested
rights of foreigners.
10. Opposition to any union between
Church and State; no interference with
religious faith or worship, and no test oaths
| for office.
IL. Free and thorough investigation into
any and all alleged abuses of public func-
tionaries, and strict economy in public
expenditures.
| II. 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.
49, Opposition to the reckless and unwise
policy of the present administration in the
general management of our national affairs,
and more especially as shorn in removing
"Americans' (by designation and conserva-
tives in principle) from office, and placing
nd i..f,- IN, hi
shown in a trucking suhserviency to the
stronger, and an insolent and cowardly
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 to suffrage in Kansas and
Nebraska; 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
officers, through prejudice or caprice; and
as shown in the laundering mismanagement
of our foreign relations.
IA. Therefore, to remedy existing evils,
and prevent the disastrous consequences
otherwise resulting therefrom, we would
build up the american party upon the
principles hereinbefore stated.
Is. That each State Council shall have
authority to annul their several constitu-
tons so as to abolish the several degrees,
and substitute pledge Of honor instead of
other obligations, for fellowship and admis-
sion into the party.
16. A free and open discussion of all
political principles embraced in our plat
form.
THE FREE-SoII CONTENTION.