American union. [volume] (Morgantown, Va. [W. Va.]) 1855-1859, 1856-03-29
AMERICAN PLATFORM.


1st. An humble acknowledgement to the
Supreme Being who rules the universe, for
his protecting care vouchsaled to our lathers
IN their successful Revolutionary struggle,
und hitherto manifested TO us, their descend
ante, in the preservation OF the liberties, the
Independence, and the union of these States.
2d. The perpetuation Of the Federal Union
rs tho 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, natiue born citizens should be Sc
lec.ed for all State, Federal, and municipal
Offices or government employment, in pref
erence TO naturalized citizens nercriheless,
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 DO selected for pc.
ltical stations (whethcr Of native or foreign
brth,) who recognizes any allegiance or OBJ
legation of any description to any foreign
prince, poten,ate or power, or who refuses
10 recognize the Federal and State consti,u-
tions (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 the 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-
n,,,,,, Il ~ ,,,ls
non-in,ervenlion 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
TO the provisions Of the Federal Constitution,
with the right Of admission into the Union
whenever they have the requisite popula.
ton for one Representative in Congress-
Provided. altcays, that none but those who
are citizens Of the United States, under the
constitution and laws thereof and who have
II fixed residence in any such Territory,
ought 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
na.ive-bom 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 chapue in la ys If
ton, making continued residence of TWEEN
ty.one years, Of all not heretofore provided
for, an indispensable requisite for citizen.
ship hereafter, and excluding all paupers and
persons convicted Of crime, from landing
upon onr shores but no interference with
the vested rights of Foreigners.
10th. Opposition to any union between
Church and State no interference with re.
ligious faith, or worship, and no test oaths
for Office, except those indicated in the 9Th
section of this platform.
18th. Free and thorough investigation in.
TO any and all alleged abuses of public func-
tionaries, and a strict economy in public ex-
peDditures.
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 desgno lion) and conserya-
tlvcs in principle, from Office, and placing
foreigners and utrosts in their places as
shown in a trucking subservency to the
stronger, and an insolent and cowardTy bra.
yado towards the weaker powers; az shown
in Te-opeuing sectional agitation, by the re.
pea! Of The Missouri Compromise as shown
i'll granting TO unnaturalizcd foreigners the
right to suffrage in Kansas and Nebraska
as shown in its yascilIatng course on the
Kansas aud Nebraska question az shown
in The removal Of Judge Bronson from the
CoIIpc,orship Of New York upon Sc and
unenable grounds; as shown in the corrup.
tons which pervade some Of the depart.
ments OF the government as shown in dis
grazing meriiUrious naval officers through
prejudice or caprice and as shown in the
laundering Encouragement OF our foreign
relations.
l4lh. Therefore, 10 remedy existing evils,
ond prevent the disastrous consequences
otherwise resulting therelrom, we would
build up the "hmerican party" upon the
principles hereinbe(ore stated, eschew ing all
sectional questions, and uniting upon those
purely natioaal, and admitting into said
party all American citizens, (reIerred 10 i'm
The 3D., 9TH, and 5th sections,) who openly a.
vow the principles and opinions heretofore
expressed, aud who will subscribe their
names 10 this platform, Provided, never
theess, that a majority of those members
present at any meeting Of q local council
where on applicant applies for membership
in the American party may, for any reason