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terference with religions faith or worship, and no test oaths for office
except those indicated in the 5th section of this platform.

11th. Free and thorough investigation into any and all alleged
abuses of public functionaries, and a strict economy in public expendi-
tures.

12th. The maintenance and enforcement of all laws until said laws
shall be repealed, or shall be declared null and void by competent ju-
dicial authority.

13th. Opposition to the reckless and unwise policy of the present
administration in the general management of our national affairs, and
more especially as shown in removing "Americans" (by designation)
and conservatives in principle from office, and placing foreigners and
ultraists in their places; as shown in a truckling subserviency 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 foreigners ,
who right to suffrage in Kansas and Nebraska; as shown in its vacil-
lating course on the Kansas and Nebraska question; as shown in the
removal of Judge Bronson from the Collectorship of New York upon
false and untenable grounds; as shown in the corruptions which per-
vade some of the departments of the government; as shown in dis-
gracing meritorious naval officers, through prejudice or caprice; and as
shown in the blundering mismanagement of our foreign relations.

14th. Therefore, to remedy existing evils and prevent the disastrous

consequences otherwise) resulting therefrom, wo would build up the

"American party" upon the principles hereinbefore stated, eschewing

all sectional questions and uniting upon those purely national, and ad-

mitting into said party all American citizens, (referred to in the 3d,
4th and 5th sections,) who openly avow the principles and opinions

heretofore expressed, and who will subscribe their names to this plat-
form. Provided, nevertheless, that a majority of those members pres-
ent 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.
15th. A free and open discussion of all political principles em-

braced in our platform.

Respectfully submitted.