Literary cadet and Rhode-Island statesman. [volume] (Providence, R.I.) 1827-1829, 1828-09-06

An at'cmp, has been made 10 create an i'm.
preston that Mr.. Adams is hostile to Catholics.
The following extract of letter from a Cath
Ole of high standing and unlmoea chabe char
acter in Washington City, will pu, this matter
straight:
Eairact Of ALTER from gentleman IN Wasbng,on City,
to hiS fr,eni IN His p'acr. fated .7H ruSt 5 iG!3
"MY DEAR SiR: was not much surprised
10 he r That it is asserted by many in your
neighborhOod, "that the Administration would
not give Catholics any appointment whatever"
for had for some time been apprised that con-
siderable pains had been taken through the
Country to excite the religious prejudices of the
members of the Catholic Church, against tho
Administration, and more particularly against
Mr.. Adams. You know that am not onlv a
member Of that Church, out that am partic-
ularly sensitive to the lcas, indication If dis
position or intention to prescribe il, or oppIess
its members. Having been educated in the
strictest observance Of its precep;s, hod to
is principles Of faitn, with the most rigid and
scrupnous adherence, and | trust, with the
blessing of God, that I would rather die than
abandon thcm Perhaps I owe much Of the
ardor Of my alta chment to my church, and
strong feelings Of jealousy at any appearance
10 tho warm Irish blood that, ( am proud TO
say. flows in my veins, and to The recole elton
Of the shameful system of persecution and op
preston under which nv ancestors have long
suffered, and my kindred do still suffer, in
another land. Be that, however as II may,
never could bs indifferent to the proscripfien of
the members of my church, or to the ridicu!e
of its principles by any man in authority. How
much more, then, would my indignation be ex-
cited and my Resentment reused were such pro-
script on and such insult 10 emanate from the
Chief Magistrate Of n country, which has IN
ved the oppressed Of all nations, to seek for
freedom and protection in her bosom' | have
said thus much, that you may give my testimo.
! ny in this matter its due weight nothing more
-nohing less.
| "The charge against Mr.. Adams, so far as
have been able TO Judge (and my situation for
/ Judging is pretty good) is absolutely false. Not
one title of evidence has ever appeared that
Mr.. Adams has made the religion al any applI
! cant for Office cause Of ohje ciion or Of favor.
The Chrf Clark of the Department Of State
| Daniel Brent, Esq who was appointed to
that situation by Mr.. Adams, is a Catholic OF
tho most exemplary devotion TO his church in
principle and practice. The late DR. Ironsde
| Ohio not priest, ms has been supposed by
some at dIstance) had been n member of and
held minor clerical orders in the Protestant E
| Church, but becoming Catholic, he lost the
I confidence Of those who had patronized his We.
ry classical Seminary in New York, which in
| duced him TO make an effort, by the establish
ment Of large and nmiabie family The ef
fort proved unsuccessful. and withopt ore m
fmentiai friend to urge his CLAIMS. he found in
Mr.. Adam, one ready and prompt to reward
his extraordinary merits, and give 10 his exren-
sive requirements and gne Ia 'enis an opportu
nifty of being used advani ia geously for bis coun.
! try and iamily-Mr A. appointed him 10 the
second post. in importance and salary, in his
department.
"Jobn Martin Baker, Esq. another respect
! able Catholic, formerly United States Consul
| in ono Of the Mediterranean Islands, then in
reduced circumstances, he also appointed to a
clerkship in the Department, of State. All
| these gentlemen were retained by Mr.. CLAY,
who has added TO the number by the appoint
ment Of Mr.. Vail, Of this city.
"In looking over the lisi Of civil appoint.
men's, foreign Consuls, SC. TO which may be
| added the late appointment Of Charles s.
Walsh, Esquire, 10 be Secretary of Legation
at Madrid, we find that full proportion ol
them have been taken from tho members OF
our other evidences Of liberalny have been,
and are constantly afforded by those dlsiin-
gui.hed gentlemen. You know that the mum.
Dor Of clergynen, Of all denominations, who
direct their steps TO this city. in pursuit oI
| pecuniary assistance towards the erection OF
churches, seminaries Of learning, &c. is yer,
| great or these, a full proportion have been
| Roman Catholics Scarcely one of them las
| failed to apply for aid to the President and
] Heads Of Departments, and I have rcver YET
heard that either Mr.. Adams or Mr. Clay has
cent one empty handed away when hi.
responsibility and authority for asking were
properly vovohs5 for, indesi. 'helr d,ta.;eus