The native American., 1837-08-19

the deliberate Judgment of American Legislature,
composed almost entirely of Native citizens, the in
herors it is hoped, only Of the wisdom and spirit
but of the pure and ardent love of country which dis
tlnguished the llustrious patriots and sages, whose
vaor achieved the liberes and whose wisdom estab-
lished the government under which we live
But sir, said Mr. S. my individual opinions shall not
be so urged as to endanger the harmony of this asso-
citation and shall cheerfully yield otis maturcd udg
ment, and bow with submission to the final decision of
Congress, upon this momentous subject In any COLI
sion, were collision probabe which may arise between
the members of this association and others, 60, sir
have always gone, with my countrymen, through
good report and through evil report, will stand by
this association, SO long its objects are as patriotic,
and its means as unexceptionable as they appear
to be- Rather than endanger the security Of institu-
tons, to which owe much, and by which the fu-
tuIe happiness Of my offspring are, have fondly
hoped, TO be secured, will consent that not another
foreigner shall be permitted to Gloss the press
his foot upon SOIL
Standing, do many others here, but single gene
ration removed from natives Of other countries and on
that account subject to some reproach, from some
who have strangely misconceved our Objects and
misrepresented our purposes and designs, may be
permitted, said Mr.. Sweeny,on this first opportunity
which has occurred, to trespass for few moments
the time of the association.
!, sir, am the son of foreigners such, my sym
pathies have been, and still are strongly enlisted
in behalf of that portion Of them, who dwell in the
land which my fathers land and still suffer as
my father suffered under oppressive system of laws
enacted by foreign and unfeeng rulers. For their
msfortunes, have felt, and do still feel the most sin
cere compassion, and man has prayed more ferven
| ly for their deverance But sir, this is my native
land; my allegiance and my duty are wholly due
to the country Of my birth. No other interests can
stand in competition with hers. Here centre all
the recollections of my childhood; here are fixed all
my chances Of happiness, and all my hopes for my
posterty My inequalities for the stranger but
my and my affections for my own household.
In the reflection that this free country had been made
by the generosity of our Legislatures an asylum for
the oppressed Of all nations no one has felt more
qualification than have, no one has been more anx-
ious that it should continue SUCH so long as for
egners would be content with the shelter afforded and
the hospitality extended to them. So long as they
would be content TO pursue their respective avocaons
and conduct themselves in meek and peaceful submis
sion to the laws which shelter and protect them, so
I long will they find disposed to receive and well
come them But when we see large portion of them
indecenty and eagerly pressing forward to possess
themselves of our high places rudey and presumpons
ly ntruding into political divisions; and premature
ly approprating themselves the right to impose leg
isators and rulers the American people, it is time
sir to interpose efectual check for the future
1 is time to enquire, whither and to what state Of
things such course is likely to lead
should be unjust, Mr. President, were not to nc
knowledge that there many honorable exceptions.
know that there many foreigners who have 'swon
golden opinions" by therpraiseworthy and excellent
department. Such men are, and always will be, well
come to society," for they creditabe both the
land of their birth and the land of their adoption.
may be allowed here to relate incident in the life
of foreigner 1rishman, whose memory is dear to
me, as evidence that some of adopted citizens
have just conception Of the relation in which they
ought to stand in this country.
In the year 1893, warmly contested election took
place in Baltimore for the Office Of Sheriff. One the
candidates ishman, and the great body of his
countymen entered with great zeal into his interests.
They appealed to the national paralties of those few
who seemed disposed to investigate the relative merits
and qualifications Of the candidates, and decide Justly
and fairly between hem The individual referred to-
was earnestly eXnOfLeQ 10 SLHUU Oy ms cOInJrynen.
With prornptitude and decision he replied in substance
that he had left his country because he could not
there provide for the wants of his family, in peace, qu
etness and comfort, without abandoning principles
which valuable to him than life. He came
here seek protection for his person and property and
the unesraned exercise of his religion and he had not
been disappointed. He had promised in return to sub
nit peaceably to the laws, enacted by Americans, and
20 obey the authorities chosen by Americans adminia-
ter them. Although then for near nine years h- |
gay entitled by naturalization, to the right Of suffrage
he said he had abstaned from it's exercise because
doubted the strict proprey Of any interference, by TO-
regnes in the elections othe county; content that his
children, all of whom were natives, should have a
natural right to all the privileges Of American citizens.
"You urge upon me-" said he, sa candidate, whose
chief merit to be, that he drew his first breath
and passed into manhood in foreign country. That
argument is not sufficient for me, and therefore, shall
endeavor to show my gratitude for the blessings
e. vchst LrxI