The native American., 1837-08-10
TO THE NATIVE CITIZENS OF THE U. STATES.
HENRY J. BRENT.

L
In laying before the public the principles Of ssThe
Native American Association of the United States
as set forth in constitutions we deem it proper tc
assign the which have induced us to form this
Association and also few Of the arguments which
may be adduced in support Of those principles whi
it is our fixed purpose to disseminate and maintain with
all the moral power we possess.
The times are portentous. I" We live in PERIOD -
says Chancellor Kent, ofuncommon excitement The
spirit OF the age is restless, presumptuous and revou
tlonary The rapidly increasing appetite for wealth.
the lnordinate taste for luxury which it engenders-
the vehement spirit of specuation and the selfish emu
!aon which it creates the growing contempt for slow
and moderate gains; the ardent thirst pleasure and
amusement; the diminishing reverence for the wis
dom of the past the disregard for the lessons Of expo
rlence and the authority of the magistracy, are so
many bad symptoms of the diseased state of the public
mind" :
| We believe that this is owing principally to the
increase Of foreigners and foreign influence; the intro
ducton and growth Of foreign principles, customs, and
habits. All this is moving onward, like flood that
gathers additional power it goes; and in it, we
believe there is danger of our own customs and in
stintonsyea and of our independence itself, being
merged and lost. Let US look the danger in the face
and avert it while have the power. 1T were better
TO meet some dangers half way,'' Says Lord Bacon,
though they nothing near, than to keep too long
watch upon their approaches; for if man watch too
long, it is odds he will fall asleep q verify be-
eve' says Mr. Jefferson, in letter to John Taylor.
things would go well with us under an absolute
monarchy aohe present character remains IF order,
industry, and lore Of peace, and restrained as he would
he NJ tha Rat ~
1t remains such, should prouide against the consequent
ces Of its deterioration If it were necessary then
when tie character of the people was such as he des
crbes it, to provide against distan, evils how much
more important is it now when the character of the
people has suffered deterioration, and the danger is
near2 Again, the same author remarks, ssThe time
to guard against corruption and tyranny is before they
shall have gotten hold u.s. it is better to keep the
wolf out Of the fod than to trust to drawing his teeth
and talons after he has entered" ~
The leading principle Of our Association is TO effect
the repeal of our Naturalization laws We will never
cease our efforts until that great object shall be
|plished. Our Association is composed of men pro-
Tossing almost all political and religious creeds we
are linked together by one common tie-the love OF
liberty, and the desire to transmit unnpaired to pcs
terity, the sacred institutions which have descended
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''In union there is strength" But, in following out
this maxim follow, in self defence, their example,
whose banefa influence it is in part, our purpose to
couneract.
The influence of associations of foreigners over the
politics Of our country has taught this lesson that
if we would the growing evils of foreign emi
grafton, must meet them on their own ground, ant
fight them in their own way. We must know ou
r rlsfro nd irp "A
move together in action. The simultaneous efforts
hundred men raise weight which ten thousand
lifting singy cannot We therefore exhort, mos
earnestly, all native Americans every where, to form
without delay, similar associations; for 4" IN unio,
there Is strength" ~~
This Association is composed exclusively of natives
not that we suppose none Of our naturaized fellow
citizens are worthy to be united with u.s. on the con
trary, there are many whom we not only respect and
esteem for their virtues and love as friends and neigh
bors, but believe to be true and hearted friends
of Government; nevertheless the ardent tempera-
men of some and the ever-durng and natural predilec-
tons Of all for their countrymen and native land, would
render them perfectly heterogeneous and consequently
unfit, as component parts for such an Association.
1t has been the policy of all nations but ours
confer aliens political rights and immunities in so
niSn ueeree ds tney are elJoyeu ny HduVeS. hdN-
kind to be impressed with the belief that our
predictions so thoroughly interwoven with the
land of our BIRTH and with early associations, that
they never can be completely separately and conse-
quently, that nations highest favors ought not to be
conferred on those whose feelings and affections are
SO firmly linked with another people,
In Great Britain, naturalization only be per-
formed by act of Parliament; and, then, " he is
incapable" says Blackstone, sas well a denizen,
of being member of the Prvy Council, or Parlia-
men holding offices, grants, &c. No bill for naturaii-
cation can be received in either House Of Parliament
without such disabling clause in it,"
We are TOO apt to forget the value of the ines
Unable blessings of nature, SO long we enjoy them
without an effort paIt 1t cannot, then, be a
matter of surprise, that the nesmable blessings Of
equal rights should be afforded at rate-as all not
wilfully blind must see, that it is in this happy land
cheap to be appreciated by born and brought
up in foreign countries, and without the enjoyment Of
civil religious liberty.
In the investigation of this subject we naturally
la int III nd Gov