The native American., 1838-08-11

vi INSTRUMENTATION and resistance to the consti-
tuted authorities of our Government present con-
slderatlons which should not be disregarded
At the early period of our history we possessed
an extended public domain, entirely uncultiyated,
with numerous savage tribes skirting our from
TIER; with limited population, worn out by the
iaugues, deprivations, and sufferngs, endured in
long and sanguinary war: these considerations in
duced call for numbers from any and every quar-
ter. The policy of admitting foreigners to par
uclpate with us upon equality with our own
citizens III the benefits Of our institutions, was.
even at that day, and under such circumstances,
doubted by many who were no less distinguished
for their philanthropy than their patriotism: even
the distinguished author of the Declaration of
American Independence, that patriarch of repub-
llcansm and apostle of civil liberty, Thomas JEFF
terson, expressed strong reluctance to the rapid
increase of our population by the introduction of
foreign emigrants. In speaking of the reasons
ulged by the friends of the system, he says:-
"Here will beg leave TO propose doubt. The
present desire OF America is, TO produce rapid
population by as great importation OF foreigners
as possible: but is this founded in good policy?
The advantage proposed is the multiplication of
numbers. Now let us suppose 1or example only)
that in this State (Nlrginia) we could double our
numbers in one year, by the importation of for
eigners; (and this is greater accession than the
most sanguine advocate for EN- grafton has right
TO expect:) then, say, beginning with double
stock we shall attain any given degree of popu-
latlon only twenty-seven years and three months
sooner than if we proceed on our single stock.
But, are there no Inconvenience to be thrown in
to the scale against the advantage expected from
multiplication Of numbers by the importation of
foreigners! 1t is for the happiness of those united
in society to harmonZe as much as possible in
matters which they must of necessity transact to-
|gether. Civil government being the sole object
of forming societies, its administration must be
conducted by common consent. Every species
of government has its specific principles; ours,
perhaps, are more peculiar than those of any 9th
er in the universe. 1t is composition of the
purest principles of the English constitution, with
others, derived from natural right and natural rea-
son. To these nothing can be more opposed
than the maxims Of absolute monarchies; yet
from such we are to expect the greatest number of
emigrants. They will bring with them the prin-
ciples of the governments they have mbibed in
their early youth; or if able to throw them off, it
will be in exchange for all unbounded licentious-
ness, passing, as is usual, from one extreme to
another. 1t would be miracle were they to stop
precisely at the point of temperate liberty. These
principles, with their language, they will trans
nit to their children. In proportion to their
numbers they will share with us the legislation;
they will nfuse into it their spirit warp and bias
its direction, and render it heterogeneous, inco-
herent distracted mass. may appeal to erpe-
rience during the present contest for verifca-
ton Of these conecmres; but, if they be not GER
tain in event, are they not possible, are they not
probable? Is it not safer wait with patience the
twenty-seven years and three months longer for
the attainment of any degree of population desired
or expected? May not our Government be more
homogeneous, more peaceable, more d1rabe?''
These doubts were thrown out by Mr.. Jeffer-
son in 1881 and 1882, and are full of instruction
to the present generation; and many of the en-
barrassments which he then saw, as through
glass, dimly, have since become portion Of the
recorded history of our country 1t requires ,1oac
no prophetic vision to penetrate the veil which
has concealed forthcoming events; they have al
ready cast their shadows BEFORE and the evils pre-
dcted are now in daily fulflment. The practi-
cal operation of natural causes upon mankind, or
the benefits of experience upon theories of hu-
man invention, should notbe disregarded in a vain
effort to sustain the speculations of visionary the
orists In the affairs of civil government the adj
monitlons OF experience are rarely dsregarded
with impunity. Let him who is in pursuit of
permanent benefits regard the landmarks which
successful predecessor has created for his obser-
vation, and his labors will be not only diminish
ed, but the perils of the original enterprise avoi-
ded. .......
The republics of olden times were not less au-
spicious in their origin, nor had in prospect less
hope for the melioration of the condition of man.
kind, or to stimulate the patriot or the phian-
thropst, than that of America-and now, where
are they! And what, but an insidious foreign in
Auence, which sickly, time-serving sympathy
had indulged until it obtained the entire ascen-
dency, has produced their destruction And will
not our republic, upon which rests the last hone
of man for republican institutions, regard the bea
con-lghts which past experience has erected for
our safety! The idea that foreigners arriving in
the United States are, upon their arrival in our
country, entitled to all the rights of citizenship
is not well founded. How far they should be
permitted to enjoy the privileges of native citi-
zens is question of policy, and rests entirely
with the American peoples and that which. in
this country, with population of four millions.
having in view common object, would have been
discreet and proper; with mixed population of|
thirteen millions, with diversified objects, speak
ing different languages, with no common incen-
tive to sustain republican form of government