The native American., 1838-01-20
THE EFFECTS OF FOREIGN INFLUENCE ON
OUR INSTITUTIONS.

This is subject to which we would attract the
constant attention of the public till some measures
are taken to prevent the evils we now enduring,
and the greater ones we will be obliged to endure
if the mass of foreign immigration and influence
be not speedily checked. 1t is one, too, which
our people, in the morbid sleep Of an unnatural
apathy, almost totally neglect Americans are
fond Of praising the purity Of their institutions,
and, in the jubilant feelings attendant upon the
success of great republican experiment, feel san
guine enough to believe that is founded upon the
rock of ages. Fatally may we be undeceived,
and, ere we wake from our reasonable slumber,
we may be forced to endure the weight of the
falling ruins of that temple which we SO love in
our hearts, but which we SO unnaturally neglect
to defend.
Solon, the Athenian sage, was invited by Cres-
sus King Of Lydia, to visit him at his court.
After having displayed all the evidences of his
unbounded wealth, Cressus asked if there could
live happier man than Cressus, to which the
wise Athenian replied, Il cannot answer you until
I see your death.'' Americans are like Cressus;
they ask if there can exist better and irmer go
vernment than their own, and the spirit of pro-
phecy will answer like the sage, the future only
can determine. Let not the parallel be carried
any farther, and in the after history Of Cressus let
Americans take note that prosperity brings with
it it's own foe, and that the proudest structure will
eventually fall if not guarded and supported.
The dangers that threaten us are many, and
important if not immediate. 1t is the object Of
this article point out few, and to suggest such
measures as in our humble opinion are best calcu-
lated to defeat them.
First the form of our government is hostile to
the existence of all Others 1t has its basis in the
people, in contradstinction to those where autho-
riy is hereditary, and not subject to the will Of
the people. The danger arising from our form Of
government is found in the jealousy Of kings and
emperors, and in that solicitude for the perma-
nency of their own thrones which requires the de-
struction of all that is inmcable to it. We know
Of no better security against any attempts to sub
vert our institutions, than to increase within our
our breast the patriotic love of country, and to be
on the watch continually against every infringe
ment upon the direct line of republican principles
This is virtue which Americans most want.
Secondly, we are in danger from the increase Of
foreign population within our own borders. This
danger is more imminent than the first, for whilst
that is without it can be the easier repulsed; but
this is within, secretly undermining our defences,
and preparing to strike the blow of an enemy
while bearing the insignia of friend. Year after
year hordes Of the ignorant of all nations are hur-
ried to our shores, swelling the mass Of foreign
population, till it has not only become tax upon
our energies, burden to our state. but DANCE
rous opponent to our Liberties. TO defend our
selves, immigration should be cut off root and
branch, and the people should call upon the rulers
to repeal our present laws Of naturalization.
There is no delusion in this. Every new conner
to this country is an enemy to our institutions.
Reared to the yoke, custom has made it neces-
sary, and he will be ready at all times to join the
disafected in the works Of treason and destruction
Boston american.