The native American., 1839-12-14
THE EXERCISE OF THE ELECTIVE FRAN
CHlSE BY FOREIGNERS.

The EXERCISE OF THE ELECTIVE FRAN
CHlSE BY FOREIGNERS.
" hen, more than two years ago, this paper
was established by the Native American Associa-
ton, the immense evils which threatened the in
stitutions of the United States, were clearly dis
cernible, and it was foreseen that the existence of
our form Of government itself would be ieopar-
dized, unless IN eflectual cheek was speedily in
terposed, TO save it from the nrusions and en-
croachmens Of foreigners. We know that no
spirit of facon-no sinister political purpose
no selfish views Of personal promotion-no base
and ambitious spirit called that patriotic Asso-
citation into existence. They and we can proud
y assert that the preservation Of the Republic, in
its hitherto pure and exalted character, was the
only motive which prompted them ana us, to en-
counter the deluge Of obloquy which, it was clear
ly forseen, would be poured upon us through
every filthy and corrupt channel. With but com
paratively little encouragement from quarters, to
which we looked with confidence for aid to cheer
lis OH our way, we have rcsoutcly persevered.
From such quarters, we have received, for the
most part, but cold and chilling doubts Of the pol
icy Of pursuing our plan at this lime, or, almost,
our earnest appeals to the patriotism Of our coun-
trymen, have been :" damned with the lanest
praise" From Louisiana alone, have loud
calls been cheeringly responded to. There in
deed-in the remotest corner of this great confed-
eracy, the flame Of true patriotism burns bright
and gloriousy. The cause Of Whiggery and the
cause Of Democracy, falsely SO called, have been
scornfully trampled under foot, when either Of
them attempted to promote the cause Of party, by
smothering the sentiment of love Of country
So be it ever; SO be it everywhere.
Amidst every dscouragement we have kept
our great object steadily in view. Amidst every
Encouragement, we pledge ourselves to persevere.
until the sentiments and principles of our Associ-
alton shall ,pervade the whole land. We have,
time and again, predicted that the exercise Of the
elective franchise would endanger our institutions
and bring destruction on our liberties our pre-
dictions have been Knocked at and derided We
have warned our countrymen that the ballot-box
would cease to be the true exponent of the will of
the people, filled it was by the votes of stran-
gers and intruders; our warnings have been scott
ed at, by those who were the most deeply inter-
ested in preserving the purity of our popular
elections. Our predictions have become history
our worst forebodings are already realized. Look,
we entreat you, fellow-ctizens, look at the awful
state to which our country is now advanced
Contemplate the disgracelul scene which has been
for near two weeks enacted in the Hall of the
House of Representatives. Turn then to the
first and only cause Of an excitement, which is
now shaking the pillars Of our great political edi-
flee to their foundation. What is it that has thus
agitated the bosoms OF twelve millions Of freemen,
and created the most lively apprehensons for the
continuance Of this great and free and once glori-
Gus Confederacy Answer, all ye, who have
abused, and villifed, and scorned the doctrines
and efforts Of the Native American Association
Say, can you find any cause but that one cause Of
which we have so often warned you? No, you
cannot. The whole truth, and nothing but the
truth, lies in this short answer--THE BALLOT
BOX HAS BEEN DESIGNATED BY THE
INTRUSION OF THE VOTES OF FOR
EIGNERS. We repudiae every wish to favor
either of the claimants Of the contested seats in
the House of Representatives. With the party
question we will not medde. But the original
and vital question us and our cause, and,
most of all, it concerns the peace and welfare of
the country. Had foreigners been excluded from
the polls, as they ought to have been, no dispute
could have arisen. Had foreigners been exclud-
ed from the polls at Millville and South Amboy,
no pretext could have existed for the rejection Of
the returns Of the election from those towns !;
then, the majority Of voters, on whatsoever side
that majority might have appeared, would have
been returned to the Governor of New Jersey,
and he would and aaust have certified the t,ue
result. The departure from the only true and
plain principle, has produced q state Of things un-
parallelcd in this country-the popular branch
of government reduced to mere mob, without
rule order or organization, the functions of gov
ernment suspended, and the Union itself in i'm
mnent danger of dissolution
AT a4ine like this when every patriot heart is
beating with fear, dread and apprehension for the
consequences to result from this awful agitation,