The pilot and transcript. [volume] (Baltimore, Md.) 1840-1841, 1840-12-17
FOREIGNERS.

against the insidious wiles of foreign in
fuence, q conjure you TO believe me, fellow
citizens the jealousy of free people ought
to be constantly awake; since history and ex-
perience prove, that foreign Influence is one of
the most baneful foes of republican govern
ment. - Washngtons Fare,ceA Address.
81 hope that we may find some means in fu-
ture ofshielding ourselves from foreign infu-
enee, political, commercial, or in whatever form
II may be attempted. can scarcely withhold
myself from joining in the wish of SiIas Deane
that there were an ocean of fire between this
and the old world. "-JeferSon.
II surely will not be considered heretical, by
either politicsl party, for us 10 quote the opin-
ions Of Washington and Jefferson against the
intrusion of foreign influence into our social and
political affairs.
II is we'll known that the despotisms Of Eu-
rope have always looked upon this country
with jealousy and distrust, and that they con-
tinue to throw every obstacle in the war of en-
igratiOn. The restlessness of their subjects is
the best evidence they have exhibited of de-
sire for self-government. The happy example
of the Union of the States is looked upon a.
broad with an unfaVorable eye, because the
success of the experiment has overthrow all
the anti-repubhcan theories on the other side
of the Atlantic. 1t has established the fact be-
yond dispute, that the People themselves are
fully competent to manage their own affairs.
The issue of this experiment has been scru-
tinized with intense solicitude in Europe, and
there are some infatuated monarchists who YET
predict an utter overthrow Of the Republic. To
guard against this fatality, resulting from per-
nicious Influences from abroad, through the "a
gency of vast emigration, as well as through
other channels, the fathers of the confederacy
were led to utter the solemn admonitions at the
head of this article. They were designed for
the early days of the Republic, but they are
none the less important now, in the strength
and manhood of the co2ntry.
The United States profess to be the 'home of
the brave and the land ofthe free We conf
IDENTIFY trust that nothing will ever transpire,
which shall render this country less the refuge
of the prosecuted, and the "haven of resr' TO
the spirit of liberty. foall who choose TO come
and dwell among US, the rights of citi-
lzenship are gladly extended. Our country
is broad and wide and deep enough to afford a
shelter TO all, who seek an asylum from the
oppression and injustice of the old world In
dustry finds its reward, and social and political
rights are guaranteed 10 every adopted citizen.
Virtue and intelligence, if possessed by the
emigrant, meets with no cold, averted looks, or
a reception which chills his blood
Yet with Americans, "eternal vigilance is
the price of liberty Its exercise must never
be relaxed norits vision aveIted. The people
of tbis country are dependant upon self govern
ment and the rewards which industry and in
telligence now secure 10 them, for a continua-
ton of their happiness. Very naturally they
are distrustful of every influence which may dc
them harm. Justly are they vigilant in detect.
ing every thing from abroad, which may fix a
deleterious stain upon their political character
If they discover foreigners arrogant in their
demands and overreaching in their exactions,
while they collect in cians,and handy together,
for the purpose Of secular or sectarian influence,
such men must rot be surprised if native citi
Zens are indignant. If Americans discover
sources Of corrupting influence and combina-
tons which will impair the strength or purity
OF the Government, no one must be surprised
at the sound Of an alarm. Foreigners, instead
efirowning upon this vigilance and exhibiting
temper at any little jealousy they may detect
should commend this sleepless activity of the
people. IteYinces solieitude for their conn
try. and an iunceasing anxiety 10 preserve the
Union. s.G
The Americans are under solemn obligations
to sustain their institutions at all hazards.
Foreigners should understand all this. They
should not set up arrogant claims, or betray a
spirit Of ofiiciousness and dictation. Men who
have Just come among us, should learn to he
modest IN their demands, and not presume
TOO nuch upon the forbezrance of native citi-
zens. years OF residence here can alone Gre
ate ID. tnem all the feelings and sympathies OF
Americans. Until they can understand all this.
the less of obtrusiyeness and interference in
politics, and demands upon native citizens TO
yield 10 their prejudices and passions. in our
humble Judgment, the less Of which is exhibit
ed bV Nadopted citizens the he,ts-- gr,,,