The native American. [volume] (Washington City [i.e. Washington, D.C.]) 1837-1840, 1840-10-10
ON THE NECESSITY OF CALLING CON
SEVERAL STATES, FOR THE PURPOSE
OF RECOMMENDING TO CONG RESS
THE REPEAL OF OUR LAW OF MA
EQUALIZATION


OF RECOMMENDING TO CONGRESS
THE REPEAL OF OUR LAW OF MA
EQUALIZATION
Every thing announces the necessity of a
calling Of conventions in the several States,
on the subject Of the repeal of our Law Of
Naturalization. The past, the present, and
the future demand it. II we desire to govern
ourselves-if we wish to preserve our free and
excellent institutions-if we wish to see wise,
honest and patriotic men in the different De-
partments of our Governmental we aspire
to establish, what every people do, National
character-if, in word, we entertain pro-
per respect for ourselves, we must, to achieve
these objects, and to manifest these feelings,
depend upon the talent, virtue and patriotism
Of our native population. That, by pursuing
this course we can preserve these, there is
much ground to hope; whereas, by pursuing
contrary one, there is every thing to fear.
This, at least, is our opinion and it is from
the firm and unwavering conviction Of its
truth, that we shall continue to present this
subject to our native fellow-citizens, in the
hope that, alarmed at our situation, they will
rouse from their lethargy, and, in one united
effort, endeavor to avert the calamities with
which we are threatened. Our Naturalization
Law, we repeat, must be repealed. The past,
the present, and the future, demand it. Is
there Native American, who even doubts
our capacity Of governing ourselves! We
trust, there is not one. Is there Native
American, who is willing that we-,oe the
descendants of those who achieved our liber-
ties and planned our consti.uton-shall be
ruled by Foreigners =! Such an American
if there be one-must be base and degenerate.
He is unworthy Of the liberty he enjoys, and
fit for servtude; he should wear, not the
badge of a freeman, but the yoke of des-
pot. Our Naturalization Law must then be
repealed. The past, the present, and the
future, demand it. Every month, for years
past, has added immensely to our Foreign
population, and every addition to this popu-
lation is pregnant with destruction to our
Union. These Foreigners-most Of whom
are the refuse of Europe-men without prin-
ciple and without character-men without
knowledge Of our Government, and our laws,
nevertheless, under the present state of things
with residence Of five years only, to become
citizens, with all the rights-save one-which
the Native American possesses. And thus
these Foreigners-this batch of corruption,
are to be invested with the right Of suffrage
the highest, the most important prerogative
of freeman. and, may be, and will be, a
controlling body in jurisdictions. Is doubt
entertained of the probability, nay certainty,
of such state of things! We have but to
give to this subject the slightest reflection,
and we shall be convinced of its reality. Eu-
rope--the supposition is not unreasonable
disgorges annually from her poor houses, her
houses of correction, and her penitentiaries
fifty thousand Of her subjects and these
men, the vast majority Of whom are unfit to
live at large in any country-turbuent, rest
less, and lawless-rowdies at home and row.
dies abroad, are, we repeat it, and we cannot
two often do so-to stand upon equal ground
with the Native American, and equally with
him to exercise the elective franchise. Is this
a state Of things, which we, as Native Amer
leans wish to see is this state OF things
which is calculated to give strength to our
Union, and preserve our institutions! Is this
a state of things which will impart to US
high national character, and cause ourselves
to be respected abroad! Rather, is it not one
of the basest degradation Is it not one
which must always produce that high degree
of evaporation, which does not unfrequently
terminate in civil war To avert calamity