The pilot and transcript. [volume] (Baltimore, Md.) 1840-1841, 1840-11-05

such things be in the green tree, what viii it be
in the dry'
To the ministers of our holy religion would |
say: DO YOU not see in this, that fearful blow |
has been stricken at your rights and privileges?
Do you not see that the rights of conscience, the
liberty of speech, and the existence of the Pro-
testant Church is involved in the issue? Do
you not see in it the proof that your great enc
mr. has already made fea full advances, and that
the overthrow of this press will demonstrate to
the satisfaction of European despots, their ability
TO destroy our Institutions; that it vii givc new
zeal and activity to the cNertions of the enemy,
while it PARALLELS, if it does not entirely pre-
vent, resistance?
To the people Of the South l would say
Pause, for moment; pause, in your false secu
rity. Look out upon the fearful elements that
are combining for your destruction. r ad the
history of the prosecuted Jews of Spain, and
think for moment what would be your condi-
ton if the same men and the same spirit that
guarded the Inquisition there, were installed in
power here. Neither age, nor sex, nor station,
| nor Innocence, could Irotect the toealthy vic
| tins. To be rich invited denunciation--to be
| accused was sure to bling Condemnation, be-
cause condemnation was followed by confisca-
| ton. Think what Will be your condition in the
midst of a revolution, instigated by the Holy
Alliance, and accomplished by the Pope's Ia
quisitor.
To the North would say: Look on this pro-
ceeding. Think not that is is a measure to pass
| away with the excitement of the Presidential
election. The resolutions of the Central Com
mittee, and the proceedings in this case, will
constitute an important item in the reports to
Prince Metternich, from his agents in this coun-
| try. 1t will be held as conclusive proof of the
influence which they have already obtained, and
will excite them to renewed exertions for the
| accomplishment of their ultimate purpose. 1t
presents an important question for your consi-
| deration. VIII you fold your arms unmindful
Of the causes which led your pilgrim fathers to
dwell in the wilderness?
To the foreigners who have been welcomed
| to our shores, who have been admitted to the
| right of naturalization, and become identified
with US, as American citizens, as well as those,
who are now in the country and awaiting their
term DEPRECIATION, we would say; that the right
| to become an American citizen is a boon. That
it has been heretofore granted, because, in the
condition in which we were placed, the PEG
pie of the United States deemed it expedent
to invite the prosecuted of all countries, to seek
an asylum among us, and because we have
heretofore considered that those who would
leave their native home and cross the Atlantic,
were imbued with love of liberty, and of cur
free Institutions But this regulation was an
act of kindness. H. was a gratuity on the
part of the people of the United States, to
be given or withheld by them, at their plea
sure. have been charged with wishing to
deny to you the right Of citizenship. l have
made no such proposition; but while would
| give to those now in the country all the bene-
fits of existing laws, | would appeal to you to
say whether the abuses, which have been prac-
tised in the ignorant exercise of the elective
| franchise, do not admonish us, that the time is
come when we should modify our laws, giving
| to foreigners, hereafter coming to the country,
the right of voting. The time once was when
| to say 81 am Roman citizen was protec-
ton against oppression. What advantage is it
| now to have been born a citizen of these Uni
ted States' The hired soIdiery, who plundered
our property, and made war upon our country,
are, after short probation, admitted to all the
rights of native born citizens. Is it not right,
| that in view Of our altered circumstances, the
increased facilities of throwing upon our shores,
the ignorant and pauper population of Europe,
we should protect ourselves against their pes
tiferous influence? And is ii right that you,
to whom so many privileges have been grant
| ed, should take offence because it is proposed
to put an end to abuses, which, all must see,
endanger the public liberty? Are you not con-
scious of the Increasing evil? Are you not in
terested, deeply interested in arIesting liz Do
you not in gratitude owe it TO those who have
adopted you into the America family, to exert
your influence TO do so; and is ii not an insult
to your understanding is it not disparaging
your patriotism, when demagogues appeal to
you and to your prejudices, as foreigners, 10 en-
list your influence against measure, so ne
cessary for the preservation of public liberty?
Do not give astronger evidence ofmy respect
for your opinions, and my confidence in your
patriotism, when call upon you to unite with
me in accomplishing this great reformation:
To the people of the United States, would
say, that this controversy is not of my seeking.
| II has fallen upon ne, in the independent dis
charge of public duty. 1t is painful and un-
pleasant. But believing that The present mo
ment, and the peculiar circumstances of the
case, are calculated 10 promote modification
of our existing naturalization laws, propose
to do all in my power, as an editor, tc accom-
plish that end Believing that a large majority
of the people of the United States concur
| with me in opinion and that tho r,,bi;c ,,,;Il