Rutland herald. [volume] (Rutland, Vt.) 1823-1847, 1843-03-21
POWER OF ROMANISM IN THE UNI
TED STATES

There is a class OF Christians and newspapers-
very good ones, too, N many respcc,s-who treat
all approximations of danger TO our country and
her institutions for the spread OF Romanism, rs en-.
tlrely visionary. They are so firmly persuaded
that Americans can never regard the solemn fol.
lies OF salnt-worship, the mass dissolution, &c,
otherwise than ridiculous tina, they are ready to
smile at the simplicity Of those who look on the
growing influence o. Papacyas an object of dread
Others, on the contrary, quite panic struck in
view ofthe open nvowal and bold defence Of some
of the worst features of Popcry among us
Our own view o. this subject is, perhaps, equal
~ remote from both these extremes While we
would not indulge alarm we believe there is rea-
son for walchfunoss What the efforts of Roman
Catholics have accomplished in modifying the
public schools of New York and Philadelphia our
readers already know. They know also tha, the
entering wedge Of Popish influence will be in
serted in every seam and crevce in the foundation
Of that great Prolestan, Republican edifce, which
our Puritan ancestors reared at such vast expense
OF toll and suffering The success Of these efforts
will be limited only by want of ability in those
who make them 1t waybe well, then, to inquire,
what is the relative ability Of Romanism in the
! United States?
The Catholic population Of this country is est.
mated at nearly 100000, and is therefore, about
one twelfth Of the numerical strength of our ma
! ton.
Unfortunately the remaining portion is, and
probably will continue to be, divided into two
great parties; and these parties are so nearly bal.
| anced, that RomanIsm decide any question il
chooses How this may be done, will appear
from the following facts
The population Of the United States was in
| ls4O about 100000 In the Presidential cleo.
ton OF tina, year the whole number Of votes cas-,
was 2, 402506-i e more than every seventh in.
hablant was an actual voter. the ratio be ex-
tended TO the Catholic population, it assigns 10
them 100000 votes. What a tremendous power
! II It be put forth, TO decide the balanced elections
OF our country The political enthusiasm which
animated the successful party IN the election re.
ierrcd TO, great beyond all precedent md the
majority was the largest ever known in our poni.
cal history; and yet it was only about 80 900
II will be seen, then, by comparing this $50 900
majority with the 100000 votes which Catholics
can cast, that Rome may hold the balance of pow.
er on any great national question, and still have
! 10000 votes TO sparel
And we may no, fatler ourselves that any i'm.
poriant movement takes place here, without ,s
! hearings beng well considered IN the Vantcan
! LIT an emergency arse, ~ which his Holmes at
! Rome shall think 1t worth his while 10 interfere
aud swift as Geographic spatch, an unseen sig
| nal will be made across the ocean, and repeated
over our land, and all factions and subdivisions
among Romanisis in America will be- merged snd
! the whole mass under their spiritual leaders, will
come up 10 the polls IN solid phaan1 The
! great yYcbiehiiIs-whosc trade is poltics-
who live and move and have their being for Oh.
Iects Of selfish ambton--will no, be slow to per.
! coiye and to concilalc this Papal influence For
the sake Of rs vote mass" they will give it
not at once but lmle by lule-lhe stand points il
demands and when gains these, then il will
throw of the mask hold up It's proud front, and
ask no iavors
/ IL Is in this way that we fear Romanisn will
! grow into dangerous element in our republic
And the obvious defence Of our country Is no, IN
the nature Of the government, the present inlei.
/ gcnce ithe people, or the patriotism Of political
men--bu, IN the life and activity Of our Protestant
churches 10 the zeal Of our liehlbearing insiitu.
lions Of beneyolonce-rhe Bible, Tract, Sunday
/ School and Missionary Socidics in the prayers
Of the pious, and above all and through Of these.
/ IN the energy Of that Holy SPIRIT, who !, able TO
bring communities, as well individuals, 10 know
the truth as Il is IN Jesus Y Observer.