Richmond palladium. [volume] (Richmond, IA [i.e. Ind.]) 1839-1854, 1844-11-22

that all "a rites, however they might differ upon
secondary matters, should unite for the preserva-
ton Of what was Of far higher and greater ne
cessity than any mere party consideration.
We arc, Of course. willing and DESTROYS that
America should open an inviting asylum to the
oppressed of all the nations Of the earth. We
are willing and desirous that all on tho Globe,
who are honest and industrious, and would come
to for the purpose Of bettcring their condition
and enjoying tho blessings of free and popular
Government, should be made welcome. But it
IS not unreasonable that these foreigenrs, before
they take part in regulating government, of
which all of its people the soveregns, shonld
have resided here long enough to have some ac-
quaintance with lnws, our social and civil
institutions, that they should have become Ameri-
cans in principle, in interest and in feeling, Us
we'll as in the fact Of having placed their domics
amongst us. As to foreigners already natura.
LIKED, their rights secured, and let them enjoy
them. But let us have such provision shared, by
those who unused to liberty, do not under
stand it, and have never learned the duties of re-
sponsible freemen.
Mr.. w. urged the necessity of an amendment
of the naturalization law, in order to prevent tho
gross frauds which have occurred at elections
Ii notorious that immense number of natur-
alzation paperes obtained by PERJURY. and
many foreigners have been made citizens and vo-
tcrs by the SAME SET OF PAPERS. Masters OF vcs-
scls who have brought over foreign paupers to this
| seen the same persons sworn in as citizens and
giving their votes, without knowing, in tho slight
| est degree, tho questions at issue, or even the
names Of this candidates, thus counteracting and
and overwhelming tho will Of legal voters
This question is, whether this is ian evil, grie-
vous to be borne," or whether it is griovous
evil and not to be borne.
Mr.. w. said that if the general election went a.
gainst US, he had not doubt that it owing to
false votes and false voters in Southern cities If
Pennsylvania is carried by five or six thousand
votes for Polk, who does not feel that two thou
sand wero given by illegally naturalizod foreign
ers in Philadelphia! New York, with popula-
ton Of 800 900 cast q vote of 60 OOo-one out of
every five of the inhabitants. Is it not palpable
that many of tho votes must have boon false! If
lose the election from this cause, we ought to
60 to the source Of popular power and purify it.
am well aware, gentlemen, that these sentl-
ments may be misreprescntod, and probably will
DO. in order to excite pre- udicc in tho minds OF
foreign residents.-Shoud such misrepresonta-
tons be made attempted, must trust my
friends TO correct it, and expose It.-For tho sem
timents themselves, am ready TO take, myself,
the responsibility. And will only add. that
what have suggested is just important
to the rights of foreigners, regularly and fairly
naturaliZed among u.s. as It IS to the rights OF ma
| tive born American citizens. (The whole assem-
bly, hero united in giving twcnty'sx tremendous
cheers.)
! The present condition Of tho country impera-
lively demands this change. Tho interest, the
real welfare of all parties, the honor Of the nation
all require that subordinate and different party
questions should be made to yield to this great end
And man who estce,ns the prosperity and in
terest Of his country, Of moro importance than
Il heetng party triumph. will, hesitate to
give in his adherence to these principles. Nine
cheers.)
Gentlcmon, thera is not solitary doubt that,
if the elections have gone against US, it has boon
through false and fraudulent votes. Pennsylvania
if, they say she has given SIX thousand for our
adversarios has dono 80 through the bosest fraud.
Is it not so!-And look at New York. In the
city there were thrown sixty thousand votes, ono
/ vote TO every five inhabitants. You know that.
fairly and honestly, there can be such thing
OH earth. (Cheers.) And the great remedy is
for us to go directly the Of true popular
power, and to purify the elections. (Twenty-six
cheers.)
Follow citizens, profess to DO a lover human
liberty-sspecially 10 be devoted to the grand ex.
| ample Of freedom set forth by the republic under
| which wo live. But profess my heart, my repu-
| tations my pride of character 10 be American.
| mine cheers.)
Mr.. w. then alluded to the diplomatic cores
pondence concerning the treaty with Texas, re-
commanding the admission of Texas into the u
nion upon the ground that it was necessary in or
der to maintain the institution of slavery in tho
United States. 1t was impossible for any Amer
lean, who loved his country, to read tho comments
of European writer's and speakers on this subject.
without deop shame and modification. He show
ed the absurdity the inconsistency of this liberty
loving and Christian people, insisting that slavery
is indispensable in this free land. But this ques-
ton of the annexation Of Texas cannot be dec-
decd o-day tomorrow. If we cannot avert
the threatened evil by the election of our Presi-
dent, let us exert what restraint can by SEN
ding the proper men to Congress. who will do all
they can to prevent the scheme from going for
ward. For myself. said Mr.. W.. did not in
tend to take any very active part in the present
canvass, but from the time that the annexation of
Texas was proposed, | resolved to lay aside all
personal considerations, and devote my time,
thoughts, and voice, to avert this dangerous and
degrading project.