Southport telegraph. [volume] (Southport, W.T. [i.e. Kenosha, Wis.]) 1840-1850, 1844-09-17

dispense with technicalities, where substan-
tal acquisitions had been fulfilled. and to
tighten the pecuniary cost of the necessary
forms and documents.
Under this system the nation has contin-
ued to advance in prosperity with steady and
unrivalled speed, for upwards of 40 wears
Notwithstanding the sharp trials of foreign
warfare and domestic discomfort. in which
the patriotism of the naturaized citizens has
suffered no dIsparagement from contrast with
their native brethren. We are now called
on to abandon it, and to adopt one still more
exclusive than that which characterized an
era so generally odious, that no party will
submit to bear its distinctive appellation,
however congenial with its avowed policy.
By what solid reasons are We urged to
that result!
p Is difference of idiom deemed sufficient
ground for cxclusione This, with most of
those to whom it is applicable, would oper-
ate as perpetual barrier; for the myriads
Of Germans who are crowding in on Us,
adhere 10 their vernacular often from gen
Grafton 10 generation. They settle in the
same rural districts; they congregate in the
same vicinage Of our cities; they have their
German schools and newspapers; they re-
ceive religious instruction, and speak TO God
in The language of ''Fader-land." 1t is OBJ
vious that, for angiicising them, twenty -one
years will do as title ms five; aud the same
answer holds good to the argument from ig-
norance Of books.-With the young and
teachable, restraints on naturalization are
unnecessary; but it is notorious that those
who are once immersed in the cares and re-
sponsibiities of matured life, whose apprc-
hensive faculties are no longer "wax to re-
ceive, and marble TO RETAIN" apply them
selves most rarely TO the acquisition of ru-
dimentary learning.
A more plausible objection to the natu-
ralizaton OF aliens, is sought in their ale
ged inexperence in self-government. But
complained of, understo in its strict sense,
is by no means as great in our immigrants
genetalyas in our native youths, who pass
without question as yeti from the control
of parents and guardians, to the freest en-
loyment of the elective franchise; whereas
the adult foreigner must spend at least five
years of personal independence before he
can attain 10 it; and the alien infant must
be at least as praciised in self-rue as the
native, and often more so, before he is per-
mi,ted TO vote. But, there Is much confu-
sion of ideas about this term Of self-govern-
men,. In all the ordinary concerns Of life,
the subject of the despot is as shrewdly
skilled as the freeman, sometimes mere so,
from greater necessity for forecast and
evasion of tyranny. He selects his occu-
pations. contracts domestic or trading alli-
ances; and though he NAV not control the
general legislation, or participate in the APP
pointment Of magistracy, he watches both
as keenIy. and the sense of oppression and
injury is us active at his heart, as though
its free expression were permitted to his
tongue. For all The legitimate objects Of
government. therefore-the enforcement
of justice between individuals, and between
the body polite and foreign communities
the alien is. upon an average, quite as COM
petent to form a correct judgment as the
native; and needs no longer preparation for
lis authorltive expression than may suffice
10 teach him practically the provisions of
the organic law, and the general course
and principles OF opposing parties. If no
man ought to vote bu, experienced states
men and profound constitutional lawyers,
our whole political expe riment mus, be con-
ceded a failure; and we should % back to
regal absolutsm, or the more tyrannical rot
ton borough.
If have given more space 70 this prcli-
minary criticism than the opposing argu-
men, might seem TO merit. it was because
was unwilling to leave cavil unanswer-
ed, while proceed to state the considera-
tons | deem conclusive of this invid;ous
controversy.
America cannot, if she would, exclude
the surplus population of Europe from her
soil. 1t was called up, rs it were, by Pro-
whence from the bosom of the deep, to
receive the rescued from that bloody deluge
which long has wasted the ancient seats Of
civilization. AS we'll nigh, politicians at
tempt TO chain the winds, as they rush with
ever-increasing violence towards vacuum,
as TO arres, the immigration Of foreigners
Though few would desire to shut them
out altogether, the interest Of the many
would open the door. We need their
brawny strength TO heave up the walls Of
our ci,ies-to clear the forest-to level the
mountain with the valley. need not ex-
plate on this point. 1t is common ground
between the "na,ives" and ,heil eppo-
nents. In the month OF June last, there
were $4,000 arrivals in the port Of New
York alone; an increase Of some 4 or 5000
over those OF the corresponding month last
year. Commerce aided by the genius Of
Fulton has more than abridged the Allan
tic. In the course Of twenty years there
will he some millions OF foreigners among
US who are vet 10 arrive.
The question to be solved, then, is
whether We are. as heretofore, TO welcome
these strangers 10 our shores, take them
kindly by the hand. associate them with
the community in which they are 10 live.
and merge their old attachments. as rapidly
as we can, in new ones, or bid them stand
aside, and remain for ever u separate and
deg AIDED caste. This is the practical and
true issue no sophstry can gloss i. over
A probationary residence of II years will
be absolute exclusion.
For the same Jealousy which would de-
Inv ,ba;r ,do,,iop ,youtd if IN nawer on