American Republican and Baltimore daily clipper. [volume] (Baltimore, Md.) 1844-1846, 1845-01-07

which the following officers were appointed
J. P. Freret, President; Vice Presidents, Mar
tin Blache, LIST Municipality, Leonard Mat
thews, I'd do, VIM Deacon, Cd do, w. G c
Claiborne, I'd do, NJ. Barnet, sem, Sd do; H.
Forno and +. Haynes, Secretaries.
| The object of the meeting was stated By the
President, in a brief and forcible address, when
! MIR. A. Pile presented the following Prcam
bic and Resolutions:
! WHEREAS, The Naturalization laws of the
United States, by imposing a previous resi-
deoce, by proof Of good character, and by Other
wholesome and wise provisions, were intended
to provide check against foreigners becoming
citizens until they had had an opportunity fol
acquiring a knowledge of, and attachment to
our laws and Institutions, and
Whereas, it is notorious and uncontradict
ed fact that, for many years past, thousands
and tens of thousands of foreigners have beer
naturalized without even the present limited
probation Of residence, without legal proof d
character, and in utter defiance of the sanitary
provisions Of existing laws-and
Whereas great injury has, and greater nju-
ny still may be expected IN future from this
gross and Wholesale prostitution of the right Of
CluZGHSIlp ny ddlilLliiS u tilaI lHCsllnaDlC
privilege the vast flood of foreigners that an
nually emigrate to our shores, before they have
had any opportunity to become acquainted with
our language, our laws, or the nature Of our
government, whilst they are yet lmbued with
all the ant-repubcan feelings and prejudices
which their birth aud education under the dos-
potic monarchies of Europe may have engrafied
into their minds, and in this State, by prenla-
tb, nr
to give them the control of our elections; and
Whereas, whilst we cheertully welcome hon
est and industrious foreigners, and are freely
willing TO admit them to all the advantages
which our country possesses for the enjoyment
of life, the acquisition Of wealth and the pur-
suit of happiness, we are unwilling to place
our destiny and that Of our children in their
hands, or to allow them voice in the manage
ment of the government until after such pro-
baton as will be sufficient to identify them with
the interest of the land Of their adoption, and
full, regular and legal compliance with all
the provisions Of the law, and particularly of
their worthness in point of reputation to be en-
titled to all the privileges of a Native of the
SOIL and as a Native born citizen is not entitled
to the right Of suffrage until after hc has lived
q years under our laws, we think an equal
length Of time ought to be required of every
foreigner before he enjoys that right: and that
the present naturalization laws ought TO be
changed on that point, and SO guarded by fur
Their and additional provisions and severe pen
alties as to guard eIlcctually against future
abuses and violations OF them. Therefore
be it
Reso!red, That the President appoint a Com
mittee OF seven to draft a plan for the orgaHi-
zation Of all ''AMERICAN PARTY" in this
State, based Oh the principles expressed in the
preceding preamble, which plan shall be sub
inttod to future meeting to be held as soon
as the Committee are prepared to report.
Carried by an overwhelming vote.
The President appointed the following gen
tlemen: George Straw bridge, A. Pile, H..
Eyma, James IL. Dakin, James Dick, William
Christy, e. Johns,
The meeting was addressed by Colonel VIM.
Christy, Mr., Upton and Mr. W. c, c. Clai-
borne; and the finest spirit prevailed.
In all directions Americans are coming to
the rescue Of their country, with the firm de-
termination to rid it of all foreign influence
In Maryland, although there has been no regu-
lar organization yet, on the subject Of the pro-
posed change in the naturalization laws, and
the abuses Of the right of suffrage which have
been practsed, yet we know that the people Of
the State are deeply sollcitous to have existing
evils remedied, and will approve measures for
this purpose which may be passed either by
Congress or the State Legislature. A move
mcnt on tie part of the latter is generally anti
cipated but memorial should be sent in,
calling for the passage of such acts as may be
required to effect the object desired. This we
presume, will shortly be done.