The New York herald., 1851-07-19


sSS response would be received as would gladden.
e'he,.ts of the thoussnds-we might say millions
--of Mshmen in the United States, as well as those
OF the whole American people, TO whom John
Nit mel, OBrien, and their fellow sufferers, are
ep6earcd by their lofty patriotism and their urcon-
que'sbie devotion TO liberty. The British govern
melt has already been approached on the subject.
We understand that distinguished American citi-
zen, of this city, while recently in London, made
application to Lord John Russell for the release Of
these patriots, and he has good to hope thai
it will succeed, condition that they shall rot re-
side in any par, of the British dominions. This
we suppose would not be objected to by them, for
we doubt very much if they would reside there,
even if there was irn pediuent in the way Of
their doing 50.
We say, therefore, ret this " ov em ent thus COM
nenced, be followed up. Let the Irish citizens in
the United States eve do not mean the coKtempti-
bic agitators whs their iellow county men for
gain) move in the matter lie, them get up peti-
tions to the administration in Washington, ard
give Mr.. Webster an opportunity Of taking the
matter in hand. If they de, Mitchell, O Brien,
and Meagher, will be in the land Of liberty.
WARD SANARIrAN MIssIosARIEs.-A proposition
is being mooted in some of the papers, that the
Mayor Of the city should recommend to the Com
mon Council the appointment of missionary for
each ward in the city, for the purpose of
visiting the poor anS unhappy, and gathering
them together in meeting house the
Sabbath. We give the reverend gentlemen all
credit for the philanthropy which actuated them
in making this proposition, but we differ with them
in toto to the prcprety Of the Mayor taking any
such step, or the Corporation making any such ap-
pointments. There are many reasons why it would
be imTotic TO adopt such course. In the first
place, il would be an incipient step towards con-
Meeting Church aud State; secondly It would excite
religious feuds and animosities among our citizens
and thirdly, it would bring politics and religion
into collision, by which both woUsG certainly be
damaged.
Every one can see at a glance, that il would be
highly imprudent 70 place any such power in the
hands Of the Common Council. 1t was never intend
ed that they should have anything to do with the
religious instruction of the people 1t would be
contrary TO the spirit Of institutions, from the
constitution of the United States down to the
amended charter of New York city. But were this
not an objection, and controlling objection, of
what denomination should the missionaries be-
The Episcopslians would insist that they should be
taken from their ranks; SO would the Catholics; 50
would the Methodists; so would the Baptists; and
so would every other Christian denomination;
whilst the deists and other infdels would ob-
ect to their being selected from any Chris
tian sect What the result of such a contest would
be can be easily seen. The numerous seets would
revive all The feuds which agitated them in past
ages; they would reeommence ''cutting each Others
tbroa.s for the love of God" as Moore exp.essvely
says of the religious in Ireland and the
Common Council chamber would be converted into
an arena for the renewal Of those religious conflicts
which in past times caused much injury to rcli-
gion and to the world, and ended as they woEld
again. in retarding the progress Of the cardinal prin
ciples of every sect.
But were il not liable to this objection,
which, We are would be enough to dispose of
the matter at once, il is certain that the politicians
of both parties would make handle Of the appoint
ments and endeavor to control them TO pro-
mote their own ends and purposes. Who is there
among Us who respects religion, that would de-
sire to see such a spectacle minister Of the
gospel going about town, paper in hand, seeking
the influence of prominent politicians for his sp.
pointmert az missionary to any o. the wards! But
if the candidates themselves would not thus degrade
themselves, il is easy to that politicians would
endesvor TO them. We verify believe If 1T.
Peter or St Paul we're TO make his appearance in
New York, the whig and democratic politicians
would both strive to make him in some way avail.
able in nominating conventions. Office hunters
will do anything when they are hungry.
For these, and other reasons which we night men,
tion, We are sncomprOmi'ingy oppo o'ed to the pro-
jec. now discussed, of giving to the Common Coun-
ell power to nominate ward missionaries. II the
churches think there e need OF adopting this me-
thod of efecting the moral reform alton Of those
who do not attend worship and that il can be DONE
let them 20 TO work at once to do so, without re-
ference 10 the Common Council. Let them appoint
missionaries fer all the wards, as has been done in
the Sixth, and let the missionaries Of each demo-
mination vie with each other in doing good. They
have abundant pecuniary means to do il. The
Golfers of Trinity Church are deep enough to EN-.
ploy thousand Of them, and the expense incurred
In unnecessary decorations, In the shape Of stained
glass, magnificent organs, vtlvet cushions, and
gold clasTed prayerbooks, which characterize our
fashionable CHURCHES in the upper part Of the city,
would support FIVE thousand more for a year II |
the heart of the church is bleeding for the poor sin
ners about town, let bleed its exchequer in pro.
portion, and remedy the evil complained of with
cut calling upon the Common Council for its inter
position.
MNco.-Becent advices from Mexico lead TO
sppre tensions hat the unquet and unsettled state
Of affairs may result in open attempts at a revolu-
ton in the government, and an effort By the par.i.
1ans Of General santa Anna TO recall him from
exile, and place him at the head Of the government.
This is to be regretted deeply by every republican
General A rista. tho uresent presfJon. IL .on,I