The weekly Minnesotian. [volume] (Saint Paul, Minn. Territory) 1852-1858, 1852-10-16
Arch Bishop Hughes and the Presidential
Election.

Arch Bishop Hughes and the Presidential
Election.
Thomas ). Scmmes Esq, of Louisiana, says
the Cleveland Herald, recently addressed a long
letter to Bishop Hughes in relation to the rcli-
gious Test of New Hampshire. The letter is an
especial plea for the election of Gen. Pierce, by
Catholic votes, and the influence of the Catholic
Clergy, of which the Archbishop is the head in
this country. In framing his letter, Mr.. Semmes
intended to be very adroit He manufactured a
rumor that the Archbishop had declared against
Pierce. This he thought would bring out most
emphatic denial, and might betray the Arch
bishop into some expression in favor of Pierce,
or at least the utterance of an opinion that
Pierce really was opposed to the religious Test
But Archbishop Hughes is not so dull and mex
pcrienced as Mr.. Semmes supposed. His reply
is about as cutting a rebuke of the attempt to
make tool of him, as could have been written.
Here it is entire:
NEWBORN September H. 1852.
DEAR SIR Il have read through, and care
fully. the letter which you addressed to me, I'M
der date 18th inst, in regard to the impending
election of President of the United States, and
the part which you think the Catholic citizens
of the Republic ought to take in it, The two
candidates presented are Gen. Scott and Gen.
Pierce The entire American people appear to
be nearly equally divided in opinion as to which
of these two will make the better Chief Magis-
trate. This fact seems to intimate a general
opinion that the country will be safe under the
four years presidency of either. As to the
Catholics, they have never been consulted as to
the limited choice between these two. The
probability is, like their fellowcitizens of other
denominations, they will be divided-some vot-
ing for one candidate, and some for another
Like others they are liable to err in their choice
But, under all circumstances l should prefer
that, voting honestly, each according TO his own
Judgment, they should err with the minority, or
(what is equally possible,) with the majority of
their fellowcitizens, of all denominations, rather
than see them guarded against such danger of
erring in their choice of President by ecclesias-
teal influence.
l am sure with your enlightened mind and
large Catholic education, you will appreciate
the reasons on which this my humble opinion is
founded, whether or not you will agree with me
in regard toits justice and cXpediency. In any
event, however, beg leave to subscribe myself
Your sincere and devoted servant in Xt,
JOHN,
Archbishop of New York.
THOMAS j. SEMAlES, Esq.
1t isprobable, remarks the Pittsburg Journal,
that if the Archbishop had been convinced that
Pierce had ever seriously opposed the religious
Test, he would have allowed that conviction to
appear in some expression, in this brief letter.
But there is no hint of the kind; and from this
we infer that Mr.. Semmes' elaborate arguments,
and the strenuous efforts of the Democratic party
throughout the Union to clear Pierce of all par
ticipation in the illiberal prejudices of his fe-
low-citizens of New Hampshire, have failed to
convince the acute and far-seeng Archbishop.
WHICH PARTY DO THE NATIVE AMERICANS Sup
PORT Peter Sken Smith, the great Philadel-
phia Nativist has announced his adhesion to
Pierce and King and the Hon. L. c. Levin
another celebrated Nativeist, supports the same
candidates. Birds of a feather flock together.