The daily union. [volume] (Washington [D.C.]) 1845-1857, 1852-09-25

amendment sboshng the religious OF which forty.
gave pluaes for the democratic candidate for gov
ernor while oay mriesa gave piurass for the federal
candidate; and hiy four gave clear maorlies for the
democrats all Others while only gave MAORI
ties for the federal candidate. The vote on the
question In 1852 presents similar result Seventy
towns then gave majoriles for abolishing the religious
test of these, ffyfo1 gave pluraIites for the demo-
cratic candidate for governor, while bat ti0sntythrss
gave plaraes for the federal candidate and ffy-h0o
gave clear msiortes for the democratic candidate
all Others while thirteen gave maiorites for the federal
candidate"
The reason why the democratic party has never sue.
ceeded In abolishng The Test is that has
yet had constitutional majority, The constitution
not be amended unless s0ohtrds OF the people OF The
State agree TO the proposed amendment Al the gubena
oria election OF 1851 the democratic vote 81 425
the opposition vote Owing and free soiD was 3d. $50
II is clear from this statement that both the democratic
party oil New hampshire as party and General Pierce
have used every effort 10 amend the constitution
abolish the odious test clause, and that they in
responsible for lis retention. Upon what principle OF
justice therefore, should the Catholic democrat desert these
men, who have so xealousy abored in behalf Of Catho
lie rights Is it just TO punish them for being
ul Is success alone 10 be the standard OF hearty good
will in favor OF a cause So far from blaming, the Cath
Ollie ought to thank these men, who have pered their
popularity and interests in behalf OF his But am
told the STATE must be rebuked Is right administer
by the defeat Of General Piece No one but The friends
Of the Catholic democrat. The national democratic party
is rebnked without cause the democratic party oil New
Hampshire is rebuked for what IT could not help and
srove avoid General Pierce, the friend and advocate
OF the Catholic cause is rebuked if he enemy
and what is termed rebuke to The State is in fact,
qualification and bonus TO the enemies Of General
Pierce. Of the democratic party in New Hampshire and
of the Catholic cause in that State.
/ know that the whig State convention in New Hamp-
shire has, within the last few days. adopted resolution
declaring that the wing party Of that State is and doags
has been. IN aror OF aboshng the relgoustes clause
But il is declaration unsustained by the record and
being made not only subsequently, TO the "iis moa," but
during the progress Of the contest agran bo it is
evidence inadmssibe in politics as well as in law
In conclusion, cannot but think that though this
question is political in New Hampshire where the
evil exists il assumes too much oil the religious caste
regards the general politics OF the country TO form proper
element of political controversy 40 far the national
government is concerned For this reason, think every
in the presidential should disregard II,
nothing be more dangerous than the introduction of
religion into political contests My effort in this letter
has been merely TO show that the Catholic democrat
should not permit this question 10 affect his vote shall
leave for my home in New Orleans the last of this month";
and should be much pleased TO receive 10 this
communication before my departure if you do not
slider the subject unmpor,ant had hoped TO have had
the pleasure OF personal interviews but circumstances
preventing | concluded to write you nevertheless |
enclose the Right Reverend Bishop McGills note Of in.
PRODUCTION. II not inconsistent with your views should
be pleased to have the privilege Of giving publicity 10
| your response in case see fit TO do so.
most reverend sir, very respectfully, your obedient
servant, THOS. J. SEMMES.
Most Reverend Archbishop HUGHES, New York.
New YORK, September II, 1882
DEAR have read through, and carefully, the let
ter which you addressed to me- under date llth in
slant, in regard 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
candidates pre- sented General Scott and General
Pierce The entire American people appear TO be nearly
equally divided in opinion TO which OF these two will
make the better Chief Magistrate This fact seems 10
intimate general opinion that the country will be safe
under the four years presidency Of either As to the
Catholics, they have bsen consulted 10 the lin
tied choice between these two. The probability that
like their fellow citizens OF other denominations, they
will be dvidedsome voting for candidate and
for the other Like others, they liable TO in their
choice But, under all the circumstances should prefer
that, voting honestly, each according TO his judg I.
ment, they should err with the minority or (whai is
equally possibe) with the majority OF their fellow citi.
of all denominations rather than them guarded
against such danger OF erng in their choice OF President
by any ecclesiastical influence.
| | am that 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 in regard TO its justice and
expediency In any event. however, beg leave sub
scribe myself
/ Your sincere and devoted servant in Xt.
JOHN,
I Archbishop Of New York,
THOMAS J. SrMMEs, esq