The spirit of democracy. [volume] (Woodsfield, Ohio) 1844-1994, 1852-07-21
NATIVE AMERICANIsM.

We publish below letter OF Gen. SCOTT
on Native Americanism, and we hope all
our adopted citizens will give il careful
psrusal. II shows what opinions Gen.
Scott entertained on the subject Of our
naturalization laws, in l84l
WASHINGTON, Nov. 10, 1841.
DEAR SIR:-I have the honor to ac-
knowledge your letter Of the 9th inst,
written as you are pleased to add, in be-
half of several hundred Native American
Republicans of Philadelphia.
Not confdentially, but not for publica-
ton, I have already replied to letter from
David M. Stone, Esq, Of your city. on the
same subject. will write to you in like
mann er and in haste. This is the month
when the pressure of official business is
heaviest with me-leaving scarcely time
for sleep or exercise. lmust not, however,
wholly neglect your communication.
Should any considerable number Of my
fellow.countrvmen assign me, or desire to
give me, prominent position before the
public, shall take time to methodize my
views on the great questions you have pro-
posed. Those views had their origin in
the stormy elections Of the Spring OF 1885,
and were confirmed in the week that the
Harrison electors were chosen in New
York. On both occasions was in that
city, and heard in the streets. "Down with
the Natives" 1t was heard in almost
every group OF foreigners, as the signal
for rallying and outrage.
Fired NTH indignation, two friends sat
down with me in nv parlor at the Astor
House, November, l84o,) to draw up an
address, designed to rally an American
party. The day after the election, set
out for the South, and have never known
precisely why our appeal was not publish
ed. Probably the election of Gen. Har-
rison rendered its publication at that time
unnecessary in the opinion of my two
friends.
now hesitate between extending the
period of residence before naturalization,
and total repeal Of all acts Of Congress
on the subject-my mind inclines to the
latter.
Concuring fully in the principles Of the
Philadelphia movement, should prefer
assuming the name Of american Repub-
licans, as in New York, or Democratic
Americans, as | would respectfully sug-
gest. Brought up in the principles Of the
Revolution Jefferson, Madison, &c.
under whom in youth, commenced life, /
have always been called, have ever pro-
fesssd myself republican, or whig, which
with me was the same thing. Democratic
americans would include all good natire
citizens, devoted to our country and insti-
tutions; and would not drive from us nat
uralized citizens, who, by long residence,
have become identified with us in feeling
and interest. aHa
am happy to see by the Philadelphia
| National american that religion is TO be
excluded as a party element. Staunch
Protestant as | am, both by birth and con.
viction, | shall never consent to party OF
State religion. Religion is too sacred "a
be mingled up with either. II should al.
ways be kept between each individual and
his God, except in the way Of reason ant
gentle persuasions; as in families, churches
and other occasions Of voluntary attend
ance, CATER years of discretion or recip
rocal consent.
i Wishing success to the great ioork whicl
you and other patriots have set on foot,
| remain, with high respect,
Your fellow citizen,
i WINFIELD SCOTT.
i To GEoRGE WASHINGTON REED, Esq.
and others, PhiladeIphia.
! Here il will bo seen that Con. Scott