The national era. [volume] (Washington [D.C.]) 1847-1860, 1852-04-01
SPIRITUAL DESPOTISM.

Inc active opposition which kossuth, his
mission, and the cause of Freedom as repre-
sented by Hungary, have encountered from the
Catholics of this country especially the natu-
rallied Irish and the Priests, has opened the
eyes of many to the inherent repugnance be-
tween Democracy and Papal Authority.
Until lately, the Catholic priesthood and press
had made no decided political demonstration
Their dogmas concerning the supremacy of the
Church. and the universal authority of the
Spiritual Power having been confined to their
religious fellowship, excited no uneasiness, no
comment SO long as those of our countrymen
who chose to intrust the priest with the keep
ing of their cOnsciences retained their indie
pendence in civil and political affairs, it was
scarcely matter of public concern But when
their religious notions began to assume po-
litical form, when their press and priesthood
announced doctrines hostile to the Democratic
Principle arrayed themselves on the side of
Despotism, and succeeded in depressing the
generous sympathies of the laity, their position
and pretensions became a fair subject for po-
litical discussion.
In England, Kossuth was received with en-
thusiasm by all classes except the Catholics.
The Irish people generally manifested the
greatest GOODNESS towards him. In America he
was met by the open denunciations of Bishop
Hughes, and of all the Catholic journals
throughout the Union and our Irish Catholics,
Mi thai. Ha,,inr hat of
tested bitter luminosity against this refugee
from Austrian Despotism-a fact which reveals
their deplorable yassalage to priestly authority
They have not been content with a simple ex-
preston of disapprobation, but have followed
him up with the most INSCRIPTIONS assaults
upon his reputation, upon the cause of Hun
gary, upon the revolutionary movements in
Europe generally and they have boldly en-
listed in the defence Of Austrian French,
and Russian Despotism. The Pope has been
justified in his war not only upon the liberties
OF his subjects, but against the rights of Prot
estants in Catholic countries Louis Napoleon
has been pronounced an agent from Heaven,
and his usurpaton blessing. Austria has
been extolled as the pillar of order the bull
wark against Anarchy and Red Republicanism.
In opposing Democracy, they can hardly
avoid becoming anti-American. The press
in America that stands up for Despotism, can
not be loyal to this country Having learned
to disparage its institutions, it may be expected
to defame its character The New York
Tribune, after having quoted the Freemans
Journal as having endorsed Radetzky, Haynau,
Nicholas, &C. adds
" Another journal, Die KathoiiSche Krchen-
seitung, which bears upon its face the declara-
ton that it is published with the appreciation
Archbishop Hughes and other eminent pre-
lates, dlscOurses in this wise
"'Austria is a small, insignificant spot on
the map, compared with the gigantic greatness
| of America says Daniel Webster. Yes. on the
map that is the fact But in the world. in
military, intellectual, and material relations
in might and influence, Austria is in reality
gigantic while in the same reality, America
vast as it is on the map is but small spot in
comparison. And against this Austria Danie
Webster proposes TO make war by sea and
land In what does the greatness of America
consist! /. In the tremendous extent of its
forests and swamps. 2 In the terribly i'm.
mcnse tedium of its monotony, in which it re.
sembles the desert expanse of the ocean, where
he who has seen one thing has seen everything
8 In the gigantic stupidity of its conceit and
wind-baggness. 4. In the tremendous great
ness of its humbug; only simple children and
| ignorant tops allow themselves to be humbug.
ged. But the true greatness of America, how
is it with that! 1t is humbug0
. Not to mere defamation is their hostility to
Democracy to be confined They are organizing
it would appear, to obtain the control of the
ballotbox. We copy the following Statement,
from the Cincinnati Nonparea.
Startling Mopemenb.-Our readers viii
recollect an article which We gave few days
ago, from the Louisville Democrat wherein il
was stated than an organization of n body o
Roman Catholics in Indiana had determined
to oppose any man for public Office who had
favored the cause of Kossuth The Times o.
last evening says letter has been received by
a gentleman of this city recently from FRIEND
in Indiana, which states that very many Anti
Hungarian organizations similar in origin
character, and objects, as the one referred to by
the Louisville Democrat, and copied by us ex
ist and are being formed all over that State
by the suggestion and advice of ], b, Purcell
archbishop of Cincinnati.
4" 1t is also stated a. a fact beyond question
that there was popular meeting ON Tuesday
evening last, in the basement of the Cathedral
of this city, Of Irish and American Catholics, Il
consider the propriety of forming political as
sociatons to defeat any and all candidates for
Office, who sympathize with Kossuth and hi
cause.