Camden journal. [volume] (Camden, South-Carolina) 1852-1852, 1852-04-02
A Strange Affair.

It appears that recently in the city OF Charleston,
Rev. Mr.. LEAHY, formerly Catholic Priest, proposed
to give lectures in which he would expose the abom
nations of the Roman Catholic Priesthood. This as
might have been expected was not rclshed so well by
the Catholics and they determined that the Rev. Cen
tleman should not be heard Accordingly mob as
sembed around the Hall doors Of tile Lecturer, and
threatened to do violence in of his attempting to
proceed. The City police was called QUITO do what?
Nothingl The mob trumphed; and in that case the
majority ruled. Application was then made TO the
City Council to protect Mr. LEAHY in lectnring, right
which as citizen of the United States he unquestion
ably had and protection not being afforded only
demonstrates the power which mobocracy has gained
in our land We have always heard that the right OF
speech-freedom Of speech. was certain and in
alienablo right which every man might claim
in our land of liberty. 1t seems, however, that
the order of things has changed and none are to be
allowed this privilege unless the mob is willing X
pretty pass to be sure!
Now it seems to us that if there we're no abomina.
tons in the Priesthood Of the Roman Church. that sure
ly they would not object to Mr LEAHYs being heard;
but where there is so much smoke there is obliged to
be some fire. else why attempt conccalment. II Mr
LEAuY is a humbug let the learned Bishop REYNOLDS
or the accomplished DR.. LYNCH expose him as such
let them meet him with argument and not with clubs
This is not the way to do things IN civilized commu
nity; and for the City Counch Of Charleston, with
General at their head to be ntidated by reckless
mob, betokcns sad state of aarss directly one Of
the evils resulting from tie Overwhelming tide of emf
grafton which is daily pouring in upon us, and which
will roll onward, and still onward, until our govern
ment i'll its principles, we fcar will be changed.
We know nothing Of Mr.. LEAuY or his pretentions.
We advocate the right of speech. AS an American
citizen he has the right n b, heard and it is the duty
of the proper authorities to protect him in that right
We like the remarks of ! '-man GILLILAND, before
the City Council-thcy the words Of one who is not
afraid of consequences:
"Sld. Gilliland remarked, that he hoped the
gentleman would be allowed to proceed. That
for himself, he apprehended no disturbance in
consequence of his lecturing. That it was very
much in the power of the Catholic clergy to re-
strain any outbreak on the part of their people
and that even if riot did ensue, he was clearly in
favor of the right of any citizen to preach or
lecture, let the consequences be what they might
But he repeated his belief that no valid objec-
ton could be taken to this proceeding, and that
no violence would ensue. 1t rested with the
Catholic clergy to prevent it.
Aid. Drummond followed up the discussion in
these words:
"Thc Rev. Gentleman present, DR.. Leahy. l
have never seen before, and know nothing of
him or his lectures. The Rev. Bishop John
England arrived in this city about thirty three
years ago, and delivered course of lectures
weekly for some time to prove the Scriptures to
be divine Revelation from God, which atten-
ded His discourse on the resurrection of Jesus
Christ, was equal to any on that subject have
ever heard, and could he arise out OF his grave
would 60 and hear him deliver it again. His re-
marks against the Protestant Churches in this
city were very severe but he was ably answered
by the Rev. John Bachman, D. d. At the same
time the Rev. Joseph Galluchat, who was educa-
ted to be Roman Catholic Priest, and then a
Clerk in the United States Bank, also replied;
and think with success. At that time there
was no riot or disturbance of the public peace,
and why should it be 80 :" !