The daily union. [volume] (Washington [D.C.]) 1845-1857, 1852-07-29
The Catholics and the Presidency.

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The Catholics and the Presidency.
Misapprehension exists in some quarters as to the re-
gious belief Of General Scott. Such matters should
find place among the topics of presidential election
but the wings have introduced them into the present con-
Of parties. by attempting array our Catholic cit-
against Gen. Pierce because Of the Catholic dsab-
ity clause in the New Hampshire constitution, to which
he is known to be earnestly opposed. This proceed.
ing on the part Of the wings, and the improper use
they have attempted 10 make Of the respect which the
American army under General SCOTS command in Mex.
leo paid the religion of that country, have given rise
the idea that General Scott member of the Catholic
church This is great mistake General Scott himself
announced, in his letter on general politics, written in
ls4l, that he by birth and education Protestant
and it is well known that his birth and education have
left very marked and decided results on his religious
belief The respect paid 10 the Catholic religion by
our army in Mexico, though founded in obvious
military policy, was doubtless in full accordance with
Gen. SCOTS impulses, and of the impulses of his Off
GERS and soldiers, many of whom members of the
Catholic church. 1t would have been folly 10 exaspe-
rate the Mexican people, and to outrage the religious
pejudces Of great portion Of army and would
have been revolving TO the sentiment OF the age to have
pofaned the affairs of the Mexican people and to have
shown dsrespect TO their religious rites and ceremonies
cannot be credited that commanders. any part
of Mexico. would have permitted any outrage on
the religious feelings OF the country. We cannot
see that any particular praise is due TO any one
for acting in accordance with the clear directions
OF interest and safety, and for pursuing course re-
pugnant to the enlightenment Of the time. But if credit
=. La~ ~
gious establishments and ceremonies by army in
Mexico, claim share Of it for Mir Folks admins
traon. The necessity of pursuing such was
poiniedly and earnestly pressed upon generals in the
Mexican war, and procamations prepared by the
direction of Mr. Folks administration, TO be circulated
among the people OF Mexico, giving that their
religion should be treated with Difference and respect
Our generals had strict orders 10 conciate the religious
sentiments of The enemy, and 10 any fears which
might be entertained on that To leave effort
unired, Catholic cbaplains sent along with our
army, TO show that the Catholic religion was respected
by our people and by our government, and TO aid our
generals in the work of Cancellation. We remember
that then as now. there were unprinciped partisans
who, regarding nothing too sacred to be dragged into
the arena of party politics 10 despicable purpose
assaed Mr. Folks administration in the harshesi terms
and attempted TO array the Protestant churches against
it, because OF the appointment Of those Catholic chapans
TO accompany army. Now The tactics changed,
and the attemp, is made to play upon the religious
feelings OF the Catholic citizens, and 10 prostitute their
religious convictions 10 the bases and most dangerous
by bringing them, religious body, into the
political in aggressive attitude, and 10 give
power party that susains a candidate whose i'll.
considered preudices would prohibit the right of suf.
frage 10 any OF foreign birth who has not served
a year in the army or navy OF the United States. Our
government has nothing 10 do with religious belief.
1t gives peculiar privileges and imposes unequal bur.
dens on none. All are equally entitled TO its pro-
lection, and each is left 10 commend itself 10 the
OF the people by the character OF it's creed and
the purity of its practices. They who would address
religious prejudices TO accomplish party ends look
religious subjects for weapons of political controversy
should be marked as enemies TO government and TO
religion. We doubt not that Catholic citizens fully
appreciate The which desperate politicians wish
make OF ,hem and will rebuke the insulting appeal which
has been made 10 them to religious body into
the whig ranks in order defeat the democratic cand
date because OF religious test in his Stale which he has
attempted to repeal and expunge.