The republic. [volume] (Washington [D.C.]) 1849-1853, 1852-07-10


| General Scott and the Nnturalized Citizens.
Many articles are resorted to with view OF
making 1t appear that General SCoTT is mimi
cal to our foreign born citizens. For the pur
pose of showing how groundless is any accusa-
ton or opinion of that kind. We ask attention to
the period when General Scorr returned to
this country, after his brilliant services in
Mexico. On his arrival at the city of New
York. he was greeted by the acclamations of
many thousands in the Empire City, and was
officially addressed in terms of warm compli-
ment and welcome by NORRIS FRANKLIN. esq,
the President of the Board of Aldermen, to
whom the General made the following reply:
Ma. PREsIDENT, GENTLEMEN OF THE COMMON
Council OF New YoRK, AND FELLOW CITIZENS
GENERALLY: Designing to spend quietly a few
days in this neighborhood, / have, on your kind
demand, come forth from retirement, to sur
render myself prisoner into the hands Of my
friends. The grand city Of New York, already
the emporium OF our hemisphere, and destined to
become the emporium Of both, having determin-
cd, through her authorities, to do honor TO pub
lie servant of our country-true to her own great
meas, without measuring his little merit, performs
and of the United States.
If had looked to con.idcrat tons merely person
al, should have declined the high distinction ten
dered me; but knew was to be received by you
as the preventative Of that victorious army it was
30 lately my good fortune to command-an army
that has carried the glory of American arms to a
height that has won universal admiration, and the
gratitude OF all hearts at home.
A very large portion of the rank and file OF that
army, regulars and volunteers, went forth from
the city of New York, to conquer or to die 1t was
my happy lot to witness their invincible vaior and
prowess. All dangers, difficulties, and hardships,
met and conquered.
You have been pleased, sir, to cllude to our
adopted citizens. can say that the Irish, the Ger
mans, the Swss, the French, the Britons, and
other adopted citizsns, fought in the same ranks,
under the same colors, side by side with native
boz n Americans-ex Exhibiting like courage and eth
cheney, and uniting at every victory in the same
en- husin site shouts in honor of our flag and country
From Vera Cruz to the capital Of Mexico there
was one generous rivalry in heroic daring and
brilliant achievement. Let those who witnessed
that career Of valor and patriotism say. il they
can, what race, according to NUMBERS contributed
most to the general success and glory OF the cam
pagn On the many ha Thought battle fields there
was no room for invidious disncton-all proved
themseves the faithful sons OF our beloved country;
and no spec could fail to dismiss any lingering
prejudice he might have entertained as to the com
parative merits of Americans by birth and Ameri-
cans by adoption. As the honored representative
of all, return among you, to bear testimony in
favor Of my fellow soldiers in the hcld-the army
of Mexico; and congratulate you and them that
the common object o. their efforts, and of your
hopes, the restoration of peace, ID in all probability
now attained.
Shortly after, when the General was in this
city, the following correspondence took place,
W ich shows very conclusvey what are his
opinions on this subject
WAsHNeToN, May 8, lS4S.
My DEAR GENERAL: Your distinguished servi-
ccs in two wars. and yuur no lees distipg uished
services during the long intervening period OF pros
porous peace, have dcscrvedly won for y u the
love and admiration of your countrymen. large
portion OF your fellow citizcns, who yield to none
in their admiration CT your bravery and, humanity
in war, as wei, of your patriotism and prudence
in peace have boon told that you favor the Princl'
pies of the So called 'Native" party. From an ex-
tensive correspondence and acquaintance with cit
ixens of this class, learn that many feel greved
that such principles should be attributed to you.
Did they know you, as do, they would zee that
great injustce ia done you. l know your kind and
| liberal views toward the naturalized citizens
! remember the grateful emotions OF my heart
when ret read the account Of your rescuing from
British power and British prisons twenty two of my
countrymen, made prisoners Of war while fighting
under the American flag. You, sir, was the first
| to INSERT and maintain the perfect equality OF
adopted and native citizens. In your recent cam
paign in Mexico hope you have found additional
motives for recognising that equality, and that all
the adopted citizens We'd with each other in brav-
ing danger wherever you commanded.
Not for mysc,f therefore. but for the satisfaction
OF others, do respectfully ask you to say whether,
after Messing such fidelity to the flag OF their
adopted country by soldiers OF foreign birth, you
are for adding restrictions TO the present sys
TEN Of naturalization; whether you are in favor
of having the privileges now enjoyed under the
Con sttution and laws Of the country, fairly ex-
pounded and faithfully executed, secured to such
percons of foreign birth as may wish to become
citizens Of the United StateLl
] have the honor to be, sincerely, yours,
w. +. ROBINSON.
MOTOR General WInYIELD Soorr.
REPLY.
WAsHISGToS, May 29, lS4S.
DEAR SIR: In reply to your kind letter Of the
9Th instant take pleasure in saying that, grateful
for the too partial estimate you place on my public
scrvccs you do me no more than juetce in assurn.
inc that | entertain "kind and liberal views to-