The spirit of democracy. [volume] (Woodsfield, Ohio) 1844-1994, 1854-10-25

but little, comparatively nothing. Of the
character and genius of our institutions.
(6) The blessings and privileges Of Amer
Jean liberty must be, not only theoretically
known. but enjoyed in their full fruition, in
order to be appreciated. But by far the
largest portion Of our emigrants, stepping
upon our shores with Liberty as their watch
word; surrounded with the remembrances
Of home, and loved ones, the predelec.
tions and the prejudiees of My Native
land twining around them, are not subject
to so sudden and mighty change of ieel-
ing and principle. Then let US extend the
time of their probation, and let them enjoy
an extended schooling, such as shall af.
ford them the privilege of becoming fully
acquainted with the nature and extent of
the natural, civil, and religious privileges
guaranteed to them by our free institutions;
and they will all be. as many OF our old
est. and may | not say model adopted
citizens now are, ~ welded, beyond the
control Of any foreign influence, or poten-
tate, to american Institutions; and that
from their intrinsic worth.
But there is another view to be taken OF
the, character OF large portion of our
foreign population. that cries loudly for a
change of our policy in this respect; and
that is the moral aspect they present-and
this is certainly startling. Out Of 90, $50
commitments in New York city, for vari-
Gus crimes. during the last year; 2s, 1923
were foreigners! Jersey City contains a
population Of 81 ,O00-natives $4,000, for
eigners 5000. In the city prison there
have been locked up for various crimes
400. OF this number 4,O35 were for
eigners. Of 1877 who received aid from
the poor master 72l were foreigners. The
Prison reports OF Philadelphia and Gin.
cinnati are on the Same key.
(8)But argue the necessity Of this change
from their numerical strength. Itis fact,
that our foreign fellow-citizens now mum.
Der about two and one-half millions; a
number sufficient to control the elections
in every State in this Union. (9) And to
show that this is no mere phantom, quote
the following extract from letter of J. G.
Pitrat, late Catholic Priest, to the Right
Rev. Bishop Fitzpatrick, OF the diocese Of
Massachusetts. lie inquiries, "Does the
governme ent Of the United States persecute
Catholics? Certainly not; it is favorable
to them. not to say partial. They have
elected the President, aud thereby COM
posed his cabinet. (lO) The President
who appreciates the favor conferred upon
him by his Catholic constituents, has re-
turned the favor by appointing many OF
their prominent leaders to the highest off.
ces Of the Republic, and number of
others to offices Of minor Importance. (1D
For few years they have controlled the
general and State elections beyond the
most sanguine expectations of the Jesuits
and Bishops. They have at Washington
City. in both Houses, strong and devoted
friends. (l3) They are strongly repre-.
sented in the Legislatures of several
States. ~ Many OF the State and Coun-
ty offices all over the Union are Catholics
themselves and are exerting their influence
in behalf of your church," 15) Now the
foregoing calls for the change advocated.
from the fact that the foreign vote Is suffi
cient to, and does control the. State and
national elections. U6) Hence the wire
workings. political corrupiions. bargain
and sale if you please carried on by the
leading political parties Of this country.
q charge this no more on one party than
the other.)
But let us examine the gist Of the fol-
lowing extract taken from the Boston Pilot
the Catholic organ Of Massachusetts. The
Editor of that paper in an article headed
aid and comfort for the Know Nothings!'
says "Seven hundred and fifty emigrarts
arrived at this port in the Star of Empire
on Sunday. They were nearly all pre-
paid passengers, and started for their va.
rious destinations on Monday. The ship
Brander also arrived on Sunday with 400
passengers'-1.l5 SO added to our popula.
iion in one day. During the first twelve
days of this month, the arrival OF emil
grants at New York reached the extraor-
dinary number Of l9,618-this is encour-
aging. Now, sir, with the numerical
strength and the shadowing forth of the
direction gwen to that strength. claim the
imperative necessity Of change in our
policy in this particular.
But another point on this subject. The
influence referred to has been deeply felt
recently, both in its moral and political
bearings through the ballot box. In the
city OF Cincinnatithere is 500 grog-s shops,
sending forth their streams Of death, moral
degradation, and fiery woe. Sabbath des-
secration, the corruption Of public morals,
the withering, blighting curse OF intem-
perance, with its fearful gloom, gathering
around the pathway Of hundreds Of our
unfortunate fellow beings. male and female;
and this is but the legitimate offspring d
the Rum traffic; and when the Philanthro.
pist, the lover Of good order, and the ad-
vocate for law sought for redress IT. the
shape of a prohibitory law, what was the
effect with the influence OF those ] 800
grog. shops, and fourteen out of fifteen oi
them kept by foreigners? (l7) You re-
member the result. The same influence
was felt more or less in every county oi
this State. True, our Legislature gave us
a law: for which we are thankful, If that
language becomes sovereigns) which law
with all its merits. fall very far short Of the
necessity of the case.
But what is there startling in having
native tborn citizens TO fill the offices Of
State and Nation? u8) Will such re.
suit endanger the perpetuity Of our insti-
Il Al