The spirit of democracy. [volume] (Woodsfield, Ohio) 1844-1994, 1854-11-08
Know Mothingism Again

~ Nh. EpIroR, SIR :--If criticisms most
pathetic appeal to the prejudices of party
organizations--the -plainiive cry Of the
prescription Of our adopted citizens-ihe
denial Of facts and positions, clearly sta
ted with the impugning motives, Is the
. kuock 'em stiff arguments, by which
Americans sentiment is to be refuted -
Then. have you succeeded most admira-
bly, in your. brief criticisms of my ar,i-
sclein the Spirit ofthe 25h uliimo. II not,
then have you most signally failed, and
that massive American
Ism. stands impregnable amid the warning
siements OF the party Prejudices hurled
ssgainstif.
will here advertise you. that am not
ioalied upon in the support ofmy positions.
10 answer the objections urged against
Secret Political Organizations--nei neither
am Irsquired to dissipate the force of the
argument, adduced against the adoption
Of the change advocated at any previous
period of our history neither DO | seek
10 dodge any position advocated, by rails
ing false issue. The changes advocat-
ed, if adopted, would require other minor
changes to harmonizs It's various provis-
ions, hence The necessity Of the repeal OF
the whole law. As do not profess 10 be
skilled in the science oflegislaton, please
inform me how the policy OF a law, amount
ing 10 = radical change Of the whole, can
be accomplished without the repeel Of the
existing law
But sir, neither the platform or the poll
7cy advocated, teach the absolute and un.
sconditienal repeal of all Naturalization
Laws, in the sense fthe forced construc-
<tion sought 10 be placed upon them. Who
adsocates position that would not afford
even our own citizens tho protection ol
civil government! But they do afford to
every foreigner emigratipg to our shores
the protection Of life and property. and Sc
sures to them religious liberty. Then
why seek to prejudice the public mind,
bias the public judgment by raising the
sver recurring cry of prescription and
degradation 7. Indeed the cry Of pros.
cription comes with poor grace from the
organs Of either of the leading parties o.
this country, il we regard the thorough
rout Of Office holders at the introduction
81 new administration. And | would
here remark, that in justice to the positions
assumed in my previous article, viz: the
repeal Of all Naturalization Laws and' 6
pure American Common School System,
that | am not bound at this stage o! tht
discussion to dissipate the thrusts made a
the doctrines contained in any section o
that platform not stated. | inquire then
1.-THE extending the probation OF emigrant'
landing upon our shores, would impair tn.
citizenship Of those who have availet
7 themselves of the privileges and immuni
lies guaranteed TO them in our existin,
Naturalization Laws? Certainly moi
Would it constitute their children, who
have. taken their existence amongst us
aliens Z No. Would il disfranchise th'
sabildfen Of those foreigners, not eligible Il
naturalization, with the thousands tha
may arrive, that have, or may take thei
existence amongst US? No. Does no
the blessings OF moral and religious (no
sscta rian9 education. characteristic OF ou
common school school system, apply in
,discriminately to the children Of all. wheth
er born upon our shores not! Most as
suredly. Where then in the change ad
svocated does this Prescription this mo
raj aud social degradation Turk ? II i
not there. Why that want OF candor AM
fairness exhibited in the appeals made +
the prriudices OF the personal and politi
cal friends OF General Shields OF the Sen
ale, whose deeds Of valor upon the field
whose high position as statesman,
q worthy the respect of every American Z
Why that appeal in behalf of my much re
spected friend, the recorder OF this coun
", whose industrious, high minded an