Republican vindicator. [volume] (Staunton, Va.) 1849-1857, 1854-07-31

Now, fcllow.citizens, permit me to in
quire, in all kindness, how can the MEM
ber Of this political society. called "know-
nothings," take upon themselves solemn
oath by which they shall stand pledged
10 raise UP religious test as qualifica-
ton for Office, IN the very teeth Of the |
Constitution, by prose riding men on ac-
count of their religious faith Win they
excuse themselves upon the ground that
th,y did not kno,c Of this clause in the Con-
stitntiou' [Cheers and langhter.J
Will they tell US that they did not knoso
the history Of their own country-that
f.sv did no, knop of the sutferings and per-
secMipns to which their fathers had been
subjected ON account Of their Religious
.aith-.has they did not kno,r that the OBJ.
legations and principles of their society
were at war with the genius Of our whole
republican system and in direct conflict
with the principles Of the CONSTITUTIONS
loud cheering
If they did no. knosu these things, surely
there was wisdom in calling themselves
Know NorMSus." Tremendous cheers
and roars Of laughter.
Those who do not know should be made
to learn, and feel that the Constitution Is
the supreme law Of the land; that all men
who live under it, and enjoy its protec.
ton, must yield implicit obedience 10 ito
requirements, in all its parts and provisions,
whether they like them or not. Cheers
and continued appiause.]
Their likes or dislikes have nothing to
10 with the question. We live under o
government Of laws, and the supremacy oil
the laws mus. be maintained, no matter
from what quarter or motive the resistance
may come. Great applause
The equality Of all the States under the
Constitution, and the RICH: Of the people
to decide for themselves what kind OF 10.
cal and domestic Institutions they will
haye, are cardinal principles In the dem
ocraiic creed. Loud and enthusiastic
cheers.
To these fundamental propositions, lei
me add another, which forms the corner
stone IN the temple of our liberties. II is
that all men have an inalienable right K
worship God according to the dictates o
their own conscience, and under our Con
etition, no man ought or can be prescribe,
On account OF his birthplace or Of hi
religious fuith. Loud cheers and up
plause.
These are the issues which the demo
cratic party Of the nation have to meet an
maintain before the people In all tn
States. Let no consideration Of paitiza
policy or temporary advantage induce Il
t. swerye hairs breadth from our prin
ciples. If we meet the questions fairl
and directly, and fight the battle boldly
and should even suffer temporary defea
yet we will have the proud satisfaction {
knowing that we have saved our honor 4
the same time that glorious trump
awaits US in the future. Applause.
Then, tellow-democfats let Us stand b
our arms. and be ready to fight the allie
forces Of abolitionism, whigsm, nativelsn
and religious intolerance, under whateve
name and on whatever field they ma
present themselves. Enthusiastic cheer
and tremendous applause.
Aud. If, alter struggling as our forefatl
ers struggled for centuries in their nativ
land against civil and religious persec,
ton, we and our children shall be linall
borne down and trampled ander the he
of despotsm, we can still follow their e,
ample-fiee to the wilderness, aud find a
asylum in Nebraska, where the principi,
of self gorerament have been firmly e;
tabished in the organic act which recen
ly passed Congress.
Tremendous shouts Of applause. Ches
after cheer for Doug las-cheer for NJ
braska--eheess for the principle. Of sci
govern alent. in the midst of which, NJ
Douglas retired from the stand.