Staunton spectator. [volume] (Staunton, Va.) 1849-1896, 1854-02-08
Religious Federation Abroad.

A large and highly respectable meeting was
had in New York city about two weeks ago, to
sslict the influence of our Government in secu-
ring the rights of conscience to Americans in for
Z riSn countries. Letters were read from various
distinguished statesmen expressing their approval
Of the object, and some four or five gentlemen ad-
dressed tho meeting.
II is Rot in Roman Catholic countries only that
the spirit Of intolerance still prevails, although in
INST of these i. is carried to an extreme. Ia Mad
rid, the capitol of Spain, for instance, Protestant
cannot be even buried, but must be carried out of
Tho country for intsrment. At Havana, near our
swn shores, Protestant worship is vigorously in
ssrdicted and in the Pope's civil dominions, no
Protestant chapel is tolerated except the one per-
nitted to the American minister.
The resolutions adopted by the New York
meeting acknowledge that the subject is one Of
much delcacy, and advocate the use Of no means
bat those OF reasonable argument and kind per.
ssasiOn." They ask, however, that in conclu-
ding treaties with other nations, the rights and
privileges of foreign residents and travellers shall
30 secured, in reciprocaton of the protection az
forded by the constitution of the United States to
the citizens of other lands, whether they be Pro
testant or Catholic, Christian or Jew
The meeting incorporated in their proceedings
the resolutions introduced in the Senate last win
ter by Mr.. Underwood, of Kentucky, as follows
"Resolved, That it would be just and wise on
the part of the government of the United States,
10 future treaties with foreign nations, to secure il
practicable to our citizens residing abroad, the
right of worshippng God, freely and openly, ac-
csrding to the dictates of their own consciences
by providing that they shall not be disturbed mo-
Tested or annoyed in any manner on account Of
their religious belief, nor in the proper exercises
Of their peculiar religion, either in their own pri
yats houses or in churches chapels. or the places
appointed for public worship; and that they shall
DO Al liberty to build and maintain places of wor-
ship in convenient situations, Interfering in no way
with, but respecting, the religion and customs O.
the country In which they reside"
Resolved, further, That it would be just anC
wise in future treaties with foreign nations, Il
secure our citizens residing abroad the right t.
purchase and own burial places, and to bury any
OF our citizens dying abroad in such places. will
those religious ceremonies and obServances deem
ed appropriate by surviving friends of the deceas
ed''
Mr.. Underwood's report and resolutions wer'
fsvorably received by the Senate, but were no
acted upon, it is believed from want of time.
strikes us that the present is very suitable coca
sion for that body to take up the subject Mon
signor Bediui has recently presented letter iron
Pope Plus the Ninth to the President, earnestl,
enireating him to extend his protection to tn
Catholics inhabiting these regions, and to shiel
them at all times with his power and authority
and corresponding request from the President
in respect to PrOtestan;s in Italy, especially a
mericsn citizens, could not well be denied 1t
trus that Bedini has been badly treated in som
places, but that is nOtthe fault of the Government
possible, by the just denunciatons of the rioter
BY the press and the Senate of the United State: