Richmond daily Whig. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1842-1861, 1854-05-01
Our Foreign Population.

invention. In wnicn oil the TWO, us learning anu "
sources most happily displayed, it would be diff
cult for one wholly uhversed in the literature or |
science Of either department, to determine. That its
talent for anecdote is of the rarest and most fectous
kind, the delighted establishment and rapturous APP |
plausc Of whole State have sufficiently demonstrated
That the same generous and overwhelming apprecia-
ton will be extended to its rich aud refreshing dis
covcries respect for the popular intelligence will
not permit us TO doubt
The Enqurer's optics really appear to be growing
kcener every day. Itconrives to what other men
never dreamed Of 1t achieves discoveries which the
widest maginations of other people have no power
to comprehend Possessed of this daring and pccu-
liar faculty, it has lately found that tue WING has
avery poor opinion Of fo-eign-born citizens. 1t
thereupon, pounces upon the whole Wing party, ass
sailing it with ferocity and relish entirely charac
terstic and adjoining its columns with various null
fluids Of asei tons and insinuations having no
foundation in fact, which did have, and which
are not likely ever to have We understand perfectly
the tactics Enquirer upon this subject We clearly
fathom its objects in affecting such warm regard for
foreigners We through its tricks Of gratutousy
undertaking their defence, when needed
because assault had been made. 1t is indeed most
ancient and venerable trick ancient and venerable
NJ the Enquirer ITSELF born of dull and stupidity,
kept upon its legs thus far through much nursing,
and likely to die OF the very attentions admins-
tered by its friends to keep it alive. 1t suited well
enough, perhaps, the dark and fogyish age in which
it was first pressed into Democratic service but the
Enquirer should remember that we live in era of
light and knowledge-that the genius of Young
America is abroad in the world and that its cearness
of vision pierce clean through humbug, and exposes
political fummery and imposture to public and
derision.
We feel for the Enquirer. 1t has profoundest
sympathies We know its fororn and desperate con-
dition Wrthng under consciousness OF the imbe
city the Freesoilism the treason Of its President
and tortured with the conviction that its party upon
the very "verge Of disnegration and distraction,
generously excuse its efforts to divert attention
from these melancholy considerations, and even com
mend its avidity in Selling upon any thing in the
heavens above in the earth beneath that may af-
ford it a momentary consolation. But suggest
that its recent defense Of foreign population
exceedingly far.fetched and unnecessary. 1t will no
doubt be appreciated at its true value by the arge
and generally respectable class for whom it was in
tended. If mistake not it will appear to them
very much like elaborate attempt to hunbug them
for after purpose. Elections i. is well known,
matter how Distant never out of the thoughts Of
good Democrat Provision is made for them
---.nths ~-.i r~-- - "i--~.. T.~, irdaSi, 10 ,is
special, everyday bushes, OF the immaculate The
landing of invading host upon all our shores a,
once would not be allowed to interfere much with
this high duty. What boots it that the country is
rLvaged, so the Democracy triumph at elections and
riot in the spoS? If however there is single for
egner in this wide land so exceedingly soft and YER
dant as to guzzle down the soft soap" Of the En-
quirer, advise him to apply forthwith for the
benefit of the benevolent provisions of the Insane
bill.
But have we expressed, charged by the Enquirer,
any hatred, disgust, h)stil ty, even unkind-
ness towards our foreign population a CLASP Not
word ever escaped us bearing any such construction
Our whole article, from which the Enquirer quotes to
produce the impression that we had, is n complete
and triumphant refutaton of ahy such charge We
stated distinctly and explicitly that we had no SYM
patty with Native Americanism, and, cOnsequently
could feel no hostility to that portion Of citizens
We said also, in the same article, the whole spirit OF
which is utterly miSrepresented by the Enquirer,
that: "W While we would not restrict them in the en-
j,yment Of any right or privilege to which cur Re-
publican system entitl, MEANWHILE we would cor.
daily throw around Thorn the aegis of our eaul,
laws, and protect them in life, property, and tho
Rational pursuit OF happiness, yet, would not have
them become pulled up with intoerable vanity and in.
science to take the entire affairs of the country
under their own control" Now, does this look like
entertaining sentiment of hatred and loathing for
our foreign population to be willing to accord to
to them equal rights and privileges with native boz
Amercansg Is this what the Enquirer characte
speaking in "scornful and contemptuous language"
oil themY Is this what it terms I" cruel denunciatton"
"merciless sarcasm" and bitter invectye?" And
yet, the paragraph quoted by it from the Wing in
the Enqurers opinion, Conveys a correct idea of the
temper Of the article" Now, have sufficient re.
spcct for the Enqurer's intelligence to believe that
II has precious little faith in its assertion Ger.
tany, it could to the conclusions it has
unless it was entirely blinded by party passion and
willing to dstort our language and pervert our mean.
ing in any way, so as to make them operate to the
prejudice Of the Wing party.
II We employed any denunciation or severity. Il
was only in reference TO particular class Of our
foreign population-to that ''poron" Of il who are
known to be organizing distinct and separate party
for the most mischevous ends and we pointed out who
that portion was, specifically and by name. There
could be no misapprehension or mistake then, as to
aimed We went further and published their plat.
form Of principles, and exhibited the disorgsnising
and destructive objects for which they had banded
together And yet with all these things before its
eyes-in the face Of this open and published avowal
of doctrines at war with all law human and divine,
and totally subversye Of all our social and political
institutions the Enquirer pleased to declare that il
does mot concedc that any portion Of the foreign
population Of this country the mischieuous men
whom the Wing 50 contemns and denounces."
Let us see, then, in whose defence the Enquirer,
with armor on and nostris expanded is found. Let
us see who, and what these men are, whom the En-
quirer prefers not to "contemn and dcnounce." Let
us see what their designs and purposes are, which
the Enquirer, according to It's own system OF logic
must be supposed to endorse and approve. We'll,
che persons whom denounced, and whom the En-
quirer defends, are the German Reform party Of
Louisville, aud ,heir sympathisers throughout the
country. In their Published platform, they declare
tirst that slavery shall be excluded from all new