The weekly Lancaster gazette. (Lancaster, Ohio) 1852-1855, 1854-08-10

Monday Evening, Aug. =. 1854
oxk STEP FuRrHEh.-In the language
and spirit ola young American, in these
progressive, "Know-N Nothing days; it is
gratifying to see that American citizens
those who have been born and bred on Co.
lumbar soil-and Swho, according to Mr..
Brownson, have more than theoretical
idea of liberty aud republican governments
are awakening to the important bearing
Of circumstances around them. The rapid
development ofour country, and the har-
mony that had characterized her growth
seemed TO have rendered them oblivious to
all else, until his mitred highness of the
Vatican saw proper to attempt the exercise
of his power in moulding to suit his
Popeship, the domestic institutions of our
country. He expected to stand upon the
seven hills Of Rome and say to free and in
dependent America what her citizens should
teach their children, what school-books
should DO placed in their hands, and what
prayers should be their earliest offerings
But he interfered too soon; his wishes got
the better Of his Judgment He supposed
that the honeying Of Jesuitism had sealed
the eyes of the people to its vehemous inAu-
ences. and that to enter our school-houses,
and through them mould the mind of the
youth of ourland, would be but an easy mat
ter. But he failed-the school-fund--the
undivided American school fund-remains
one of the noblest features of our young
Republic. Themove was firmly met, and
signally defeated. May it ever be SO.
So far, SO good. But, is it not supposed
that when foreigners seek our shores that
their intention is to become American citi-
Gems SO far as language, and a knowledge
of our laws will permit. Is it even thought
they come to build up a new Germany, a
new Ireland. France, Italy, Spain or Scot
land upon bur shores, and transfer thereto
the languages, banners and evils of their
respective countries? We think not.
We expect theReto learn our language,
and through it, and converse and ~fraterui-
zation with our citizens, to become Ameri
canized in every sense Of the term. They
should have no foreign preferences, either
for a spiritual or temporal rule, no aspira.
tons adverse to the country's welfare
otherwise they are not safe and response
BILE citizens.
Then, why favor one class OF foreigners,
by devoting o part Of the school fund to
keep up schools for the benefit of their
children? Why have our laws printed in
their language alone, when every class Of
Foreigners in our land have as valida claim.
Are we to have two national tongues? Are
we to have always American schools and
German schools? Isit always to be nee
essary that our laws should be issued in
both the American and German languages.
Do tho. American people suppose, for one
instant, that this class Of foreigners will
ever become Americanized, so long as they
are favored with such special legislation
We, ~forone, fear not, while they can live
within their own circle, and find it unneces.
sary. to fraternize with the native citizens,
speak their language, or read their papers
SO far will they have no common interest
II may be urged that they make up a great
part ofour population! Greater the reason
that their language, education and feelings
should be American. The moment the
German citizen repudiates the ~peajackei
and green cap, should he take to the Eng
lish language and the American Eagle. for
their alliance is indissoluble, and cannot
flourish apart. If We are to have two YER
~naculars, however, let it be well under
stood, and ifthe common school fund is to
be devoted to keeping up German schools,
letthe Spanish, French. Italian, Swedes,
Wclch. and even those of "thc rich Irish
bgogee" come in for like fayors.
We do not object to persons learning
all the living and dead languages, but we
do protest against ~nationalizing any tongue
but our own,which we wantt to hear-and It
alone--in our schools and Legislative halls,
a least, but not in our churches.