Republican vindicator. [volume] (Staunton, Va.) 1849-1857, 1854-02-13

interest respecting the religious privileges
OF American citizens in foreign countries.
Ii the subject were merely Of an abstract
and speculative nature, we should be at
no loss to comprehend the difference with
which it is regarded ; but when we con-
slider its practical and pressing Importance,
both in respect TO the rights of our citi-
zens and the honor of our government, we
can but express some surprise at the appa-
rent unconcern of the public mind. In
what manner the subject effects the rights
Of American citizens, and the authority Of
the American government, will appear
from brief explanation of the causes
which have originated the movement in
behalf of religious liberty.
In thiscountry, no restraint is imposed
on the profession Of religious belief. Ev-
cry man, be his creed ever SO absurd and
extravagaut, and his rites of worship never
so grotesque and ridiculous, finds here not
only liberation, but protection in the exer-
else OF his religious faith. Ia consequence
OF this absolute liberty of conscience
ereeds and dogmas have sprung up amongs'
US with the rank luxuriance of tropical
vegetation. In the same field flourish the
healing plant and the noxious weed The
loathsome superstition of Mormonism, the
melancholy delusion Of spirit rappiag. the
stern morality of the Protestant and the
less severe and more seductive faith of the
Catholic, co-exist under the shadow Of n
government which guarantees to every
form and phase Of religious belief, equal
lmmnnities and privileges. Nor is hi.
liberty OF conscience the exclusive birth.
right of American citizens. The stranger
from a foreign land no matter what his
creed or what his form of worship, ENJOYS
the SANE exemption from disturbance in
his religious profession. or this signal ex-
ample is now before the county. Mon
signor Beoini, man whose character is
offensive TO the friends of freedom, and
priest whose religion is distastefni 10 the
ePonderating public sentiment! OF the
country, traverses the length and breadth
OF the lsnd under the safeguard Of the
law. An exercise of ultramontane author
lty unusual in this republican country.
and somewhat too pompous parade of
the insignia of his faith and rank, pro-
vokes the indignation and rouses the pre-
JUDGES OF protestant communities. He
appeals TO the government for protection
against the violence of the mob, and the
government promptly tenders him every
safeguard within its power. Nay more.
Ills case is made the special sui ect of con-
sideration by the Senate, not a member
OF which processes bis faith and unusual
demonstrations Of honor are extended to
him by men highest in authority. The
PRESIDENT OF the United States, himself the
descendant 70 a New England Puritan.
receives the representative OF the Pope
with marks OF kindness and esteem SUI
IS the kind and degree OF liberation which
this country extends to the faith of Cor
eigners.
Now, what sort of liberation does the
religion OF Americans enjoy under foreign
governments? In return for these priyi-
leges and immunities which we extend TO
others. what degree of charity or favor do
we receive from thema
In the Catholic States of Europe, with
the exception, perhaps, of France and
Sardinia, the public profession of the Pro-
testant religion, is either prohibited or
else subjected to the most degrading and
ANNOYING restrictions and disabilities No
relaxation Of this severe intolerance is
made in taver of American citizens so.
Journing within the dominion of those
governments. They are subjected to tue
surveillance OF the police. They are de-
med the exercise Of their rites of wor-
ship. The consultations OF the sacrament
they can enjoy only by stealth and secret,
and even the poor privilege Of a rhris-
tan burial is refused to Protestant co, pse.
In a thousand ways are they oppressed
and annoyed on account of their reii-
gion. .4
Now, we say, this grievance not only
touches the liberty of the American citi-
zen, but the credit of the country. For,
II we deny power Of government to
guarantee religious liberty to ITS citizens
beyond its own Jurisdiction, we must con-
cede its obligation to employ all the re.
sources ot-negotlation to secure TO them.
when sojoarning abroad, the undisturbea
enjoyment of the rights of conscience
And this is all that the friends of religious
freedom demand OF our governments
lhey ask the government Of the United
State to use its good Offices with foreign
powers TO procure some relaxation of the
stern rule Of religious intolerance which
denies to American citizens the simple ex-
ereise of their rites of worship. As they
do not seek the privilege with view to
the propagation Of their peculiar faith, SO
neither do they propose to accomplish
theiI object by any demonstration OF vio-
iehce. This government protects the sub
Jeets OF other powers in the enjoyment of
the rights OF conscience, and surely it NAV
solicit the same privilege for its own ci.i-
zens, without incurring the reproach of a
disposition to transgress the limits of its
authority, There is nothing unreasonable
in the demand. 1t cannot be that so SIM
pie concession will endanger the stabil-
ity of the religious establishments of for
elsn governments. Unless the bisotry Of
Catholicism be more intense and obdurate
even than its enemies represent it, the
privilege will not be withheld if our gov
eminent do but seek it in the proper spir-
it and with adequate urgency. And, if
the people desire the cooperation of
government in the matter, they must rouse
Its energies by some manifestation of pub
lie sentiment,-Enq.
95rCapt j. A. Hartman has been ap-
pointed by the Governor, to ell the va