Democrat and sentinel. [volume] (Ebensburg, Pa.) 1853-1866, 1854-09-28
Intolerance exposed.

The following letter from one who left the
intolerant secret society, after having been
convinced of the infamy of its designs, is
written by citizen of the highest character,
and as he signs his article with his own name,
those who know him will be able to judge of
the value Of his testimony. 1t is not written
for selfish motive, for he resigned valuable
position in the city post Office to undertake
the periodical business. His integrity, can
dor and excellent qualities, have made him
many friends, and his frank and unsolicited
statement cannot fail to have its effect in the
right quarter. The pretence of patriotism
may seduce Americans from the true path for
little while, but when the tinsel and glare
of the deceit are fully appreciated those who
were prompt to believe are no less ready to
denounce the fraud as it deserves to be de-
| nounced.
WASHINGTON, Sept 9, 1854
Having been prevailed upon some three
monts since to join secret political association
| in this city, with the view of Hooking after my
| own private interests, (Which were said TO be
/ in danger } and having been misinformed in
regard to the nature of said association, | sub
sequently felt it my duty to withdraw from the
same, and now desire to explain my reason
for SO doing.
From the limited information | obtained
on the subject, | was led to believe that it was
a movement in favor of Native American
principles. and supported by all parties indis-
criminately. | attended but one meeting,
with which l was not satisfied. Of what pass
ed during the time l was present l recollect
Ill +lot II u
posed. could not form an opinion of the
princi Piles by which they were actuated. From
what / have learned since, however, from
other sources, 1 am inclined to believe that
the following items embrace at least part of
their creed:
1st. That it is a secret political organiza-
ton;
ID. That they unite religion with politics,
in order to exclude the Catholic portion of the
community from holding Office;
Sd. That they are strong advocates of the
most rigid Native American principles.
In regard TO the first l believe it to be op-
posed to the constitution, and that secret po-
litical influence, in a free government, cannot,
in any instance, or under any circumstances,
be attended with beneficial results to the State
at large.
In the second place, the union of religion
| and politics must always prove injurious, as
the history,of the most European governments
show conclusively the dangers to be appre-
hended from connection ofChurch and State
to witch the present movement seems to
be closely aiiiad-independent of the fact that
the very foundation of our government is pas-
ed upon religious freedom and religious tole-
ration.
Thirdly. What their exact views are IN
regard to Native American principles [ have
not learned, but understand they advocate the
doctrine of dismissal from Office of all those
who are not strictly American in birth and in
principle. In regard to appointing foreigners
to office, would respectfully refer, as far as
my knowledge extends, to the present condi-
ton of our public departments, fair ex-
preston of my views on this subject.
The constitution wisely guarantees equal
privileges to all religious denominations, and
if error exists in the naturalization laws, |
| should think Legislative action would be the
proper remedy-at least much better mode
of correcting existing abuses than that pre-
sented,by the workings of any secret political
society. JAS. l.. SMITH.