The daily union. [volume] (Washington [D.C.]) 1845-1857, 1854-04-14
Secret Political ORGANIZATIONS.

Every now and then in the northern and south.
ern papers assertions that there is powerful organization
on foot 10 revive the principles of the American
party Every organization which adopts principle iis
creed is entitled to respect and there censure among
rational men adapted to honest opposton other than one
which fairly combas the argument upon which that or
ganizalon may rely Bu, if may determine from the
working OF the party TO which have alluded, the true
theory OF lis motive and construction, i, does not afford
any substantial ground for combating its basis and is
pregnant with evils which think every calm observer
will easily determine for himself
secret political society is IN itself an unmixed
mischief Our very constitution is not 20 krmly
rooted 10 the soil but that this process OF under.
mining liz dangerous TO it, stability for, il public
opinion and the action Of leading justify the
idea that it is right TO combine, under the sanction OF
an obligation TO secrecy to maintain policy which iu
members may deem best suited TO preserve the better
elements OF our government cannot tell at what time
others may secretly unite 10 enforce their theories
which may radically differ from the propositions held by
the native Americans La the intervening period we
shall behold spectacle which has yet dsgsced
our political history. With constitution that allows OF
and encourages the irees discussion with the
ing right of appeal in individuals. well parties, TO
the people which is The grandest and mighest tribunal
ever opened to the inieec, Of man. with system thai
holds it treason but duty, TO aragn and invest.
gate the conduct Of government, less than the opera
ton OF the laws, what shall be thought OF meetings,
which, like the Hhms- Gerei Of Germany or the thou
sand associations OF modern Italy, retire from the
open day execute their purposes in darkness and Sc
clusiop
Our word Of warning upon this subject is addressed
I'll bn,tn Ne fandt h
selfish purposes OF personal ambition which induce few
desperate avail themselves OF local divisions the
preudees Of nationality Blu, let the toiisper take heed
OF what they do 10 advance such ends II they CON-
bne against those who have been formally naturalized
by law, 10 proven, hem IRON obtaining that place
power 10 which they have equal righ, with any
to aspire, they seeking virtually to nuy the
Constitution itself; nay, more-,hey are actively as
ssing TO bring about the segregation Of the foreign
born citizens into community separate 10 feeling and
political interests They exciting anirnosties in
the minds q such. while they unable to pre-
ven, The use Of franchise 'equal to their own They
are seeking to set apart and brand Heo,s. whom
every consideration OF erpediency. lees than Of JUS
tice, require that they should gsmate with
the Of the community 10 order lha, their feelings,
mpulse,, and character nav rapidly possible. con-
form TO those Of The vast aggregate.
The dangers OF which we are warned, " they exist
have been created by the nudicous course which seems
now more boldly Iutsued haa No honest man
will ever hesitate 10 meet the discussion upon the sub
ject of naturalization laws, II The question is ever
again raised ia Congress But when these reformers
NANTES, intention 10 discuss II, where only its de
cussion avail anything, tie agitation in other walks
is an uomixed and dangerous evil.