The Athens post. [volume] (Athens, Tenn.) 1848-1917, 1854-03-10
FOREIGN EMIGRATION-EFFECT UP
ON OUR INSTITUTIONS.

America, in regard to social, religious and
political questions, cannot have escaped the
keen scrutiny of the mass of the American
people. As the Cotton Plant very properly
remarks, the original intention-of giving
shelter, protection, and the rights guaranteed
by our laws to all equaIly-has been lost
sight of in welcoming to our shores the un-
fortunate and oppressed of Europe, and the
doctrine of allowing persons who are igno-
rant of those laws and institutions, and often
of our language, has been engratted upon it.
The absurd exhibitions of Kossuth illustrates
aptly the inherent inability of Europeans to
understand our destiny and the genius Of our
institutions. The antics of u. SouIc II Paris,
and his want of dignity at Madrid, comprom-
Using the American character, evidenced that
the essential necessaries are wanting, even
in this much admired gentleman, to make
him fit representative of American charac-
ter. The political economist cannot fail to
detect, in regard to American affairs, this tru-
ism: that native Americans, or those reared
here from tender years, is the fit and proper
aw.making and law-administering body. The
rare exception to this rule met with here and
there only strengthens the general principle
we have stated. And we will venture the
assertion, that those Receptions when found
have the good sense to admit that the rule
laid down by US s wise and just We repeat,
vise and just.
1t is "wise," because there is safety in it.
Examine the statistics of population and
emigration, and witness with what giants
stride this foreign population is advancing in
its ratio of increase! OF this mass of human
beings, how many are there whose education,
trimming, habit of thought and moral qualities,
fit them for making or administering the laws
of country to which they are strangers!
One in hundred! That would be more
than favorable proportion. And yet, shall
We, to &c. the "one" wise legislator and able
officer, take the ninety-ninc irresponsible re-
remainder! Are good men and true so sad
ly needed! Will our foreign friends to whom
we give home, laws and n country, be dis
satisfied unless they can govern the house
hold they have flown to for protection Is
not our foreign population satisfied with the
freedom and equality of their adopted land,
and is not this immodcrate desire to partici-
pate in the control Of the country rather the
work of artful and unprincipled political DEM
agogues! We honestly believe SO.
Tho principle for which we contend, is
'just" in this, that it gives to the emigrant all
which he expected or desired in leaving his
own country. 1t gives him the security of
equal laws; the right of acquiring and hold
ing property; the freedom of speech; the free
dom of conscience. fle can breath the air,
and enjoy the light of Heaven untaxcd. His
industry is rewarded and his person is secure
from assault or insult from an armed soldiery.
He has freedom. lie feels that his home,
however humble, is secure. 1t is his castle,
more sacred than kings palacc.-And must
We be told that enjoying all these, freely and
without price, that it is "injustice" not to go
further and give him power which in nine
ty nine cases out of q hundred he is totally
unfit to WELD!
The revulsions in Europe must inevitably
add to this flood of emigration. which is up
on a fearful Increase. The taxation and OPP
pressiun incident to revolution will force the
life. blood out of the nations of the OldWOrld
or force them to seek America. They will
find rs heretofore, home, a refuge from the
storm, resting place under the shadow of
our freedoms rock. And if designing po.
liticans do not stir them up to discomfort,
they will be satisfied and grateful, as they
should be. But to recognize the power in
this uninstructed mass to mould our laws
and perhaps alter our institutions according
to suit the wild theories of European politics,
is more dangerous than unjust" 1t is "un-
Just" to us who have Hospitality received them,
and "unjust" to themselves, as they would
certainly plunge this country into all the I'M
stable theories which have made european
Repubicanisln' words of just reproach. We
know the past; we look with solicitudc upon
the present: but let us be "wisc" and 'just,'
and prepare for the future.
NONSENSE REBuKED BY COMMON SENSE