The Athens post. [volume] (Athens, Tenn.) 1848-1917, 1854-11-03
A rEW nIESTIONS.


this communication originates only IN ue-
sire to obtain information upon su'Jec' '""'
conceive should interest every one VINO ue
ira. 20 maintain his national independence.
you will also, hope, excuse my presumption
for the questions asked, when you reflect upon
tbe advantages you enjoy, in obtaining inior-
nation. over one situated like myself IN an
;.olated portion of the county, where few
wspapers ever reach. In fact, it Ia out
truth to say that the one so ably conducted
bv Yourself is the principal source to which
our entire neighborhood looks for information
OF public nature.
The questions would ask, sir, are in regard
to Know Nothingism. But before ask them
it is-ny duty to state that do not do SO with
any knowledge of your being in the secrets
Of this mysterious order; but for the reason
alluded to above, that you have On opportu-
nifty of gathering from your exchanges such
information upon the subject as would enable
YOU to form pretty just conclusions in regard
to its principles.
First. then, what is Know Nothingismi If
it is opposition to foreign influence, how far
does that opposition eStendi
Secondly, does it prevent Roman Catholics
participating politically in the management
Of this government
Lastly. is it Wing trick to catch Demo-
eratsi
b These are the questions, sir; and why ask
them in particular, at this time, is that have
heard it said that not only foreigners but
Roman Catholics come under the political
bans of this new Order. And | have heard
it said that there is an organization of this
kind in your town. OF this would also like
to be informed-not that doubt it, for have
it from a no less reliable source than the
words of Esq. Scipo Soula, who is sustained
in oil he says by my worthy neighbor, Col.
Brotherington; but wish to be positively
certain for the reason that if this new Order
is in fact, intended to sustain our nationality,
and can satisfy myself that it has no further
design, l may at once give it my support, not
withstanding some men may have their po-
ltical privileges curtailed, not only on ac
count of their place of nationality, but on
account of their peculiar religious notions
1t is true that all religious denominations
may be equally Jealous and honest in their
professions. but it does not follow that they
are alike capable of managing the affairs of a
government like this. The only point to be
determined is, who and what creeds shall be
NJ u,;n hat - ;c pot,
sible for mans place of birth to render him
an unfit participant in the duties of repub-
lican government. No one will say that the
spirit of the Mahomedan religion is in ac-
cordance with our institutions. No one will
say but the Mormon religion encourages Gus
toms not sanctioned by any other religious
denomination in any enlightened country
No one will say but the Chinese are rendered,
by their peculiar religious notions, unfit to
participate in the management of repubi-
can form of government-and so with many
other nations and religious denominations
Then, as have just said, who shall be exclu
dedi If the Know Nothings say it shall be
all foreigners and Roman Catholics, then it
behooves every lover of his country to look
well into the history of this religion, and see
If its political tendencies have been and are
in accordance with the institutions of gov
eminent like this. If he finds it is not, let
him not be restrained from the performance of
his duty by selfish partisaus who would sacri.
fee this country for power.
As to foreigners being entitled to all the
political privileges of this country it certain
ly does not require high degree of reflection
to show the fallacy of the idea. 1t is true
that we who boast of being native born
Americans are but few generations removed
from the alien, yet our national prejudices
and predictions have undergone change
that they cannot know for generations to
come. Admit the doctrine of political equal-
ty, and intelligence no longer remains the
foundation of our institutions Already our
country has become an asylum for the igno-
rant of all nations. And not only are we en-
numbered with these, but the pauper and the
felon here find home that is denied them in
their own country. The same inducements
continued, and avery few years will serve to-
rob us OF our identity So will our moral
and political notions become biased by this
unnatural connection and association that
we will soon have nothing left but the record
oil our present greatness Associated, igno-
rance and intelligence have similar tenden-
cies. In proportion as one is raised the other
is lowered until certain line, approximatng
equality, is approached. In fact, time and
circumstances may balance them SO equally
that it would be difficult to determine which
were the elevated party. For that reason it
would be unnatural that we should be taxed
with the care and the education of the world
1t is Of little use now to stop to enquire
how we arrived ct our present position and
how we came in possession of this inheritance
so coveted by others. The one is accomplish
cd the other is ours, and he that would squan-
der it upon the thankless and undeserving
robs not only himself but generations to come
after him, of that which justice declares
should be maintained inviolate, and transmit
ted without diminution. The failing to per.
Torn this duty in good faith is an act not re.
CURED by charity, sustained by reason, nor
warranted by common sense. SUE.
=, Pine Knobs, MeMinn county, Tenn.
HEALTH OF MACON, GA-Thc following
remarks of the Macon Messcnccr or Wed,cs-