The weekly Portage sentinel. [volume] (Ravenna, Ohio) 1854-1861, 1854-09-13
For the Portage Sentinel /.
Observation-Disclosures. % G

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=. Kn0W-NOthingism. g. (" G -
S1tr. .EpIEoE:-Tte sigms of the times in-
dicate that strong feeling now pervades
the American people, opposed 10 foreigners
and the foreign born having voice in the
affairs OF our government. It is evident that
the feeling does not arise from any passing
occarrencs, which temporarily excites the
pssslOns OF the people, and which is present.
y forgotten, It 10 in fact an under current
10 the political sea, the more powerful be-
Cause moving in silence, and over whose se-
cre,, unseen tide. the old ships Of party ride
with fear and trembling. The time ~as
when political wirc-pullers could guess with
SEINE degree OF certainty, as to the success
ofthsir deep laid schemes; but noD nothing 10
more xneertain in some localities, than the
result of an election. The nominee of one
Of the great parties, democrat or heterogene-
'ous, may be elected, but it is just as likely
to happen that the choice may fall upon
some one unknoW as a candidate. while no.
BODY knows who voted for him, or how he
got elected. A movement in political affairs,
Of so striking character as this, must have
"a cause which is worthy Of our most serious
consideration. The whole aim and object of
this Invisible political organization, seems to
be general, and indiscriminate prescription
Of foreigners, adopted citizens, and catholics.
Heretofore the American people have re-
'ceiyed the tide Of foreign emigration with
open arms, AND nattIrtiiIed all who have full
ttilled the requirements Of the laws. Shall
ths practice continues or shall II cease accord
ing to the views entertained by the "Know.
Nothings!" u there any thing incompata-
hblein one born and educated ia foreign land,
becoming a worthy and patriotic American
>citizen' Whit are the qualifications Of a
good American ci.izeh! Il suppose them to
be these: sense Of esually and equal rights,
sufficient intelligence todo ones thinking,
iaud voting, comprehension ofthe spirit and
principles Of the goreanHent, @ith apatriotic
determination to carry, out, abide by, and de-
3ftdd those principles gnd sinstisutions. or all
and amongshese principles we re-
'cognize popular sovereignty, political equol.
ny, and religious delegation. 1t is true, one
reared in the old fogy countries Of Europe,
has much to unlsarnq qandan an, entire new
Hystem of politics to learn before he cun be-
ceme aft subject TO have a part 10 the aG-
'fafrsaf our government; but |, is easy 70 un-
learn what is contrary to reason, and easier
10 fsatn' what is consistent with ones innate
ideas ofright and justice. There is nothing
III He nature Of thags. then, toprevent those
.otfOreign birth naking just as good citizens
.as.fhe' native born; shd what are the facts
in the case! Facts prove the assertion.
We have an'eng us, thousands OF adopted
citizens, completely Amercsnized, who are
devotedfto our Institutions; and who have,
and'are ready to fight even their'own coun-'
'trtmen IN their defence. Such citizens are
just as worthy Of confidence and the emolu.
'Inents ofoffice, as those born in this country;
they have assisted to advance the prosperity
rof the nation, have, shared the burthens Of
Hhe government, and why refuse thcm its pat.
ronage and houors! ,...ts q ..u y
But it 10 urged chow correctly we know
no,J that Catholics, or some orders Of ,hnt
denomination of christians, acknowledge
she supremacy Of the pope in things political,
as we'll as spiritual, and thut a mandate
from the Pope or priest would determine
their vote in given case. Now, IL this be
SO, there is some ground for opposition to
indiscriminate naturalization; and ] do not
hesitate to express my belief that person
holding such opinions, is unfit for citizenship
and ought never to be naturaiized. Under
stand me; it is not in protesting the Catho-
lie religion, that disqualifes, but holding to
an opinion dangerous to liberty, and abso-
lutely incompatible with free republican
government. Catholics entertaining this view,
must expect to meet strenuous opposition.
A part Of the American system, is free
liberation Of all religions, but to admit such a
doctrine. ia, silence. would be liberation with
4 vengeance. ! would say to foreigners,
whatever may be yourreligious views, come
6hsif you win renouuce all allegiance to
your rative country, and swear allegiance
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