The spirit of democracy. [volume] (Woodsfield, Ohio) 1844-1994, 1855-03-21
Opinions on the Know Nothing
Doctriuas.

We recommend the following opinions
10 the careful consideration Of those who
profess to ..revere the doctrines of our be.
loved Washington" II they are sincere
in their veneration, let them adopt these
opinions, andthen remain Know Nofhings
ii they can consistently. hmay be as
well TO state in this conn nec;ion. that in
1870, George Washington as President
ofthe United States signed uaturaliza- !
lion law which conferred the right Of suit.
trage alter a residence Of only two years
/ in the country.
:" As ,nsnkind become more liberal, they.
will be apt 10 allow. Thai al those uso CON.
duct Themselves as i0orthy members Of the
conamunity. are equaAyeutitled 10 The pro-.
tection u cirii gonernwent, Ihope ever
lo.see sAmeriea among the foreusost ma
tions in examples otjustce and liberality
And presume that your fellow -cilizsns
will not forget the patriotic part which you
took in the accomplishment OF their gov
ernment--or heintpastant assistance they
Ireceiyed from nation in which the Ro.
man Catholic faith is professed. - HasA-
ington. zas..
.Rhe Irish volunteers merit the warm
Athanks OF America for their patriotism;
and hope their countrymen who have so
long struggled for liberty, will be hospita-
bly and cordially received here. Wash,
ingtoa. =
1.-The bosom of America is open to re-
ceive, not only the. opuleat and respecta-
BILE stranger. bat'the oppressed and per-
scented Of all nations aud of all religions.
whom we shall welcome to a participation
| in all our rights and prisileges.''- Wash.
ington. .zs <.
The citizens OF the United States oi
4America have. ar right TO applaud them.
selves Tor having given to mankind ex-
lampyes Of an enlarged and liberal Polipy
Ia policy worthy of imitation. All pos
sess alike liberty of conscience and i'm
-maniiies Of citizenship. ltis now no more
THAT toisratioH is spoken of as il it.Were
Eby the indulgence OF one class of people
that another enjoyed the exercise OF their
inherent natural rights; for. .happily the
of the United States, which
Il d o.
gives to bigotry no sanction, TO persecu:
iion no assistapce.requires only. that they
who live under its protection. should de,
meaa themselves as good cirzens in Civ
ling il Oh all occasions their effsctual sup
jpoit. - Washington.
"At.er We had, by the smiles Of Divine
Providence on our exertious.l o btained the
object for which we contended, retired
/ a, The conclusion OF The war with an idea
that my country could have no further
occasion for my services, and willis the
intention Of never entering again into pub
lie eliie; but. when The exigencies of my
country seemed to require me once more
to engage in public affairs. an honest con.
viclion Of duty superseded my former res
olu,on. and became my apology for &c
WAITING from the happy plan which | had
ladop,ed. If could have entertained the
/ 9sightest apprehension that the constitution
framed in the convention where had the
! honor to preside might possibly endapger
4 the religious rights Of any ecclesiast
/ society, certainly would never have pIac
/ sec.. my signature oit; and il could now
conceive that the general government
! might ever be so administered as To- rem
4 der the liberty Of conscience insecure, |
Ibsg you will be parsuaded that no one
would be more jealous than myself. 10 es-
, -