Thibodaux minerva. [volume] (Thibodaux, La.) 18??-1858, 1855-07-28
Americanism Defended.

SO-'s sA--o
tween the Hon. B. G. TH1BopAUx, and Louis BUsH'
ESQ, the former in favor of Americanism, and the
latter opposed thereto, largely attended by the
people Of this and the adjoining parishes, together
with several from New Orleans, among whom was
the Hon. Chas. Derbigny, the nominee Of the
American party for Governor.
Sorry are we that our absence from the State,
prevented us from being present. A friend how
ever, has very kindly furnished with the follow
ing brief abstract of the speech of Mr.. Thibodaux,
which we lay before our readers, rendering at the
same time the use of our columns to Mr.. Bush, OR
those friendly to his views, should they see proper
| to furnish us with an eptome of the arguments by
him used On that occasion. The discussion was
conducted in the French language.
1t is but justice to Mr.. Thibodaux to say, that he
ken part in the discussion had he not previously
promised to do so.
Mr. Thibodaux said that the country is sub
divided into factions which excite the people of
one portion of the Union against the other.
The measures which divided the two great po-
litcal parties of the United States are no
longer an issue, and questions involving the
fate of our country claim the attention of
Americans.
The Union is in danger. The abolitionists
of the north are determined to overthrow a
government which permits slavery in the States.
Emigrants to the United States land chiefly in
our northern ports, where most of them become
citizens in violation of law and join the ranks
of the abolition faction.
The exceedly great emigration from Europe,
and the entirely foreign policy which these
emigrants take on landing on our shore, are a
just cause of alarm to the people of the United
States. This foreign influence must be re-
sisted, or else our great national anchor, the
Constitution, shall perish and all the dreadful
consequences of dissolution of the Union fall
upon us.
The language of the eighth section of the
Philadelphia platform has offended many
Catholics. 1t has ma med one church, when it
should have named either none or all. Never
theless, it contains principles which all Ameri-
This section does not establish religious test;
but it includes only those who do not hold
civil allegiance directly or indirectly to any
foreign power. The offensive language of this
the political interference with which Bishop
Hughes, of New York, is charged. The late
revolution in the Romans States indicates that
the sovereign Pontff is hostile to republican
and in the Kingdom of Sardinia point at the
aggressive policy of this sovereign. The course
pursued by the Pope's Internunco in the
United States, the manner in which he was
accredited to our government. and the policy
of Bishop Hughes have alarmed the Protestants
of the north.
But the American party desires to avert
these dangerous fears and jealousies, by secur-
ing to all citizens the legal and proper exer-
else of their civil aid religious rights and
privileges, and the maintenance of the right of
every man to the full unrestrained and peaceful
enjoyment of his own religious opinions. If
any persons doubts this position, he is referred
to the Louisiana platform upon which stands
the National party of Louisiana, and by which
it must be condemned or approved.
Mr.. T. concluded by stating, that which our
citizens most desire is to possess lands which
they may call their own, to cultivate their fields
in peace to enjoy unrestrained liberty without
trespassing on the rights and liberties of other
men; to educate their children, and to wor-
consciences.
To secure these blessings it has now become
necessary that Americans should rule America.
ANTI-KEow NoTHINGs.-We have been IA