The Feliciana Democrat. (Clinton, La.) 1855-186?, 1855-05-19
Persecution Of Foreigners.

History informs u.s. that the Federal party during
the administration of the elder Adams, passed the
Alien and Sedition Laws. and extended the time for
the naturalization of foreigners from five to four
teen years. The object of these measures was to
prevent naturazed citizens from taking sides in
politics, to discourage foreign emigration to this
country, and otherwise harass and annoy them. by
fines, imprisonment, and in some instances, Danish
ment from the nation. On the authority of the Hon.
Richard Rush, one of the most eminent citizens In
the land, we are informed that this persecution was
occasoned by the discovery of the Fcderalists that
our naturazed citizens of that day generally voted
for Mr.. Jefferson, the Republican candidate for Pre-
sident, in opposition to Mr. Adams the Federal can
didate. These laws became so odious that they were
all repealed by the Democratic Republican party
that came into power simultaneously with Mr. JEFF
ferson, as President of the United States
The father Of the Hon. G. NJ Dallas naturalized
citizen, was especially singled out and prosecuted
for writing and publishing his sentiments, condemn
ing the policy and principles upon which Mr.. Adams
administered the government James Calendar an
other citizen of foreign BIRTH was likewise made the
object OF Federal persecution for doing the same
He was condemned and thrown into prison. where he
was found when Mr.. Jefferson was inaugurated Pre-
sident One of the first acts Of his official duty was
to have him released and set at liberty. Matthew
Lyons of Vermont, another was prosecuted fined one
thousand dollars and his property sold to pay it.
Gen. Jackson brought tia subject to the considera-
ton Of Congress. during his administration. when
the money so taken from him. was restored to his
heirs with interest Lyons himself having been dead
long before
This opposition to foreigners and naturalized citi-
zens, became so unpopular that no more was herd
of 1t. until the Native American party was organized
during the latter part of the administration of Gen
Jackson which lasted few years, but fually sunk
into the Wing party; not, however, until It had dis
graced itself by church burnings and other acts
that were equally atrocous which covered the actors
with shame and contempt
The same party, after vainly trying to deceive the
naturazed citizens and Catholics in support of Gen.
Scott for President, in 1852, in opposition to Mr.
Pierce, and having failed in their object once more
renew the cry of foreign influence and Popish plots
upon their tongues, and hatred of the poor emigrant
in their hearts, organize new secret association
bound under solemn oaths to prescribe both, really
for no other object than to defeat the only true ma
tional party now known to the country Unless the
present reaction. now going on throughout the
Union be checked, the fate awaits this new Or
der, that befel its predecessors The sober second
thought of the people never fail to detect the animal
by its ear marks which are sure to stand out in bold
relief, somewhere.
Every time Federalism has changed its name some
Democrats have been caught in the trap. But their
loss has generally been supplied by recruits from
the ranks of the opposition. Many noble Wings re-
fuse longer to act with party that can descend to
such expedicnts to gain power and place.
REsIGNATIoNs-Chief Justice SLIDELL and Justice
OGDEN, have resigned their seats on the Supreme
Bench of this State, to go into effect on the LIST day
of July next.
VERMILIoNyILLE-The Democrats hcye elected
their entire municipal ticket, .I.