The daily union. [volume] (Washington [D.C.]) 1845-1857, 1855-10-09

In calm defiance the dangers OF gbbe which his sig
nature 10 the Declaration Of Independence subsequently
affixed had made his doom il the arms OF Great Britain
had triumphed in the struggle for independence No fears
Of the part Of Roman Catholics by reason Of
any allegiance to the Pope of Rome disturbed the minds
Of the wings Of the revolution when important trusts were
oonfded persons Of that creed at time when treason
was most to bs dreaded and when the ueaehery Of
man might have ruined forever the cause OF all All OH
GERS civil and military have been filled by Roman Catho
lies during the existence Of this government and no act Of
treason has been committed by any one OF them
With knowledge therefore, that freedom OF conscience
was intended to be Incorporated fundamental prnc
pie or our republican form Of government by those who
framed it. and eligibility TO all offices under the govern
ment conferred alike all persons having the requisite
civil qualification being inseparable from the recognition
Of that principle in the organic awhaving seen IN the
unparalleled Of this nation IN all things that make
up the greatness nation and the happiness Of people
confirmation Of the wisdom Of those patriotic who
framed it'll but look with serious apprehension at
the consequences likely follow from the connexon with
our political contests any discussion Of modes of religious
faith in matters of governmental policy.
All nations OF the world in which sectaran contests
have existed have been desoaed by civil wars with the
crueldes of which history is filed. Life liberty, and
property have been secure and the blessings of good
have been enjoyed under such govern
menis With these examples before us as the effect OF
secarian sres, ought we to allow them place now In
our political creeds and risk the peace prosperity and
happiness of our favored land by abandonment OF the
policy which by its observance heretofore in our hsor
has so abundany blessed with all that constitutes the
happiness Of people and the prosperity OF naonf See
ing rs thnk / do, mischcfs ncalculable inevitably
arising from abandonment OF the mature wisdom Of
our ancestors compelled by sense of duty higher
than any considerations OF party policy, to withhold my
assent from doctrines which, if correctly understand
them are not only unjust in their application to yourself
half ita I'm IN
fundamental principles of government and not IN &C
cordance with the principles of the wing party which
you and belong To differ with old and valued friends
10 me source of deep regret but consequences
myself personally deter me from firm and faithful
adherence to the principles which have governed my whole
life and which, have said before were the principles OF
the founders Of the republic,
have confined this letter. too hastily written to do JUS
tce to the subject the single question embraced in your
letter to need add that the disavowa on your
own part and in behalf your friends of the Roman Cath
Ollie faith of any allegiance of temporal character to
the Pope of Rome and your declaration that you hod the
constitution and laws of country superior and para
mount to all other power CONTROL to sufficient
reutaton of the charge referred to in the previous sentence
of the same paragraph if any such belief had been enter
tanned by me before which take pleasure in saying
found o place in my mind | sincerely hope the agitation
of this question SO calculated excite angry passions
may by the good sense and patriotism of our citizens DO
oon terminated in unity and peace and that all secs and
ceeds may vie with each other only in earnest exhbi-
ton of devotion the country and the adoption of meas
ures calculated to promote its prosperity and peace.
Respectfully, your friend,
WIN. LlNGAN GATHER
| TOR Y BRENT, Esq.