New-York daily tribune. [volume] (New-York [N.Y.]) 1842-1866, 1855-08-15
DICKINSON on SAM. "

The Hon. DANIEL (. DICKINSON wrote and dis.
patched in JuIe last the folle wing reply TO GER
tain inquiries of The Tallahassee FiOrididn and
Journal. Though mailed so long ago. twas only
published on the 4th inst, and then with dlspar-
aging commensurate querist having received
more than he bargained for. 1t is but simple
Justice to Mr. ID to have it distinctly understood
that be did not wait till after "Sim" WAS dead TO
write his epitaph There are very few of
Mr. D. opinions on politics topics wherein we
concur, but we can heartily second all be says
in condemnation of political secret societies
whether meeting in Tammany Hall or elsewhere.
Here is his letter:
ALBANY, June, 1855.
Ny DEAR SIR:-0n my return to my residence
few days since, from professional engagement
abroad found your favor OF late date lnquuing iof
nv views touching the principles of the American
or " Know Nothing" organization. Before | found
time 10 answer hurried to this place to attend the
Court Of Appeals in session. where the business
in which engaged affords little time or opportu
nity for correspondence. WILL however as have
no conceslments upon public questions, borrow mo-
ment from my pr, ssng duties to say quite hasy mat
have DO knowledge concerning the Order TO when
YOU allude except such as is acquired from puoca-
lions purporting TO give information upon the subject
and NUT therefore conne myself TO such pola's a.
are embraced within this range. II ls generally under
stood and conceded to be secret society or organza-
ton designing to act politically in toe contests of the
cav OF this secret feature entirely dlsapproye and
am unable TO understand by what necessity, real or
suppOt ed il was dictated, upon what prnciple II
can be justified Free public discussion and open
action on all public affair, essential to the health
nay TO the very existence-Of popular liberty; aud
the day which finds the public mind reconciled to the
secret movements of political parties Will nnd us lar
on our way 10 the slavery of despobsm. Ii good men
mn MOI in ret yOO
assurance that bad men, under the same plausible ex
terror will not secretly sap the foundations oil puohc
virtue.
Whether I am in favor of their platform upon the
ouestion of Domestic Slavery must depend upon what
il is; or rather whether they are in favor OF nine. II
their platform is 10 be regarded as including, uphold
ing or justiiyDg such political monstoslues as Tue
Personal Liberty Bill recently passed INTO law by
the Massachusetts, Legislature over the veto OF Gov
ernor Gardner then pronounce treason OF deep
Ss G m ere pls nsion and condgn punishment If
upon this subject their platform conforms to resolutions
recently published, purporDg to be the voice OF ma
orty of tie Convention assembled at philadelphia, II
is In substance the upon which have stood for
years-upon which old not enter without counting
the copss quenoes, aud which | intend TO reliuq
only with life | have not now these resolutions be-
fore me- but as | recollect them, approve them in
substance as sound national doctrine. ignore part
OF the Federal Constitution either in theory 10 pro-
tice, TO court the popular capnces OF the moment, to
gain public station, to minister TO the necessities or
ninnities of those in power Nor can disrust the
souBdIess of principles approved upon full consldera
tioD under high sense of duty because others may
choose TO adopt and embrace them.
cannot believe that any good can be accomplished
by making the birthplace test of fidelity merit. II
does accord with but is at with the genius Of
our institutions. That abuses have been practced by
the app ointment of foreigners places of trust before
sufficiently familiar with Constitution, laws, and
social system. or to which from circumstances they
were unsuied, il probable. This hoSever Is in some
respects common 10 native as well as naurallzed
ciiizeIs and arises not from defective system but
from its errOneo Gus administration. IL IL in both re-
spects the natural result of placing in the hands of the
incompetent the distribution of public patronage.
Upon the subject of Daiuraized citizens have been
governed by considerations of Justice and duty and
have desg ned observe the spirit Of my countrys
Constitution. When Members of Congress engaged in
sieeple chase TO see who should propose earliest,
give most and vote loudest 10 feed suffering Ireland
from the Federal Treasury few years since, not find
ing any warrant for such proceedings voted agains.
il, and let public camOr exhaust itself upon my
bead in denunciatons. When | learned that the for
egner who had in good faith declared his intentions of
citizenship by setting his foot upon foreign shore in
case of shipwreck without any intention OF remaining
abroad lost the benefit of his proceedings, intro
duced and procured the passage of bill to redress the
grievance. These principles have governed my pub
lie col duct and now guide my opinions. The Consti.
tuition admin istered in s true spirit is in my judg
ment sufficient for the protection Of all, whether
tive or naturaized and for the redress of all political
evils which can be reached by human government
] have the honor 10 be,
Your friend and serv,nt,
L. s. DICKINSON.
CHARLES Z DYKE ED Editor F.oddsu and Journal