Wilmington journal. [volume] (Wilmington, N.C.) 1844-1895, 1855-12-14
Washington and the Know-NothIngs.

| In WashiDgton's first regular message or speech
10 both Houses of Congress- bearing date January
8th $780, find among the matters referred to- that
of the naturalization of foreigners in The following
| language:
various considerations also render it expedient
that The TERMS which foreigners may be admitted
to the rights of citizens, should be speedily ascertain.
ed by uniform rule of naturalization - Writings
Of Washington, Vol. XII, p g.
1t is also matter of history that Congress did act
on his recommendation, and that bill for the nat
urazation of foreigners in tnro years, was passed,
| and received the appreciation of Washington during
his first term. So much for the earlier and purer
days of the Republic
Having seen the outset of General Washington's
civil administration, let as now turn TO the Close
Let pass from 17ss to 1896, from his first regular
message to his farewell address. In the course of
his exhortations to Union, he says:
81 For this you have every inducement Of sympa-
thy and interest. Citizens, by birth choice, of
common country, that country has right to concen.
trate your affections. The name of AMERICAN, which
belongs to you in your national capacity must always
exat the Just pride Of Patriotism than any APP
pellaon derived from local determinations With
slight shades OF difference you have the same reli-
glon habits and political principles. You have in
common cause, fought and trumphed together; the
independence and Liberty you possess are the work
of joint counsels and joint efforts, of common dan
gers, sutferings and successes y Writings of Wash
tngton VOL XII, pages 218-'19.
How would Washington, who gave the proud
name of @ American y to all citizens, by birth or
choice of common country, have viewed the at
tempt 10 give to faction what was meant for man.
kind, to the sphere of Americanisn TO the
contracted limits of secret order, and to denounce
all Others " citizens, by birth choice of common
county," as ant-Amercans. Unlike these exclusive
people OF the present day, General Washington does
not ppiy The term g foreigners TO those, by birth
or choice, citizens of common country, to whom
IN their national capacity, the name of AMERICAN be-
longs and the attempt TO apply his complaints of
foreign officers, etc, TO the citizens of the country is
an attempt &c make him say what he never did say,
and never intended to say; to say what the friend
of Hamilton, of Morrise and other men of foreign
birth, but true American feelings and Actions would
have turned from with disgust. General Washing
ton did not talk of the citizens of the country 20
matter where they were born, foreigners, nor did
the convention that framed the Constitution so regard
them, since it placed all those who then citizens,
on footing, not debarring those naturalize1 from
anythng-not even the Presidency, those TO be |
naturalized from anything but that
Let us turn 10 another branch of the subject ex- |
hibiting the contrast between Washington and the
pseudo" American party of the present day, on the
subject of Religion. The first extract we shall make
from his Address to the Ministers, Church -wardens
and Vesrymen of the German Lutheran Congrcga-
ton, in and near the City of Philadelphia pr goth,
1879. He says:
" rejoice in having so suitable an occasion to tes-
THY the recipl ocy of my esteem for the numerous
people whom you represent. From the excellent
character tor diligence, sobriety and virtue, which
have ever maintained, cannot forbear felcitating
myself on receiving, from respectable number Of
them such strong assurances of their affection for
my person, confidence in my integrity, and zeal to
support me in my endeavors for promoting the wei
fare OF our common Writings of Wash.
lngton Vol. XII, p. 148.
See again-these German citizens were no foreign.
ers to Washngton-they belonged 10 " our common
Let us look little further. In his Address to the
Roman Catholics in the United States December, 1889
he says:
As mankind become more liberal, thew will be
more apt to allow that all those who conduct them.
selves worthy men bers of the community, are
equally entitled to the protection of civil government
hope ever to see America among the foremost ma.
lions in examples of justice and liberality And I i
presume that your felloW-ctZens will not forget the
patriotic part which you took in the accomplishment
OF their revolution and the establishment of their
government, or the important assistance which they
received from a nation in which the Roman Catholic
Religion Is professed. p Writings of Washington,
Vol. XII, p. l7s.
In an Address TO the General Committee represent
ng the United Baptist Churches in Virginia, May,
l789 he saws.