The daily union. [volume] (Washington [D.C.]) 1845-1857, 1855-08-08
From ilie san Francisco Times and Transcript
KNOW-NOTUING DECEPTION


The OF knownothingism insist upon that the
country is in imminent peril Gov Foote the political
Cassandra OF the order makes this the burden of his pop
uar discourses We have already shown that if porien-
clouds hang the country, they have been called
up by the i!omened spirits OF know-rothingism. We
have cited facts clearly establishing the assertion that the
only thing yet accomplished by that order has been
eaully swell the ranks Of abotonsm in the North and
to add largely its power and organization in Congress
We have yet attempt the part Of any Of the
Knights Of the Dark Lantern this position
They only mysteriously along with their yisors
down. but when questioned show themselves be verb
table sag-nichts--say -nothings
That the country is in danger however is insisted
by them seeyident proposition and upon this Posu-
late they proceed apply the remedy and what is the
remedy proposed How is impending evil TO be
averiedf BY knownothingsni, exelam the daIk-lan-
termed gentry his is the grand panacea for all Of
woes In other words they would attain ascendcncy
in the national councils, and then pass law extending
the time for the naturalization Of foreigners ty-oe
yeaTs-hus ont-ederazing the federalism of old John
Adams They have objection many of ..cm urge, to
foreigners settling among and enjoying The protection
Of laws both in their persons aud property. Their
antagonsm only extends their holding offices and
csng the right Of suffrage They tell shat Americans
must rule America Or in other words, these secret oath
bound Observation-Disclosures patriotic Knights of the Dark
lantern by virtue Of their oath grips passwords
posts of honor and profit
Now lei US see how much sincerity or feasibility there
is i'll this pan upposing the evil TO be suggested We
assert in the outset that Congress has power pass
any law fixing conditions either limiting extending the
right Of suffrage This prerogatve of freemen
is purely matter Of State regulation and could be
parted with without complete surrender Of ali State
eregny. The constitutions of the diereE States of the
Union regulate this matter for themselves in many of
them the qualifications being radically variant For in
stance. while in Illinois and Michigan any iahaJiiant
whether native foreign who has resided in the State
year. exercise this right, in other States both cti-
aenshp and property qualifications requisites That
the trainers of the constitution designed deprive
the States Of the exclusive control this subject is
once apparent from examination of that instrument
That there are disabilities enumerated attaching
the persons of foreigners very but the fact of
their enumeration both in the constitution and the laws
Of Congress- and that both silent upon the i'm
pOrtant right Of suffrage show ccnelusyey that the latter
was designed be regulated by the States. Thus the
Of five years residence necessary to become citizen
is intended solely condition certain eie and poi-
cal immunities and bear upon conflict with any
regulations the States upon the right of suffrage
The disabilities that have referred are, first that
none save natural-born citizen shall he eligible the
office Of President Of the United States secondly that
person shall be representative in Congress who has
attained the age Of twenty-five years. and been years
aczen OF the United States and who, when elected shall
be inhabtant Of the State for which he shall be
chosen thirdly person shall be senator who has
attained the age of thirty years been nine citizen
and an nhabitan Of the State choosing him These are
the only disabilities attaching foreigners and il viii be
perceived no reference made subject of suf
age as matter OF congressional action But the point
made still cogen and irresistible by the second
section Of article in the constitution where the whole
subject is directly referred to the States
The House Of Representatives tof the United Sates)
shall he composed Of members chosen every second
BY the people OF the several States and he electors each
S shall hare ne qualifications requisite for electors Of the
most numerous branch Of he STATE iegisiaareT
This language is clear and explicit II directly ahirms
the right Of any who by State law entitled TO vote
tor member Of the popular branch Of State Legislature
for members Of Congress If for members Of Con-
g pari rafione for President Of the United States In
fact the right OF the States allow foreigners is
unquestoned The NATTER therefore, becomes of local
interest entirely, and affords pretext whatever for
hona organization. II this be so, why is it, ask that
lhe members of the know-nohing order did not attempt
% carry out their doctrines during the last session Of the
gislature2 Why did they not move when other amend
meu were proposed the constitution requiring the
time for the right Of Suffrage be extended in the
foreigners period Of tweniy-one years We win not
20 them the injustice believe thatbey would deny the
a'R rights conferred BY the present naturalization laws Of
congress These rights that have heard no one
COMPLAIN Of because they rights in which are all
Interested, native and foreign born. They are among
Ones the right Of protection both in persons and
property against all foreign powers the right 10 and