The true Democrat., 1855-10-09
Bahimore. Sent. 10. 1855.

To James H. Wood, Frederick s. Green and H. R. Reynolds, esqrs.-
 GENTLEMEN;-ln reply to your letter of this morning desire to say that whenever any of my felow-citizens have done me the honor to ask an expression of my opinion, on public question, have given it frankly, plainly, with out reservation and as directly to the purpose as it was in my power to do.
 My engagements at this time do not admit of my writing very long letter. but with very great respect, shall meet your request by mak- ing my answer "prompt" and "pain." You seek to know whether am desirous for a no- imitation by the American party, as their cand- date for Congress in the third Congressional district.
 If by this question, you mean to ask me whether approve the doctrines of the Phila- delphia platform, unhesitatingly answer no. My political life has been devoted to the prin- ciples of repubcanism as proclaimed and maintained by the declaration of independence and the constitution of the United States. I have always been a democrat of the Jefferson school 1 believe the doctrines taught by that great sire of the revolution, are inestmable to the world, and politically l shall worship at that shrine as long as I live. With my views, l could not without being guilty of treason to mankind, subscribe to a doctrine which proscri- bes man on account of his religion. I claim the privilege of worshipping God according to the dictates of my own conscience, and no man can rightfully punish me or place mo at disad- vantage for so doing. Tyrants may chain the body, but mans immortal mind is under the dominion of God alone. The right which I claim is equally the right of all men. The platform, in terms asserts for the Roman Catholic church aggressive policy and cor ruptng tendencies,'' and on these grounds pro- claims "resistences'' to Catholics. Many of my most esteemed friends are Roman Catholics. have played with them in childhood-have shared in their joys and sorrows, and associated with them through manhood Many of them are now estimable citizens whom have always loved and honored-several have for years past administered the laws which govern us, and I here assert as solemnly as if I made the decla- ration under oath, that as far as my knowledge extends, the men to whom l refer have dis charged their duty to God and their country with fidelity and honor. How, then, could I embrace political creed which works out the social or political prescription of these citizens? No, gentleman Much as desire to represent the district in Congress-and do most ear nestly desire that honor-I cannot have it at such price. 1 would not accept the most ex- altess place on earth-the executive chair of this Unon--if, in doing so, I were compelled to repudiare those provisions of the federal constitution which declare "Congress shall make no law respecting an establishment of re- ligion or prohibiting the free exercise thereof" and "no religious test should ever be required as qualification to any office or public trust under the United States" Even if these clauses were not in the constitution, 1 should be of the same opinion.
 I am thoroughly convinced that union of politics and religion has been the curse of every country where such union has prevailed It is at this momentthe basis of European despotsm, and would as soon think of associating God and the devil, as religion and politics.
 have thus, gentlemen, answered plainly the letter you have done me the honor to address me, and entertaining the belief that an honestly expressed difference of opinion will not lessen me ln your esteem,
 l am, very respectfully,
 Your friend and fellow-citizen, w. P. PRESTON.