Weekly Indiana State sentinel. [volume] (Indianapolis [Ind.]) 1853-1861, 1855-05-03

their part Is the Pope of Rome on his
way to subjugate America ? Are his power
and influence extending? Why. then. this
move at this time ? 1t is much to be feared
that the originators of this new order are
more moved by the hope Of place than he fear
Of the Pope
There is on the parts of Protestants, natu-
rally deep-seated prejudice against the
Church of Rome and when the impression
can be made on the public mind, that there is
a contest between Papacy and Professionalism,
no party ties or obligations will be sufficient
to bind the people Religious feeling is
stronger than political opinion. Hence, this
crusade against Roman Catholics. Hence,
the POpe-supleme pOwer-vicar of God
absolution-J esuitisln, are all constantly held
up before the popular mind and religious
fanatics and scheming politicians unite in UNI
folding the imminent dangers which threaten
the government And in such crisis, we
hear that there are no longer to be Wings
and Democrats, but discarding all former diff
ferences, patriots will rescue their country
from impending ruin, under the appropriate
name of the american party.
If the desire of those who have produced
this new party, really be to stay Roman Ca
tholicism, they have adopted the very worst
plan to effect their object Thousands will
sympathise with the prosecuted Romanist
who would never have entertained one kind
feeling towards him if he had been let alone.
This article of the Know Nothing creed is
liable to other objections of great weight
1t necessarily tends to mingle matters of
Church and State The religion of the Ro-
man Catholic is such, that he must be ex-
cluded from Office both State and Federal
He alone is to be excluded. In England,
there is but one Church united with the gov
eminent The American party propose TO
unite all Churches with the State, save one.
This is not their language, but the result of
their action. If party may now exclude
one religious sect from Office, they may here
after exclude another, and then another, until
all offices may be confined to a few of the
largest denominations, among which finally a
conflict will arise Tor the mastery. This doc
trine is an alarming innovation. 1t is the first
time in the history of our country that large
party has arisen, asking public confidence and
support upon grounds distinguished by the
most striking intolerance, and, what is worse,
religious intolerance. If the effort shall sue
coed, it must work a radical change in the
feelings and views of our people. They will
have listened to false alarms, and, forgetfll of
all past history, will inconsiderately have en-
tered upon a mischievous if not fatal policy
Professionalism sprung from religious persecu-
ton, and yet in Protestant country, purity
arises and challenges public favor for princi-
Piles, the very foundation of which is religi-
Gus intolerance. The Romanist prosecuted
the Protestant-the Protestant now proposes
to prosecute the Romanist. True, the Amer
lean party profess religious tolerance; but
what are professions They speak soothing
words to the Roman Catholic-all is charity;
but when they come to action, they tell
him he is unworthy of confidence.
The principle, therefore, is anti Protestant,
and l oppose it. AS Protestant by educa-
ton, in feeling, and Judgment l oppose it.
oppose the principle as wrong in itself, as
dangerous to the government dangerous to
public liberty.
No party can continue in these United
States, which rears itself on such principles.
The foreigner and the Roman Catholic are to
be excluded from office. This makes the
party. As long as this sentiment prevails,
the American party prevails; when this sem
timent is discarded, that party is dissolved.
The question proposed at the beginning of
this communication may, therefore, be easily
answered. Such Wings as believe it is right
and expedient that foreigners and Roman
Catholics should be excluded from all partic-
ipation in the government of the country, and
that it of paramount importance they should
be so excluded, may, and should sustain the
American party. Such as entertain contra
ry opinion, cannot and ought not to sustain
that party.
In the views here presented have for
borne a single remark upon the organization
of the new Order No objection has been
urged to their secresy, signs or oaths 1t is
said that all these are soon to be abandoned.
have regarded this as already done. have
preferred to consider their claims to public
confidence, without objection to organization;
to try them by their professed principles. No
member of the order can ask more than this.
Allusion has not been made to the subject
of Abolition. 1t has been conceded that they
are not liable to objection on this ground; hut
there are some of the order, who claim that
the rights of the South are safe only in their
hands-that Know Nothings are always anti
Abolition. | point such to the present posi-
ton of their party in Massachusetts, on this
subject; and would moreover remind them oil
their paternity. Conceived and brought forth
in Northern cities, it cannot be claimed fol
them that the rights of the South were the
producing cause. If, in their Grand Councils,
they have laid down national platforms, and
taken oaths to observe them, it is severthe-
less true, that all the members of their fold
have not stood by their obligations. The
Know Nothings of Virginia and the South
cannot under the present state of the proofs
ask more than an admission that hey are true
to the South.
Before closing this communicative, | beg to
submit, to all candid end considerate Wings
a single reflection. 1t is this: Since 1888, a
fierce and angry conflict has been waging be-
tween the Wing and Democratic parties
Jealousy and prejudice have resulted. The
Wing party is now disbanded, and many
Wings are heard to declare that they would
unite with any party which will put down the
Democrats. Let no rejecting man act upon
such principle. Wings have been accus-
toned to regard the principles of the Demo-
cratic party as obnoxious TO grave objections;
but let them recollect that there may be prin-
ciples still more Objectionable. Wings of
Virginia, before you enlist under the banner
of what is called the American party, be We
sure that you will not embrace doctrines more
dangerous than all the heresies of Democracy.
A WING.
0TMr. CARRIER, of the Madison Courier,
seems to keep an eagle eye upon the Sentinel.
Whether the supervision extended is as prof
liable to us as satisfactory to himself, is a