The star of the north. [volume] (Bloomsburg, Pa.) 1849-1866, 1855-02-01
The Temporal Power of the
Pope.
SPEECH OF
HON. JOS. r. CHANDLER,
IN THE
HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES,.
January IL, 1855.


In the National House of Representatives
on Thursday, the House being in Commit
tee of The Whole on the STATE of The Uuion,
(Mr. Dan in the chair on the bill TO pro.
vide for the establishment of ilroad and
tele.rsphic communication from the Allan
tic States 10 the Pacific ocean, and for other
purposes" Mr.. CHANDLER, of Pa, took the
floor and replied al length 10 the recent
charges preferred by Mr.. BAxKs, of Mass,
against the fealty of the Catholic citizens OF
the United States.
MIR. CHANpLER-I rise 10 express my
opinions on subject which ought never to
have been introduced into the Congress of
the United States; but having been brought
hither and discussed. The suggestions of ma
ny friends lead me TO believe that II Is my
duty to present, not merely my opinions,
but certain facts, in relation, thereto.
purpose making some reply 10 the re-
marks Of the honorable gentleman from
Massachusetts, mir. BANK, who recently
addressed this House, in committee, on some
Of the prevailing topics OF the day, and made
special and inculpatory allusion 10 the creed
of the Roman Catholic Church; involving o
charge of latent treason against lis members,
or at least impuling TO them an article OF re-
ligious faith that ovenides all fealty TO the
government of the country, and would rem
der them unworthy of public uusi-suspec-
ted ciuzens, and dangerous officers.
Before commence my direct reference
10 the subject of my remarks, let me say
that, whatever may be my religious belief
and connexions trust that all who know
me in this House will acquit me of the
charge of any attempt to obuude those
opinions upon others, or to press upon my
associates, publicly or privately, any defence
of The creed of my church, or the peculiarly
of its forms and ceremonies. Believing, sir,
that religion is a personal matter, have
avoided public exhibition of my preiensions
and, krowing the unpopularity of my creed
have been careful not to leopard my means
of usefulness, in their Legitimate channel
by any nntmely presentation of irrelevant
aud unacceptable dogmas
But now, sir Think cannot be deceived
in supposing that a well tempered reply
would not only be patiently received in this
House, but lha, an attempt at such reply
as the charge Of the gentleman from Massa'
chusells would suggestto a Catholic, Is ex.
pected from me, as the Oldest of the few, the
very few, Il know but one besides myself
in this House,) who are obnoxious 10 any
censures justly made against professors Of
the Catholic religion, and who may be di-
rectly interested in defence from imputa-
lions of want Of fealy TO the government
of the country, in consequence of the nature
of their obligations 10 the Catholic church.
II, MIR. Chairman, had not long been a
member of this House, and thus become
able 10 form an opinion os the honorable
gentleman who compose it, might slar,le
AT the risk Of presenting myself as the pro-
fessor of a creed everywhere evil spoken
Of" and standing almost alone in the asser-
lion of fact which seems 10 be everywhere
doubted stand, too, sir, without the gym
pathies of host OF paTliZans 10 sustain me
in my weakness, and 10 pardon me the in
frmilies Of my defence in consequence OF
their attachment 10 The principles advo-
cate.
1 stand alone, indeed the generous de-
fence offered by the gentleman from South
Carolina, [Mr. Krrr.] and the gentleman
from Mississippi, [Mr. BARRY.] was the
magnanimous effort of men who would de-
fend The professors OF creed which they do
not hold. I, sir, speak for creed which
do hold. stand alone, sir but | stand in
the Congress of the nation. l stand among
gentlemen. stand for truth and how fee
Bile soever may be my effort, feel that
may continue TO depend, at least upon the
forbearance Of body that has always enti-
tied itself 10 my gratitude by its unfaillne
courtesy to my humble exerlions.
Mr.. Chairman, understand the honora'
BILE gentleman from Massachusetts, MIR
BANKS iu his defence Of the secret combi
nation 10 put down the Catholic religion in
this country by denying TO its members The
full rights of citizenship, to asser, that he
does not bring into discussion the genera
creed of the Catholics, bot only that poilior
which, il is asserted, makes the proiesso
dependent upon the Bishop Of Rome, no
merely for what he shall hold of faith 10
wards God, but what he shall maintain o
fealty towards bis own political government
Lei me read paragraph from the publish
ed remarks of the honorable genlleman;
"Mr. BasKs.--I bave no objection 10 an.
man Of The Catholic church, or faith. Herr
4 . . ."