Lynchburg daily Virginian. [volume] (Lynchburg [Va.]) 1852-1861, 1855-04-11
MR.. PATRONS SPEECH Concluded

Gentlemen, this cry about the rights of for
egners is all CANNON. No body proposes; no
man that have ever seen no paper that have
read, advocating sustaining this Know
Nothing or American party movement has said
or written anything indicating purpose to vio-
late any rights of foreigners. A foreigner has
rights in this country except what the laws
give. Ii is wholly matter Of domestic policy,
and for the consideration of the people of the
United States. under what circumstances they
will admit foreigners into the country, or whether
they win admit them at all-whether, when they
come here. they will allow them to become cti-
zens-upon what terms Of probation, and upon
what forms and conditions. My opinion is TINT
viewing the vast increase in immigration the
change in our condition-the vast numbers and
rapid increase of our own population--that the
time has arrived materially to change our natu-
radiation laws--to increase very considerably
the length of probation, before admission TO the
rights of citizenship, and such other and moro
efficient securities that those who are to receive
these rights are fit depositarcs of them by their
moral charaeter-knowledge Of the principles of
our institutions, and imbued with devotion to our
constitution.
These are matters, however, Of detail to be
disposed of by Congress which it would be pre-
mature for me 10 undertake to consider or de.
fne-any specific views to the proper prov-
sions--they must he left to the wisdom of Con.
of the country at the time.
| believe that there are some oye' Jealous ad-
vocates of this Anieriean party. who go to ex-
IRENE lengths, such preventing the mmigra
ton of Foreigners out and out, and repeating the
naturalization laws. Now, am in favor OF nei.
ther. | do not understand this Virginia Amer-
can party to be ia favor of either. say, let the
foreigners come and if could remember here |
would speak over again that speech which seemed
to have been admired so much by some of my
Democratic friends. ] would say. let them come.
and forbid them not-the industrious and pains
taking German from his fader- land, the gay
Frenchman from the fertile plains and vine. clad
hills of his beautiful France, the whole soued
and gallant lrishman--le them come. But let
them come with means of living let them como
70 better their fortunes by their industry, adding
to the industrial products, of the country itself,
by becoming permanently located amongst us, by
raising families amongst us, and when they have
staid here sufficient time-all the time pre-.
scribed ny our laws, and have given proper =
suTepces, such as the details of the law of Con
gress may prescribe, if they really understand
the principles of our government, and properly
estimate the value of our system, let them be re-
celyed as citizens amongst us. But take care
l would appeal to every Industrious, intelligent
and sober minded foreigner himself, if this is not
principle which is necessary for the rights Of
his children: take care that our shores be not
flooded by the paupers cast of by the old decli
ming governments Of Europe--sent here 10 be
supported by us, and to fill orr poor houses auC
our penitentaries, and if there be any foreigner
who is not satisfied about that, pray and beseecl
him to read Valentine Heckler's letter In IN,
poor estimate, it is worth all the speeches tina
have been made or will be made from now unit
Christmas upon that subject. falk about viola
ting rights. &c, gentlemen, have no bostilit
to foreigners. Why should IL My father wa
Scotehman. and my grand father was a Scotch
man, and the first, believe, the only general OF
fcer who shed his blood in defence of the cour
try in the revolutionary struggle. These propc
sitions, as understand them, are just rs asser
fia for the true interests, and for the proteotio
of the true rights of foreigners who come her
and become established amongst us. rs they ar
for natives. aud nothing but a misconceptions an
misunderstanding of the true purposes and OF
iects of this association. cond have possibly ere
ated such storm among a considerable porto
of foreigners, or any other persons.
As to the religious question gentlemen, al
afraid that cannot consider myself entirely T
to consider such a subject that; am airai'
God help me. / have not much religion of an
sort, though see that body has made TIL
wonderful discovery that the Winchester ticket
made up Of a Methodist. Baptist, Presbyter
an and Episcopaiian. ! believe am myse