American union. [volume] (Morgantown, Va. [W. Va.]) 1855-1859, 1855-11-17


tired, by Pcrcc's record, that it was ut
tcrly impossible for thcmto adopt them
as their own. IfPicrce had not gonc
80 far in appointing Foreigners and
Catholics in fulfilling his bargain with
them, no sane man can doubt but that
before this time the Union and the
whole democratic line Of leaders would
have been spouting Americanism in
their highest key, and dcnomcing all
who opposed them as " traitors to their
country" "Fcdcrals," and Forncy
only knows what clsc S.
Here, then, is the language and sen
timcnts Of the "Picrcc organ" the
Washington "Union," but few months
ago, and every reader of that paper
will rccollcct the article, while none
will dare to deny that it said as VIC
quote below. Read it, and preserve it
for future reference.
Eieh INC w ashliStOn Snion.
"ln taking its position, it should be
carefully borne in mind that the demo
cratic party neither assumes that the
naturalization laws as they now exist
arc perfect, nor that foreigners have
not, on some occasions, subjected them
selves to just ccnsurcs nor that the
Roman Catholic rc}jgi0n is based upon
the true Christian creed. Citizenship
is boon granted to foreigners by the
libcrality of our institutions, and this
fact cannot be too carefully weighed
and appreciated by our foreign citizens.
They should constantly remember that
the high privileges conceded them have
been granted upon the reasonable cx-
pcctation that they would surrender
their distinctive native nationalitics,
and become fused and assimiatcd to
our native citizens in all their feelings,
sentiments, and devotion to our liberal
institutions. 1t becomes them now, in
view Of the late significant expression
Of popular feeling, to consider we'll
whether, in their past conduct, they
may not have given occasion for much
Of the opposition which exists against
them.
"Notivc Americans are justly proud
Of their high prerogativcs, and they
arc naturally jealous Of anything like
foreign influence upon their institu-
tons. In these sentiments and feel
ings we participate to the fullest extent,
and it IS because VIC do that we so car
nestly rcpcl the imputation that the
Democratic party has pursued, or will
ever pursue, "an inccndiary policy"
in order to conciliatc the foreign vote.
Naturalizcd citizens ought to see, in
the immense increase Of foreign immi-
grafton within the last few years, lcgit-
innate reasons for an earnest investiga-
ton by native citizens of the probable
influence Of this increase Of foreign
population upon orr institutions. This
Is fair and legitimate subject for dis
| cusson; and if it shall result in the
conyctian that our naturalization laws
arc defective, and require to be amend
ed or reformed, the naturalizcd citizen
ought neither TO be surprizcd nor COM
plain. 1t may be assumed as fixed
fact, that the native American popula-
ton will never consent to any modifi-
cation Of the present principles which
characterize their institutions; and
, from whatever quarter they see danger
Of this kind, they will be prompt to
meet and rcpcl it. When the suggcs-
ton is made that this danger turks I'M
der the religious creed Of the Catholics,
it is right and proper that the truth of
the suggestion should be siftcd to the
bottom, and to such an investigation
none will contribute more than the Dc
mocracy."
In the above paragraphs from the
"Cnion," the justice, equity and fair
ness Of the reform contemplated by the
American party arc duly set forth, and
We ask, how, after uttcring such scnti-
mcnts as the above, that paper and its
/ satellites, can traduce Americans for
acting upon the worry jealousy and
! pride which the Union commcnds as
! Just and 'natMaT? The Wanting
Of the national organ about the position
Of the Democracy is entirely disproycn
by words and actions of later date ;
for the marriage rites Of Locofocoism
and Forcignism have been duly ccIc-
DRAFTED. AS to their investigation Of
the "crccd Of the Catholics" VIC may
add that 1t amounts tonothing less than
apology for, and advocacy Of, the doc
! trinnS tnnnht hv thn Rnmish nrinsls mud