Washington sentinel. [volume] (City of Washington [D.C.]) 1853-1856, 1855-09-20
OF this their descendants may we'll be

ample OF this their descendants may well be
proud. Flying from religious persecution, one
amongst their first acts of legislation was pro-
vision for perfect religious freedom. On the DIST
of April, l649, they passed this statutes:
''And whereas the enforcing of the conscience
III matters of religion hath frequently fallen out
to be OF dangerous consequence IN these common
wealths where it has been pracIised, and for the
more quiet and peaceable government of this pro-
vince and the better to preserve mutual love and
amity among the inhabitants, no person within
this province protesting TO believe in Jesus Christ
shall be by any way troubled, molested or dis
countenanced from his or her religion in the
free exercise thereof
This was done, too, as history tells us :" with
the earnest concurrence OF their Governor, and
of the proprietary" Sir George Calvert, who we
are also told, +" IN age when religious contro-
versy still continued to be active, and when the
increasing divisions among the Protestants were
spreading general alarm, his mind sought relief
from controversy in the bosom of the Roman
Catholic Church and preterring the avowal of
his opinions to the emouments of office, he re-
signed his place, and openly protested his COM
munion."
9 Increasing divisions among Protestants 20
How much have they since multiplied and how
persuasive should the fact be with Protestants for
the cause of religious liberation!
In justification of this political hostility to the
Catholics, it is alleged that they owe paramount
is there anything in that to alarm us ]? Should we
be fearful that they would sacrifice the interests
of this country TO those of Rome, or that our
liberty could in any measure be endangered!
The temporal government Of the Pope is impo-
tent for aggression. Not able TO maintain it at
home he has relied, and yet relies on the aid of
other Governments To feel apprehensions for
American freedom, or the institutions protecting
it, from such quarter would be as idle fear
that the light and power of the would be lost
in the mild radiance and feeble power of the
MOON
But, in truth, what ground is there for charg-
ing such an allegiance' Can any one believe
that Catholic American citizens entertain it 7
Every battle field of the revolution was illustrated
by their valor-every field in the war of 1912
was mixed with their bood-every struggle of
the Mexican war witnessed their gallantry and
devotion, and every office they have held (and
what Office have they not filled under the Federal
and State Governments y they have discharged
the duties of with credit to themselves, and use
fulness to the country.
1 torbear to name instance amongst the
living, but there is one holding the highest Judi
cial office in the world who has long since en-
Ioyed the respect and won the admiration of all.
religion which numbers amongst its followers
| such man, one would think, incapable of doing
harm TO American freedom, of having
cealed political allegiance, inconsistent with
full and faithful discharge Of every duty known
to American institutions.
With these facts before us-pouring out their
blood in common with Professionals to maintain
the honor of the naton-with their dust com
| mingled in the same grave and watered alike by
the dews of Heaven-with an equally honest and
patriotic performance of every duty, how can
| any one be found so bold as to declare that under
the Constitution and laws they should be here
after treated as aliens and enemies
Ever confdng with absolute confidence in the
| sound sense, honesty, and justice of the American
people. have no fear that such an opinion can
long prevail, nor do know any more certain mode
10 arrest at and forever such fdnaiicism than
the recurrence in every year to the teachings of
the Constitution and the learning of true wisdom
| and patriotism from the memorials of the saga
cious, far seeing, and patriotic men to whom, un-
| der Providence, we indebted for it.
| Truly, and with much regard
! am your obedient servant,
REVERDY JOHNSON.
| To the Executive Committee of the Constitution
al Anniversary