Indiana American. [volume] (Brookville, Ind.) 1833-1861, 1855-05-18
The Know Nothing Platform.

we neeu hafuiy ochho Jul pos'ooa
on Know Nothingism, to those who
have been the constant readers Of the
American, for the last sixteen months.
but rs we have recently received large
accessions TO our list. we may reite-
rate our views, for their sake.
As we first understood the object Of
the American or Know Nothing move
ment we confess that we were friendly
to il. nor are our views on the question.
in the least changed. We believe the
time has come when Americans should
rebuke those who have pandered to
foreigners. and who have courted par
ticularly the votes Of Catholics. More
over we believe this rebuke ciH be adj.
ministsred. But in this. rs in other
things, there is danger Of the innocent's
suffering, and Of carrying the matter
too FAR. Foreigners. themselves. are
comparatively little to blame in the
matter complained Of. The real fof-
tenders are the demagogues Of both
parties who have from time to time
appealed to them for their votes. tits
not to be wondered at that they should
grow insolvent and proscriptive under
such course as has been pursued TO-
wards them.
But we propose to examine briefly q
code that is put forth by the assumed
Organ of the Know Nothings at Wash
ington. We know not by what au-
thority It speaks, or who gave II au-
thoriiy. II il speaks for the body we
do not know il. II the principles as
sumed arc merely set forth as fsslsr',
we are willing to give our opinion for
and against. as we like or dislike them.
But no man or set Of men shall ever
make US endorse such platform in to-
TO. These principles Ias put forth by
the American Organ at Washington,
are
FIRST. We shall advocate a repeal
of the laws of naturalization, or II
that cannot be accomplished, then
such q modification of those laws, as
will prevent future immigrants from
becoming citizens. short OF a residence
Of twenty-one yenrs, after taking the
oath Of allegiance to the United
States. and OF abjuration Of all other
powers, potentates. and princess
To THE srs principle we object en-
tirely. We see no reason why the cit
izens Of other countries may not be
come citizens Of this. Neither do w
see any immediate necessity Of pro
longing the term Of probation to TWEEN
ty-one years. We have yet TO discov
err that any longer period than fiv
years is absolutely necessary. Blu
we are in favor Of a strict construction
and strict application Of this law
We are most certainly opposed to al
lowing the un-natulalized to vote, a
in Indiana. and VIC shall not cease
urge this objection. until tina, odiou
section Of our constitution is strike
out, and the former one, or its equivs
lent, inserted In its stead. But neve
can we oppose the naturalization I
foreigners, That they may by the
clannishness occasionally be the caus
Of mischief, we admit, but there is
remedy elsewhere than in q repeal {
naturalization laws, or in requiring
probation Of twenty-one years.
SECOND. We shall advocate the pa,
sage Of stringent law by Congress
TO prevent the immigration hither
foreigners, who are either paupers {
criminals, and TO send back TO Ii
countries from which they come. a
such foreigners OF these classes as ma
In violation Of such law, herepft,
reach our ports; and to require Il
President OF the United States to d
mand from any government. viii,
may send hither such classes Of !
subjects. immediate and ample sati
faction for such outrage, and prop
indemnity against u repetition there'
To this proposition we give but
aqualided ascent. So far as erin
nails arc concerned. we most hearti
endorse the doctrine. But the hone
poor, Of all lands and nations. ale O
kindred. and We invite them TO com
While we have millions Of unimpr
we'd and fertile land. where the poe
es. foreigners. with ordinary heal,
will not only live. but grow rich,
can never consent to send them ba
to the crowded lands across the wste
Let them come. That II may be n
cessary to require Of the countri
sending them. and OF our nation
treasury. some means to convey the
to the interior. aud GU, Of the cro'
ded cities. We admit. But let the
have a chance to breathe cur pure a
and dig in our fertile soil, and tn
will not only live. but they viii lea
aposserisy after them. tina, will hon
the land Of their adoption. We a
the moro willing-nay the more an
ious for this. because OF the religio
freedom Of this country. Most Of d
emigranls Of late years are the victiI
OF religious oppression. and bigot'
We have never seen in the vast inf,
of Catholics to this country any da
ger. except as they fall into the han
Of demagogucs. That Romanism
- II z. .