The Bedford gazette. [volume] (Bedford, Pa.) 1805-current, 1855-02-16
Imnartant Ynie in i,ongress.

The following resolution was offered on Monday in
the House of Representatives of the United States by
Hon. William Witte, of Pennsylvania, and the
motion 20 suspend the rules, bring it to dis
e,tssion aud direct vote, the yeas aud nays were
called:
Whereas discussions have been indulsed in this
House. in Committee of the Whole, which. with 9th
er circumstances, lead 10 the conviction that there
exists in this country extensive secret oafh-hound
political ASSOCIATION, which seems intended 10 inter-
with he purity OfelectIons and the legislation OF
The country. such association excited thr tears
and induced the solemn warnings of Washington IN
his Farewell Address therefore,
Resolved, That. in the opinion of this House. the
OF oath bound political associations
having in view an interference with the sanctIty of
the ballot-hex and the direction Of The OF
'ona rgislatioa is inconsistent with and dangerous
the institutions of repubcanSn, and directly hos
title 10 the genius Of the government.
Resolved. That every attempt 10 prescribe any
class Of citizens account of their religious opinions
or TO fayor cr inure any religious denomination by
Rational Irgl>laiion IS distinct violation of the
spirit OF the constitution of he United States.
Resolved, That while careful and street admins
traton OF the naturalization laws a solemn duty,
yet every interference with the guaranteed rights OF
EauralZed ciiiZens Is Inconsistent with the pghted
faith OF the nation, and must diminish rs growth and
prosperity.
Democrats in the affirmative 90
Wings 10 the affirmative II
lo4
Democrats in the negative 81
Wings in the negative, ~
rs
not two-thirds vote SO the House refused con-
slider the resolution. We have already given the
yeas and nays.
1t is just say that nearly ali the democrats who
voted in the negative this resolution did so the
ground that il might open lengthy discussion, and
delay Important business to late hour OF the
sion. TINS the position of the Hon. George S.
Houston, the able chairman of The Committee of
Ways and Means, who has labored so strenuousIy to
bring the House to action the pressing business
now before it; and this also was the position of the
chairman of most OF the leading committees in the
House. AS it was, however, the decided and con-
trolling majority of the democratic party found
enrolled, are glad TO say, in favor of the princ--
pies avowed by the resolution, and fourteen wings
aided to swell the affirmative vote.
This is question which must be squarely met. 1t
cannot be evaded. However aspirants for office may
dislike the test, the people will demand that every
candidate shall show his hand. Such issue that
presented by the resolutions of Mr. Witte above
temporary party issues. The idea of opposing the
new conspiracy is based upon principles of enduring
virtue and OF daily necessity, and unto the public
who in the selfish race for temporary
and personal advantage, forles his obligation his
ieilow-bengs and TO the truth by uniting with this
know-nothing conspiracy. The democratic party
has here another opportunity to show its rmnes and
its fidelity in adherins to great principles in thedark
hours and though menaced by disaster and defeat it
Will not surrender before crusade which, however
tran<ently successful, will end in the
throw of all who concerned in it Fash. Union.