Semi-weekly standard. [volume] (Raleigh, N.C.) 1853-18??, 1855-07-25

can't take it from them The fact that the Know
Nothings have not adopted the only pointed
out by the Constitution to effect their professed OH
ject is evidence of their insincerity. Laws al
ready in existence to prevent the landing of con-
victs and paupers on our shores-let them aid in
their execution and their useless complaints.
But who the Catholics against whom all this
shue and cry is raised? They are believers in the
Christian Religion. Indeed, they say theirs is the
only true Church. have no faith in it. 1 do not
believe it is, nor do you But how can you or 1
prove that it is not As we'll might you undertake
to prove that either of the Protestant Churches is
the only Church. Foreseeing the'danger of a union
of Church and State, and dreading the consequent
which followed from the establishment of
the Church of England, Ghe tything system
by which the Colonies were so long burdenedO the
trainers of your Constitution inserted the clause
in the 9th Article of the 4th Section di-
recting that mo religious test should ever be re-
quired as qualification for office" Are you will
ling to repeal or violate this provision? 1t in-
tended for the protection of religion. 1t has done
it thus far. ''Let we'll enough alone"-why select
the Catholics as the objects of prescription? Why
not the Masons? Oh they are natives, they say so
most of the Catholics. Several of the signers
of the Declaration of Independence were Catholics
Of the three thousand signatures attached to the alb
clifton memorial presented to the Senate, there was
not the name of a priest among them From your
earliest history many of your most learned and USE
full men were and are Catholics. Judge Castor
Catholic at whose feet at the feet of political
Gamaliel, some who now denounee and prescribe
his religion sat to catch words of inspiration and
counsel-words of truth and wisdom-words in
tended clamp to their feet and light to their
path" Would they prescribe him? They are
sworn to do it. Judge Manly, I am informed, is
Wing and Catholic. He is said to be the best
Judge on the Circuit Court bench. Is he to be pro-
scribed? as the oath makes no exceptions. Begin
this crusade against Churches and when will it stop?
Will the Catholic be the only Church? The Baptist
or Methodist may be the next, may be, the Pres
byterian. When religious persecution has once be-
gun it has always carried before it fire and the
sword, and left in its death, desolation, and
ruin. 1t will do it in this country-all confidence
will be destroyed friendships broken up-the
nearest ties Observation-Disclosures diapidated
and congregations scattered. The bonds of
the Union will be weakened, and finally burst
asunder--wars will ensue--our national glory
depart-and the character of this great confederacy
be read by future generations read of Greek
and Roman fame. May God, in mercy, avert such
a calamity Rise, fellow-ctizens, man rise,
and put down the men and measures likely to bring
such disasters upon the country
Having ascertained who the Know Nothings are,
and what they profess, let ask what will be their
destiny? No body of men constituted as they are,
and guided only by the cohesive attraction of pub
will war against member. The carcass is diseased.
Signs of decay and approaching dissolution now
upon it. 1t must surely die. The of freedom
alive and in the field and like the hosts of Glide
on are surrounding the walls of this modern Jeri-
cho. Heard you that powerful blast? 1t was from
the gallant Old Dominion She leads the col
umn. To-day fortnight North Carolina will fire
other fatal gun. The other Southern States will
follow up the attack, and this monument erected in
the year of Our Lord 1854 by the leaders of the de-
funct Wing party, will fall and lie "unhonored and
unsung" among the wrecks and ruins of that party,
upon some of which the future antiquarian will find
written black upon Others backer; but upon this,
blacklist of ALL Such ought to be-such will be its
destiny.
In voting for Mr.. Branch, felow-ctizens, you will
aid in accomplishing that destiny. You will aid in
putting down this dangerous party. You will sus-
tain the principles upon which our government has
been administered SO long and gloriously-prin-
cpes ngrafted in your Constitution by the fathers
of your country. Let not that sacred instrument
be touched. Like mighty oak whose arms stretch
out to Heaven, it has stood the test of time and is
now the wonder of the world. Upon it nations gaze
with admiration. At it tyrants look and tremble,
1t is the hope Humanity throughout the earth. Be-
meath its shade fathers sat in quietude and
peace. 1t now overshadows you. You are free and
happy. Will it shade your children? 1t is for you
to say. Oh! resist every and all attacks upon it.
When the is raised to fell it, cry out "madman
forbear!" Let your warning voice be heard-heard
in poetic numbers,
"Woodman spare that tree
Touch not single bough,
In youth it sheltered me,
And I'll protect it now"