The daily union. [volume] (Washington [D.C.]) 1845-1857, 1855-06-16

The most dangerous article Ia the know nothing creed
is that which nculeae the prescription Of one sect In
gion political duty. Il is vain TO deny that the po-
sition assumed by the party towards Catholicism
amounts prescription since the very essence OF that term
Is the merging of all individual merits or dement's into
question OF faith This the rule Of the know-nohing does
II stignatses and brands unworthy Of Office every
Catholic simply because he is Catholic entering
how far he may be personally obnoxious This
Is all that Ii meant by intolerance and intolerance
wards Catholicism this order most certainly Is
We that this rctrogression 10 the fighully
dangerous doctrines Of the dark ages is attempted 10 be
justified by the charge that the Catholic Church has sought
attach to itself political power Even this be So such
efforts by be established part of the
gious faith of the Church They simply the effect
of ambition making Of ecclesiastical machinery
qure preemnence and power at ers aud amongst people
peculiarly suited 10 the successful working Of such nsru
mentality man in our day country attempting to
gain political end by religious influence, matter
through what exercised would deserve and could
oeye public Office But the Catholic in this country
be convicted of such thing He only claims the right
70 worship his Maker according 10 his convictions
and the reply is you may certainly do but if you do
you shall be thereby incpactated from any post OF honor
and profit Is this not prescription? And If it is effected
by the pejudices of of different faiths do they
put themselves in the place they seek to assign the Caho
ics and become TRUTH prosecutors of religious opinion
The founders Of the constitution with judgments in
sructed both by knowledge of mems hearts
and by thorough study of the examples of history decided
TO place this matter the only safe ground each
to be free hold what religious opinions he pleased
and his religious opinions suc not to enter into
the question Of bis fitness for Office. Truth in religious
faith could thus be aimed at by free discussion while
possibility could exist of attaining civil power
the expense Of the other.
There is other alternative but to follow this wise,
sound, and staesmanke rue else, to allow anatioal
contests supersede political elections and religious ty
ranny take the place of the liberty every should
have approach his God in the manner he deems
fit
If il be thought that alarmsts, aud that this
Moloch of intolerance will be satisfied when it shall have
consumed the victim it demands only reply
that in the history of read their disposition diff
ferenty.
Ten years ago the attempt to establish tins very party
resulted in ignominious failure None could then have
dreamed that the Catholic population Of the country
would be made the subject of so fierce assault Who
Them shall give that ten years hence other
form Of religious worship shall be prescribed by the
jory and lis followers crushed by nvdious and de-
grading distinctions Nay, who be that instead
OF the humliang exclusion from office shorter and
mode of enforcing conformity to the religious views
OF the greatest number may not be applied?
If history teaches well any lesson il to avoid bring
ing religious differences into the political Strife
thus embttered loses the aspect of human contest
and assumes the shape Of battle of fends Our fathers
had learnt the lesson They added to it their sanction by
precep and example and bequeathed it for guidance
II wise will let sophstry tempt us to stray into
the fatal of negectng the admoniton forciby
taught by the chronicles Of the past