Daily American organ. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1856, 1855-02-12
From the York (Pa) Eagle.
The Man for the Americans and the Time

Il
We conclude into to-days Eagle the synopsis OF
the great and unanswerable American speech OF
Hon. William r. Smith, Of Alabama The enthu-
sasm with which it has been received throughout
the Union induces us to make some inquiry in re-
gard to the person who had so completely aroused
the country to the vital interests of Americanism
We find his history for the last four years in the
records Of Congress.
When the whole country was intoxicated with
the eloquence and plausibty of the notorious Kos
suth, Mr.. Smith, of Alabama, vigorously and elo-
quently almost alone, assailed him in the halls Of
Congress, as "an arrogant foreigner" intermed-
ding with the affairs of America. The speech upon
the occasion referred to received at first rs a
shock, so suddenly did it burst upon the country.
1t was read as a curiosity, admired for its beauty,
and some passages of it found their way into the
g Standard Speaker" and it was this speech that
contributed powerfully in checking the "Kossuth
mania"
Mr. Smith made several other speeches during
the last Congress subjects Of Importance, in all
of which he displayed great ability, learning, and
political knowledge. Early in the last session OF
Congress-, when the country was again ndulging
in one Of its periodical fits Of idozing or honizing
foreigners, and shouting over Mr.. Marcys great
Kozta letter." Mr. Smith assailed the Secretary 3
letter as containing fallacies than any docu-
ment of like Importance which had been publish
but vigorous speech is referred to mainly for the
purpose ofshowing the almost inveterate aversion
which Mr.. Smith has towards the attempted inno-
vations of foreigners.
In this connection, let it be remembered that Mr..
Marcy in his celebrated letter. laid down the prin-
pie that the mere application of foreigner for nat
uralizatOn, so clothed him in American natonali-
ty, that ship of war, in neutral port, would be
authorized to commit acts of hostility in his de-
fence. In the instance above referred to, Mr..
Smith stood up against overwhelming odds. In
the Kossuth matter he had only sixteen and in the
Kozta nine, voting with him. yet in few months
all America acknowledged his sagacity in the case
of Kossuth Now all America is arrayed against
Marcy's Kozta doctrine
In the late speech on Americanism, Mr.. Smith
again stands up against fearful Odds for Mr. Cham
der, of our State, scornfuly remarked that no
gentleman of the House acknowledged himself a
member of the order of Know othngs!" These
are the traits of bold and daring politician; the
results show wisdom, the speeches themselves
show learning and ability of the highest order.
Mr.. Smith is young man, not exceeding forty
years, of vigorous constitution of classical educa-
ton, industrious habits and of great popularity in
his district With these traits of character, and
with the fame of his late speech resting upon him,
it is not too much to say that he is destined to
play most distinguished part in the great conflict
now going on between Americans and Foreigners.
We would particularly recommend to our readers
careful perusal of his last speech. We regret
that limited space prevented its entire publica-
ton.