The American patriot., 1855-07-28
The Courier and Centenary College.

pending the application OF Centenary College
for aid, the charge was made and published in
tho New Orleans Courier that at the Confer
cnce of the Church held in jackson q short
time before, that assemblage, or "certain of
them did engage in initiating 'brothcrs" in
"Know- Nothing" Lodge then and there es-
tablished for the purpose. We give the sub
stance Of the charge only. In the course of
events, it became necessary for the "Courier" "
to explain and give authority. It did so after
a "fashion" only. Certain au&tor5ty was
given for its lbelous publication, but in a
manner indicating that notwithstanding the
fiat denial of those who hada right to speak, it
correspondents. And so the impression remain
ed on the minds of sundry members and others
that the charge was true.
As far as we know no enquiry was pushed
beyond--into the Courier's authority. That
amiable position was not assaulted, nor will
it be now. Suffice it to say the College got
what it wanted and its agents may have pre-
ferred to cover up aud conceal, rather than re-
open wounds which could not be "frst-inten
tion"-ally healed.
These things remained until quite a recent
period, when, to our utter astonishment the
"Courier," without being g moved thereto" BY
any instigation apparent on the face OF the re-
cord except to "do good" exonerates the Col
lege and church from the charge made by its
correspondent.
At this late day. when there is seemingly
no motive for it, but an abstract returning
sense of Justice the injured parties may in
this, as in all cases, console themselves with
the reflection that justice, though tardy is al
ways sure. But when the reflection has, in
the least, mixture Of doubt in it as to the
motive-the purity of motive which actuates
the dispenser of it, it takes away moiety Of
that "pleasurable feeling" which attaches to
every man of sensibility who regards himself
as entitled to his full "pound Of flesh" He
wants no blood-will have none; yet what
the law gives him, that srill he have. The
"Courier F" will make the application.
But, it may be even possible that the "Cou-
ricr" has bcthought itself Of the propriety un-
der attending circumstances Of calling ON its
"Jackson authority" for material to base
its retrarit upon-or, it may have been volun-
tari!y furnished. If So so much the better
We cannot well conceive how they know less
now than they knew before If there has been
a correspondence" may we not see, or in
some shape, have 'peep at it." Or has the
"Conrier," since the organization of the Dem
ocratic central committee, upon advice, taken
the bold step of ignoring the "reliable kins-
man" of one, who has seen some service"
The cry is, and will be, "more light" and
until this is furnished the whole proceeding
will bear that suspicious appearance to say
the least of it, which ought rot to attach to the
conductor of any public journal, or to the;gradu-
ate or under graduate of any college, who has
any respect or regard for himself or desires
the regard and respect of his fellow citizens.
But little beyond all this comes up motives
for action which it may not be amiss to glance
at to shew the why, and the wherefore-the
necessity and expediency of "charge offront, :"
a backing out and retrcatng from untenable
grounds.
The Philadelphia council has enunciated
principle to which universal appreciation can
not and will not be given The Southern peo-
pie and press do, and will repudiate it-at
least the special application of it. The church.
es" and the churches organs are down upon
it without an exception as far as we know
The Democratic press, the American" press, :"
all are down upon it. On this one point
there seems to be with us no issue, but perfect
accord
In this category is the "Christian Advo-
cate" backed by the "Couricr" The "Advo-
cate' is one of the organs Of the Methodist
church. Its late article on the Catholic ques-
ton has been copied into the "Courier" and
other papers with varied comments, as proof
full and conclusive of utter hostility to the
American party" We have not word to
utter in dissent from that article. Itspremises
are good-thc reasoning good, and they justify
the conclusions. What more is deserved by
way of admission?
But the Courier thinks and SO utters, that
the "Christian Advocate" in this article di-
rectly repudiates the "American party" and
hence infers that there will be, as there ought
to be, an immense following of suit in this
church, its organs and members.
The members of this church, are as all others
able to think for, and take care of themselves,
without any sidc-by agency of the "Courier. !"
The time was when it was not so ready to
"come to the rescue" but the contrary. But
at this late day, at the eleventh hour" it has
discovered, upon reliable authority C) that it
did commit a great mrong! And 1t repents it