The western Democrat. [volume] (Charlotte, N.C.) 1852-1870, 1856-04-08

an active part in the late elections. con-
tented myself with giving silent vote for
Mr.. Ullman for Governor.
While, however, am an inactive observer
Of public events, [ am by no means an in
different one. L may say to you in the
frankness of private friendship, that have,
for long time, looked with dread and ap-
prehension at the corrupting influence which
the contest for the foreign vote is exerting
upon our elections. This seems to result
from its being banded together, and is ub-
ject to the control of few interested and
selfish leaders. Hence, it has been a sub
ject of bargain and sale, and each of the
great political parties of the country have
been bidding TO obtain it, and as usual in all
such contests, the pasty which is most cor
rupt is most successful. The consequence
is, that it is fast demOralizing the whole
country; corrupting the very fountains of
political power, and converting the ballot
bOx-that great palladium of our liberty
into an unmeaning mOckery, where the
rights of native-bOrn citizens are voted away
by those who blindly follow their mercenary
and selfish leaders. The evidence Of this
is found not merely in the shameless chatter
ing for the foreign vote at every election,
but in the large disproportiOn of offices
which are now held by foreigners at home
and abroad. as compared with our native
citizens. Where is the true hearted Ameri-
can whose cheek does not tingle with shame
and modification, to see our highest and
most coveted foreign missions, filled by men
of foreign birth, to the exclusion of native
bornl Such appointments are q humiliating
confession to the crowned heads of Europe
that Republican soil does not produce suf-
hclent talent to represent a Republican
nation at a mOnarchcal Court. | confess
that it seems to me-with all due respect to
others, that as a general rule, our country
should be governed by American born citi-
zens. Let us give to the oppressed of every
country an asylum and home in our happy
land, give to all the benefits of equal
laws, and equal prote ction; but let us
at the same time cherish as the apple !
of our eye the great principles of constitu- !
tiOnal liberty which few who have not had |
The good fortune to be reared in free |
country, know how to appreciate and still
less to preserve.
Washington, in that ineStimable legacy |
which he left to this country-his farewell |!
addrcss-has wisely warned us to beware of
foreign influence as the most baneful foe of
a republican government. He saw it to be |
sure in different light from that in which |
it now presents itself; but he knew that it |
would approach US in all forms, and hence
he cautioned us against the inSidi0uS aCileS
ofitS influence. Therefore, as we'll for our
own sakcs to whom this invaluable inher-
lance of self government has been left by
our forcfathcrs as for the sake of the un-
born millions who are to inherit this land
foreign and nativc-lct us take warming of
the Father of his Country, and do what we
can justly to preserve our institutions from
corruption, and our country from dishOnor,
but let this be done by the people them
selves in their sovereign capacity by making
a proper discrimination in the selection Of
officers, and not by depriving any individual
native or foreign born-of any constitu-
tional or legal right to which he is now
entitled.
These are my sentiments in brief; and
have sometimes almost despaired
of my country when have witnessed the
rapid strides of corruption, vet I think /
perceive a CLEAN of hope in the future; and
now feel confident that when the great
mass of intelligence in this enlightened
country is once fully aroused, and Danger
it will fearlcssly apply the
and bring back the Government to
the pure days of WashingtOn's administra-
ton. Finally, let US adopt the old Roman
motto, Never despair of the Republic.'
Let us do our duty, and trust in that PrOvi-
dence which has so signally watched over
and preserved us, for the result. But I
have said more than intended, and much
more than should have said to any one
but a trusted friend, as have no desire to
minglc in political strife.
Remember me kindly to your family. and
believe me, truly your friend,
WILLARD FILLMORE.