American union. [volume] (Morgantown, Va. [W. Va.]) 1855-1859, 1856-06-07
From The Richmond Whig.
PRINCIPLES AND POLICY OF THE
AMERICAN PARTY.---No. 3.
Continued and C0AcluaeS,

D..
-,a Continued and Coaelnass. SEQ
III the year 1893, citizen Comet
misrepresentation of French Democ-
racy, came to this country and COM
menced aserias of intrigues and pro-
ceedings, violation ofour obligations
of neutrality, and intended to oinvolye
US in war with England. BY his
articles he raised up strong French
party in the country, and when Gen.
Washington and Mr.. Jefferson inter-
fcred to arrest his unlawful proceed
ings, he boldly denounced them both,
and threatened. to "appeal from the
President to the people" Much ex-
element cnsued, for foreign Influence
had been brought to bear with fearful
power on the minds Of the people, and
nothing but the frmness Of Washing
ton and the veneration which was felt
for his character, could have stayed the
angry storm. This seems to have o.
pcned the eyes Of Congress.
In 1895, amuch more stringent nat
uralization law was passed, which re.
CURED the applicant TO make, 1st, Il
declaration, THREE years before his
admission, that it was his purpose to
become a citizen--and to renounco
forever all allogianco and fidelity to
any foreign prince, potcntate, State or
sovereignty, whereof such alien may at
that time be o citizen or subject "a
He was required, when admitted, to
take an oath "that he has resided
within the United States FIVE years at
least and ONE year within the State or
Territory inwhich he applied--and the
court was to be satisfied Of the truth
Of this declaration and he was requir-
ed, further, to swear "to support the
Constitution of the United States, and
that he doth absolutely and entirely
rcnOunce and allure all allegiance. and
fidelity to any foreign prince, poten-
tate, State or sovereignty whereof he
was before a citizen or subject"
In the progress of the discussion of
this bill, many sound American senti-
ments were expressed, which precisely
accord with the sentiments of the A.
mcrlcan party Of the present day
Samuel Dexter, jr., of Mass, led off
III the debate, expressed himself oppoa-
ed "to the facility with which under
Ntho existing laws, aliens may acquire
citizenship" He moved to strike out
Two years as provided in the law Of
1890.
John Page, Of Virginia, although in
general very friendly to naturalization,
said: lie approved the design of tho
mover because he tboughtnothing more
desirable than to sec good order, pub.
ilc virtue And true morality, cohstitut-
ing the character of citizens of the U.
States, for without morality, and in
deed general sense Of religion, a Re
publican Government cannot flourish,
nay, cannot long exist, since, without
them, disorders will arise which the
strong arm of powerful governments
can alone correct on retrieve"
Mr.. Dexter, said:
America, ii her political institutions
should, on experience, 10 found to bo
wisely adjusted, and she shall improve
hor national advantages, has oponod
to her view more rich and glorious
prospect than ever was presented to
man. She has chosen for herself q
government which left to the citizen as
great o portion of freedom as was con-
SS.Stent with a social compact. All be-
heyed tho preservation of the govern
m,ent, and its purity indispensable to
sAe continuation Of our happiness. The
I foundation on which, it rested was gene
raj intelligence and public virtue; in
other words, wisdom to discern and pa
LyTrlotism to pursue the general good
Tie had pride, and he gloried in it, be-
"oung his countrymen more wise and
ylrtuous than any other people on
earth I; hence he believed them better
qualified TO administer and to support
3 Republican Government. This char
acter OF the Americans was the result
o. early education, aided indeed by the
discipline Of the Revolution
4 # 49, :
Much information rhe said] might be
,otaihed by the experience Of others,
y 10 1ssTl4 5s II, we Ycee nnt deter.