Lynchburg daily Virginian. [volume] (Lynchburg [Va.]) 1852-1861, 1856-04-29

1
The principles of the American party are by
no means novel As far back the adoption 1T
the constitution. our wi.est statesmen foresaw
the evils which would eventually arise from the
annual inhux Of foreigners; and the immortal
Washington himself declared that the insidious
w'ies Of foreign influence would subv-rt our lib.
critics, unless the jealousy Of free people we're
constantly aroused against il.
From that time 10 this the most sagaoious
statesmen of the land have foreseen the danger,
and warned the people of it. Americanism Is no
new thing evolved from the restless fermentation
Of parties. No matter how much other issues
may have overs hadowed il, the principle has al
ways been deeply implanted in the popular heart.
II Il one thing 10 obtain iherty-it is another
thing TO preserve il. They make fatal mistake
who suppose that liberty once obtained will en-
dure frreysr, unless properly watched and guard
cd. OF the truth Of this position. we have
abundant proof in The recorded sentiments Of the
best mon of the country.
In November, 1874. after the defeat Of Mr.
Clay, for the Presidency. Daniel Webster made
n speech in Faneuil Hall. Boston, in which the
necessity for tho American organization OF the
present day was distinctly asserted. Said Mr..
Webster:
1.-THE results Of the recent election. (defea, Of
Mr.. Clay in several Of the States have Impress
ed my mind with one deep conviction, that Is,
that there Is an imperative necessity for reform.
ing the naturalization laws Of the United States.
The preservation of the Government, and con-e-
quenty the interests Of oil parties in my opinion.
clearly and strongly demand this. All are will
ing and DESTROYS Of course that America should
continue To be the safe asylum for the oppressed
Of all nations. All are willing and DESTROYS Tint
the blessings Of free government should be open
10 the enjoyment Of the worthy and industrious
from all countries. who may come hither for tho
PURPOSE of lettering their circumstances, by tho
successful employment of their own capital, en-
terprse or labor But IL is not reasonable that
the elective franchise should be exercised by
person Of foreign birth. until after such resi-
dence among us, MS that he may DO supposed 10
have become, in some measure, acquainted with
our constitution aud laws, our social aud our gen
eral interests of the country; and to have be-
come an American in feeling, principle, charac
ter and sympathy we'll as by having ostnb-
lished his domicil among u.s. Those already
naturalized have, Of course, their rights secured
but can conceive reasonable objection TO
different provision in regard 10 future cases.
Thus it will be seen ihni..Mr Webster. eleven
years ago, enunciated the first object,& the lend
ing principle Of the existing American party. II
the necessity OF n reform in our naturalization
laws was urgent nj that time, no ono can deny
that il is still more so ut this time II ia not alone
the foreign immigration Of half million y year.
but II is The increased and increasing tendency IT
this population to assert their nationality IN our
mdst-to cling to their old hatits and customs
and to demand of tho American people arccogn
ton Of their Importance and their political pow.
or. II tho evil was great in 1874. when Mr.. Web
ster proclaimed that there WAS AN impe rdtiue
necessity" foi reforming our naturalization hws,
il has SO increased since that time iha, the neoes
sity il now most imminent and urgent. MAJ. 4
mtricdn.