Thibodaux minerva., 1856-03-15
A Few Words in Explanation.

Wu.r's THE TRouBLE-We see that the Thibodaux Mi
its local columns the nominations Of Fill
and Donelson by the party whose advocate ha
been, but does not hoist its colors with their 1t
fIans from making any comments the nomination unit
an authentic exptsG Of the proceedings shall have beer
publ shed.' What's the danger friend White? Come lei
have opinions upon the matter they strike
at first. Never mind the State Council. We would rather
know what you iona. c. White think of the matter than
the official edic and opinions Of all the wgwams and
councils in the Union 1t would be frank and honest Speak
out.-Isoneer Of assumption.
Without at all admitting the right of our Demo
cratic contemporary of the Pioneer to chatechise us
i'll our rule of action which we have thought proper
to pursue, still, as his language is decorous, and
and even complimentary, we have thought proper
to "spcak out" and crafty him by answering his
questions
When we gave in our adhesion to the American
party We were actuated in common with those who
preceded us, as well as those who followed, with
the purest motives, and the desire to restore our
country to its former purity and greatness; and of
rdding it Of the misrule everywhere existing con-
sequent to proaigate Administrations admins
traton having other object in view that that of
perpetuating its own dynasty, regardless Of the
best interests Of the people and the Government
ITSELF That there existed faults aye, grevious
faults in the organization of the party, we free
to admit. But they may be justified on the prin-
ciple that extraordinary diseases require unusual
remedies. But in the objects and intentions of the
American Order, which was secret in its workings
we saw nothing, SO far as the Order in Louisiana
was concerned, that was dangerous or subversive
to the institutions Of our country. On the con-
trary, strict fidelity to the Constitution, laws and
institutions Of the land were paramount and obli-
gatory every initiate before he was suffered to
enter upon the Threshold of our wigwams. This
was the sum and substance of the terrible oaths
which was required Of every Eso~-Nothing, as
ocofocosm has seen proper to style the members Of
the American Order.
In the distribution Of the patronage Of Federal,
State, and Municipal Governments, native-born
American citizens were to be selected in preference
to those of foreign birth. This was the ertent of
our offense against the Constitution of our country,
and all that was required by the chief tribunal of
the Order in Louisiana If differently constituted
additional pledges than this was required in other
States, we were ignorant of the fact, and should
not be held responsible for their acts. Here no
religious test was required. The Catholic, Protes
tant Jew, Norman, Musselman, or Pagan, were
equally eligible to fill the highest Office within the
gift Of the people; and no one had the right to
object to or question a candidate upon matters
of religious faith as test for Office. All were
eligible and possessed equal claims, provided they
were otherwise qualified.
Could purer Or nobler principles than these per-
vade the American breast? While we question
the right or expediency Of permitting foreigners
to enjoy equal privileges in filling political stations
under the Government, we never for a moment
sought to interfere with their vested or acquired
rights; or from their landing on our shores, to
share in common with us the blessings of our re-
publican institutions, and to up families among
ls, who will be privileged to be hailed as native
BORN Americans 1t is only matter Of native ma
ional right which we contend for-that Of govern
ng ourselves, and to close the doors against in
rgue, bargain and corruption. We wish to vest
With the native of the soil the exclusive control of
hat noble heritage bequeathed to US by our revo-
utionary sires, and sealed with their dearest blood
md in no keeping is it so safe as in the hands of
hose to the manor born; in preference to those
'otcal refugees who have left their foreign homes
Or their country's good. When the principle shall
nee become firmly established as rule of action
With our countrymen, we may bid defiance to the
world to subvert our institutions. Neither American
lemagogues or ambitious designing politicians could
hen appeal to the foreign vote as a source of
,ower, as has, unfortunately been the case in the
United States for number Of years past.
But it may be asked by our opponents, where is
he necessity Of such an extraordinary course?
Ire there not foreigners among US who are as good
itizens and as faithful to the institutions of the
ountry as native-born Americans? 1t cannot be |
enied that we have many true-hearted and stead |
ast friends to our country among US, who first
ght in the old world; but the masses are far from
eing Of this kind, and early led astray by pot
ouse politicians for the sake of gain. He who
arters away his right Of suffrage for gold no
,atter to what party he may belong is not fit to
xercise the free elective franchise in government
ke ours; for then the edict of the people at the
aot-box would not be the free expression of their
ill, but that Of the moneyed aristocracy.
1t is fact well known to the intelligent or those
ho understand the politics of the country, that
inety y-nine one -hundredths Of the foreigners who
rive in this country support what is styled, par
xcellence, the Democratic party. And it is but
atural, for they are guided more in their choice
= the literal meaning Of the term, than the prin-
pies held by the party which has arrogated to
self that title. As proof of this, witness the
any German, Irish, Polish, and other foreign as
'ciations in the country, who have formed inde-
endent Democratic clubs, and adopted platforms
lited to their views of what real Democracy is or
'ould be, had they the power in their own hands.
nould they ever succeed in carrying into practice
eir schemes Of what they style pure Demo cracy,'
Ii beautiful fabric of free constitutional govern
ent would not endure twelve month before we
ould see as many petty princes ruling the land as
9 now have Governors of States.
Lot the American ~if;1on hut rofooy that j,,r;no |