Lewistown gazette. [volume] (Lewistown, Pa.) 1843-1944, 1857-07-30
TowANDA, July 10Th, 1885,

TowAHDA, July 10Th, 1857.
GcntIemen:-G0ur letter Of the 9TH Of May
came to hand during the sitting Of my Courts,
Immediately on the close Of which left home,
and returned only few days since This
must be my apology for not earlier having
responded to your communication.
am requested to answer certain interrog-
atories propounded to me in pursuance of a
resolution Of the late Convention held at Al
tOOna.
The history of our State establishes a
wise and safe policy III respect to the point
embraced in your first interrogatory. 1t will
be found rare indeed, that any but native
born citizens, have held high official station
either IN the Executive or Judicial depart
ments Of cur State Government; and the
same class, with comparatively few ex-
ceptions, have filled the seats Of our Legis-
lative Halls. The naturalized citizen cannot
complain that this traditional policy should be
preserved. There is nothing in it intolerant
or PrOscrIptiye: nor Will the enlightened and
patriotic citizen Of foreign birth 50 regard it.
1t imposes no legal Disqualification 1t takes
from him no right. Official station of 3iqhf
belongs to no man. While ! would adhere
to this policy rs one Of wisdom and patriotism,
no American who properly appreciates his
responsibilities, would neglect an inquiry into
the character and fitness of candidates preSen-
ted for his suffrage: nor could he, without be-
trayal of the best interests of his country,
disregard the claims Of principle involved in
his choice. Thus occasions may arise, when
an enlightened and faithful discharge ef duty
would demand our Sutfrages for the naturali-
zed citizen, in preference to one bern on our
soil. understanding the spirit OF your first
proposition as not inconsistent with the views
here expressed, | yield it my cordial assent.
Are you in favor of the protection Of Amer
lean labor, American rights, and American
interests?
To this, your second interrogatory, | shall
content myself with a simple affirmative an
swer.
The matters embraced in your third inter
rogatory are Of the first Importance, and de-
mand the most serious consideration Of the
patriot and statesman. The boldDess and
success with which frauds are perpetrated
upon the ballot box have become alarming.
and unless promptly and efectually checked,
must end in subversion of our system Of free
government The forms of Liberty may re-
main, but only as cheat and mockery, gloss
ing over as cruel a despotism ever cursed
people. | would sustain with my whole
strength, any and every measure wisely devl-
sed, to preserve the purity Of our popular elec-
tions. Wilful fraud upon the ballot box is
moral treason against Republican Govern
ment; and all duly convicted of being con-
cerned therein, in addition to other penalties,
should be disqualified from holding Office or
exercising the elective franchise.
Doubtless our naturalization laws could be
so amended as to aid in securing purity and
fairness in our elections; but we must not
weaken our State sovereignty by looking to the
General Government as the great source Of
reform in this matter. It belongs exclusive
ly to the States to regulate this whole ques-
ton Of sutfrage-to prescribe the qualhca-
tiuns Of electorS-tO provide safeguards
against frauds, and inf1ict punishment for as
saults upon the integrity of the ballet box.
Our own State cannot too early or vigorously
exert its constitutional power in respect to
these matters, vital as they are to liberty and
the existence of free government.
1t has ever been a source Of Just pride TO
the true American that his country opened
an asylum for the oppressed of every land
God forbid that we should be so ungratetul
for His blessings, as to refuse to share them
with the honest and industrious Of whatever
cline or country; but it is an outrage upon our
hospitality, and q violation OF international
law, for the Governments of the Old World to
ship cargles Of criminals and paupers on our
shores Our Government eann0t be too Wig
liant in guarding our rights III this respect.
TO your f0urth interrogatory | answer that
| am opposed to the interference Of Hierar-
chies in politics. The Office Of Christian
Minister Is second to no other in dignity and
responsibility. | aould not detract from h.
functions, or impair the respect due to his
character. | acknowledge his right, and as