Memphis daily appeal. [volume] (Memphis, Tenn.) 1847-1886, 1857-02-03
inaugural Address Of Gov. willard. Of Indian

The Inaugural Address of Gov. WILLARD, Of
Indiana, is a most admirable public document.
We make from it the following noble extracts,
which do credit to the heart and head Of its
author. The Governor says;
There has been during the last few years an
earnest effort made, not only in Indiana, but in
other States, to create jealousy and strife be-
tween those who had hitherto been friends and
equals. Until 1854, during most OF the time
since the adoption Of the Constitution Of the
United States, the policy has been to encour-
age emigration from all civilized countries, by
the establishment Of liberal laws for n~aturali-
zation. Many of the States including Indiana,
In support of this wise policy, conferred, at an
early day, the right of suffrage upon those who
were willing to abjure their allegiance 10 all
foreign govel lments, and swear fidelity to ours.
Allured by these promises Of protection and
liberty, the tide Of emigration swelled rapidly /;
multitudes were Fastening from the ov~ertaxed
and unpaid labor Of Europe to make their homes
in a country which offered such a prospect Of
improvement in their condition. two years
ago, designing men, we'll knowing the pride of
the American born ia his native land, and the
prejudice many entertained for the prevailing
religion of a large majority of adopted citizens,
endeavored TO deprive them Of their rights,
guaranteed by tue Constitution and laws Of the
United States, and the Constitution Of the State
Of Indiana, by making new, illegal and anti
American tests for Office. For the first time
since the establishment Of our present form Of
Government, the effort has been made to down
the STANDARD of federation erected by our faith
ers, and plant in its stead the one which repre-
sents the narrow bigotry and superstition Of
Europe to transplant upon American sod those
prosecutions and religious wars which 80 long
retarded the advancement Of civilization. They
proclaimed that ability, integrity and fidelity to
the Constitution were no longer qualifications
for Office, which should entitle their possessor
to the confidence and support of his fellow
citizens. But on the contrary, so long as be
worshipped God in a form contrary to their
wishes, or was born upon other than American
soil, he must take no part in the administration
of the Government. They demanded such a
change in the laws as should deny to them the
benefits Of naturalization until after a residence
Of twenty-one years.
Why shall we not adopt as an American
citizen the voluntary exile from his native land,
within the time now prescribed by law? By
so doing, We confer upon him no right Of suf-
frage, no right to purchase, hold, or ALLEVIATE
property. We simply throw around him the
protecting arm of the United States, aud advise
all other nations that he is sacred as a Son of
Liberty as though born under the Constitution.
When and upon what conditions persons.
either foreign or native born, shall acquire and
dispose of property, or exercise the right of
suffrage in any State, depends upon no act Of
Congress, but upon the laws Of the State.
These designing men, whose love for Office so
exceeded their desire for the peace and pros
perity of their country, knew that their hopes
of success depended upon appealing to the pre-
JUDGES and passions of men, where no opportu.
nifty was offered to counterfeit their efforts by
the soothing influence Of reason. Accordingly,
they established secret political organizations,
studiously excluding therefrom all who would
not sustain their unchristian and illiberal doc
trines. Rejecting men were persuaded that, in
a short time, thinking and patriotic citizens
would abandon these associations; and they
have not been disappointed.
Gentlemen, you have all been more OF Jess
engaged in the canvass which has Just closed
in Indiana, and you cannot but have observed
how few Of our fellow-citizeIs determined
their action by any benefit they expected to de-