Raftsman's journal. [volume] (Clearfield, Pa.) 1854-1948, 1857-07-29
The 9AF g TsmAN1s JOURNAL,
AN IHpoRTANr LETTER.

Council held at Altoona in April last, Messrs.
John Brotherline, John Covode, d. Nj Murtrie.
J. n. Power, and George w. Patton were ap
pointed committee to solicit from the candi-
dates nominated at Harrisburg, on the 18th of
March, an expression of their views in regard
to the principles of the American party. Ac-
cordngly the committee, through their chair
man, recently addressed the following inter-
rogatories to Mcssrs. Wilmot, Millward. Veech
and Lewis:
l. Do yon hold that in the election or ap
pointment Of all officers native born Americans
should be preferred
2. Are you in favor of the protection of A
merican labor American rights, and American
interests !!
3. Are you in favor of the purifcation of
the ballot box, a reform in the naturalization
laws. the enactment OF registry law, and the
prohibition of foreign paupers and convicts Ian
ding upon our shores! I!
4. Are you opposed TO any interference of
Church IIierarchies in politics
g. Are You in favor of Free Schools for the
education of all classes, with the Bible as
text book used therein +!
MR. WILNoT's REPLY.
TowANDA, July 10, 1857.
GENTLEMEN: Your letter of the 5th 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 respond
ed TO your communication.
/ am requested to answer certain nterroga-
tories propounded to Inc in pursuance of 4 res
olution OF the late convention held at Altoona.
The history Of our State establishes wise
and safe policy IN respect to the point embrac-
cd in your FIRST interrogatory- 1T will be foGnd
rare indeed, that any except native born citi-
zens, have held high official station either in
the Executive or Judicial departments of our
State Government and the same class, with
few PXCeDtlOnS- have filled the
seats of our Legislative Halls. The naturaliz-
ed citizen cannot reasonably complain that this
traditional policy should be preserved. There
is nothing in it, intollerant proscriptive;
nor will the eniighted or patriotic citizen of
foreign birth so regard it. 1t imposes no legal
disqualification. 1t takes from him no right.
Official station of right belongs to no man.
While | would adhere TO this policy as one Of
wisdom and patriotism, no America who pro-
perly appreciates his responsibilities, would
neglect an inquiry into the character and tit
ness of candidates presented for his suffrage;
nor could he, without betrayal of the best in
terests of his country, disregard the claims of
principle involved in his choice. Thus occa-
sions may arise when an enlightened and faith
fui discharge of duty. would demand our suf-
frages for the naturaized citizen, in prefer
ence to one born on our soil. Understanding
the spirit OF your first proposition as not in
consistent with the views here expressed, 1
| yield it nay cordial assent.
Are you in favor of the protection of Amer
| lean labor, American. rig ghts, and American in
| tcreSts
| To this, your second intcrrogatory, l shall
| content myself with 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 boldness and sue
| cess with which frauds perpetrated upon
! the Ballot Box, have become alarming, and
| unless promptly and effectually checked, must
end in the subversion of our system of Free
! Government. The forms of Liberty may re-
main, but only as cheat and mockery, CLOS
! sing over as cruel despotsm as ever cursed
people.
! / would sustain with my whole strength any
and every measure wisely devised, to preserve
| the purity of our popular elections. Wiiful
| fraud upon the ballot box, is moral treason a
| gainst Republican Government; and all duly
| convicted of being concerned therein, in addi-
tion to other penalties, should be forever dis
qualified from holding office or exercising the
| elective franchise.
| Doubtless our naturalization laws could be
| SO amended as t" aid in securing purity and
| fairness in our elections; but we should not
| weaken our State sovereignty, by looking to
the General Government the great source
of reform in this matter. 1t belongs cxclu-
siyely to the States to regulate this whole
question OF SuHriSc-tO pTSSCriDc the QuatlH-
cations of clectorS-to provide safeguards a
gainst frauds, and infiict punishment for as
| saults upon the integrity OF the ballot 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 source of just pride to the
true American, that his country opened an a.
| syium for the oppressed of every land. God
forbid that we should be so ungrateful for His
blessings, as to refuse to share them with the
honest and Industrious OF whatever cline OF
country but it is outrage upon our hospi-
| talty, and violation of international law for
the Governments Of the Old World to ship car
goes of criminals and paupers our shores.
Our Government cannot be too vigilcnt In
guarding our rights in this respest.
| To your fourth interrogatory answer that
l am opposed to the interference of HierarchieS
in politics. The office OF a Christian Minister
is second to no other in dignity and response
biity. l would not detract from his functions,
or impair the respect due to his character.
acknowledge his right. and teacher of the
people, believe it to be his duty, 10 speak o.
penly and fearIessly against social and politi-
cal evils, destructive of public morals and at
war with the interest and happiness of man.
kind. In thus publicly speaking, if he trans
cends the proprietieS of his place and office,
| safe corrective is found in the censure of an
enlightened public. But that Priestly Or
der, invested by the Laity with mysterious
sacredotal character-with pretensions to eX-
traordinary spiritual power-bound together
by strong ties, and acknowledging as their
head foreign potentate-that such an Order
should enter the fel of politics, control oul
elections and influence the policy of our gov
ernment, is surely cause for alarm, and should
awaken the jealous yigilencc of the American
people. II will probably be denied that any
such bierarchial Influence is brought to bear
is,n Y.ai.s. Oh