Glasgow weekly times. (Glasgow, Mo.) 1848-1861, 1858-04-22
The Naturalization Laws and Foreign
Emigration,

Emigration.
We copy The follow ing extracts from an
article in the Southern Citizen, edited by
John Mi chel, who, as an Irlshman by birth.
Democrat in politics, will not be accused
Of national or party prejudices in relation to
the views he expresses. The extracts will
be read with interest:
"When American cities have got to hun
ger mobs and soup kitchens, one cannot
wonder that thoughtful men begin 10 ask
themselves whether it is wise or Just 10 keep
the doors of this Republic so widely and in
viting y open; the access TO them SO very
easy, and next to no questions asked.
ave are about to approach delicate sub
ject: for the Democratic party of the United
States Ito which party we give our hearty
faith and fealty) hold it TO be one Of their
strong points to cherish and tenderly entreat
"the foreigner" Yet there are certain con-
siderations aside from party which lead to
the conclusion that something is wrong in
all this. And a kind of suspicion arises that
even in the Know Nothing ranks .,here were
patriotic and good men who had no sympa-
thy indeed with the benighted sectarianism
OF that mschievOus society, but who, never
theless, instinctlvely reyolted against the
cool insolence of European powers in chas-
ing "surplus population" to America as 10
penal colony. OF criminals and paupers
we have enough.
"Ofthe emigrants to America very large
number are real paupers and criminals,
which fall out in several ways. First, there
are Emigration Societies, having funds pro-
vided for carrying to America the very
sweepings Of warehouses and poorhouses,
Some Of these are in connection with the
governments Of the several countries, and il
signifies little whether the poor wretches SO
expatriated are landed in Canada or in New
York. If in Canada, most of them find their
way southwark. They have neither means,
nor spirit, nor hope. They have lived on
public aims, left their homes at the bidding
of their 'betters," and emigrated as paupers.
These are true paupers-either born pau
pers, or having the heart and soul within
them, ground down to pauper heart and
soul by bitter oppression and privation. No.
fit to be citizens OF any country.
"And for criminals-we know that car
goes of Italians and Germans are sometimes
sent over, with an intimatiOn that they are
poaical Offenders. Who knows that thsy are
political offenders? Their governments at
any rate are desirous 10 be rid OF them, and
know that to gain them footing on these
shores, they must at least call them politica'
offenders; but they may be JoreatS three
times convicted for the worst human crimes.
If SO, they will not themselves let out the
secret. The wonderful organization Of the
police establishments IN European countries
is little understood here. Every ruliian,
burglar, cut throat, in Paris or in Naples, is
well known 10 the police. The police can
call meeting o. them at any time, or
meeting of certain select ones not selected
for their virtues-can make them an offer
once for all, that if they would save them
selves from the galIeys or the gallows, they
shall have free passage 10 land OF liberty,
as CarboaaTy, or Red Republicans.
"But there is one more direct constant and
copious flow o. criminals into this country
from the English penal colonies. Bermuda
lies nearly opposite TO Charleston, about sew
en- hundred miles OF. Here are always con-
fined upwards Of two thousand of the choic-
est miscreants III all creatiOn--accomplIshed
London housebreakers, bank robbers, gar
ro.ers. Their numbers are kept up by new
importaiions from England; but as the terms
of their sentences respectively expire, what
is done with them? The laws of that colo
ny probibi! them from being SET free tcithn
the Islands. The very last thing the govern
ment would think Of, is 10 bring them 5ac5;
to England. !
New Bermuda has constant traffic with
the coast cities Of America. II has 10 wheat
or other grain, no beef and no mutton, save
what it imports from America. Therefore
its waters are always full of small Ameican
vessels. In these the criminals are regularly
shipped as they become entitled TO tlreir
freedom, sometimes as many as four or five
in the same vessel. Their passage is paid by /
the English government, and they carry |
their virtue and accomplishments to give !
strength and glory to the great Republic
That this was practice few years ago,is a
matter Of fact which we assert; presumably
it is so still. And although the transaction
is always secret one, no doubt researches
amongst the owners Of coasting vessels in
Philadelphis and Baltimore, would bring TO
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