The weekly pioneer and Democrat. [volume] (Saint Paul, Minn. Territory) 1855-1865, 1859-09-09
Allen Suffrnge---Massachusc Amend
Gl ment Again.

Alien chusctts Amend
ment Again.
1t is now well understood that the Sham
Republicans OF Massachusetts, were wholly
responsible for the odious two "years' amend
ment," which requires foreigners to reside
in that State seven years before voting; and
it is believed that the Republicans in other
States would adopt the same restraint if
they had the power or courage to do so.
One reason why we think the Republicans
of other States would do so, is because they
are talking favorably Of the nomination of
Gov. BANKS, Of Massachusetts, for the Pres
idency. He was their Speaker in Congress,
and is considered one of their most promi-
nent Presidential aspirants. Hear him on
the two years. amendment. The following
is what he said in his message delivered
on the 18th of January last lf
"The legislature of 1858 gave its approval
according to the acquisitions of the cOnstitu
ton, to an amendment Of that instrument, de-
claring that no person of foreign birth shall
be entitled to vote or shall be eligible to office,
unless he shall have resided within the juris-
diction of the United States for t,o0 gears sub.
sequent to his naturalization, and shall be other
wise qualified, according to the constitution
and laws of this commonwealth &c. l re-
spectfully but EARNESTLY RECOMMEND CON-
CURRENCE IN THIS AMENDMENT, In order that it
may be submitted to the people for their ap-
prevail or rejection"
Now, when the Republicans are advo-
eating the claims OF Gov. BANKS to the
Presidency, we should like to know if they
are not virtually endorsing his prescription
of foreigners
A remonstrance against that amendment
was presented, signed by 7lO Germans
and they said " The undersigned, mostly,
if not all, citizens of foreign birth, and Ger
mans, had hoped the Republican majority Of
the Legislature avould resent this amendment
as un- Republican; but their remonstrance
was in vain.
AS is well known, the Democratic party
m 'st earnestly opposed that un-Democratic
amendment, both in the Legislature and at
the polls. Hon. B. F. BUTLER, leading
Democrat, then in the Senate, delivered
powerful speech against it, in the course of
which he said:
"And think might appeal to each and to
all, by the memory Of the glorious patriots of
the Revolution who were of foreign birth by
the daring courage of Montgomery-by the
steady strategy of Steuben-by the gallantry
of Kosciusko--by the chivalry of Lafayette, by
the stern integrity of Jackson-I pray you, in.
suit not their memory by putting stigma up
on their countrymen! Do to them as ye would
that others should do unto you and your chill
dren when they have the power. Deal justly,
deal rightly; do not, because you have the
power this day. deal with them in the plenti-
tude and fairness of your power"
Gen. CUSHING, in the House of Repre-
sentatives, delivered one of his strong Dem
ocratic speeches against the amendment, in
which he thus paid a just tribute to our
adopted citizens: 'r-
"WhO is it that is continually vituperating
the President of the United States of whatever
party, whoever he may be? Who is it that is
continually decrying the Congress of the Uni.
ted States, and wishing to God they would ad
journ, and 60 about their business? Who is it
tnat is taking ABOUT dissolution OF the Union!
Who is it that would trample the Constitution
under his feet; and who is it that processes to
despise that Constitution? Does any one of
these emgrants? No, sir. It is the native.
born citizens of the United States, who assume
to themselves, as one Of the privileges of citi
zenship, the prerogative of abusing our institu-
tions and the government of the country. If
there be any one thing more striking than an.
other in the character of the naturalized citi
zens, it is the spontaneous and patriotic devo
ton to the institutions of the country which
distinguishes them as class, and in which
they go far beyond our native-born citizens.
They have, then, the education which would
qualify them to act as elements in the govern
patriotism which would enable them to act for
the promotion of its best and highest inter.
eStS"