Daily State sentinel. [volume] (Indianapolis, Ind.) 1861-1865, 1862-09-23
From the n. Y. Tablet (Cathoc.)
Shameless Intolerance i'm Rhode
Island.


We have given our little Island State fair
share of credit, since the beginning of the war,
for her heroic exertions on behalf of the Union.
We have duly admired, like other lovai citizens,
the devotion and gallantry of the Rhode Island
soldiers We marveed somewhat at the Aboli-
ton freaks lately played off by the authorities of
that State, and thought what pity il was that
so brave should be so fanatically welded to
very black Observation-Disclosures to wit
which has proved more fatal to this Union than
the Grey Man to the sons OF Ivor in Scottish
story. But Rhode Island now presents herself
IN a different character. aud, segret 10 say, a
very unfavorable one it is Bigotry and intoler
ance are now stamped on the brow of the Island
State. the brand made deeper and darker still by
base ingratitude.
During special session of the Rhode Island
General Assembly a few DAYS since. came up tor
discussion the claims of the adopted citizens to
the privileges of the native born especially in re-
gard To tina elective franchise. In the course of
that discussion an amount of bgotry and rancor-
Gus intolerance was displayed that no one could
have deemed possible i'm this enlightened age of
the world-and in this doubly enlightened coun-
try-whch has so long taken to itself the proud
title of 1.-The Land of the Free" Free, indeed, it
Is. IN almost every portion OF Its bOundless terri
tory-save and except Rhode Island and some
other corners of New England of which more
little Rhoda"-galant she may be, and nightly
disposed to take to her bosom the sOoty wedge
that has split the Republic (perhaps for ever
but neither just, nor generous, nor grateful has
Little Rhoda" shown herself in regard to her
adopted citizens. especially those who belong to
the Catholic Church. class who have notori
ously contributed no little To win for Rhode
Island the titles of gallant and patriotic, of
which she is Justly proud Reports had reached
NJ frOu and
few from her own territory. of the anti Catholic
and anti Irish feeling existing in Rhode Island,
and the oppressive yoke that CALLED even her
Catholic soldiers, but for the sake of the cause so
dear To u, and the Government which deserves
so well of all it, ctiZenS--hOpng, too that the
ready response of the lrishmen OF Rhode Island
TO their cOuntry's call would soften the hearts of
their Purit rulers and that. in Rhode Island a.
in some other New England States, the grasp of
bigotry would relax in the stern pressure of war.
we delayed speaking of what yet annoyed not
little viz the small measure of freedom dealt
out to Catholics in that State.
During the debate on certain amendment 10
the Constitution" involving the question of ''giv-
ing adopted citizens the same political rights as
native citizens, and negroes who are not citi-
zens of the United States" Mr.. Clark delivered
himself in this wise
Mr.. ID. Clark said he moved indefinite post
ponement, because he was opposed to the propo
sition. both here and before the people He don't
want any lrishman orany German TO fight to help
him TO maintain his portion OF the American ter
ritory. Talk about Irshmen fighting in the
mics of the Union, said the eloquent and classic
speaker, why, III bet there are ten TO one in the
Confederate army, in proportion to the number
there. This Is mere party measure
Stimulated by this laudable example Mr. W
Updike spoke as follows:
NJ " India afrar s,xiny that he could Saa
no in discussing this question now, went on
TO discuss il himself He considered il piece of
arrogance for a wild lrishman 10 come over here
+ from the boys of Ireland and tell must al
ter our Constitution. Ii l. party measure The
object Is TO admit the Irish Roman Catholics TO
vote. and whoever knew one who not Dem
ocratl Mr. L. continued discussing the question
in is religious bearing. and contended that the
oath of Catholic Was not 10 be relied upon.
Some faint opposition was offered TO these
magnanimous sentiments. very faint indeed. and
only on the pretext of prudence. seeing that. as
one of the speakers said, lit Is but just when we
call for the strong arms of foreign born citizens
We should admit them ~ equal privileges with
Us" But the bigots preva.led-,he bill was post
poned indefinitely and the brand aforesaid
stamped-we hope not incebly-on the brow of
gallant little Rhoda.'
Now what will the American public say TO this
al such time, when the country ret only calls
for the strong arms OF adopted citizens. but so
badly needs their assistancel Did We not know :,
20 absolute certainty, that this bitter hatred OF
lrishmen aud Catholics i not shared by any con
siderable portion of the American people. but
that, on the contrary. the great majority OF them
in the greater part of the Union are a. willing TO
recognize the valuable services rendered by
"lnshmen and Germans" in this war as they are
To invite their aid would never wish 10 see
either the one or the other enter the Federal AT
my. But. thank God Rhode Island j. not the
Republic 20 which We owe allegiance-if IL were.
we rather think no lrishman or Catholic would
thrust his services on il for defense and il might
be left TO put down rebellion by native arms
alone. and with the valiant Mr. Clark. maintain
it, portion Of the American territory" Suppose
President Lincoln were take il into his head TO
talk %, and Irishmen and Germans and al Cath