The Manitowoc pilot. [volume] (Manitowoc, Wis.) 1859-1932, 1867-09-06
SOCIAL ANDRELIGIOUs FREED0M
Address of the Milwaukee Committee
to TIE Germans of Wisconsin.

To THE GERMANS OF WISCONSIN: Since
Wisconsin became state of the Union:
the Germans, constituting more than
third part of its population, rarely have
had occasion to complain of entertainments
upon social and religious freedom. With
their fellow citizens of other nationalities
they have lived in. peace. and harmony, and
especially have they at all times entertained
just consideration tor the peculiarities OF
the Anglo Americans, Notwithstanding the
fact that they have oftimes had reason to
complain Of the waat Of like friendly
spirit on the part Of the latter. The Ger
mans of Wisconsin are peaceful and law
loving citizcns. They have contributed
effectively to the prosperity of the state, as
well as to the support of the Union army
for suppression of the southern rebellion.
Since the Germans of Wisconsin have al
ways fulfilled and still continue to fulfil
their duties as citizens since they are ami
mated by spirit Of tolerance towards 9TH
ers and in every relation strive to promote
the welfare of the republic, they believe
they may rightfully claim respect for their
nationality, and some consi deration for
those progressive tendencies Of which the
Germans are at the head In this country.
s Energetic attempts are now again being
made, however, to restrict civil and relig-
ious freedom, and by means of so-called
Sunday and TEN oesance laws, to render lib
eral minded citizens the slaves of retro
agressiye sects. and evil-minded religious
leaders. In nearly all the states OF the
Union, and recently also here in Wisconsin
propositions have been advanced by Amer
ican-born cilizens-who, Notwithstanding
their otherwise excellent characteristics,
seem to possess but very feeble compre-
hension Of religious freedom and religious
toleration-for the purpose Of enforcing
the observance Of Sunday in the Puritan
manner and this movement, in which the
native characteristics Of those engaged in it
are in no small degree exemphfed, is al
most exclusively directed against the Ger
Mans In this instance the Germans are
not the aggressive party. They respect the
religious views and ecclesiastical opinions
Of their fellow ciiizenS, but it is apparent
that an intention exists to corrupt their in
born sensitivcnessltei liberty, to familiarize
them. with stimulation, whose grand masters
are the advocates of Sunday laws, and to
reduce them to mere9dependents upon a
puritanical theology, more righteous in pro-
fession than action. av ta s. on
7 In view Of these facts it becomes the du-
ty Of the Germans to guard against the I'M
provoked agsressions Of tyrants in religion.
Accordingly the undersigned, committee
appointed by a mass meeting held at Music
Hall in Milwaukee, offer the..following sug-
gestions and earnestly appeal to all the Ger
mans of Wisconsin to adopt and act upon
them:
l. That the Germ ans, to whatever roliti-
cal party they may belong, should SO act,
that none should be elected as delegates to
the state conventions, except such as are
known to have 10 utilization with that mo-
rose puritanical tendency to which several
of the states of the Union owe their present
oppressive, hypocrisy-begctting and anti
free trade Sunday and temperance laws.
9 That as to the election to be held this
fall for members of the legislature, the Ger
mans see that none but liberal minded men
are nominated, and that in no case should
Germans vote for any candidate for the
senate or assembly who occupies hostile
or doubtful position. We deem it Of chief
importance that the majority in the next
legislature, in which the fanatical advocates
of Sunday legislation viii probably propose
enactments in accordance with their views,
should consist Of men who shall possess not
merely the courage to energetically oppose
any such legislation, but of men who shall
also command sufficient influence and re-
spect to ensure efficiency and success to
their efforts. ,ff eTr
Further, the members of the legislature
should be instructed to effect a modification
of the provisions of the Sunday law existing
in Wisconsin since 1898, inasmuch as we
believe them both unjust and unconstitu-
tional.
We enjoin upon the Germans of Wiscon-
sin the propriety of observing this counsel
and of unity in action. The enemies of
freedom labor tirelcssly their number is
large and vast financial resources are at
their disposal. Do not, therefore, fold your
arms in listless indifference. Expect not
that the victory Of freedom will be won
without work, bat devote your labor to the
task before you, in the manner pointed out,
aud earnestly, and yet DELHI
erately, and then, as we confidently hope,
will the threatening danger be adverted, and
the attempt to briag upon US new slavery
be frustrated. egtra
BY order the committee,
II. HAERTEL, President.
l. MAscHAUER, Secretary.
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