Spirit of Jefferson. [volume] (Charles Town, Va. [W. Va.]) 1844-1948, 1871-07-25
MANIPULAFINGTHE METHODIST
VOTE.

to the Catholic Vote is an old story in the his,
tory of American politics. The solemn d.
vorco of Church aud State-a fundamental
principle of our pOlity-has been, time aud
again, disrcgardcd in legislative appropriations
to school and other charities purely sectarian,
while it is fresh in the memory Of every one
how nearly impossible it was TO induce any
politician of note to participate in, or to ex>
press sympathy with, the meeting held in New
York City, some months ago, to celebrate the
Union of Italy, an event we'll calculated to
blend the most stirring "reminiscences of his.
tory with the most cheering hopes of national
progress and freedom in that classic land
The strong tide of German immigration that
of late years has set in for this country and
the almost universal disposition of the German
to plunge at once into active politics have
caused corresponding Establishment CT the
TGuton, seen, among other illustrations, in the
strong PartisanshiP of the republican press 10
the late dcplorable war, even the President
giving utterance to unnecessary and ungen-
erous expressions of sympathy with the yictors.
The atrOcious means devised to gain and to
consolidate the negro vote, the appeals to su.
perstition, ignorance, cupidity, and every
brutal lust, the brazcn fraud and de!usioD. the
devilsh machinery of Union leagues, and pre-
tended religious tratcrnities, with their mid,
night conclaves, and plots of intimidation arson
and violence, are to day the ordinary tactics
and practices of the radical party. But will
be news to many worthy follower of White.
field and the Wesleys to be told that the same
party managers nrc beginning to talk quite
fiPpautIy of manipulating the Methodist
vote" and Of rallying or rather scducing that
great aud jealous brotherhood into the ranks
of intolerant radicalism.
a powerful and enterPrising denomination,
far the most numerous of our protestant sects,
and with one omission, We believe nearly as
numerous as all the others combined, has at
tracted the attention of hypocrites in the party
aud OfTOlticiaus in the church aud upon their
combination aud secret mauipulations the ac>
comPlishment of the conspiracy depends
Bishop Simpson is well known TO be a jealous
worker for the party as well as for the Church,
and the woOing aud cooling between the Presi
dent and himself, the osiCutatiuos Interchange
of cour'Cscs and civI!itics mean, aud are de-
signed to mean, far more than private famil.
iarity aud personal friendship. Equally i'm,
plica;ed in this inSidious plot is the present
chaplain of the U. S. Senate, DR.. Newman, u
divine who was sent South by this same Bishop
to take possession of Churches forfeited by
the rebellion of their members, aud failing in
this cody mission, returned to Washington,
to become the Presidential conscience. kecpcr
aud to initiate Bccchcr-in a small way-as
pastor OF the Metropolitan church in that CITY.
The manner in which this reverend politician
watches over the political as well as spiritual
interests Of his flock, is exposed in one OF his
confidential eristlcs that has recently come to
light. !. seems that the next legislature Of
Iowa is to elect L. S. Senator, and that
'brOthcr" Harlan, the present incumbent, is
not at peace as to his prospect Of retention
Therefore the chaplain addresses faternal
letter, to brother" in Iowa, urging the i'm,
portnncc of looking to brother" II's interests.
and especially oi managing; the primary meet.
ings" SO As to assure his success. "ISro,her
Harlan lie goes on to say us regular in his
attendance at church, and his influence is en-,
tirely for good" Now it is we'll known that
tEcreis no senator, not even Cameron or Chan.
der or tue CarPet-bagScT from Florida, on
whom public opinion, both in and out of
Washington, has more firmly aud surely fas-
tened the stigma of dishonesty and curTup-
t!Un than this same brother Harlan. and DR..
Newman must have g.iuncd broadly as he
Pcuucd, and brother Ii. have wIilhcd his Sc
date and pious visaSe into 4 smile. as lie read
these words Of communication. but such cf-
forts, however covertiy made, can only brine.
confusion and rcbukc upon their authors
1 tic grand old denomination, so Justly noted
Tor Its icrvor and devotion, for its success in
bearing the balm of christianity down into the
very lnters'iccs OF society, as we'll as for plant.
ing tue cross upon its suuniesE heights, which
besides gathering into its fold so much of the
wealth and the intelligence of the land, we'll
deserves to share iu that glorious tribute be.
slowed upon the master, that "lhe common
people heard Him gladly" is not to be led or
betrayed, inVeiglcd or COerccd, through the
plots and Vaccinations Of its own trucking
leaders or OF these who court its favor and
steal its livery for selfish aggrAndiscmcnt.-
Neither Bishop Simpson nor DIR. Newman,
nor any other man or combination of men, will
succeed in leading its children into the pcsti-
leutlaI camp of radicalism, or escape the hot
Indignation OF those whom they wish to betray.
The Methodist Church, however divided as
to matters ct church government, Is as a
church, religious and not political organi.
cation. On its banner is cmh!azoued the sub.
lime legend For Chris, aud his Kingdom"
and whoever would seek to substitute or 70
add, "For Grant and his party" is guilty of
s;UIcHdous folly and au impious crime.
The Baltimore American says :-"Cki-