The weekly Oskaloosa herald. [volume] (Oskaloosa, Iowa) 1855-1885, 1871-07-13

OF congress
Why is it that these immaculate
guardians of the purity of religion
do not caution the ministers and
"chosen laymen" of the Presbyterian
church az ainst any undue expression
of preference for my esteemed per-
sonal friend, the Hon. w. B. Allison,
for the Senate, who is said to be a
pew-holder and supporter of the
Presbyterian Church at Dubuque
or, for my recent colleague, Senator
Howell, who is a consistent member
of the Presbyterian Church at Keo
kuk, or advise the ministers and
"ehosen laymen" of the Congrega-
iona Church TO be coy of any such
expression in favor of Governor
Merrill, or my esteemed colleague
in the House, Mr.. Palmer all -four OF
whose names have been mentioned
prominently candidates fcrsthe Sen
ate? And, if it should be 'ru horned
that one of their divines or beading
members may have writterta pri-
vate or confidential letter to a broth
err, couched in friendly terms of AL
lison, Howell, Merrill, or Palmer, rec,
ommendiug his election-not on re-
ligious grounds but on personal mer-
it-why not ego for it" with a search
warrant or an offer of ga thousand
dollars reward" And when it is
found published it with flourishing
of trumpets and gibbet the author
as an objectionable "busy body" and
'intermeddler in other mems mat
tiers ?" And if this generous atten-
ton is not given to ministers and
'leading members" of other demon
nations, is it merely because Meth
odists need political guardians more
than other religionists?
In conclusion, may | be pardoned
for saying a word or two to my fell
low citizens in Iowa of German ORR
gin who may be followers of the Ger
man schools of liberal philosophy,
free thinkers, or materialists. Is it
wise to select your candidates tor
official station. because of their sup
posed liberal views in the accepted
theological sense of that phrase?-
III the language of Der Uena0krGt,
to labor to until "the liberal element
for political ends % Would not this
be as dangerous to civil liberty as .
union as ofctarians for such pur-
pose Wv Gould not successful intol-
erance against members of religious
sects be as fearful in it's consequent
ces to our free institutions as intOl-
arance by sect? Is it not the
same spirit which has made the
guillotine drip with the human
blood and led untold thousands to
the stake? And would not the sup
port of candidates for Office for such
considerations engender and cult.
waited hypocrisy Even in this case,
either you are deceived in supposing
that the Hon. w. B. Allison is
a free thinker, or the Presby-
terians of Dubuque, in supposing
him to be sincere worshipper In
their religious temple, where l am
told he has been pew-holder, and
reasonably faithful attendant, as
well as generous supporter OF their
church enterprises. 1t occurs to me
that, Notwithstanding long person
al acquaintance and association as
colleagues in Congress, am misin
formed, or, to adapt the apt lam
guage of the Dubuque Times, "some
body has been most beautifully
sold"
And now let me say final word
on this subject to the people of lows
who may read this letter. l have
never asked, expected or desired
support for any official station on &C
count of religious considerations.
have never, at any time, adopted
means either direct or indirect, t.
secure church influence for such &
purpose. And although l am franz
to confess that | esteem the right tt
speak for Iowa on the floor of thu
American Senate at this period in
theIworld's history, the greatest hon
or with which a citizen can be cloth
ed, yet unless cheerfully conferred
by free people from a mature anC
deliberate conviction that all thing
considered, it would be best for thu
State and the great Republic,
would despise myself if l did no
scorn the distinction.
With great respect,
Your sincere friend,
JAS. HARLAN.