The New York herald., 1872-07-13
The Orange Parade.

sorely disappointed at the poor display made
by their brethren yesterday. In view Of
the large promises of an imposing demonstra-
ton the few hundred unsophisticated-loo looking
individuals who followed the flag Of the Dutch
Prince presented a rather sorry appearance.
Apart from the question of taste manifested in
trailing o monarchical banner through the
metropolis of republic there was really
nothing to excite attention or comment in the de-
monstratlon, except the paucity of the members
and the low level Of intelligence which were the
most noted characteristics of the processionists.
Everything about the parade marked it for
oign and un-American- visages Of the men
composing it and the flags inscribed to the
honor, not Of George Washington nor of the
great republic in which these men find shell
ter and bread, but to the memory of
William, Prince of Orange, potentate whose
memory has certainly nothing in common with
American traditions or republican aspirations
1t is reassuring, however, to notice that, with
all the excitement which few fanatics have
hbored to create, not over three hundred
men, gathered from all parts, could be mus
tered. Most of these bore in their faces evi-
dence OF verdancy, which accounted for their
presence. AS soon as they have settled down
and understand the advantages of the govern
ment under which they now live the teachings
of designing bigots will have less influence
over them, and they will initiate their wiser
countrymen and leave Orange parading
severely alone. It is only when men
arrive in this country with all the mar
row and stupid prejudices which are 80
carefully cultivated in Europe in order to
keep the people divided against themselves,
that designing men are able to turn these
prejudices to their own selfish ends. The
institutions Of the country in time exert
their broadening influence on the minds
of the most bigoted, and orange and green
sashes are hid out of sight by men who
ore proud to be Americans. We have some
right to claim that those who seek the hospi-
tality of our shores shall leave behind their
factional strifes and take their places here as
good and peaceful citizens. This we hold to
be the first duty of all who seek home in this
republic.
1t requires strong exercise Of the virtue Of
patience to allow us to speak calmly Of dem
onstrations like the one which marched
through our streets yesterday. No American
can sympathize with it's object, if, indeed, it
had any except kind of implied defiance
to the most ignorant class of the Irish
Catholic population. Looked at coolly,
the affair was so grotesque and
out of keeping with all our thoughts and ira
ditions that the only sentiment it was likely to
arouse in the breasts of the intelligent portion
of the community was one of pity for the
foolish and misguided men who took part in
it. Were it not that people are aware Of
the infammable nature of the materials lying
round which might be set on fire by this
Orange parading it would be regarded with a
half scornful contempt but the spice of danger
Is certainly absurd that we should be sub
jected annually to the danger Of having the
streets Of our city deluged in blood because ON
insignificant band of foreigners are pleased to
interest themselves in the Protestant succession
to the British throne. What have we to do
with the religious belief of the King or Queen
of England, that we should be subjected to the
nuisance of procession of men in
terested in the question every 18th Of
July? The Monroe doctrine strictly con-
fines the attention of Americans to matters
connected with America and foreigners who
come here as citizens are supposed to aban-
don all interest in the lnonarchical institutions
of Europe. It appears, then, rather strange
that our republican police should be called
upon to protect body of men whose great
aim, if they have any, is to preserve the sue
cession of the English throne for true blue
Protestant. Nothing could well be more
ridiculous and absurd than this position.
We believe that people who come
here ought to adopt American modes
of thought and leave their contentious
and prejudices in the Old World If there are
those whose devotion to the interests Of Catho-
lie or Protestant monarchy is so strong that
they must continue their advocacy in this
republic, it would be eminently proper on
their part to seek the shelter of the
flag which claims their enthusiastic devotion
We are by no means inclined to nativism, but
we do think that when men are so much in
love with monarchical government that they
must parade in its honor in the streets of re-
public they ought to remain in Europe,
where they can enjoy the system of their
choice to the fullest extent
Nothing is more striking than the absence Of
the intelligent classes from the silly orange and
green parades, which are abandoned to the la-
boring classes and those who trade on their
votes. The professional and business elements
carefully abstain from taking any part in such
foolish displays. If the police force are to be
Withdrawn from the performance Of their
usual and necessary duties to protect every
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