The New York herald. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1840-1920, 1878-05-06


lessor could be so mistaken. We think we
should have men with honest noses on the
Board, even if we had to get rid OF the
present incumbents.
The Crusade Against American Cath
olics.
The HERALD has procured copy OF the
long address meant to be kept secret from
outsiders and intended only for the init
ated, which was. adopted last week by the
new Know Nothing organization. This or
ganization, or "Order," as it calls itself,
closed its annual session in Washington
on Saturday. Its initials. 20. A. u"
are intended to designate the Order
of the American Union, which is
even more illiberal than was the old
Know Nothing Order, which culmi-
mated and collapsed in 1856. The hos
tility of the Know Nothings was directed
only against Catholics OF foreign birth,
whereas the 0. A. U. makes indiscriminate
war against all American Catholics, both
native born and foreign born. Tho raving
address, which was not meant for general
publicity, illustrates the spirit and defines
the objects Of the new organization. 1t is
so rancorous and extravagant that it can
have no great success after being dragged
forth from its subterranean burrowing.
This illiberal Order would be rather a
topic for ridicule than serious discussion
if it were not favored by one OF our great
political parties. Some Of the republican
leaders, percciving how rapidly the old
ground is slipping from under them, think
it expedient to favor this anti-Catholic
movement in the hope OF strong body Of
reinforcements. There is nothing in
our past history to encourage this ex-
pectation. Heretofore tho democratic
party has always profted by move
inents of this description. In 1914 the
Native American party withdrew votes from
Mr.. Clay and contributed to his defeat. In
1856 tho Know Nothing party, which ran
Mr.. Fillmore for the Presidency, diverted
votes enough from General Fremont to in
sure the election Of Buchanan. The demo-
cratic party has never been weakened by
such movements. Their only effect has
been to divide the opposition to the democ-
racy and rescue it in doubtful contests.
There is no reason for supposing that new
experiment of the same kind will lead to o
different result.
The declared objects Of the new Order are
to prevent tho appropriation OF public
money to sectarian schools and charities /;
to prevent special legislation for the benefit
of Catholics to cause all church property
to be held and managed by trustees to
cause oil church property to be taxed,
and to enforce compulsory education in
non-sectarian Schools 1t is absurdly
proposed to accomplish these OBJ
iects by amendments Of the federal
constitution. It is competent for every
State government to do every one Of these
things in tho exercise Of its local authority,
and there is no need of bringing the sub
ject into national politics. Ten States may
prevent tho adoption Of such amend
ments, but as many States as choose
may do precisely the Same things
through their State governments without
waiting to ask leave Of three
fourths of the States. If these bigots are
in earnest it is absurd for them to adopt n
plan which requires the concurrence of
twenty-nine State Legislatures when every
separate Legislature has full power over
sectarian appropriations Of money within
its own jurisdiction. When thrse-fourths
of the States shall have passed laws against
the Catholics it will be soon enough
to coerce the other one-fourth. It
is idle to attempt it before, because any
Legislature which would not exert it's
authority by passing law would not pro-
mote the same purpose by ratifying On
amendment to the federal constitution.
The introduction of this subject into ma
tional politics can serve no purpose except
MS makeweight in the strife Of political
parties The party which attempts to
profit by such appeals to religious
bigotry will make o great mistake. The
American people are opposed to the in
PRODUCTION of religious questions into poll
tics, and if the republican party indorses
this attempt it will split the party and in
sure the success Of the democrats.
Value OF Our Water Routes 20 tho
senboard.
Ex-Governor Horatio Seymour has been
so steadfast in his friendship for our State