The Indianapolis journal. [volume] (Indianapolis [Ind.]) 1867-1904, 1883-08-08
THE GOVERNOR OF ILLINOIS.

THE GOVERNOR OF ILLINOIS.
Hon. John NJ. Hamilton's Address on "Na-
tionality of American Citizenship"
At O'Clock in the afternoon, Gov. John NJ.
Hamilton of Illinois, delivered an address
Nationally of American Citizenship" Gov.
Hamilton began his address by considering at
considerable length the various elements that
make up the nationality of this country, consid-
ering separately the influence of characteristics
of the Dutch, who settled New YOrk, the Catho-
lies in Maryland, the Quakers in Pennsylvania,
the English in Virginia. and, most important of
all, the Puritans of New England. He traced
the progress of liberalty and enlightenment,
and said
But the perfect union of the conglomeratG pop
ulation of the continent as it existed in tho time
of the revolution and has ever since existed, in
changing shades and types into complete dis
tincL nationality has been a more difficult prob
lem, longer in solution, although more peaceful
III discussion, which is yet unsettled. This un-
healthy division of our citizens, clothed with
the power of government of great country,
into classes, based upon their former nationall-
ty Is dangerous in its tendency, and growing in
magnitude.
It forces itself as an element CT discord into
all the relations of social and business life. 1t
disturbs and unsettles the industries and enter
prises of the country. 1t demands recognition
In the political conventions of all parties; stalks
tom controls the enactment of laws; warps the
decisions of courts Of justice, and restlessly
breaks the peace in executive chairs. 1t even
obtrndes itself into the organization of churches.
1t is indeed a Illuminating and diseOuraging
spectacle to the lover OF his country unity and
prosperity to witness the fact that this division
OF American citizens, based upon their former
natiOnalities has grown so customary and
powerful, thar political convention can
scarcely be held by any party, without 1t being
considered necessary to u hope of success that
measui es should be taken to cOnciliate tins
thar nationality of voting American citizens.
The Germans must be especially recognized; the
Irish must be given a special representative;
the Scandinavian voter must be cOaxed and
petted; the coiored man must not
DO ignored. and the native born
citizens must not be entirely neglected for
fear he will get mad in the resolutions of the
convention and the makeup of the party ticket
And the Humiliation of the aspect becomes
shame, when we read in the platforms of great
political parties, which of right should be ex-
pected TO enunclate great truths and lofty prin-
etples of political economy, aud statesmen's
views of governmental questions, but Instead
thereof, we find bald disgusting sOphistries, and
meaningless gatherings, glittering Mornings IN
tended to avoid, instead of announcing prInci-
pie, and designed only as the cheap attractions
of political iunk-sh0p, to please and attract
some special nationalities of American citizen
snip. See its influences In the halls of legisla-
ton. Scarcely an important law can be passed
for the general welfare of the whole people, bnt
that anxious inquiries are made by grave legis-
lators, and votes are recorded for or against "a
measure, according as it may affect the prediu-
dices of this or that nationality OF voters. Even
the churches of the land feel called upOn to rec
cognize, and lend assistance to the same abnor-
nal divisions, they organize in the same
State perhaps, American, German. Scandinavian,
and African conferences, assemblies, and
syuods. These distinctions among are
not in accord with the theory of govern
ment the spirit of our institutions, and there
lore they are unnatural and dangerous. Why
should there be such condiT ion of things that I
or any other American citizen should stop to in
Quire what the former nationality of a candidate
for office is before we vote FOR HIM or withhold
votes2 On the correct principles or our gov
eminent, why should we inquire, or care to
kno W. whether the candidate is of German
French, Scandinavian, Irish, English or Ameri-
can nativity? Should not our investigation and
inquiry he more properly confined, good cii-
zens and intelligent voters, to the practical
questions: is he worthy office of trust, honor
and profit Is he capable and qualified to dis
charge its dnties2 l. he honest and his life one
of integrity Are all his sympathies and attach
ments IN full accord with the theories and in.
situations of our government Does he render
devoted and cheerful fcalty to our constitution
and laws ana is his heart filled with patriotic
devotion to tho repuoltc2 For these purposes of
complete nationality care not whether the
candidate or the voter be of SclavenIc, Teutonic
Latin, Celtic or barbaric orisln so that his mind
firmly grasps AMI understands and his heart
beats in love and unison with the grand princi-
lies OF Onr government
It seems To NE that there is a logical remedy
for this evil, 10 he sought aud obtained in two
directions. The illustration have given of the
streams flowing into the sea, necessarily in
wolves the idea OF reciprocal character of
the stream. For il either one of them in AFRO
gance insists on MANI aiming the character of OIL
instead of water, manifestly there will be no
unity or identity OF character; and the evil of
political leprosy will he perpetuated until the
whole shall become chaotic, decay Tying matter.
What does this character of assimilation meant
1t means that same condition of thought and
patriotism that impeed the men of l776 to
throw down internal and senseless hostility be-
tween Puritan and Cavalier, Catholic and
Hucuenot, between the freethinking Dutch
and the pious Quaker, for common
unity of purpose, that nation might be
born that IA grand republic might begin it's
triumphal march over the passions, prejudices
and snperstitops of men. For this purpose of
reciprocity, l insist that the emgrant from for
eign countries. when he eXpatriates himself from
allegiance to the native country, aud swears al
legiance TO this government, he shall do SO with
the full aud sincere intention of becoming so
proud of American citizenship, that the common
glory and good of this nation shall command his
demand the sacrifice of some of his early no.
lions customs aud habits, learned along the
Rhine the Zuyder Zee the Boyne. That he
shall rejoice in the great privilege extended TO
him OF being enrolled in the citizenship and heir
shin of the grandest republic in the worlds his
tory, and the prosperity and happiness of all her
people shall be his highest joy.
On the other branch of the assimilation and
reciprocity, insist that all classes, creeds and
parties of native-bUrn citizens shall he willing 10
make the same character of concessions as their
fOrefathers made for the purpose of establishing
nationality, unity and identity of American citi-
zenship. II any one Of the elements which, as