St. Paul daily globe. [volume] (Saint Paul, Minn.) 1884-1896, 1886-10-26
KN0W.NGTHENGISM.
Record of the Pilisbury.McGiil
Party In This state.

To the Editor of the Globe.
That the spirit Of Know-nothingism is rife
in the dominant element of the Republican
party. and as strong to-day as it ever was,
needs no other proof than that which careful
watching of its campaigners affords. But
there is in existence in this state an author
itative record which is beyond explaining
away or denial; which cannot be blOtted out;
which is the demonstration itself OF the truth
of this charge, and which is sufficient to
resolve doubtful reQuicscence on this point
into abiding conviction. At the legislative
session of 1873 bill was introduced by Hon.
John l.. Macdonald, tossn senator from Scott
county, known as the Liberty of Conscience
bill. 1t had for its object the correction of
certain abuses which had grown out of the
spirit of intolerance and Know-nothingism
which pervaded the Republican management
Of the state refOrmatOries, prisons and
asylums. 1t was shown that certain clergy
men. notably the Catholic priests, who visited
these institutions for the purpose of religious
miniStrationS to the inmates of their denom-
nations and creedS, were not permitted to
render these services. 1t was shown that
some of the superintendent and persons in
charge of these institutions insisted
on hearing the confessions of the inmates
along with the priest, which necessarily pre-
vented them altogether. In a word the con-
stitutional right of religious worship was de-
MED. The state institutions were not public
but sectariau. The liberty OF conscience bill,
after bitter opposition from the same set who
are now head snd front of the Republican
party in this state, got as far towards enact
ment as the governors Office. There it en-
countcred Gov. Horace Austin and Private
Secretary A. r. McGill, and veto was the
result. 1t was sought to pass the bill not
outstanding the veto; the effort was unavail-
ing against the opposiLisn led by John S.
Pillsbury, who, by bis voice and vote, sustained
the bigotry evolved in the Office Of the brace
of bigots from st. Peter, Austin and McGill.
For this action john S. PillSbury was re-
warded with the governorship. and it is now
sought to elevate another participant in the
same outrage to the same high position, and
above all, the clique expect to do ii by the
votes of Catholics; OF those whom they
spurned and to whose clergymen they
denied the most sacred OF all
rights of liberty, the exercise of their perog-
atives in behalf of those inmates of their
religious belief This bill is now law and
can be found at page 1853 Of the statutes of
Minnesota, having passed in 1874. and OBJ
tanned the approval of the succeeding gov
erner, Hon. C. K. Davis That his liberal and
broad-mlnded policy is antagonistic to the
tenets Of the Republican powers witness the
constant and unrltigated opposition which
Mr.. Davis has received and continues to
receive at their hands. He was elected gov
ernor despite them, and if ever his present
aspirations are realized it will be despite
them. Contrast the Democratic party in this
regard. For such men as Judge Macdonald
it has honor and support. To-day he is the
candidate of that party for one of the
highest Offices in its gift. 1t is the irony of
fate which causes the Republican party to
present at this time for like honors Andrew
r. McGill; to ask for the Endorsement Of
Pillsbury's protege and the election to the
gubernatorial chair of that narrow-rninded
bigot, Austin's beQuest to the people of Min
nesota. w.
ST. Paul Oct 25.