The Irish standard. [volume] (Minneapolis, Minn. ;) 1886-1920, 1894-09-29
RATHER CAUSTIC.
Srsech Of Hon. Frank Hurd in the
Democratic State Conven-
tion of Ohio.
FREEDOM TO WORSHIP GOD

He Arraiens the A. p. A. and De-
nounces the Organization in
No Uncertain Terms.
Chairman Hurd arraigned the A. p. A.
in caustic terms and made an urgent ap-
peal that the principal of religious lib.
erty be protected, in his speech before
the Democratic State convention re-
Gently held in Ohio. That portion of
his address Is given as follows:
Before concluding I cannot forbear to
call attention to the existence in our
midst OF a secret political society, known
as the American Protective association.
suppose 1t, first, because it is a So
cret political society. I care not on
what lines such organization may be
formed, or what principle or policy they
may be established to promote, there is
20 room for them in q free government
like ours. Political principles and ad-
ninistrative politics are made issues to
be decided at elections where the people
who vote have had the opportunity of
hearing open, free ard full discussion.
1t is said that the voice OF the people is
the voice OF God, because it is believed
after the enlightenment of such Discus
sion it will speak the truth.
But how can the discussion be open or
free or full IL part OF it is carried On be
hind closed doors, in places from which
most OF the public is excluded? 1t Is
not open because by the primal law OF
the organization some Of it must be So
cret. It is not free because in the coun-
ellis OF the society those who do not as
sent to the propositions on which the
association 10 based are prohibited from
taking part. 1t is not full, because on
*heir secret platforms only one side is
presented, and that by those who SYM
pathize with the objects of the society.
Such discussions, instead of enlighten-
ing, darken the mind. Instead of be-
getting spirit of liberalism, they en-
gender prejudice and intolerance. They
cannot educate men in the highest
American citizenship, or properly pre-
pare them for their duties as voters.
Their inevitable effect is to disturb
the peace Of society and impair conf
dence in the fairness and Justice Of eleo-:
tiops =
But when these societieties are organ
lied on religious lines, to interfere with
the public rights Of those who differ
from them in religious faith, they be,
come still more sinister and dangerous.
They become then unconstitutional
organizations violative of the funda-
mental law both of the United States
and this state. The former provides
that s.no religious test shall ever be re-
quired as qualification to any Office Or
public trust under the United States" !"
The right to hold federal Office without
regard to religious opinions is thus q
civil right, guaranteed by the federal
constitution. Any organization propos-
ing to disqualify men from holding fed
eral office on account Of their religious
opinions not only defes the federal con.
stitution, but violates the federal statute
prohibiting conspiracies to deprive
American citizens of their civil rights.
q .,k
phatic in it's provisions on this subject.
It declares: mo religious test shall be
required as qualification for Office"
-'nor shall any interference with the
rights OF conscience be permitted. =
These provisions are found in the Bill Of
Rights, and not merely limit the powers
of the different branches OF the state
government, but prescribe the duties Of
citizens to each other in their life and
conduct. What clearer violation Of
them could there be than this organi-
cation presents, which proposes to pro-
scribe men IN their business, and prevent
them from holding Office because Of their
religious opinions. Il
Although this society declares itself
to American, it is essentially un-
iican. re there was one principle
which more than another controlled our
ancestry in the formation Of the federal
government, it was hostility to persecu-
ton for consciences sake. Indeed most
of them established themselves on the
hospitable shores Of this continent be-
cause their rulers would not permit them
/ to enjoy religious freedom at' home. As
the colonies grew, the principle Of relig-
ious tolerance Rrew salso, until it was the
settled " Anerica before relig-
ious Iuars ad been ended on the CONT
nent Iof Ilro 81 the justice ot the
prlneip hed i been fully recognized il
~ 4 @nn.D @ Deno cratic Such