BY E<>. W. KU3A\.
NEW SERIES.
Select Poc t r ji.
HOME A A I) FRIENDS.
BY CHARI.ES SWAIN.
Oh, there's a power io niak* each hour
As sweet as heaven designed it,
Nor need we roam to bring it honiP,
Though lew there be that find it ;
We seek too high for things close by,
And lose what nuture found us;
for life hath here no charm so dear
As home and friends around us.
We oft destroy the present joy
for future hopes, arid praise tlipm ;
While flowers as sweet hloorn at our feet,
If we'd but stirop to rai-t* them ;
|'oi things alar still sweeter are.
When youth's bright spell hath bound us ;
j',i,t soon we're taught that earth was nought
Like borne and friends around us.
The friends that speed in time of need,
When Hope's last reed is shaken,
To show us still, that, come what will,
We are not ipiite forsaken;
Though all were night, il but the light
From Friendship's altar crowned us,
l'would prove the hliss of earth was this—
Our homes and friends around us.
"li; ilia \fmmF
Emira-ic Bieihifi* of the State-!
BEHOLD THE MORNING- STAPs!
Tf i K CO*' ST IT IJT IOS
S. FROM POLLUTION! ■'!
]
I (; LOR TOPS SI CUT
For Sucli as Love thi'ir Country and her
Institutions!!!
Thirty Tliousaud Freemen in the
Field!!
of Democratic Sentiment
FOR
CIVIL AM) RELIGIOIS LIBERTY!
NI) I I TIZ I: N
To BK
ENSLAVED OR BUTCHERED!!!
ON ACCOUNT OF
Esis Birth Place or fiScligioti!
WHAT a glorious sight was witnessed last
< veuitm in the st-ontaneous movement of thirty
thousand freemen, tietermioed to sustain the
Constitution of our beloved country us it was
handed down to us hy our nohle fathers, its
I urchase was with blood, and its inheritance is
li> sacred to permit the corrupt, the imbecile,
and the profligate to annul its sacred provisions,
or tamper with its holy precepts. Gui liber-
are safe iti the custody of the Democratic
figiniis. and the iiuiihering phalanxes of the ene
my,as tliey move over the unev> n ground selec
ted hv themselves, w ill be thrown into disorder,
and totally routed. The charge of thiily thous
and freemen, armed, with Justice and Rigid,
which are the powers that Omni| tence wields,
cannot he withstood in tfie battle-shock. Penn
sylvania ts still "the land of the free and the
home of tire brave." She will never permit any
of her citizens to he robhed of the privilege giv
en them hv the laws and Constitution. I'he
political traitors of the day may plot their trea
in, hut a righteous judgment w ill consign them
to destruction. Fur every CATALINI: in the
enemies ranks will L found a Cicwo among
the Democratic forces. All is safe with our
patriotic Spartans, whose battle cry is Victory,
Victory, ami they will assuredly secure it.
From every quarter of the compass, "the
cry was still they come," flaunting their saucy
Iran tiers to the breeze, amid triumphant si touts
and songs of rejoicing. The air was filled with
martial music, and ever and anon, the loud huz
zas assured us that Democrats can never he re
duced to slavery. Legion followed legion in
successive order, until the eye tired with their
numbers. Throughout the whole route t,iki*n
hv our brethren, on their march to the birth
place of our Freedom, they wore greeted with
the cheers of the patriotic and the oncouiage
ment of the ladies. Occasionally some skulk
ing miscreant of a Know Nothing would utter
an mMilling remark, and then hide himself a
mong kindred spirit.- who dared not execute
what their cowardly heaits prompted. They
had men to deal with, and the sneaking pol
troons feared to encounter them with any thing
hut the vile exclamations prompted by their e
ijually wicked hearts.
Never before has Philadelphia made so im
posing a display. The fame and sinew of her
strength was out toG-rtilv their unalterable ad
hesion to the principles of free government, and
against the dcsjiotic. notions of serfdom. Every
where throughout the dense mass of people,
there was but one determination, and thut was
to strike down that infamous band of traitors
who meet in secret to plan their measures for
the destruction of our liberties. Heart respon
ded to heart, and thought to thought, that the
glorious fabric of civil and religious freedom be
queathed to us was in danger, and hand convul
sively clasped hand in assurance that each was
ready for the conflict, and determined ujion
victory. Those who expected an easy conquest
of the Democratic forces, have been stricken
with dismay at our numbers and discipline, and
are terrified with fear. Pack to the dark dens
1 of despair will they again he driven, to contem
plate trie power of truth over error.
At about S o'clock, even before any of the
ward processions had arrived, the meeting was
one of the largest ever held in the State House
vard; but when the Wards began to tile into the
square, nothing could have been more grand
and imposing. The banners and varied color
ed lights, had the most brilliant effect, and peal
upon peal of cheers, such as have never Injure
startled the old oaks, went up. They were joy
ous shouts that came warm from the hearts of
resolute freemen, and met a response in every
soul. For two hours the various precessions
continued to arrive, until the yard was filled.—
Thirty thousand patriots must have been in at
tendance throughout the evening up to the hour
of adjournment. A number of Whigs and
Natives admitted that it was the largest meeting
ever held in the same place, and admitted that
it w as tlie precursor of success to the Democratic
party, not only in the city, hut the State also.
The stand on Walnut street front was ta
ken possession of by numerous speakers, wlro,
for pi ore than two hours, entertained a dense
auditory. At intervals these made the welkin
ring with huzzas, in answer to the telling truths
uttered hy the speakers. The Chestnut street
stand was earlier filled with gentlemen, who stir
red the partriotic blood hy their eloquence and
powerful appeals in behalf of our threatened
Constitution. The whole square was alive with
shouts that are the precursors of triumph. To
our Democratic hrethen in the Slate, we do
not hesitate to declare that all is well in I'liila-
I delphia. We are certain of victory, and bid
11 lent rejoice and partake in the enemies over
throw.
Hundreds of indies were in the Square to grace
it with their presence, and encourage their hus
bands, fathers and brothers to stand bv their own
and their children's rights. Tliey too partook
of the excitement of the occassion, and frequent
ly applauded the speakers. They instinctively
know that freemen alone can make good hus
bands and fathers,
i While tfie meeting was in progress a beauti
ful piece of phvrotechnic art, with the words
"Civil and Religions Liberty," was exhibited
over the range of gas lights above the speaker's
heads. Its ignition was electrical and caused
thunders of applause. It was appropriate to
the occasion, and touched everyone present. —
Different colored lights were also exploded in
various parts of the yard, which tended greatly
to eliven tlie scene. The meeting was every
j wav worthy the Democracy of Philadelphia.
• From the Seventh Ward, there was a beauti
ful black banner, emblematical of the thirteen
States. It was borne on a handle, and attracted
mere than ordinary attention, i'he stars were
■ brilliantly lighted.
There was another from this glorious Ward,
' quite large in size, with a lull sized Rooster,
j which reminded us of "Charrqmn, crow." It
! bore from the beak of the rooster, "7 /1 c day is
i There was also an emblem from the Eleventh
Ward, with the good old ship "Constilution
upon its (ront, with an admirable motto, which,
• we believe, was we "Live to Conquer."
'i'he First and Second Wards, as had nearly
all the .other Wards, banners, and lanterns, that
did us good to look upon. One of the banners
of the Second Ward was inscribed on one side,
"The Constitution and the Union must and
shall be preserved," and on the reverse, "We
honor the men of !?7ti and 1787, the fathers of
the Republic and the Constitution."
As the Seventh Ward entered the Square,
cheer after cheer went up.
We would add that the Nineteenth Ward,
a good, glorious Democratic Ward, came into
the Square with one ol best hands of music we
have ever listened to. This Ward deserves
great credit.
The Org.mizalifiii of (he fileefiitg.
James R. Ludlow, Esq., Chairman of the
Democratic Committee, called the meeting to
order, and made the fill lowing speech :
Freemen — Citizen.* of the / uile.d Stales nj
jlmericu:—
; We have assembled to night to celebrate the
adoption of the Constitution of the I nited States.
Solemn and momentous will be ourdeliberntions
' when we remember that our business here to
night involves the happiness and prosperity of
the whole people.
Under the sacred charter of our liberties, our
beloved constitution, the republic has gro vn
from infancy to manhood. Impious hands it is
true have from time to time been raised to des
troy the Constitution, but the sterling sense of
the masses of the Community has thus far under
a kind Providence averted that melancholy re
sult.
Strong men marching under the banner of
democracy, have met and successfully over
thrown the fanatics and bigots of the land, until
we had fondly hoped that the Constitution was
placed beyond the reach of another assault.
Amazing as it may seem to be, it is neverthe
less true that once again our opponents are en
deavoring to deprive the nation of its coining
' glory, denying the right of popular government,
I and proscribing men because of their birth place
and religion. Like a pestilence this moral epidem
' ic is sweeping thro' the land—and, it behooves
r the constitutional Union party, in one word the
" Democratic party, lo denounce these men and
I measures, as hostile to the best interests of our
' country and destructive of constitutional liberty.
' : It is well for Pennsylvaniarss to assemble to
s gether and boldly give their sentiments at such
5 a crisis, and upon the adoption of the constitu
-1 , tion, and above all, it is most ptoper for us, the
* , natural guardians of yon Hall of Independence,
to announce to the Union our loyalty to the
Constitution from this sacred spot.
"i That we may now proceed with our deliber
ations I move you that the following officers
j preside over this meeting. The motion was
t ' adopted amidst the wildest enthusiasm.
FRKSinEXT,
Hon. JOHN RCWHINS, Jr.
BEDFORD, PA. FRIDAY MORNING, SEPT. 29, 1854.
Itfr
VICE PRESIDENTS.
1. Peter Logan, <S. P. Armhruster,
2. 1. N. Alarsellis, i>. Hugh Clark,
3. C. McDonougti, 10. J 11. Dohnert,
1. C. |). Meiggs, 11. Andrew Hague,
r>. i>eiij. Rush, 12. Ceo. Williams,
ti. W. C. Patterson, 13. T. J. Timnunins,
7. Wdward Wartman.
SECRETARIES.
Albert H. Ashton, John 11. Frick,
llenrv Thouron, Tims. W. Higgins,
Daniel Daughertv, John Robberts,
George K. Childs.
MR. BOBBINS ON TAKINO THE CHAIR.
Mr. Bobbins, in being called to the chair, ex
pressed his thanks- for the honor conferred in
selecting liim as the Chairman of the meeting,
atui said tiiat he had no need to assure the mul
titude assembled that fhe duties devolving upon
bin would he discharged to the best of his a! Hi
ties. That it was his duty to state that the meet
ing was called as a l)e;nociatic mass meeting
for the-purpose of commemorating the anniver
sary of the adoption of the Federal Constitution
of the United States. At that time the Consti
tution had been assailed. The right of the peo
ple to make their own laws had met with open
resistance. It is under similar circumstances
that von have assembled, here this evening in
defence of the Constitution.
It was at this very spot that the sages of A
merica met to prepare a Constitution to he sub
mitted to the people of the several States of the
Union. Von have been called here this even
ing also for the purpose of listening to the prin
ciples which have regulated the affairs of this
government expounded: to. hear the nature of ;
those laws and that constitution which have j
hitherto assisted to protect you in your rights.—
When the liberties of n nation are jeopardized
hy the machinations of turbulent factions and
isms, it is time that every freeman should aiise
and maintain his rights at the ballot box. \ our
presence here this ev< ning in such mighty num
bers is but the good omen of the approaching
downfall of error and fanaticism, and the tri
umph of truth, right and liberty. [Loud ap
plause..]
MR. RESIT OX RESOT.TTtONS.
J. Murray Rush, Esq., then rose to intro
duce the resolutions, and in doing so spoke sub
stantially as follows:
FLXI.OW-CITIZENS —The duty has devolved
upon me to submit to you a series of resolution*
to which when I have read-them, I shall ask
your unanimous assent. 1 cannot offer llnth
without asking your indulgence for a brief re
mark upon the occasion which calls them forth.
It lias ever been the habit of the people of
the I nited Stairs to commemorate, in public
meeting, the returning anniversary of the trF-at
est day in our national history, and the biitli-day
ol the illustrious chief Whose fame and virtues
have been called the "property of mankind."
The Democracy have added to these two
great national festive days, the anniversary of
that which associates itself, upon the '- 111 of j
Januaty, with the fame and achivetm nts of the ;
great Ji. tison. Hitherto, no public celebration j
of the people has recalled the greatest civil j
event in our national hirtorv, tin* formation ol
the Fedeial Constitution. It mav he other-!
wise, hut i am not a" are of the fact; and I re
joice that the great Democratic party of the
Consolidated city of Philadelphia has been the
first of the two gieat parties of the nation to
commemorate it in a manner commensurate
with the mighty results which have sprung from
it.
Fellow-citizens, you have assembled to-night
in good old-fashioned st v le. ft is cheering'to
patriotism to heboid Ibis great and etbusiastic
assemblage, tailed to celebrate the formation ol
a Constifution without which the history of the !
victories of the revolution, would have been j
written with the saint* pen which recorded tfie
horrors and idoodshed of domestic strife. 1 urn j
to the tnoiiit ntous history of that t rn, you find 1
that from the period of peace in 1753, to the
1 7th September I 7SS, (he confederacy had difli- j
cullies to surmount which, after every tiling j
find hern tried. se< med insuperable. Public j
credit w as blasted: tin- j üblic n venue could not j
he collected: the win eis of government were j
almost stopped; tin* jealousy of the tlifieient ;
states of the old confederacy was so gn at that no 1
national movement for any purpose, could In- j
effected, ami finally bloodshed and civil discord j
showed themselves in the north. Already had j
one effort to call a Convention af Annapolis, to!
form a Constitution failed; and even fun ign na- i
tions refused to enter into commercial relations ;
with the S'ates, on the ground that then* was
no national power to enforce the performance of
a treaty. Suciet\ was on the brink of dissolu
tion.
t mler these circumstances, the great and
good ol the land made one final effort to arrest
the approaching national catastrophe. Another
energetic call for a Convention was made, and
after difficulties almost insurmountable, within
the walls of old Independence Hall, was seen
a body of patriots and statesmen, presided over
by the immortal Washington, who devoted
themselves, front the month of May to Septem
ber, 17SS, to the great work which their coun
trymen had committed to their hands. With
closed doors that Convention sat. On thelTth
September, the Federal Constitution was given
to the world, as "//re result of a spirit ofamiiy,
and of that mutual defence and concession which j
the political necessities' of the situation of the
States rendered indispc usable."
A storm of opposition followed its submission j
to the States, but from that moment tlie face o! j
the nation changed. The following March j
the first inaugural address of George \\ ashing-J
ton, as President of the ) 'nited States, was pro
nounced, and the star of* this great republic i
i broke forth in brilliancy and power,
i Fellow citizens, the anniversary of such a,
day deserves celebration!
It is (ifi years ago to-day since this great |
' event! Powerful have we become, and hap- i
pv, and prosp rou* and honored among the na-
Freedom of Thought and Opinion.
tr~ f
tions of the earth. Our commercial, manufac
turing, and agricultural resources have started
fin* political economist awakening great enqui
ry ipto the workings of our system.
The Federal Union has become the home of
the of foreign governments, and the
priife.* of every lov4r of constitutional free
dom. The home of the oppressed ffid I say?—
Ay?, tiie democracy would make it so. Such
lum* tliey e,vcr made if, offering tin* warm wel
cdsfb' aiHl country to the. foreign born of every
chiae and sect who land upon our shores, and
whs ask for co-equal citizenship with tile native
!>or4.
Tjip"Democracy can never consent to pro
se, fie any class of citizens who are obedient to
tii'jpaw'B. It is fit in celebrating the great event
ofoHe* formation of fhe Federal Constitution,
thai we should proclaim to our political oppo
nents in a voice not to be mistaken, that perfect
equality of rights is tlie cardinal principle ofthe
Dejnocratic creed, and also that we do not for
get! that foreign swords and foreign blood w ere
enisled in the war ol our independence; that
the gigantic intellect of Hamilton was largely
instrumental in procuring the adoption of the
constitution by the States, and that a large
i source of the present power of the nation is in
tint effective industry, talents, and virtues of our
foreign born citizens. But fellow citizens ]
will detain you no longer from the resolutions.
I have thought this little review of tlie circum
stances which marked the day we celebrate,
might be acceptable to you preliminary to ol
f-*riqg them for your adoption.
I will now read tin* resolutions.
Resolved. That tlie anniversary of tlie forrnniinn
j of the Constitution ol the United States is deemed an
, appropriate ocea-inn by the Democracy of tlie Con
' soliilated City of Philadelphia to meei in mass for
flie celebration ol that gieut event so remarkable in
the history of civilized mank nd.
Resolved, That the adoption of this great instru
ment of constitutional freedom, lias secured tlie bles
s of free and eijiial eov i rnmeitt to miliums ol peo
ple, whose Wonderful progPess in nil the elements of
national power and achievement is without parallel,
artd justifies the proud hopes of a mighty nation, that
the Kepuhlir of the United States will live to tlie
oldest age that Divine Providence may allot to human
institutions.
Resolved, That the unprecedented growth of the
United States, in it- wonderful advance Iromnn infant
government to-an admitted m-eqnality with the first
poweisoltho earth, has been, while their public
councils were -haped and directed, by the git at le
--morrutle parte.
Resolved, That the cardinal principle and spirit ot
the Federal Constitution, as wuler-tood hy the De
mocracy, is that ol equal privileges to all. No geo
graphical lines are recognized as prescribing the lim
it# within which itie enjoyment of every political
privilege -hall subsi-t. The largest constitutional
l ight- of the largest number, perlect freedom of reli
gious opinion, and erjiial participation in the conduct
and administration ol affairs by ail classes ol citizen-,
sVdlier nl native or foreign birth, are essential jirin
of Fhe Democratic Constitutional creed.
Resolved, That the doctrine which would exclude
our lellow-cilizeiis of foreign birth, or any particular
religious sret, from all the equal privileges ol the
Aruei ic-an tiovemmeiit, is dangerous To the best in
terests, glory, and power ol the Nation, and it is in
violation of the true spirit and intendment of the I e
deral I "oust itution.
j Resolved. That the administration of Prtsi.lent
! FRANKLIN I'IERCK has been directed with a sin
j gle eye to the tiue interests ol the people ; arid that
i I in- President's enlightened approval ol the recent fc
j gislation of Congress lor the formation "I the terrilo
j ties* ol Nebraska Kansas, proves him to b a
[ CHIEF MAGISTRATE, imbued with just primiplrs
I of ('.R,s nr. r IOXAI. FKLI IIOM, recognizing in its broad
est sense inn Pi'.iM n*i.i; or" SKI-K-GOVKIIXMEXT. and
eminently entitled to the warmest support, and cor
dial confidence of the United Democracy.
Resolved, That the administration of Governor
WILLIAM ISIGI.HR meets our entire approbation,;
and we Iptl him with pleasure as our standard-bearer
HI the approaching contest, and we will give him our
undivided and warmest support.
Resolved. That in our candidate for Judge of the
Supreme Court, r.i ! UIAII S. DUACK, we present to
tin* ; •npte .111 upright and patriotic citizen, who in
the pet lorrnance of'h;- judicial duties, has displayed
j an ext . Itencc of private character and professional
i worth and ability. ILa t commands our confidence am!
I support, li his name atom* constituted the recom
i inundation ol our ticket, it would he sufficient to
> command the be-t exertions of the republican party.
I Resolved, That ill HENKI S. M. IT, our candidate
j fur Canal Commissioner, we recognize a man ol -tel
ling worth, great energy ol character, and well uual
| filed to pei burn tin* important and arduous duty ol
i managing the public work-.
Resolved, '| pat our candidate# for Representatives
j to Congress are men of attainments, honesty of pur
pose, and purity of sentiment, that their election
i will secure 1 tie -e 1 vires ot competent and patiiotic
j officers, who will always l>e found battling in the
j van of Democracy for ttic Constitution and the t -
j mon.
Resolved, That we will give our cordial and uni
j ted support to the whole Democratic ticket as the
i only means ol perpetuating **ttu* great and essential
i principles ol liberty and iree government;" and that
1 a firm and uniled effort a* the approaching election
! w ill hear the Democratic banner to a triumphant re
sult.
OLD WESTJIOREIAM) SPEAKS!
Palt'iotic AflSdrt'Nw
Of the Democracy of Westmoreland County!
FELLOW CITIZENS :—\\ v consider it our du
ty to urge ti j on you tin* importance of a vigor
ous and united effort at the approaching elec
tion. The opponents ol the Democratic part} ,
prostrated hy tlo ir defeat in 18f>2, having again
rallied, and are appealing to tfie worst pr>jutli
tes, and lesorting to every esjiedfont, lor tlie
purpuse of obtaining an ascendancy in the State.
We could heartiiy wish that the Democratic
party, after their repeated victories, should en
joy re j iose : but in a Republican .Government,
eternal vigilance is the price of liberty: and
those who are not willing to watch and guard
■ tlie sacred treasure, are not worthy to enjoy its
: blessings. We do not propose to review the
history of the two great parlies which have al
ways divided the country; l>ut we can a.-sert
• that which is known to every intelligent citi
j zen of the community, that, from the adoption
j of the Constitution until tin* termination of the
i Mexican war, every great measure ot national
| jroliey, whether of war or during peace, worthy
of the spirit of the age, which tias borne the
j test of tune, and been in accordance with our
i republican institutions, and finally met with
j the general approbation of the American peo
i pie, has been originated, sustained, and carried
into successful, operation by the Democratic par
ty: among the most prominent of which mea
sures, We may refer to the rights secured to tlie
several States—the present system of naturali
zation laws—tlie acquisition of Louisiana—the
war of US 12, declared for the maintenance ot
our rights us a maritime nation—the overthrow
of the United State's Bank—tlie establishment
of the Independent Treasury System—the re
peal of tlie Bankrupt law—and the extension
of our "boundaries to the Pacific Ocean, tie*
result of thy late war with Mexico. To each
of these measures of national policy, so vitally
impprtnnt to the interests of our country, adopt
ed in spite of the warm opjiositioii ol Federal
ism, every member of the Democratic party
can point as monuments of the wisdom and pa
triotism of the party.
in the present campaign, our opponents are
not willing to meet us on former issues; they
ignore tlie past, and depend lor success on Un
feeling of opposite).*) in the north to the Nebras
ka hill, and on the co-operation ot a new secret
society—tin* Know-Nothings. Relying on the
former, they encourage and arouse the almost
dormant spirit of Abolitionism, and, as al
lies of the Know-Nothings, they are contented
to see excited the religious prejudice of the
community, and to hear revived, in the State
founded by William Perm, the "no Popery
cry" of British Toryism. In regard to the pas
sage of tin* Nebraska hill, we have only to say
that there is in the minds of men of botli parties
an honest difference of opinion on tlie subject.
The measure w as sustained ami opposed l v nan
of both parties. The* Whigs of the South, who
meet in political convention, and form the same
party as the whigs of the North, sustained the
hill almost unanimously. The Democratic mem
bers of Congress who voted for the bill hare
met, and are prepared to meet tln ir respective
constituents and take the responsibility of their
votes. But Gov. Bigfor is in no manner re
sponsible for the acts of Congress. He should
stand or fall on the merits of his own adminis
tration, and not be struck down on account of
legislation in which be had no voice, and over
which he had no control. As Gov. Bigler
would have received no credit for a series of
popular measures of Congress, so it is neither
right nor just to hold him responsible for the
enactment < fa bill, to the passage of which fie
neither contributed bv word or deed.
The Know-Nothing organization, originating
in the great cities, the ulcers of the body poli
tic, fins spread over the country ; and onroppo
nents, ever ready fo gather grist from all quar
ters, have formed a coalition with this mushroom
taction : and we must admit that they have given
a certain degree of influence to an organiza
tion, the most disreputable which has yet ap
peared on tin* Western side ofTl#Atlantic. It
we understand the object of thf J? - Nothings,
as avowed by their papers, they declare opjio
sition to all foreigners and to all members of the
Roman Catholic Church, whether native or
fon ign, and a determination to prevent them
from obtaining an v office of trust or profit: they
also announce their political hostility to any
portion or part vof the American people who
shall svmpnthlze with and support for office,
any of the classes they have proscribed: they
also jirojiose an extension of the time required
hv tin* present laws lbr the naturalization of
foreigners : ami, in order to carry into effect
these objects, thev have organized secret socie
ties, in which their leaders arrange and direct
tin* movements of the members. While we
admKe the noble ambition which prompts men
to aspire to'jvolitical honors, and are willing to
make every reasonable allowance for shifts and
expedients ol political leaders, we cannot refrain
from exjiressing our jtrofound regret that the
W iiig party of Pennsylvania, the followers of
Webster and of ( lav, in whose great heart there
was love and sympathy lor men ol every creed
and everv clime, should, tor the hone of a nvre
temporary triumph, contribute aid and comfort
to an organization, and endorse doctrines which
strike at the political equality of American citi
zri>s —(he corner stone of our Republican insti
tutions; and we have everv reason to believe
that thousands of pure and patriotic Whigs,
with whom a love of country is far stronger
than a submission to party discipline, will cut
loose from this alliance, in which tlu ii leaders
are endeavoiing to entangle them, and will
range themselves side hv side with their Demo
cratic brethren, who, though differing with
them on minor topics, have been, and. will con
tinue to be, the defenders of the religious and
jiolitical rights of every American citizen.
The great principle ol religions liberty—of
the political equality of man, whatever might
he his religions belief—was universally recog
nized on the American continent years before
the adoption ol the Constitution. Exiles from
persecuting laws—the English Protestant, the
French Huguenot, and the Roman ( athoiic—
settled the American wilderness. Alike, the}'
endured the privations of Colonial settlement ;
together, they struggled through the contest
with great Britain ; united in council, their
blood mingled in the battle-fields of the Revo
lution : as one people, they adopted a Constitu
tion—the admiration and veneration of the
world, the example and hope of all nationali
ties. Under that Constitution, each citizen be
ing equal in the eyes of the law, an unparal
leiled, almost miraculous, degree of national
prosperity has been achieved: and yet the A
inericau people are now* asked to undermine
that glorious fabric, reared ly the abilities and
cemented bv the blood of men of all creeds,
and, in the Nineteenth Century, to renew tin*
religions agitations which disgraced the Six
teenth —to jiroscribe a large, influential, and
intelligent class of our lello.v-citizens—to with
draw from them every mark of public confi
dence and regard—to disfranchise them from
holding any office of trust and profit, and treat
them as enemies of the Republic—not because
they refuse to discharge faithfully flu* duties of
good and peaceable citizens, obey the laws, hear
their portion of the public, burdens, and identify
themselves, in war and peace, with the inter-
TI3RJIB, s'2 PER. YEAR.
VOL XXIII, NO. a
est and honor of our country, but because they
entertain a particular religious belief, and wor
ship God after the manner of their fatheis, at
cording to the dictates of their conscience.
If the American people will regard with in
difference this tirst attack upon the political
rights of a particular class, who can foresee the
consequences ? The same popular sentiment
which deprives them of the right oi holding of
fice, can, with less difficulty, he brought to hear
upon their right of su(lrage. Laws will be re
quired to sanction what public opinion dictates.
The rights of Human Catholics may he first sa
crificed, but what sect or class will be selected
as the next victims? When an attempt is made
to light tlie torch of discord in our midst, to ie
vive the passions and prejudices of an age w hen
political and religious iiberlv was unknown, to
introduce a new element into our political con
test—that bigotted bitterness and uncompromis
ing hostility which has in all ages characterized
religious controversy—to disfranchise our neigh
bors, in whose veins may flow the blood of rev
olutionary sires, who may have passed through
the war of 1812, and (ought under the Ameri
can Hag in every battle in Mexico, it becomes
the duty of all parties to pause and to reflect
upon the cruelty and gross injustice of this new
movement : and it is the especial duty of the
.National Democratic Partv of the Lnioh, to a
rouse and present a bold and united opposition
to tiiis most dangerous attack upon political
equality—the most sacred right of American
citizenship. A lore of country, a spirit of jus
tice, and a sense of self-preservation, should in
fluence and govern our conduct.
We do not it el surprised at the hostility of
(he Know-Nothings to foreigners meeting with
a certain amount of sympathy from the oppo
nents of the Democratic party. Since the ad
ministration ol the elder Adams—the days ot
the alien and sedition laws—Federalism has al
ways regarded, with a jealous eye, the toiling
millions of the old world, who come, with will
ing hearts and strong arms, to add to all the
elements of our national prosperity. The tac
tics of 1 So'J, when the "sweet Irish brogue and
mellow German" sounded so sweetly, was a
mere experimental variation from a long settled
policy. The present system of naturalization
laws, the Democratic party originated, and
still adheres to. The cheapness am! facilities
of transportation are bringing annual!* to our
shores thousands n! emigrants fiom the crowded
jMjjiulation of the old world. Shall we contin
ue to receive them as citizens, as we have here
tofore done, and give them a voice and interest
in the administration of Government, or shall
we admit tin in as rtsidents, and deny them the
rights of citizenship, and thus ia.Se in our
midst a vast population, who, having no voice
in its Government, fee! no interest in the pros
perity oi the country ? I-non this question, the
Demociatic party will he fmnd faithful to its
long cherished principles, and the welfare of
the country.
The candidates placed in nomination by the
D< mocratic convention, are deserving (it sup
port. The differences of opinion whifcn exist
ed before the nominations were made, were
settled bv the action of the convention.—
The candidates are only known as the repre
sentatives of Democratic principles; and as
such, it is the dntv of every Democrat who de
sires to preserve the organization of his party,
to give them a generous support. Governor
]!igh*r has been long and favorably known to
the Democracy of the State. For a number ot
years, his name has keen familiar as one of the
most able, active nnd influential of the public,
men of Pennsylvania : and as to ills administra
tion, the highest compliment that can Le paid
him has been rendered ! v Ids opponents. They
do not assail or hope to defeat him on account
ol anv errors of his own; but tin y attack him
on account of the legislation of Congress. Let
every public officer Ire held responsible for bin
own conduct, and n >t (Br tin* acts of others,
with whom In* is in no n anlmr connected.
Judge Black is well known to the voters of
this countv. Ff abilities of the highest order,
an intinate know ledge of his pt"b ssi< 11, a pu
ritv of life, and an honest, fearless- manliness of
character, are qualities deserving of supjrort,
there is no man in the State more worthy the
confidence of men of all parties than the pre
sent Chief Justice of Pennsylvania.
The candidate for Canal Commissioner, Col.
Mott, has been oxjrosed to malignant assaults,
and charges of the most disreputable nature
have been preferred against him ; hut his letter
to Mr. Bonham has put to rest the slanders of
his enemies, and his election will secure to the
Stat" the services of an efficient officer.
We also recommend to your support the re
gular nominated candidates for Congess, State
Senator, the Legislature, ami the several coun
tv offices, as gentlemen worthy of receiving
and capable of discharging the duties of their
several offices.
The candidates, fellow-Democrats, are before
you. You know their principles, ami the ques
tions involved in the present campaign. \\ est
moreland has always been regarded with pride
by the Democracy of the Slate. They ex
pect from her a good report at the coming elec
tion. Jt is for you to say whether, by your in
difference and lethargy, you u ill give addition
al weight and importance to a secret political
organisation—an organization which, in a Go
vernment of the people, where all political
movements should he above hoard and open to
the public eye, shrouds its actions, in dark
ness and mystery, whose members are reputed
to be sworn, not to the Constitution of their
country, but to the vows of their order, and
who, in midnight sessions, at the instigation of
their leaders, prepare their plans to strike down,
without a hearing or trial, the purest and best
men in the land—or whether you will rally un
der the old standard, he found where you have
always been found, in the path of duty, and re
pel tiiis fresh and most dangerous attack upon
the institutions of our country.
1. J. BARCLAY, Chairman.
SaMCi't. Hit.;., Secretary.