Samuel F. B. Morse, from Imminent Dangers to the Free Institutions of the United States through Foreign Immigration (1835)
In the early 1830s, Samuel Morsewho would later invent the telegraphbegan attacking in print the Leopoldine Society to Aid the Missions, which was making contributions to the bishop of Cincinnati in order to advance Catholicism in Ohio. Morse wrote a series of articles calling this a foreign conspiracy. He urged Protestants to put aside their sectarian differences and unite against the lenient immigration laws, which he contended were endangering the nations foundations.
. . . Our country, in the position it has given to foreigners who have made it their home, has pursued a course in relation to them, totally different from that of any other country in the world. This course, while it is liberal without example, subjects our institutions to peculiar dangers. In all other countries the foreigner, to whatever privileges he may be entitled by becoming a subject, can never be placed in a situation to be politically dangerous, for he has no share in the government of the country; . . .
. . . The writer believes, that since the time of the American Revolution, which gave the principles of Democratic liberty a home, those principles have never been in greater jeopardy than at the present moment. To his reasons for thus believing, he invites the unimpassioned investigation of every American citizen. If there is danger, let it arouse to defence. If it is a false alarm, let such explanations be given of most suspicious appearances as shall safely allay it. It is no party question, and the attempt to make it one, should be at once suspected. It concerns all of every party.
There is danger of reaction from Europe; and it is the part of common prudence to look for it, and to provide against it. The great political truth has recently been promulged at the capital of one of the principal courts of Europe, at Vienna, and by one of the profoundest scholars of Germany, (Frederick Schlegel, a devoted Roman Catholic, and one of the Austrian Cabinet,) the great truth, clearly and unanswerably proved, that the political revolutions to which European governments have been so long subjected, from the popular desires for liberty, are the natural effects of the Protestant Reformation. That Protestantism favours Republicanism, while Popery as naturally supports Monarchical power. In these lectures, . . . there is a most important allusion to this country; and as it demonstrates one of the principal connecting points between European and American politics, and is the key to many of the mysterious doings that are in operation against American institutions under our own eyes, let Americans treasure it well in their memories. This is the passage:"THE GREAT NURSERY of these destructive principles, (the principles of Democracy,) the GREAT REVOLUTIONARY SCHOOL for FRANCE and THE REST OF EUROPE, is NORTH AMERICA!" Yes, (I address Democratic Americans,) the influence of this Republican government, of your democratic system, is vitally felt by Austria. She confesses it. It is proscribed by the Austrian Cabinet. This country is designated directly to all her people, and to her allied despots, as the great plague spot of the world, the poisoned fountain whence flow all the deadly evils which threaten their own existence. . . . Is it wonderful after such an avowal in regard to America, that she should do something to rid herself and the world of such a tremendous evil? . . .
But how shall she attack us? She cannot send her armies, they would be useless. She has told us by the mouth of her Counsellor of Legation, that Popery, while it is the natural antagonist to Protestantism, is opposed in its whole character to Republican liberty, and is the promoter and supporter of arbitrary power. How fitted then is Popery for her purpose! This she can send without alarming our fears, or, at least, only the fears of those "miserable," "intolerant fanatics," and "pious bigots," who affect to see danger to the liberties of the country in the mere introduction of a religious system opposed to their own, and whose cry of danger, be it ever so loud, will only be regarded as the result of "sectarian fear," and the plot ridiculed as a "quixotic dream." But is there any thing so irrational in such a scheme? Is it not the most natural and obvious act for Austria to do, with her views of the influence of Popery upon the form of government, its influence to pull down Republicanism, and build up monarchy; I say, is it not her most obvious act to send Popery to this country if it is not here, or give it a fresh and vigorous impulse if it is already here? At any rate she is doing it. She has set herself to work with all her activity to disseminate throughout the country the Popish religion. Immediately after the delivery of Schlegel's lectures, which was in the year 1828, a great society was formed in the Austrian capital, in Vienna, in 1829. The late Emperor, and Prince Metternich, and the Crown Prince, (now Emperor,) and all the civil and ecclesiastical officers of the empire, with the princes of Savoy and Piedmont, uniting in it, and calling it after the name of a canonized King, St. Leopold. This society is formed for a great and express purpose. . ."of promoting the greater activity of Catholic missions in America;" these are the words of their own reports. Yes; these Foreign despots are suddenly stirred up to combine and promote the greater activity of Popery in this country; and this, too, just after they had been convinced of the truth, or, more properly speaking, had their memories quickened with it, that Popery is utterly opposed to Republican liberty. These are the facts in the case. Americans, explain them in your own way. If any choose to stretch their charity so far as to believe that these crowned gentlemen have combined in this Society solely for religious purposes; that they have organized a Society to collect moneys to be spent in this country, and have sent Jesuits as their almoners, and shiploads of Roman Catholic emigrants, and for the sole purpose of converting us to the religion of Popery, and without any political design, credat Judaeus Apella, non ego.
Let us examine the operations of this Austrian Society, for it is hard at work all around us; yes, here in this country, from one end to the other, at our very doors, in this city. Its emissaries are here. And who are these emissaries? They are JESUITS. This society of men, after exerting their tyranny for upwards of 200 years, at length became so formidable to the world, threatening the entire subversion of all social order, that even the Pope, whose devoted subjects they are, and must be, by the vow of their society, was compelled to dissolve them. They had not been suppressed, however, for 50 years, before the waning influence of Popery and Despotism required their useful labours, to resist the spreading light of Democratic liberty, and the Pope, (Pius VII,) simultaneously with the formation of the Holy Alliance, revived the order of the Jesuits. . . . And do Americans need to be told what Jesuits are? If any are ignorant, let them inform themselves of their history without delay; no time is to be lost: their workings are before you in every day's events: they are a secret society, a sort of Masonic order, with superadded features of most revolting odiousness, and a thousand times more dangerous. They are not confined to one class in society; they are not merely priests, or priests of one religious creed, they are merchants, and lawyers, and editors, and men of any profession, and no profession, having no outward badge, (in this country,) by which to be recognised; they are about in all your society. They can assume any character, that of angels of light, or ministers of darkness, to accomplish their one great end, the service upon which they are sent, whatever that service may be. "They are all educated men, prepared, and sworn to start at any moment, in any direction, and for any service, commanded by the general of their order, bound to no family, community, or country, by the ordinary ties which bind men; and sold for life to the cause of the Roman Pontiff."
Is there no danger to the Democracy of the country from such formidable foes arrayed against it? Is Metternich its friend? Is the Pope its friend? Are his official documents, now daily put forth, Democratic in their character?
O there is no danger to the Democracy; for those most devoted to the Pope, the Roman Catholics, especially the Irish Catholics, are all on the side of Democracy. Yes; to be sure they are on the side of Democracy. They are just where I should look for them. Judas Iscariot joined with the true disciples. Jesuits are not fools. They would not startle our slumbering fears, by bolting out their monarchical designs directly in our teeth, and by joining the opposing ranks, except so far as to cover their designs. This is a Democratic country, and the Democratic party is and ever must be the strongest party, unless ruined by traitors and Jesuits in the camp. Yes; it is in the ranks of Democracy I should expect to find them, and for no good purpose be assured. Every measure of Democratic policy in the least exciting will be pushed to ultraism, so soon as it is introduced for discussion. Let every real Democrat guard against this common Jesuitical artifice of tyrants, an artifice which there is much evidence to believe is practicing against them at this moment, an artifice which if not heeded will surely be the ruin of Democracy: it is founded on the well-known principle that "extremes meet." The writer has seen it pass under his own eyes in Europe, in more than one instance. When in despotic governments popular discontent, arising from the intolerable oppressions of the tyrants of the people, has manifested itself by popular outbreakings, to such a degree as to endanger the throne, and the people seemed prepared to shove their masters from their horses, and are likely to mount, and seize the reins themselves; then, the popular movement, unmanageable any longer by resistance, is pushed to the extreme. The passions of the ignorant and vicious are excited to outrage by pretended friends of the people. Anarchy ensues; and then the mass of the people, who are always lovers of order and quiet, unite at once in support of the strong arm of force for protection; and despotism, perhaps, in another, but preconcerted shape, resumes its iron reign. Italy and Germany are furnishing examples every day. If an illustration is wanted on a larger scale, look at France in her late Republican revolution, and in her present relapse into despotism. . . .
. . . [I]t is in the Roman Catholic ranks that we are principally to look for the materials to be employed by the Jesuits, and in what condition do we find this sect at present in our country? We find it spreading itself into every nook and corner of the land; churches, chapels, colleges, nunneries and convents, are springing up as if by magic every where; an activity hitherto unknown among the Roman Catholics pervades all their ranks, and yet whence the means for all these efforts? Except here and there funds or favours collected from an inconsistent Protestant, (so called probably because born in a Protestant country, who is flattered or wheedled by some Jesuit artifice to give his aid to their cause,) the greatest part of the pecuniary means for all these works are from abroad. They are the contributions of his Majesty the Emperor of Austria, of Prince Metternich, of the late Charles X., and the other Despots combined in the Leopold Society. And who are the members of the Roman Catholic communion? What proportion are natives of this land, nurtured under our own institutions, and well versed in the nature of American liberty? Is it not notorious that the greater part are Foreigners from the various Catholic countries of Europe. Emigration has of late years been specially promoted among this class of Foreigners, and they have been in the proportion of three to one of all other emigrants arriving on our shores; they are from Ireland, Germany, Poland, and Belgium. From about the period of the formation of the Leopold Society, Catholic emigration increased in an amazing degree. Colonies of Emigrants, selected, perhaps, with a view to occupy particular places, (for, be it remembered, every portion of this country is as perfectly known at Vienna and Rome as in any part of our own country), have been constantly arriving. The principal emigrants are from Ireland and Germany. We have lately been told by the captain of a lately arrived Austrian vessel, which, by the by, brought 70 emigrants from Antwerp! that a desire is suddenly manifested among the poorer class of the Belgian population, to emigrate to America. They are mostly, if not all, Roman Catholics, be it remarked, for Belgium is a Catholic country, and Austrian vessels are bringing them here. Whatever the cause of all this movement abroad to send to this country their poorer classes, the fact is certain, the class of emigrants is known, and the instrument, Austria, is seen in itthe same power that directs the Leopold Foundation. . . .
. . . I have shown what are the Foreign materials imported into the country, with which the Jesuits can work to accomplish their designs. Let us examine this point a little more minutely. These materials are the varieties of Foreigners of the same Creed, the Roman Catholic, over all of whom the Bishops or Vicars General hold, as a matter of course, ecclesiastical rule; and we well know what is the nature of Roman Catholic ecclesiastical rule,it is the double refined spirit of despotism, which, after arrogating to itself the prerogatives of Deity, and so claiming to bind or loose the soul eternally, makes it, in the comparison, but a mere trifle to exercise absolute sway in all that relates to the body. The notorious ignorance in which the great mass of these emigrants have been all their lives sunk, until their minds are dead, makes them but senseless machines; they obey orders mechanically, for it is the habit of their education, in the despotic countries of their birth. And can it be for a moment supposed by any one that by the act of coming to this country, and being naturalized, their darkened intellects can suddenly be illuminated to discern the nice boundary where their ecclesiastical obedience to their priests ends, and their civil independence of them begins? The very supposition is absurd. They obey their priests as demigods, from the habit of their whole lives; they have been taught from infancy that their priests are infallible in the greatest matters, and can they, by mere importation to this country, be suddenly imbued with the knowledge that in civil matters their priests may err, and that they are not in these also their infallible guides? Who will teach them this? Will their priests? Let common sense answer this question. Must not the priests, as a matter almost of certainty, control the opinions of their ignorant flock in civil as well as religious matters? and do they not do it?
Mr. Jefferson, . . . foresaw, predicted, and issued his warning, on the great danger to the country of this introduction of foreigners. He doubted its policy, even when the advantages seemed to be greatest. He says, "The present desire of America, (in 1781,) is to produce rapid population by as great importations of foreigners as possible. But is this founded in policy? . . . Are there no inconveniences to be thrown into the scale against the advantage expected from a multiplication of numbers by the importation of foreigners? It is for the happiness of those united in society to harmonize as much as possible in matters which they must of necessity transact together."
What was dimly seen by the prophetic eye of Jefferson, is actually passing under our own eyes. Already have foreigners increased in the country to such a degree, that they justly give us alarm. They feel themselves so strong, as to organize themselves even as foreigners into foreign bands, and this for the purpose of influencing our elections. That they are men who having professed to become Americans, by accepting our terms of naturalization, do yet, in direct contradiction to their professions, clan together as a separate interest, and retain their foreign appellation; that it is with such a separate foreign interest, organizing in the midst of us, that Jesuits in the pay of foreign powers are tampering; that it is this foreign corps of religionists that Americans of both parties have been for years in the habit of basely and traitorously encouraging to erect into an umpire of our political divisions, thus virtually surrendering the government into the hands of Despotic powers. In view of these facts, which every day's experience proves to be facts, is it not time, high time, that a true American spirit were roused to resist this alarming inroad of foreign influence upon our institutions, to avert dangers to which we have hitherto shut our eyes, and which if not remedied, and that immediately, will inevitably change the whole character of our government. I repeat what I first said, this is no party question, it concerns native Americans of all parties.
Document Analysis
How does Morse portray the Catholic Church as an institution? Why does Morse consider the Catholic religion a threat to U.S. democracy?
How and why does Morse incorporate Jefferson into this document?
How do the ideas represented in Morse's document reflect or oppose current issues regarding immigration in the US today?
How does Morse portray the Catholic Church as an institution? Why does Morse consider the Catholic religion a threat to U.S. democracy?
How and why does Morse incorporate Jefferson into this document?
How do the ideas represented in Morse's document reflect or oppose current issues regarding immigration in the US today?
1. Morse portrays the Catholic Church as an instituion by saying that it agrees with monarchial power. He portrays the Church as something not holy, but as a group or building connected with government. He feels that people who are Catholic will agree with a monarchial form of government because they follow and believe in one God. He considers this a threat because these people might not follow a democratic form of government, and will only be satisfied with one ruler, instructing them and leading them to what they should do.
2. Morse incorporates Jefferson into this document by reinstating how Jefferson felt about foreigners coming into this country so he can prove his point. I think he brought Jefferson into it because by then, people realized what an excellent and intelligent man, and thinker he was. Morse probably thinks by using Jefferson as a source, he will be able to shape the reader's views.
3. Morse's document reflects how the government feels about foreigners because even today they don't receive fair and proper treatment when they enter this country. Some people view them differently, and when Morse states in this document, "In all other countries the foreigner, to whatever privileges he may be entitled by becoming a subject, can never be placed in a situation to be politically dangerous, for he has no share in the government of the country; . . . " it shows that he is not equally represented in this country.
1. According to Morse, the church is like an institution by Popery supporting Monarchical power. He says in this document and as it demonstrates one of the principal connecting points between European and American politics, and is the key to many of the mysterious doings that are in operation against American institutions under our own eyes, let Americans treasure it well in their memories. This means that he thinks that the church is having operations that will side with a monarchical form of government. He finds this to be a threat to U.S democracy because he believes that the government will use them to pull down Republicanism.
2. He incorporated Thomas Jefferson into the document by saying how he warned everyone to the dangers of having foreigners come into the country. He says that they people in the U.S would cooperate better if the foreigners did not enter the country.
3. In this document his ideas say that if foreigners did not enter the country in such great numbers that the people in the country would coincide more happily with one another.
How does Morse portray the Catholic Church as an institution?Why does Morse consider the Catholic religion a threat to U.S. democracy?
Morse portrays the Catholic Church as evil and anti Republican.He believes that the Catholic Church is a promoter and supporter of a power that is arbitrary to the Republican Government.He further says that the Catholic Church is a religious system opposed to the liberties of the United States.He believes that expansion of the CatolicChurch is a threat to democracy.He sees it as a threat because in Europe the Catholic Church supports the Monarchical power.Morse also believes that Protestants support Republicanism and that Catholics are an antagonist to Protestanism and that they also oppose Republican liberty.He states that the majority of the immigrants arriving in the U.S. are Catholic and that money is being raised to increase the mission work of the Jesuits in the U.S. He feels that the Jesuits are working as a secret society to damage the Republican government.He thinks that the new Catholic immigrants are ignorant and that they will follow the Jesuit leaders in political matters to change the current political system.
How and why does Morse incorporate Jefferson into this document?
Morse includes Jefferson in the document by telling the reader that Jefferson had warned the people about the danger that foreigners posed to this country.He provides a quote from Jefferson from the year 1781 where Jefferson is questioning the large scale immigration into the U.S.Jefferson questions whether this could be cause for more problems than advantages.This is brought into the document to support Morses position on immigration.
3.How do the ideas represented in Morses document reflect or oppose current issues regarding immigration in the US today?
The ideas in Morses document show his fear for immigrants entering the US.He is fearful of immigrants with different religious beliefs and different cultures.He questions whether this group is here secretly to overthrow the government.In his document he calls for an investigation of every citizen.He also asks the Protestants to come together against the lenient immigration laws.The current issues regarding immigration in the US today primarily have to do with illegal immigration.The similarity is that many people today are calling for tighter immigration laws and better enforcement of the laws, but the difference is that the call for reform in the area of immigration has to do with the many people who have entered this country illegally.The request for reform does not have anything to do with the people who follow the current immigration laws.I believe that the people that Morse is writing about all entered in an acceptable manner as he even refers to them as American citizens when he proposes that every American citizen be investigated.
How does Morse portray the Catholic Church as an institution? Why does Morse consider the Catholic religion a threat to U.S. democracy?
He portrays the Catholic Church as a band of anti-democratic because Catholics in general (in his opinion) were split in their loyalties toward the Pope and their governments. He states that That Protestantism favours Republicanism, while Popery as naturally supports Monarchical power. He describes those members of the catholic church as being all educated men, prepared, and sworn to start at any moment, in any direction, and for any service, commanded by the general of their order, bound to no family, community, or country, by the ordinary ties which bind men; and sold for life to the cause of the Roman Pontiff.
How and why does Morse incorporate Jefferson into this document?
Morse probably puts Jefferson into his argument because he was the father of the republican party which really tried to represent the people (as opposed to the aristocratic federalists) and because he opposed high numbers of immigrants pouring into this country. Jefferson stated The present desire of America, (in 1781,) is to produce rapid population by as great importations of foreigners as possible. But is this founded in policy? he continues by saying Are there no inconveniences to be thrown into the scale against the advantage expected from a multiplication of numbers by the importation of foreigners? It is for the happiness of those united in society to harmonize as much as possible in matters which they must of necessity transact together."
How do the ideas represented in Morse's document reflect or oppose current issues regarding immigration in the US today?
Morses views reflect the current issues of immigration by splitting up the country between those who favor and those who oppose mass immigration. Many people believe that many issues of security are compromised when foreign strangers with essentially little or no loyalty to this country. This is evident by the drug wars with Mexico and foreign powers, the attacks on American culture by those immigrants who disregard American culture and substitute it with their own, and the threats of terrorists since 911. On the other hand many people also believe that those majority of immigrants who honor and obey the laws and customs of the U.S. help increase economic prosperity and actually strengthen the nation. Many people also believe that those immigrants whose homelands are bad enough to leave and uproot their entire lives just for a chance at a better life in America should get a chance in America.
1. Morse portrays the Catholic church as an institution because it agrees with monarchial power. He believes that the Catholic church will destory the countrys democracy because of this blief. He finds them to be a threat because they are here for the sole purpose to convert people to the Catholic religon with no policitical design. Monarchial power would ruin democracy and give all power to one person and most imagrints who came to the U.S were part of the Catholic faith. These believers would damage and reshape the republic.
2. Mr jefferson warns that there is a great danger in the introduction of foreigners. Which backs up Morse's opion on bringing foreigners into the country. Morse believed that putting such a powerful mans opinion into his document it would shape peoples opion more than just from hearing it from Morse.
3.Morse did not trust foreigners in the U.S because of their religon. He believed that many of them were part of a secret service called the Jusuits attemping to over throw the government. Today the problem is to many illigal imagrants are entering the country. This is not looked down apon because of their religon or culture, there are just to many people coming in illagially and people need to register as a U.S citizen.
He views it as an institution where it plays a double role of despotism for it believes that it is carrying out the divine will of God by being able to determine who is saved or damned for eternity and thus due to this has the right to govern people in every respect.He sees it as an threat to U.S. democracy because not only is it naturally the opposition of Protestantism but it wholly (no pun intended) opposes Republican liberty and inversely promotes arbitrary power.
He incorporates Jefferson by quoting him and his position by showing that Jefferson discouraged all out immigration just for the sake of building up the population.Jefferson said that for the people to be happy the must be able to conduct business with each other with as little opposition as possible and immigration would only cause more problems when it comes to agreeing with one another.
Current issues reflect the ideas represented in this document because by less fortunate people like the Mexicans and people of radical or very different ideas such as Arabs are coming in large enough groups to cause noticeable problems within our society due to, at the very least, just their presence.
How does Morse portray the Catholic Church as an institution? Why does Morse consider the Catholic religion a threat to U.S. democracy?
Morse portrays the Catholic Church as an institution that is anti-republican. According to Morse the Catholic Church is a threat to U.S. democracy because they are devoted to the pope, who is big on the democratic side. The pope has a lot of power, because he is considered holy and many people follow his path. If the pope has that much influence, he could have an affect on politics. This is why the government and the church should be separated.
How and why does Morse incorporate Jefferson into this document?
Morse incorporates Jefferson into this document by using him as a reference. Jefferson according to the excerpt predicted and warned the great danger of immigrants. Jefferson and Morse had similar perspectives on the situation. Morse used Jeffersons opinion to back up his own position.
How do the ideas represented in Morse's document reflect or oppose current issues regarding immigration in the US today?
Morses ideas reflect the current issues regarding immigration in the US today. He doesnt support it. He doesnt mind deportation. Today immigrants are entering the country at a rapid rate.
1. Morse portrays the Catholic Church as a very dangerous and scheming institution. The set of laws Catholics follow contradict the laws which govern the republican United States government. This he feels is a serious threat to democratic ideals, and as Catholic ideology was spreading in various parts of the nation, the message they were circulating placed American liberties in peril. To Morse, the Church is the threat that it is mainly because of the belief Catholicism propagates about the power of the papacy. Devotion to anything other than the government and its liberties was clearly a challenge to US democracy. 2. Morse probably incorporated Jefferson into this document in an attempt to rally supporters behind his ideals, which were shared with a very prominent and popular man of the era. He references Jefferson by quoting him directly from a work in 1781. 3. Morses writing indeed covers immigration, but unlike present day, his argument focuses on the ulterior motives immigrants entering the country might have, whereas in present day, societys main conflict deals with a different set of issues. Currently, the question of legality has the public up in arms. Questions of an on-going reconquista (although spoken of) isnt normally the topic of political debate.
1. Morse portrays the Catholic Church as a potential threat to the power and ideals of the US democracy. He says that Catholic men are all educated but beleive in monarchial power so much that if ordered by the pope they would go against their country because they believe the catholic church decides where they go in the after life. 2. Morse incorporated Jefferson because his statemnet in 1781 was supporting the his ideas in this document. By using an intelligent famous figure who contributed immensly to this new nation he would surely get supporters of his ideas. 3. Morses ideas and issues with immigration are not like those of present day. His fears were about the immigrants religion. He feared that they were part of a secret organization trying to overthrow the government. Whereas today the issues of immigration are only with the illegal immigration of a large amount of people.
1. How does Morse portray the Catholic Church as an institution? Why does Morse consider the Catholic religion a threat to U.S. democracy? Morse portrays the Catholic Church as an evil and an anti-republic. Morse believes that the religious system opposed to the liberties of the United States. Also in Europe the Catholic Church supports the monarchy and they[U.S. citizens] don't want to live under a monarch once again.
2. How and why does Morse incorporate Jefferson into this document? Morse mentions that Jefferson saw and warned of the introduction of foreigners. He does this to bck up his articles about foreign immigration.
3. How do the ideas represented in Morse's document reflect or oppose current issues regarding immigration in the US today? Morse's ideas about foreign immigration reflect foreign immigration today. Morse doesn't agree with foreign immigration and couldn't care if immigrants got sent back to their homes. Today there are many immigrants coming into the U.S. everyday and Morse would be very dissappointed at that.
