WRITINGS OF 5AM HOUSTON, 1855
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of the United States, prejudicial to American principles and in- compatible with American liberty. Well, now, the Democratic party insists that these European convicts must be thrust upon us, that they shall have extended to them all the privileges of native born citizens, no matter how dark or black their catalogue of crimes may be, no matter how many innocent victims may have fallen beneath their assassin stroke, no matter what atrocities they have committed, nor how long they may have been incarcerated in European prisons. They come here and after a residence of six ·months are elevated to the dignity of American citizens, or American citizens are de- graded to the position of European paupers and convicts. I will make one truthful comparison to bring this subject to a practical point of observation. We have many citizens who have rendered their country illustrious. I will mention one man who has been identified with the history of this country, and whose deeds will be remembered as long as it exists. His name is as enduring as his acts are glorious to his country. I will speak of him in familiar phrase and bring forward Ed. Burleson to the polls to vote--the man to whom your wives ·and children are indebted _for protection and safety-place him· with his hundred campaigns refreshing your recollection of his glorious services, at the ballot- box by the side of a foreigner, six months from a European prison, hardly able to enumerate in our language his thoughts or impres- sions-see him advance to the polls and on putting in his vote say with arch look toward Edward Burleson, "Gineral, I have kilt your vote." Now, what do you think of that? Is that young :America? Is that recognizing the rights of freemen? I don't recognize it. Yes, fellow-citizens, I am in favor of extending to foreigners all the privileges which they have a right to expect, and greater blessings than they have ever enjoyed in the land from which they came. I am in favor of guaranteeing to them all the rights and privileges given to our minors. I am in favor of giving them equal participation in our free institutions, until they shall have passed the proper probation here; until that time has transpired, I am willing that they should be placed upon social equality with native citizens. I am not willing to surrender into their hands the liberties and privileges transmitted to us by our fathers, until ·they have resided here a sufficient length of time for their affections and feelings to become identified with those of this country. I am willing that they should pass such a pro- bation here as we require of American boys. I think American
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