Danger in the Dark - ZseZse

228 DANGEl~ IN TITE IJAL~K.
at St. Louis; it contains this remark, which I find
in an editorial column: 'The time is not remote,
when there will be an end, in this country, to religious
toleration.' Surely this is a bold prediction, to be
made in the nineteenth century, and in. this land
of liberty! beside it is most daring effronterycoming
as it does from an unnaturalized, and I might
almost add, uncivilized foreigner. Had Papists the
power, as they confessedly have the will, there would
at once be an end, not only of religious toleration,
but also of political freedom and civil liberty I Palpable
as is this truth, see what apathy exists in relation
to it; wrapped in quiet slumbers, and indulging
sweet dreams of peace, while 'an armed foe and
treacherous enemy is stealing upon us in the dark I"
"I cannot but regard your apprehensions, Mr.
Carleton," observed a genteel, yet somewhat pompous
looking man, "as almost, if not altogether
groundless. For my own part, I see no cause of
alarm; the tree of liberty has struck too deeply in
American soil to be easily uprooted. Catholics
coming to this country, become enlightened, and imbued
with republican principles; and for aught I can
discover to the contrary, make very good citizens. To
be sure, I must admit, they are generally uneducated,
and great numbers of them intemperate. If they have
frequent rows, it is among themselves, and who cares.
As for the clergy, I know, and care but little - yet
certainly have no reason to doubt their sincerity."
"You speak of my groundless apprehensions, Mr.