New York Mirror

The following viewpoint was originally published as an editorial in an early newspaper, the New York Mirror, and later included in a book published in 1855 by an anti-immigrant, anti- Catholic American party known as the Know-Nothing Party. (The party’s name came about because its members, when asked about the party, would reply that they knew nothing about it.) The editors argue that America should belong to Americans and that foreigners should not be permitted to hold public office, become citizens, or vote. In addition, the editors write that immigrants should not be allowed to form foreign regiments or battalions or benevolent, social, or other chartered organizations. Furthermore, all laws should be printed in English and children should be taught in English.

America for Americans!

“A Well, why not? Is there another country...