r the American citizen, but a few weeks
afterwards! As a sign of the times, the fact is one worthy of note. It
shows, at least, that when Protestantism cannot prevail with the
Administration of Pierce, Roman Catholicism can; and that hence, when we
proclaim the power of the Pope, even in America, we but utter
demonstrable facts. Romanism is even carrying Democracy from all its old
wayside land-marks. In December, 1836, GEN. JACKSON sent a special
message to the Senate of the United States, in relation to a proposition
to recognize the new Government of Texas, and he gave reasons _against_
it, which are exactly applicable to this Rivas-Walker affair:

"Upon the issue," he says, "of this threatened invasion by
Mexico, the independence of Texas may be considered as
suspended; and were there nothing peculiar in the relative
situation of the United States and Texas, our acknowledgments
of its independence at such a crisis could scarcely be
considered as consistent _with that prudent reserve with which
we have heretofore held ourselves bound to treat all similar
questions_."

The existing Government of Nicaragua is in a far more critical condition
now than that of Texas was in 1836, when Gen. Jackson went on to say:

"It becomes us to beware of a too early movement, as it might
subject us, however unjustly, to the imputation of seeking to
establish the claim of our neighbors to a territory, with a
view to its subsequent acquisition by ourselves. Prudence,
therefore, seems to dictate that we should still stand aloof,
and maintain our present attitude, if not until Mexico itself,
or one of the great foreign powers, shall recognize the
independence of the new Government, at least until the lapse of
time or the course of events shall have proved, beyond cavil or
dispute, the ability of the people of that country to maintain
their separate sovereignty, and to uphold the Government
constituted by them. Neither of the contending parties can
justly complain of this course. By pursuing it, we are but
carrying out the long-established policy of our Government--a
policy which has secured to us respect and influence abroad,
and inspired confidence at home."

But Romanism is rapidly leading Democracy to the Devil! Archbishop
Hughes--the head and front of the Papal Hierarchy in this country--has
openly declared the g