New-York daily tribune. [volume] (New-York [N.Y.]) 1842-1866, 1854-11-20
MANIFESTO OF JOHN NJ. CLAYTON.

Mr.. John NJ. Clayton at a recent mass meeting in
Delaware City, made long speech in exposition and
vipdicaiion Of the principles and objects Of the
Know. Nothings, of which the following outline is
given in Tile Delaware Journal:
came here to-day said Mr. c., for the purpose Of
stating how far was willing TO sustain the new party
organization, known by the name of the American
Party in this State. | have at ended but single
poil csl meeting this yesr and that msetiug
held in this town by small number of the old Wing
party, Which determined by very decided vote that
Wing ticket should be run ia this state at the ap-
Troachpg election. The reasons for adopting that
resolution were item fully given, the principal one
bling that the Wings OF the other counties of the
State had refused 10 form any ticket or t. Join IN
eec;ing any Wing State ticket whatever. This was
the result of state cf things well understood here
There were not enough Wings in the State to otter
shy reasonable prospect Of eecting Wing ticket
We are lett therefore to choose between the American
and the Democratic pares-od party hines are 10 sgrest
extent obliterated The American ticket If made upof
men Of both the ancient parties. The Democratic ticket
excludes all but Democrats. On the 4th OF last
month the Americans met at the Capitol OF the State
and formed platform, npon which they nave organ
lied their new party. Ii lis liberal and fair II pro-
claims toe principle Of religious liberation In The words
Of The Constitution itself There is no bigotry-no
prescription TO be found in it. IL Leaves all men 10
worthip God according to the dictates OF tner own
copsciences proolams religious test for office and
Ass rts liberty of conscience freedom OF thought snd
freedom of speech, constituting the very basis OF
the new organization. Ii denies the right OF siens to
vote without naturalization and prccslms the doc
trine that Americans should rule their own country.
II welcomes all viTtuous and good men emigratng
from foreign countries to shores to seek an asylum
from oppression, among us. Though L was not pres
ent AZ The time the resolutions OF The meeting were
adopted, yet they meet win my ihOs' heav 0on0"'-
renee and appreciation.
On these principles was willing to act and am yet
willing 20 act, but never was me noer OF what
has been called the Native American parry or OF Tue
I "a mn
know there are many eminent men in this county Tor
whom have great respect, who are members each OF
HE latter The present Governor elect Oh fennsyi-
yania who is personally kno Tn TO me as one OF the
most estimabe and able men In thus country Is uni
yersslly believed to be member Of the Know Moth.
inc Order and il is said his election IN great
degree to their votes better man could not 10 my
opinion have been selected for the office know not
unon what authority u IS stated nat ne fdte fresi-
Sinf of me Usted States a member Of the H9to-
Nslb,ng Order. But | do know that great num-
her az the most intelligent snd patriotic men OF this
country have adopted the principles and joined mo
society Of this secret party. know too tna ~ .u,s
state a very great number OF gentlemen OF hgn
attending and acknowledged patriotism, from tne
ranks OF both the Wing and Democratic psrties, are
believed to be among the members OF the Oruer VI
United Americans. Whatever may be tne PrInoip "S
of the Know Nothpgs OF other States, we are oouno
10 believe that the principles OF the Order 10 Deis
ware are in perfect accordance both with the spr'
and the letter os the resolutions adopted IN Dover
the fth oil OCtoDtIi because tney Weic ieS0"' ~
srest numbers at the meeting held on that day, as
seted in the formation Of the platform itself, ana II
Was adopted after full deberation without one DIS
sentipg voice. We have reason therefore, to know
thar If there be anything proscrptve bigoted or un-
prncipsd among the Know-Nothings of other States,
Il is not be found in the creed OF the party principles
of the Americans of Delaware.
l have said that never was a member OF the Ma
tive American party in this country, and that am
not and never have been member Of the Know
Nothing society or any other secret society. 0p-
posed 10 ALI prescription Of for the sake of their
Religious opinions, have freely svowed nv deter
rination not to support for public office, any who
should eynce determination 10 deny 70 Others the
right 10 worship God according the dictates of their
own conscences and referring to foreigners who have
never been naturaliEed 1have repeatedly said that be-
fore their alton they should not be permitted
10 govern this country by their votes. They do not
renounce their allegiance to the Princes or Potentates
of their native country when declaring their n.es-
ton nor at any time until they are naturalized IN
obedience to the act of Congress. To receive their
votes ON mere declaration of intention, IS IN no de-
gree less Objectionable than II would be te receive
them 10 Ireland or Germany, for they are still bound