Staunton spectator. [volume] (Staunton, Va.) 1849-1896, 1854-10-25
Democrsov AVID the know-Nothings.

Democracy and the Enow-Nothings.
Notwithstanding the bitter denuncatons Of the
Nnow Suthngs by the Democratic press, we have
always anticipated that as soon as the new order
should become power in the country, the tune
would be changed, and every effort made to per-
suade them that Democracy was not, after all, so
hostile to their wishes. The recent elections have
brought about this state Of affairs than we
expected. The Washington Union few days
ago indalged in. the following remarks which will
be read with surprise:
"ln. taking its position it should be carefully
borne in mind that the democratic party neither
assumes that the naturalization laws as they now
exist are perfect, nor that foreigners have not on
some occasions subjected themselves to just cen
sures, nor that the Roman Catholic religion is bas-
ed upon the true Christian creed. Citizenship
is boon granted to foreign srs by the beralily Of
our institutions, and this fact cannot be too care
fully weighed and appreciated by our foreign citi-
Zens. They should constantly remember that the
high privileges conceded to them have been grant
ed upon the reasonable expectation that they would
surrender their distinctive native natonalitles, and
become fused and asSlmilated to our native citizens
in all their feelings, sentiments, and devotion to
our liberal Institutions 1t becomes them now, in
view Of the late significant expressions OF popular
feeling, to consider well whether in their last con-
duct they may not have given occasion to much
of the opposition which exists against them. Ma
tive Americans are justly proud of their high pre-
negatives, and they are naturally jealous of any
thing like foreign influence upon their institutions.
In these sentiments and feelings we participate to
the fullest extent, and it is because do that we
50 earnestly repe the imputation that the demo-
cratic party has pursued, or will ever pursue san
inceudary policy" in order 10 conciliate the for
eign vote. Naturazed citizens ought to see, in
the Immense increase of foreign immigration with
in the last few years. legitimate reasons Tor an
earnest investigation by native citizens OF the prob
able Influence of this increase of foreign population
upon our Institutions. This is fair and legit-
nate subject tor discussion; and it it shall result
in the conviction that our naturalization laws are
defective and require to be amended and reformed,
the naturalzed citizens ought neither to be sur
priSed nor 10 complain"
Let it be remembered that the Union was
lately the most loud mouthed paper in the coun-
try in denouncing the Know Nothings, and the
change that has come over it will appear truly re-
markable. Recently it could see no good in the
Know Nothing movement, and heaped upon that
order every term to be found in the vocabulary OF
abuse now il considers our naturalization laws
"a fair and legitimate subject for discussion" and
admits the possibility that they may be "delec-
tive aud require to be amended and reformed. =
1t even intmates that foreigners have, on some
occasions, "suhected themselves TO just censure,"
and 'given occasion to much OF the opposition
which exists against them" But when we con-
slider the reason of ihe change-"the late signti-
cant expression of popular feeling"-the organ of
the Administration sinks into contempt. If 1t
was RIGHT to prescribe the Know Nothings from
office and utterly contemn them when they were
supposed to be small party easily crushed, it is
certainly none the less 50 now when they have
proved themselves strong enough TO sway cleo
tons. If they were dangerous then, they are
much more dangerous now.
The party in this State set out upon the same
crusade against the Know-Nothings, and we may
expect from them the same change of policy
The Richmond Eraminer has already intlmated
an intention to pursue different course towards
the order MIR. Leake, the Examiners candi-
date for Governor, took his cue in time, and re-
Piled to the Norfolk County Democrats merely
that he was "not member" of the Know Moth
ing organization. Messrs. Wise and Smith, more
wary still, have not replied at all. This silence
will doubtless be justified by the more prudent Of
the party. as the Know-NOthing issue is discover
ed, all of sudden, to have nothing to do with the
election of Governor