Washington sentinel. [volume] (Washington [D.C.]) 1853-1855, 1854-10-10
THE KNOW-NOTHINGs-AN Eek
POSTURE. e.f4s

Psansytranian, published at Philadel-
phia, gives anaccount Of the proceedings of the
Grand State Council of Knownothings, which
assembled in that city on the Sd of this month
Thespac at our disposal does not permit us to
lay before our readers. the full report of the
Pnnsylraniaa, and we content ourselves, there
fore, with publishing in another column, ex-
tracts along with secret circular which we find
in the same journal. We do not know how the
Pnasylranidn obtained its information, but
its statements have that appearance Of truth
which induces us to place confidence in them.
1t viii be seen from the remarks of the presi-
dent Of the Know-nothing council, that some of
the members Of that order are fully aware
Of the dangerous character of their organiza-
ton, aud are anxious to conceal the fact
that they belong to it for fear Of the odium
they believe their unprincipled conduct will
excite. Such an organization cannot last
long. The fact that men are free to dsso-
ciate openly in this country for the accomplish
every sensible and sagacious man to look with
suspicion and distrust on any secret political
association In addition to. this, enough is
known Of the purposes Of the Know-nothing or
ganiaation to call down nponi 1t the reprobation
Of the public. We learn from our exchanges
that the process Of decay has already COM
Inenced, and that lodges in different parts of
the country have dissolved and destroyed their
records. In other places, internal discord is
doing its work, and rival interests are tearing
the associations asunder.
The proceedings of the Pennsylvania council
show that thousands are deserving the order
in that State, and that the Democrats who
have been seduced TO join it are rapidly
leaving it, being dsgnsted with its plans and
purposes. The original basis of the organi-
zation was corrupt desire to obtain power
and place, and the means resorted to was an
Infamous attempt to array the native agains
the adopted citizens, and the Protestants
against the Catholics. At the outset consider
able progress was made by deceptive allure
ments held QUITO weak, prejudiced, and dissat-
is6ed men; and great impression was made
on the public mind by the secrecy with which
the organization accomplished its ends. But
now the movement has lost Its formidable
character, because it has been unmasked, so
that its heading members dread to have it
known that they are connected with it. And
well they may be alarmed; for men who will
enter into such an unholy and antirepublican
alliance cannot retain the public confidence.
The gubernatorial election takes place in Penn
sylyania to-day, and the Know-nothings hope
to defeat the Democratic candidate by uniting
If this result should be achieved, they will
claim the whole merit of the victory, and may
succeed in living little while longer on the
patronage which Mr.. Pollock will give them.
But if Bigler should be elected-and we sin
cerely hope he will be--the Know nothing
lodges will dissolve and disappear like snow
flakes in a river
If the Ps'ansyiranian's report of the proceed
ings Of the Grand Council be correct, the
Know-nothings are already thoroughly despe.
rate, and are willing TO resort to the most des-
perate measures TO avoid defeat in Pennsyl
yania. According 10 that report the order has
secured six hundred Of the police Of Phladel
phia, and has instructed them TO keep diIigent
watch over the polls, and TO destroy as many
Democratic, ballots as they can. 1t seems, also,
that resolution was adopted, on the motion
Of one Vim. ID. Baker, an relation to the order
gOiae armed and seising on The ballot-bores."
We are not informed as to the particular terms
Of the resolution; but, inasmuch as the Penn.
sylcdnian state: that the execution Of Nr. Ba-
ker's object might subject him and his asso-
ciates to criminal prosecution, we take il for
granted that the Knownothing order in Penn.
sylvania have determined, in conclave, 10 seize
on He Jailot-boIes By force and destroy them, II
such course is necessary 10 prerem Demo
cratic rictory. Men acting in the face Of day
would not entertain such monstrous PROPOSE
ton, no matter how base they might be but
when bad men conspire in secret, with closed
doors and guards about them, they are ready to
plan any iniquitous proceeding.
In free, republican government, secret
political organization must Of necessity be cor.
rupt and unscrupnlous. Honest men, united for
the accomplishment of honest objects, do not
seek darkness and concealment When men,
associated for political purposes, avoid the pub
lie eye, and act with closed doors, and bind
each other by unlawful oaihs, their intentions
must be criminal. Even if it were possible
that such an association should commence its
career with the determination to avoid corrup-
ton and deal honestly that determination
would soon be confined TO thin minority Of
original members; for secrecy would drive of
true men, whilst il would invite the reckless
aud the desperate from other political organi..
zations. With the Know-nothings, however
the original idea was corrupt. II had its foun.
dstion in thirst for power and the spoils of
Office. The cornerstone was laid by men with
out character, and by bankrupt politicians,
whose cupidiiy and ambition none OF the old