Washington sentinel. [volume] (Washington [D.C.]) 1853-1855, 1854-10-27
LET THE SOUTH BEWARE.

LET THE SOUTH BEWARE.
The course which the Know-nothing party
may see fit to pursue is matter which we do
not pretend to foretell at the present moment;
although we entertain very decided opinion
on that point. We do not undertake to say
what affiliations it will form, or what associar
tons it will enter into; although we think
that ordinary sagacity can foresee the end of
its career, and the point at which it must cease
to exist.
In the beginning, the Know-nothing party
worked for effect. Then its tactics were, we
must confess, admirably calculated to work out
the purposes it wished to compass. Its objects
were unknown, and its movements were secret,
whilst its forces moved in compact body. BY
playing their strength artfully against regular
nominations, and by hiding even the fact of
their existence, the Know-nothings succeeded
in impressing the public with an exaggerated
idea of their numbers.
But now these tricks are harmless, because
they are understood. They can have no fur
ther effect upon the public mind. The real
purposes of the Know-nothing organization
and the method by which they act are no lon
ger mysteries. The whole country understands
them, and all but the ignorant and the bgotted
are ready to rebuke them. They who believe
that the people of the United States can be
permanently deceived, only mislead themselves.
They who believe that our native citizens can
be seduced from the honest path by shallow
articles, stultify themselves, and will speedily
meet the punishment which their deception
merits. The people of the United States are
not fools, to be led into the dark by masked
leaders-they are patriots, and will demand a
strict account of every man who trades upon
their votes.
We do not accuse the entire Know nothing
organization of entertaining Abolition senti-
ments But, whilst we make this declaration,
we would mention the fact that the Know
nothings of the North have joined their forces
to the Wings and Abolitionists. The Know
nothings of the South may adopt different
course: They may wish to wipe out the stain
which their Northern brethren have fixed upon
the order; or, rather, they may wish to hide,
conceal, and cover up the stain which their
Northern brethren may have fastened upon
the order But these schemes cannot succeed.
The Southern people are too conservative to
give their countenance to men who shrink
from the light. The Southern people are too
frank and honest to trust men who refuse to
meet investigation, who rely for success upon
the dishonest counsels of secret conclaves.
The Southern people are generous and confd-
ing; but neither their generosity nor their
confidence will be extended to men who skulk
in dark places. and conceal their features
when questioned by honorable men.
We have often expressed our opinions of the
Know-nothing organization. 1t is not neces-
sary that we should repeat now what we have
often said before nor is it necessary that we
should offer examples to prove the soundness
Of our position. Such was not our object in
taking up our pen and therefore we will con-
clude this article by inviting special attention
to the following resolutions of the Massachu-
sets coalitionists, which fixes the meaning Of
Know-nothingism in the North, and proves the
uses which are made Of it there. Let the
South beware!
Resolved, That the Republicans Of Norfolk
county re-afirm the platform Of principles adopted
at the recent State convention at Worcester, and
pledge themselves 10 make the support of those
principles superior all other political considera
tons
Resolved, That we hail with hope and JOY the
recent brilliant successes of the Republican party
in the States Of Maine Iowa, Indiana, Pennsyi
vania, and Ohio, and we trust these victories are
a foreshadow Of others soon TO come. by which
the free States shall present one solid phalanx o.
opposition 10 the aggressons of slavery.
Resolved, That in the present chaotic condition
of parties in Massachusetts, the only star above
the horizon is ths love OF human liberty and the
adherence Of slavery, and that 1t is the duty o
all anii-slavery men to rally around the Republi
can party as an organization which invites the
united action Of the people on the one transcend
ing question Of slave dominion which now di
vides the Union.
Whereas Roman Catholicism and slavery, being
alike founded and supported on the basis OF igno
rance and tyranny, and being therefore natura
allies in every warfare against liberty and enhght
eminent; therefore be il
Resolved That there can exist real hostility
10 Roman Catholicism which does not embrac,
slavery its natural co-worker in opposition 4
freedom and republican institutions.
REAL PHILANTHROPY.
Isa- IL