The New York herald. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1840-1920, 1854-06-29

Know Neshingism I'm Virginia and California
-Xhe q. U. A. I'm New Jcrssy and Now York,
g.. &c.. &c.

Know NeGhingism I'm Virginia and Californts
-The o. y. A. In New jersey and New York
Iron the Petersburg (va.) Democrat, June %
KNOW SorHIEGIsM IN PETERSBURG.
In an obscure corner Of our city, and at an unfre
.quented house, weekly, on Wednesday night. as ",
are informed band OF persons. variously estimated
ct between one and two hundred, assemble together
as I" Know Nothings," and hold secret conclaye
OF what they do or say, we OF course are ignorant
but we think it reasonable to presume that they
differ In their principles and objects IN no Wise from
the Northern associations bearing the same lnyiting
'Bame. AS to what the ayowed aims OF the latter
we have taken repeated occasions 10 INFORM our
readers. We will sum thera up again however; Ia Ia
a few words. FRS vile crusade against all OF
our adoptei citizens, the end of which will be
tot ally Co disfranchse them. Secondly, an unholy
persecution of denomination Of protesting Chris
jana for worshipping God according to the dictates
Of their own consciences the effect Of which will be
to So bveit of the main pillars OF our political
hbnc-ffcedom of religion.
We shall deal with these peGple as they deserve to
be dealt with, not gingery as some have done but as
conspirators against the liberties of the hnd-as
traitors to the constitution of their country They
have organized themselves in o secret association
60 accomplish certain political ends. If we under
public liberty by striking death blow at religious
toeration, and destroy the political equality of
citizens by defowerng large portion of their pri-
vieges and this too, without cause. So understand
tlClr ODItctS We SnUuiu pe reCItdnt 10 our
o. journalist if failed to deneunce the treason,
or to show off in their proper colors the traitors.
We know nom Of the members OF this cons piracy,
but are satisfied that there many who have en-.
listed in the association through ignorance OF its de.
slgDs, foDdness for novelty or from naturally in
quisitive epirt To these We do not wish to be un-
derstood as applying our remarks, further than sim
ply to advise them to speedily part company wththe
society. We can very well understand how young men,
and sometimes old ones, can be drawn into an asso-
citation of this description without nquiring into its
erds or rejecting upon the consequences Of its sue
Cess. For such these, the path of duty is plain,
and that s rapidly to retrase their footsteps before
il becomes too late Hence, we repeat that to per-
Sons of this description, our harsh remarks are not
intended to apply.
But there is another class for whom we do mean
them especially, and who richly deserve the con-
tempt Of the community. These are the authors of
the movement, composed elsewhere, and we suppose
here for the most part, OF reckless demagogues and
political ,oufs who would sell their party, country
or God, to bask in the sunshine of popular favor
men who, destitute OF principle, are ever trimming
their sails to any breeze matters not though foul
with treason, tnat will land them safe into the
haven of publ patronage. These persons are ever
on the alert for some new tangled idea with which
to excite the popular mind One thing so it effects
this end, will answer their purpose as well ano
ther. In the prejudice against foreigners and the
Catholic religion they fit elements to serve their
designs, and straightway light their torches to fire
the very temple Of our liberties, little needing or
the complete destruction OF tie temple itself.
We are no Catholic. For the ceremonies of the
church, in common with all persons reared as Pro.
testants, we have rather q distaste. Our ancestry
for generations back have never, as we are aware
of, embraced in their humber member of that
faith SO with foreigners. For four generations
back we confess to pure American blood. But
though neither Catholic or foreigner, yet when
we see one sought to be down-trodden in der0ga-
ton of the first principles of organic law and
che other to be stripped of his privileges in
violation alike Of justice and good policy, we are
indignant, and have right to be so. !" Error
ceases to be dangerous when truth is left free to
combat it'll If our forefatheIs committed mistake
In guaranteeing religious federation, why, lie. the
question be publicly discussed, and let the guaran
tee be taken away. We think it right, but if the
submit Just so with our adopted citizens. If it is
wrong for them to vote or hold Office, let the matter
he publicly canyassed, aud if the majority say 80,
Let them be deprived of their privileges But let
have none OF this low, hmping, sneaking under
handed, cropped-eared, snake!n-the-grass Know
Nottingham" which is satire on institutions,
and disgrace to any community that tolerates its
existence in their midst.
We 1--we in free country, where every man has an
Inalielable right to entertain and express his own
opinicns-where no law or subject is too sacred for
criticism and inquiry, and if needs be, for revision
or repeal. If We lived under despotism-where
freedom of opinion was not tolerated, where liberty
of speech was accounted treasOn-then there might
be excuse or for secret association to effect
political ends; but in free America there is none
utterly none.
word in conclusion, to the democratic party Of
Petersburg. They have the political ascendancy in
the city. If they wish to maintain it let them be
chary Of wandering into other fields in search Of
other principles. But we satisfied that they
in no need of advice on this subject. Always the
Jealous guardians of the constitution hitherto, we
are sure that none of them now mediate ruthless
violation Of that instrument. We shall recur to these
i" Know Nothings'' again.
THE KNOW EcTHINcs IN CALIFORNIA.
From the Alta California May 271
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