The daily dispatch. [volume] (Richmond [Va.]) 1850-1884, 1854-09-05
SPIRIT OF THE PRESS.

5 The Enquirer replies to the Whigs article of
Friday last wherein the latter expressed the opin.
ion that the former was in a dilemma on the Know.
Nothing question. The Enquirer thinks the boot
is on the other leg. Says the writer
Our neighbor of the Whig, we think, is the only
party to this controversy that is In truth ain d.
lemma." Upon the Know-Nothing question" he
has never told the public how he stands and are
rather Inclined to the opinion that he is uncomfor-
tably circumstanced about it. He can have but lit
tie hope of the resusctation of the old Whig party
as national concern he has not the constitution
al requirements to be converted into good demo-
crat; and he has not yet been quite bold enough to
avow himself s'Know, Nothing" Now, If hs Is
not 'in dilemma" who Is
The Whig comes out In leader on the "Know.
Nothing" question, and analyses an editorial which
appeared in Saturdays Enquirer. We quote the
following:
1t is evident that our neighbor, the Enquirer, is
under very strong impressions on this subject and
Is striving to put down this organization 1t is
not for us to anticipate the objects surmise to
the consequence OF the Know Nothing organzatio
know anything of their secret Vaccinations, nor do
we mean to enter the list the advocate of their
course or the apologists for their associations
But as public journasts-one OF the agencies of
popular informations-we have no disposition TO
remain client on the subject.
The writer proceeds to examine the issue pre-
sented by the Enquirer, viz: of Protestant infu-
ence against the Catholic religion. Why this color
Is given to the Know.Nolhing organization, the
Whis is not advised. 1t has inferred from the
public prints that have undertaken to speak for
this order, that was opposition to the political in
Jfusnce and poWcr which Catholics seek to exercise
and not at all to the Catholic Church, as Church.
in which the Know-Nothings are engaged. And,
CONTINUES the writer,) 1--WE have been induced to
believe from the lights before us, that the great
object of this association to purge the country.
without reference to party lines, or geograph cal
boundaries of the hitherto baneful influence of the
acknowledged existence of a foreign influence In
this country, as basis of political and party or
ganization." The Whig believes that the foreign
vote of both parties has been assiduously ..ourted
by the demagogues of both parties, and in this re.
spect and to this extent it sympathises with the
Know Nothing influence. The Hhig again asks :
eWil the Enquirer support Know. Nothing De.
mocrat, or one who approves OF the organization,
as a candidate for office =
The Penny Post regards II as an undoubted fact,
that the custom, once so prevalent throughout the
country, of writing bitter and scurrious articles OF
controversy, is now growing more and more obso.
lete. vast variety OF subjects, the growing de.
mands of this all progressive age and the rapidly
of operations rendered necessary, have saddled
upon the editors back duties of higher, nobler
calling, more responsible, more imperative than
waging newspaper wars. Having no time ex.
cept for the discharge OF weighty and honorable
duties the editors life 10 one of noble service to
the cause of truth, and the advancement of general
intelligence. Members OF the fraternity, therefore,
have no time to quarrel and fight among them
selves