Washington sentinel. [volume] (Washington [D.C.]) 1853-1855, 1854-06-10


SECRET SOCIETIES.
We have already spoken our sentiments with
regard to the new society which has made its
appearance in our midst. Not being able to
state positively and distinctly what its motives
and purposes may be, we have given to our
readers the best information that has reached
us with regard to them.
That information is very scant, however, and
we are forced to rely on logical deduction in
order to represent the new order in its true
light. Generally speaking, man of observa-
ton will perceive facts which he could not
prove to the incredulous. All the material
facts necessary for his own conclusions have
been observed, collected, and arranged; but
yet they do not carry conviction to the preju-
diced mind
Now, let us look at the new order, the know
nothings, coolly, calmly, and dispassionately.
What are they I? or rather what must they of
necessity be? Let us answer these questions
by an appeal to reason and not to prejudice.
We will answer our question by another
question. We will inquire as to the political
complexion and condition of those who must
of necessity go into new party organizations.
Can they be satisfied men? Can they be mem
bers of triumphant organization Assured
ly not; for satisfied men do not migrate to
places where they may meet with rough recep-
ton. The members of a triumphant party do
not desert it for the purpose of joining their
fortunes with the fortunes of new banner.
Having said thus much, we would ask this
question: Which of the two great parties has
the strongest reason to abandon its flag
which has the strongest inducement to cloak
itself under fresh disguise? Surely every
child can answer these questions. Surely an
answer to them is hardly necessary. The de-
mocracy is triumphant Its principles of pub
lie policy have been so successful that all op
position is silenced. No one hears now Of
bank, tariff, and distribution. The old wing
party is upset, and overthrow. The Nebraska
bill, like q butchers cleaver, has split it in
twain. Under these circumstances, it must be
perfectly clear to every sensible mind, that the
new party the know-nothing party - must
build from the old-fashioned federal basis. 1t
is impossible that it should be otherwise.
The same reason which would induce de-
feated whig organization to unite with new
organization under a new name, will induce
svery petty faction to follow the same course,
carrying along with them weak-minded and un-
rejecting democrats. But, however this may
be, we see clearly that the knownothing"
movement Of the north obtains its chief sup
port from the routed forces of the wing party in
intimate alliance with the abolitionists, and all
other factions which arise the country by their
presence.
1t is perfectly clear to our perceptions that
the know-nothing society is the last death
struggle Of federalism, abolitionism, Fourier
ism, and native Americanism. This firm con.
viction would of itself be enough to array us
against the new organization. But we have a
reason even beyond that conviction for the
sentiments we utter in this regard.
Secret political societies, no matter what
principles they may profess, are not compati.
Bile with our institutions. They are eminently
dangerous to the structure Of our government.
1t is, therefore, the duty of every true patriot
to struggle against them and to crush them
down if possible. They are noxious and poi
sonous, and can generate no good. The saliva.
ton of this country, its domestic peace and
happiness, and its power and consequence
abroad, depends upon its moral position and
the political principles she bears upon her ban
ners. But what are all these things worth, if
this country is to be ruled by secret society,
without an idea it dares utter and principle
it dares announce? Under such government
freedom of speech, freedom of action, and even
freedom Of thought, would soon be brought un-
der the rule of absolute and irresponsible au-
thority, and the people Of the United States
under the dominion Of cold, invisible, intan-
gible despotism.