The Cecil Whig. [volume] (Elkton, Md.) 1841-current, 1854-12-23

h'Sii' diiHosI ave ptcli S'lu, tilc institution
survives its purposes" Men were bought
and soll like slaves at the shambles, and, in
stead of choosing to Off &C those whose men
| tai and moral qualifications fitted then for
their situations, he was declared victor whose
purse was heaviest. Herds of reckless pros
tituies, whose only recommendations were
their plant sycophancy TO the nod of party
leaders, their ability to pack committee or
cram coop filled the sulorlinate stations
Bribery at elections and plundcring in office
were the order of the day. Important meas.
ucs, demanded for the interests of the coun-
try and the safety Of human life, were chok,d
down by the dictatorial exercise Of the Prcsi.
dental veto, while cringing tools voted away
millions of acres TO the pauperS and convic'S
of Europe. Men began to ask whence is all
this tending, and here and there were found
those disguised with the petty machinery of
party politics. and unscduccd by the hope of
plumber who had the courage to strike out
for themselves an independent course of ac-
ton. True, this independent course was not
always tho most practicable one, and fire.
qucntly expired almost with the day tina
gave it birth; but il was not less the index of
secret Influence, as yet without form and
void, but possessing all the elements of vitali-
ty. and needing but the concurrent forces of
time and circumstances to call it forth in all
its beauty and power. AS ycai after year
these illgnided movements persisted from the
political world, party hacks grew jubilant,
and sat down again in fanci,d security to
their damnablc game. As well might they
have reasoned from the temporary suppress
sion ofthc fitfnl fame the total extingush-
mcnt Of the volcanic fire. as from the failure
Of an injuIicous effort the final destruction of
moral purity in the American people. 1t
needed but a nucleus around which to conccn-
trate its energies in order to effect total rcvo-
luton in politics. This nucleus has now been
furnished. The mcrccnary character of the
foreign vote, the facility with which it could
be influenced by the flimsiest dcmagogism
pointed it out as the most pregnant source of
corruption. The abuses of which it was the
parent stood out the boldest in contrast to
the purity which should ever surround the
American hallot-box, and against them the
efforts of men, who, as American citizens felt
their responsibility. were first to he directed
Hence the peculiar features which this great
principle in its development now assumes.
Sniouldering for years beneath the oycrwhclm-
ing mass of mlsrulc and dishonesty, giving
evidence of its existence only by apparent fit
full lifc-throcs, it has now acquired power
which laughs at opposition, and with strong
hand and steady nerve has set itself to work
to cleanse the Augcan stable of politics from
the filth with which it has so long been rcek-
ing, and render it a place fit for men to dwell
in. ."
That Knew Nothingism will soon become
distinct and united pa, ty organization there
can BE- little doubt, and quite as little that
its success will be unprecedented. Whether,
as party organization it will retain its pow
or and influence, is question the solution Of
which will remain in lis own hands. The
party, whatever be its name or its prcccd,n.s,
which calculates upon the moral dcprayity
of the American people, is destined TO failure
certain and iricvocab!c. Hundreds and thou
sands of young men are daily coming upon
The Stage of active life. full of enthusiasm for
the institutions ofthcir country, and ofhcarty
scorn for every species of mcanncSs. These
men represent the moral force and intelligence
of the masses. and are not to be caiolcd into
the support of those whose lives give the lie to
thcirrrofcssions, by the mere prestige ola party
name, nor scluccd into the sacrifice of their
virgin honor by the horc of public plumber.
If, true to itself, this party continues to be
the propaganda Of living. healthy principles
and not the mere laZar-housc of Superanuatctl
and rotten doglnas, then will the youthful
vigor, the intelligence and the morality of the
country gather around its standard. But il
forgctful of its high destiny it depends for
success upon the tricks Of the politician
holding its honors and emolumcnts as prizes
to those who shall prove themselves The most
degraded and corrupt or as pensions to the
tools and favories of its leaders, then will
this noble strife degenerate into a mere squad,
Le for sloils, worthy only Of tie contempt Of
| honest men.