The true Democrat., 1854-06-27
The Know Nothings."

The Know Nothings."
 As we have reason to believe there are some of these animals in the midst of us-perchance among our readers-we think proper to give them items now -and-then of what is thought ot the order abroad. A writer in the National lntellgencer says, in reference to the election of Mayor of Washington, about to come off:
 he most formidable ojecton to MT. Tow CTS IS that he is said to belong to a secret society Ot thls l am unaware but assume 1t to be true We'll, what then? Does not my friend, an old cltlzen know that the priceless gem of liberty has first sparkled in secret socseties in every country where 1t has been the blessing and pro- lection of any portion of our fellow w-men?- And, so far from secret societies being ant-re- publican, they are only the terror of despotism ot some kind. Nor do we now enjoy liberty alone from this source. The Christian religion itself, when driven by the iron heel of despo- tic power from among men, was preserved in the sanctuary of secret societies until it march ed gloriously forth to redeem the world In country ot liberty, secret societies are never to be dreaded. Numerous bodies do not band to- gether to ensave themselves or their country. Tyrants, in some form, alone stand in awe of them. But, admit that secret societies are dan gerous why except Mir. Maury from their in- Huence? In assuming that Know Nottingham Is hostile to foreign influence and Catholicism, are we blind to the fact that every foreign born citizen as we'll as every Catholic will support him? Why not, then call him the t6reign or the CattOlc candidate? But why these re- examinations? The city will be safe trusted to the administration of either of the candidates"
 Another, who opposes the order says:
 '' It is publicly charged, and by the entire mass of our community believed, that such secret society, with such purposes and tenden- ces as have been herein characterized exists and is organized among us; and that 1t has in the field its candidates for mayor for aldermen, and for common councilmen. Shall it succeed? And ii 1t does, shall our city, during the period ot It's dominion, retain the name of Washing ton? Or mustthe good among our fellow-coun- trymen all unite to strip that honorable desig- nation from Us, and condemn us to be like the organization of our rulers a thing without name
 '' Let each good man do all a good mans duty, and vote for no man who is not above all suspicion of connection with any secret politi- cal society whatever, who will hold and holds himself unfettered by any pledge but that oath which the law prescribes, which is lawfully to execute the duties of his office to the best of his skill and judgment, aoiaom .tauor or portia- My.'"
 Such a man is the mayor whom we now have and whose name is before Us as candidate for reelection; on such ground and on no other he has stood and stands.
 The Cnion also, devotes large space in its columns to the subject of this new political or der, speaking of it as " the old imposter with new name.' Here IS sample of the editors feelings and sentiments:
 "The Know-N othing' party is really know nothing party If 1t expects to maintain itself upon such platform as that we have referred to. Our word for 1t, its leaders, who happen to be anti Catholic, will oftener see the inside of tevern than a church, and are quite ready to let foreigners vote if they will vote on their side promising to them if they will, all the offices which the KnowN othing' philosophy prima- rlly refuses to them. Let us narrow this idea to a single neighborhood. Take Catholic fa- miy, for instance: what man, whether native or foreign born, would see that family, doubt less as we'll behaved and as well-sustaifed as his own, degraded into an inferior? What man would not repel, with high scorn the idea of suspecting that family? What man would be- state to take that neighbor by the hand, and invite him to his house? The bigot might, and the fool might, Ebut not asensble and right minded man.
 Again:
 "The fact is, the name of the new party is a good one. It signifies short career and ri- diculous end. Men cannot overturn govern ments in these days by a joke. Politics is too serious to be managed by partisans with paint ed faces and silly catch words. An American citizen leaves secresy to despotism, and para phernalia to the stage. Know IN othing' may suit the rowdies of great city, who insult the Sabbath with their drunken orgies and make the night hideous with their revels; but it is badge that true man will fling from him with contempt We cheapen our privileges by such follies, and help our foes to laugh at us by these crude schemes, meaning nothing but prescription, and every thing but patriotism and common sense."