Eaton Democrat. [volume] (Eaton, Ohio) 1843-1856, 1854-07-20
s.crst politioll orr.ni,atipn,.

they transpire, and give indication Of the fu-
ture, is undetermined whether the most dan
ger is'h be apprehended from those of our
adopted citizens who worship as Catholics, or
Romans, if you please, or those of our o,cn
citizens, who have banded together and de-
light in the name of "Knotp N~OthIngs" 1t is
undoubtedly the right OF every citizen Of the
United States 10 join, OF. become a member
Of any organization he may choose, provided
such society has not for IFS aims and ends, OBJ
jects contrary to the letter and spirit OF the
Constitution Of the confsderacy, or, the GEM
us Of our republican institutions or form Of
government. We %apprehend no danger to our
institutions from this secret political o~rganiza-
ton, so long Os it remains comparatively pure,
but, bad men and designing ones, may enter
IFS sanctuary, and having sworn secret accom-
plices, may pespetrate outroges more 10 be
deprecated than Romanism could inflict upon
this free and happy country. Power is cor
rupting; ambition is deeply engrofted in the
composition of most men, and few are able 10
withstand its a%llurementS. Other nations have
experienced the evils Of secret political or
CARNATIONS, the members of which, while
crying "Preserve the Constitution and Laws"
were trampling one under foot, and di -regar.
ding the other. May we not in these United
States, witness similar scenes? We do not
impugn the motive or intentions Of the "Know
Nothings," but, when we remember that,
"Power makes Tyrants," we are compelled
to raise our warning not against them as men,
or . society, but, TO caution all TO look we'll
TO where the principles tend, before they be-
come advocates of the doctrine. 1t is said
the members OF this organization, which is at
this time attracting so much attention through
out the country, .'KnOp Nothing!n That is,
they forget all party ties and policy, and go in
heart and hand, for an American code oflaws,
such as they imagine the wants ard necessi-
ties of the country at this time demand
They make no avowal of intention for the
public eye-all their movements are silent and
secret as the grave, yet powerful to The over
turning Of principalities and powers. Ii this
society in itsinfancy, is so potent in the pc
litical contests of our country, what willNit
he when grown to manhood and strengthened
by years? If it is nOo powerful for good. as
claimed by its members, how irresistible for
emil may be its future influence, if unfortu-
nately its principles and designs should be
perverted by designing, bad men? These are
considerations which should present them
selves 10 every man, before he assumes the
new character and responsibilities OF a"Know
Nothing" and having satisfactorily answered
them to his country, his conscience and his
God, he is at perfect liberty 10 act as seemeih
unto him good! We cannot, zee ~iA not de-
nounce men, either as individuals or a socie-
ty, about whom we "know n~othing;" but, no
American will deny us the tight and privilege
of raising our warning voice, and advising all
10 be cautious about what they do.
We are American by birth, education and
principle, and understanding our rights and
privileges as such, shall use and apply them
as occasion demands, or, necessity requires!
Some of the objects and aims Of the "Know
Nothings,' aScribed 10 them by rumor, We
most heartily endorse and hope 10 see carried
into full operation, others, made public by the
same old dame, we despise and reject as being
anti republican, opposed TO the Constitution
of the United States, and in direct violation
OF the letter anil spirit of the Declaration OF
Independence! But. we must confess, fur
Their than the report of Madame Rumor, con-
corning them, we "KnOw Nothing" If any
individual will furnish US with code Of pin
ciples advocated by ihem-the platform they
as a society acknowledge, or, inform us posi-
tiuely of the true object OF the association, we
may be able to take a decided stand for or
against them, but, it is hard for a man to
wife upon a subject about which he knows
nothing.
If opposition 10 the Catholics as a religious
sect, is one of the cardinal principles of their
faith, we are opposed 10 them. We know
that! If opposition 70 extending the rights Of
citizenship to foreigners, is one of their prin,
cipleS, we are opposed TO them. We know
that! If opposition to Naturalization laws,
based upon q just and fair basis, is one OIL
the tenets in their creed, we are opposed to
them! If The prevention OF emigration 10 oul
shores by the oppressed and down-trodden oil
other nations, is one of the objects of theiI
organization, we are opposed 10 them! With
these remarks upon The subject, we throw oul
columns open TO any n snxious TO "piteI
into" "Know NothiEgism" in a genteel nan
ner, or, discuss the matters concerning it,
about which he knows! If this new secre'
organization joins jiblets with any or all par.
ties, for the purpose Of securing office, we are
opposed to il! We stand upon the Democrat
ic Republican doctrine that, all men have /;
right 10 worship God as they choose, ant
should not be prescribed because of their re
ligious opinions. Perhaps, when furthe
light may be shed upon this "Know Nothing
organization, we may be with them, perhap.
opposed! In the mean time, we give as on
advice TO all Democrats, and every body else
but Democrats particularly, "look well befor,
you leap!" Be sure You are right before you