Washington sentinel. [volume] (Washington [D.C.]) 1853-1855, 1854-06-16
A NEW PARTY.

| We are much gratihed to see from our ex-
changes that know-knothingis finds but little
favor with the regular press of the country.
1t appears before the country under circum-
stances of such strong suspicion, it seems to
be such confused tumble Of illassorted and
variant materials it comes cloaked and masked
in so thieflike manner, and assumes so
wretched name, that it is beginning to excite
distrust, dislike, and even horror, among the
thoughtful people Of the country. To give up
one of the known, respectable, and established
parties for thing that is new, uncertain, mys-
FERROUS, and to say the least Of it, Of doubtful
character, is like terminating existence in this
world, and relinquishing all its pleasures and
all its certainties, to tempt the unknown and I'M
tried realities of the next life.
We are glad TO see that most Of the southern
journals are denouncing that secret political
organization, and warning their readers against
its snaress' and its Establishments. How any
intelligent, thoughtful, and cautious man can
join any secret political organization, we can
not comprehend. If any new political truth
has been discovered, why should it be hid nm
der bushel. Like the sun, it should shine on
all alike If replete with virtue, power, and
happiness, its blessings, instead of being con
fined, should be diffused If it has any new
lights, it should hang them out. If it pur-
poses the accomplishment of a great political
object, it should make that object known. n
Why should it surround itself with darkness
and veil itself in mystery?
Be its objects what they may, it comes in
such questionable shape, that the people who
have fixed and an honest political creed de-
mand to see it, to speak TO it, to know it. before
they can trust it. A secret political society,
with good principles and good objects, if such
thing can be conceived, would be unworthy
of respect; for the means resorted to for its
extension would be unworthy means.
1t sayours too much of treasons, stratagems,
and spoils. 1t looks too much like dark and
traitorous conspiracy. 1t is the first time that
a secret political society has attempted in this
country to seize upon the reins of government.
The founders, sages and patriots of the republic
were hostile, irreconcilably hostile to such or
CARNATIONS, and the statesmen Of the present
day are alike hostile to them.
When a man is invested by the laws of the
country with the honorable rights of American
citizenship, he should 60 up to the polls and
cast his vote as citizen, and not as member
of secret order. He has no political rights
in virtue of his membership of such an order
We lament that in this happy country, SO large
number Of men should agree to build up a
secret society and make it superior to the well
defined creeds of known parties, and superior
to the laws of the land. If such society
should be founded by the greatest man in the
nation, if Washington himself were its founder,
we would regard it as dangerous and worthy
of condemnation. But when it is born in OBJ
security; when it is said to be the conception Of
a man of little merit, no distinction, and i'll.
fame-for so it is said-it deserves, no matter
who may have been entrapped into it, the un.
qualified condemnation of the country.
We cannot Witness with patience, this in
sidious attempt to break down the democratic
party of the. country. That party has time and
again triumphed over open enemies on a fair
field. 1t has now to crush secret and insidi.
GUS foe.