Richmond daily Whig. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1842-1861, 1854-12-13
IN, Dtn.er.ts and th. kuow.Nothlnss.

The Democrats and the Know-Nothlngs.
We were greatly gratifed. during our absence from
the city, TO observe what considered unmlstakeab!t
indications Of change Of policy on the part ct ouI
neghbor Of the Enquirer towards the Know No.hings
He had repeatedly denounced and abused them in the
most savage and tenacious terms-even going SO far
occasion. as tn caution the public against them
very little, il any. better than Pck.pocke's and as
sissns What establishment then, what GU.
agreeable SURPRISE when. on one fine morning las
week, opened the Enquirer, and :here found most
and affecting appeal to these vicious and dsre-
puiable fellows to up to the support OF Mr. Wise
and his two comely and beautiful tails. We could
scarcely credit the evidences Of own senses-and,
like the Abingdon Democrat in regard to the En9u
rers "martsl law" edict, had to look at lis COL
umns again and again, TO whether we were actual
ly perusng the Richmond Enqu an out-and out
Know Nothing journal. The question. at first blush
was exceedingly difficult Of decson-but we soon be-
came satisfied that the object Of nee hbors appeal
much to eiract its offensive denuncatlon OF
the Know Nothngs an order, as to win back those
Democrats who had connected themselves with it, and
TO engage them in the service Of its renegade Wing
ticket. We cannot comprehend yet, however, how
the Enquirer consent to affiliate with those oil It's
own party, who have ever belonged TO or sympahzed
with the Know Nothing organization. For, If they
should give heed to the Eaquers appeal and public.
ly disavow all further connection with this mysterious
association they will hereafter be known to the world
if neighbours notions concerning them correct.
simply as reformed pick-pockets. And. surely, our
neighfor agree hold personal political
fellow ship with such men.
But the Enquirer, will do it the justice to say
has abated nothing of its ferocity against the Know
Nothing Order. 1t still maintains that it is DANCE
and damnablc organization obno xious to every
principle Of justice and policy, and full OF the spir,
Of the worst tyranny and persecution. We are not
aware, however, that neighbor purposes to 90
the full length of its avorite chief-Mr Wise. This
"earess Tribune of tie people" has had the temerty
to a,ow, in public speech, here in r chmond, that
he would scorn to accept the Gubernatorial office
the hands of the Know Nothings. This is a very
bold outright and chivalrous position for nxiouS
candidate for Office to take and would respect
fully enquire of.our neighbour whether he fully
and cordially endorse it? We suspect he can, but
then We should like u have it under hi. own sign
manual. 1t is important, hnk that Mr.. Wise
and his peculiar friends at least, should butt each
others noodles material a point. Woul
then, the Enquirer consent that Know Nothing
snUnn nJr "ithor of it's oa"i;l.,esY Would
it sleep well of nights if it supposed that such thing
could possibly occur, under any circumstances what>
soever2 And is il the purpose Of Mr.. Wise and his
tails to scrutnze the polls the Democratic side
after the election and from them the names of
every voter suspected of being member of or SYM
pathising with, the Know Nothing Orderg
This, we submit, is an all important question. 1t
would be too cruel for Know Nothing in the libe.
raty and patriotism Of his heart to cast his vote for
the Democratic ticket then to be cut by having it
expunged right before his face and that too by the
very men whom he thus honorel The Enquirer must
these questions in the most emphatic and cate
gorca manner its candidates may lose every Know
Nothing vote in the State The consequences. in
fact, may be frigh,ful to contemplate Why, Mr..
Wise may even lose vote, for though not a Know
Nothing, we can't say with due regard to truth and
the country's interests that We would object to a
Know Nothing voting for the Wing ticket. The En-.
Iulrer, too may lose the aid Of the Richmond Wing
in the present canvass unless takes pains to satisfy
that Mr. Wise is not altogether unwilling 10 occen,
our poor services in his behalf We are still on the
fence and the perusa lately Of Mr. Wlses glorious
Louisa speech, and his eloquent Taylorsville letter
has almost brought to dead stand We can
hardly find it in our hearts to oppose man who
such glowing and passionate eulogy upon the la
mented and immortal Clay. " The union Of The
wings for The sake Of Tie Uajoa" 1t, too, yet rings
in our ears and still proudly recognise i, as the
motto and the ba, Tile shout of the gloi ious Wing
hos's IN the merry days of 40. How can we oppose
tbs bold and intrepid dcnouncer Of the ercest and
most powerful enemies the Wing party ever had p
How can we vote against n man who bearded even
the lion hearted Jackson, VINO abused Van Buren,
Polk, Woodbury., and all the great lights of the Amer.
can Democracy ? 1t is hard thing to do. and We
must really beg time for further and naturer con
sideration.
Meanwhile, we trust the Enquirer will erlighen
us upon the points referred to above, as we want
every difficulty in tie way Of our Supporting Mr..
WISE promptly removed. We shall wait patiently
for our neighbours reply The truth is, we arc in no
particular hurry. Time hangs heavily upon
US when We have at elbow the glorious W jg
spec ches Of Henry A. Wise.