Washington telegraph., 1855-05-23
Observation-Disclosures it is mot.

we publish on our hrst page an ably
written article from the editorial columns
Of the Austin tTexaS State Times. a
leading Democratic Journal. vindicating the
American or Know Nothing party, from the
charge so frequently and gratuitously made
by many Southern Democratic papers, that it
is nothing more nor less than the "Wbig par
ty in disguise" The writer oe the article
to which we refer. and which we copy in
confutation of the charge referred to. is a
prominent Democrat, and is. or recently
was. the Chairman of the Democratic State
Central Committee of Texas His testi-
mony. therefore, is entitled to the respect
ful consideration of the party to which he
belopgs-at least as far as it relates to
the charge that the American party is
composed altogether of Wings, OF oe Wings.
Aboli.ionists. and disaffected or tender-foot-
ed Democrats The editor of the State
Times is not the only Southern Democrat
who bears testimony to the falsity of this
charge: there are many others who enter
tain and express similar views. although
We are bound to admi. that majority of
the Southern Democratic press continue
to reiterate the charge. groundlcss as it
has been proven to be. by Wings as well
as Democrats
In many portions of the South. where
the Democrats have always been in the
majority. the Know -Nothings have triumph
ed in the recent elections for municipal
officers: and it is confidently asserted that
majority of the old Democratic party
have seen SAN" were pleased with his
appearance. and became his followers
In New York. too. it is stated, as a fact
not to be successfully controverted. that
! toe sound conservative Democrats
who. in former political struggles. were
denominated 'Hards,'' have united with
the American Party in that State. and
now constitute very respectable portion
of it. In the most Democratic portion Of
Alabama. "SAM" appears to be gaining
ground rapidly. if we may judge BY the
following lamentation of the editor of the
Florence Gazette lie writes most de-
spairingly upon the subject. as follows:
ave have said but little this week edito
rally upon the subject of Know -Nothingism
Unaided. single handed. and alone, we can
not combat a leprosy which seems to scou-ge
all classes Of the community Every patri-
OF and lover of political and religious liber-
ty ought TO combine and drive this m;asma
from the land. We Will join any combina-
| ton. any party, any faction, to accomplish
such a holy work but we cannot 6ght
monster when even friends are deser,ing-
the faint and cowardly becoming sick-heait-
ed. and the time-serving ofice-seeker is Civ
ing in to the heresy simply because it is be-
coming popular"
Is it not evident from the above, that
| the prophet SAN" is making rapid
inroads upon the editors party in and
abou. Florence and as it is in Alabama.
so it appears .o be in the other Southern
States.
We stated that we had Wb;g as well
as Democratic testimony to prove that the
| American party was not the 'old Whig
party in disguise" One case in particular,
ne find in the american Organ. of the
9TH instant. Il appears from the Organ
that Thomas j. NICHE. Esq. Of Virginia.
prominent Wing. and gentleman Of
ability. induced By the reiterated assuran-
ces of the Washington Union. the Rich
mond Enquirer. and other Democratic "a
pers. to believe that the American party
was the Wing party in new dress. made
SANS" acquaintance. but was disappoins-
ed in not finding it Whig concern, as
be was led to obelieve-abandoned the or
ganizaiion. and joined the WISE faction in
a crusade against it. In his letter declar
ing his inability to address the Democrat
ic Association Of Richmond, Mr.. MIculE
says
"As have been Whig only say for me
TO my old Whig friends that have locked
carefully under the cloak of Know Il othng-
ism. have lifted with daring hand the veil
that covered the face Of the Prophet Sam,
and satisfied myself that It is not Whiggery.
as / had always understood it. and as l
knew it was understood and professed by
thousands of honest and patriotic men, but
anonsfrnna. horrenduna. informi. ingcns.
cui lunaen redemptnm.'
The conclusion of Mr.. MIcHIE's letter
vas doubtless intended to leave the impress
| sion that "SAM" was horrid fellow Der
feet raw head and bloody boncs.'' bat as
the Organ begs. entreats. and cares Mr.
Mas be hasseen "SAM" in his true colors.
to come on: and expose the true principles
and real objects of the order. we must con-
clude that the taii Of his letter was tackled