The true Democrat., 1855-05-29

fore the people as candidate for their suffrage: with my principles in my pocket. It has beer the pride of my life heretofore, not only te make known fully and freely my sentiments upon all questions of public policy, but in win. dlcatlon of those sentiments thus avowed tc meet any antagonists arrayed against them, in open and manly strife" face to face and toe to toe." From this rule of action, by which have up to this time been governed, shall ne- yer depart. But you ask me what are my opi- nlons and views of this new party called know nothlngs, with request that you be permitted ta publish them My opinions and views thus solicited shall be given most cheerfully, and as fully and clearly as my time under the pressure of business, will allow. You can do with them as you please publish them or not, as you like. They are the views of private citizen. am at present, to all intents and purposes whatso- ever, literally one of the people. 1 hold no oftlce nor seek any, and as one of the people shall speak to you and them on this, and on all occasions, with that frankness and indepen- dence which 1t becomes freeman to bear to- wards his fellows. And in giving my views of "know nothingsm,'' ought, perhaps, to pre- mise by saying, and saying most truly, that really know nothing" about the principles, aims or objects of the party am about to speak oi-they are all kept secret they are held in the dark--being communicated and made known only to the initiated, and not to those until af- ter being first duly pledged and sworn. This, to me, Is very great objection to the whole organizason. All political principles, which are sought to be carried out in legislation by any body or set of men in republic, in my opinion, ought to be openly avowcd and pub- licly proclaimed. Truth never shuns the light or shrinks from investigation-or at least it ought never to do it. Hiding places or secret coverts are natural resorts for error. It is. therefore, circumstance quite sufficient to ex- cite suspicion against the truth to see it pursu- ing such course. And in republics, where free discussion and full investigation, by vrtuous and intelligent people, is allowed, there never can De any just grounds to fear any danger even from the greatest errors either in religion or po- ltics All questions, therefore, relating to the government of a free people, ought to be made known, clearly understood, fully discussed, and understandlngly acted upon. Indeed, do not believe that republican government can last long, where this is not the case. In my op- nlon, no man is fit to represent free people who has any private or secret objects, or aims, that he does not openly avow, or who is not req dv and willing, at all times, when required or asked, candidly and truthfully, to exclaim to the assembled multitude not only his principles, but his views and sentiments upon all questions that may come before him in his representative capacity. It was on this basis that representa- tive government was fouhded aud on this alone can t he maintained in purity and safety. And if any secret party shall ever be so far success full ln this country as to bring the government aud its departments and functions under the banetul influence of it's control and power, po- lItical ruin will inevitably ensue. No truth in politics can be more easily and firmly establish el either by re,son or from history, upon prilI- cp!e or authority, than this. These are my opinions, candidly expressed.