Washington sentinel. [volume] (City of Washington [D.C.]) 1853-1856, 1855-06-09
Letter of Hon. VIM. Preston, of Kentucky.
LOUISVILLE, June / 1855.


LOUISVILLE, June ], 1855.
To the Editors ofthe Daily Louisville Times:
GENTLEMEN: Many friends, irrespective of
party, knowing my views to be opposed TO the
organization and policy of the Know -nothings,
have warmly urged me to become a candidate for
reelection TO Congress from this district. i have
stated that would consider the proposition and
give them an answer by the LIST of June. After
reflection upon the subject do not think | am
the appropriate person to make the canvass, and
therefore decline the invitation.
The old Wing party by which was elected IS
disbanded. new organization, which proposes
to introduce questions of religious belief as critic
rions for office, and to repeal the naturalization
laws under which we have lived from the begin
ming of our government, with the single excep-
ton of the federal nterregnum under Adams
when they were extended TO fourteen years, has
arrayed itself in the field Of politics. In addition
we find that the new party maintains ominous
silence in relation to the rights Of the Southern
States, which should fill every patriotic heart
with fear. have ever been, and yet am, infexi-
bly, opposed to such principles.
The regularly-nominated Democratic ticket is
the only opponent in the field against this new
party. 1t is clear that il cannot achieve success
unless, as in Virginia, by the aid Of honest and
fearless Southern Wings, who will not be alb
sorbed in secret fraternites, and who desire no
ambiguous alliance with Northern Know moth
ings. Their aid has given the first check to this
new party and annihilated its prestige Of victory
But, with these facts before Us, il cannot be con-
cenled that the main body of the opponents ofthe
Know-nothngs is composed of Democrats II is
natural they should desire their candidate not
only to be the representative Of their sentiments
upon these topics, in opposition 10 the Know
nothings, but also to coincide with them upon
the general policy Of the Democratic party, and
TO yield acquiescence upon the issues OF the past.
4 4. al.
as the terms of support but have heard il sug-
gested requisite TO concentrate the full energy
Of opposition. Indeed, it has been ntimated that
an acquiescence in the policy Of the Democratic
Administration might be necessary to give force
and conference TO the movement. Standing in the
attitude occupy, ! could only consent to make
tho race as an independent candidate; free from
all pledges whatever.
For these reasons, am convinced that, in order
TO achieve success and combine the party, il is
better for the democracy to select candidate
from their own ranks, and ntrust TO him the
advocacy Of their cause For my own part my
belief is decided that the know-nothing movement
is as transient as its growth has been sudden. As
between the democracy and itself my choice is
quickly made; but feel that best consult nv
own dignity, and relieve myself from all suspi-
cons Of unworthy motives, il, at the same time
that frankly avow my determination to support
the principles Of the party, decline its honors.
All that ask is the privilege TO sustain by my
vote the wise, great, and noby liberal principles
upon which know the republic is founded, and
by the faithful observance of which am pro-
foundly conscious the social repose and political
prosperity Of the nation can alone be secured.
Permit me to return my heartfelt thanks TO
those friends, both wing and democrats, who have
SO generally offered to give me their warm sup
port. remain, with respect,
w. PRESTON.