Democrat and sentinel. [volume] (Ebensburg, Pa.) 1853-1866, 1855-05-23
The Past and the Present.

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The Past and the Present.
1t is certainly to be regretted that few Of the
Apostles of Know Nothingism, such as Simon
Cameron, Joseph Hiss. Judge Baird, and choice
selection of the young patriots who have been re-
Gently appointed Aid-de-Camps to his Excellency
with the rank of Colonel, were not in existence
during the early days of the Republic They
would doubtless have done mnch towards enlight-
ening the old fogy statesmen Of that period. by
convincing them of the absurdity of several foolish
notions, such as that religion is affair between
each individual conscience and God, superior to
all political institutions, and independent of them,
which they regarded as eternal truths. 1t is also
highly probable, they would have prevented by
timely interference, several fatal blunders in the
organization of the government, which, according
to recent discoveries have been the ireful spring
of woes unnumbered" to this country, and well
nigh brought it to the verge of ruin. Of course
they would have at once appriscd the American
people of the dangers to be apprehended from
foreign and Catholic influence, and Patrick Henry
would have been properly rebuked for uttering
the following sentiments in addressing his fellow
countrymen /" Encourage emigration, make this
world of promise the home of the Industrious, the
enterprising, the skillful, and the happy, well
as the asylum of the distressed, fill up the measure
of your population speedily as you can, by the
means which Heaven has placed in your power.
and venture to prophecy there are those noa0 lir-
ing ,rho ,cu see this farored land among tie most
po,oeyfM on eara.n
If they had been about during the memorable
era Of l776, they would have at once perceived
that George III was an excellent Know-Nothing,
inasmuch as he had given several convincing
proofs that he was narrow minded bigot. and
" endeavored to prevent the population Of these
States. for that purpose obstructing the laws for
naturalization Of foreigners and refusing to pass
others to encourage their migration hither )" and
as in duty bound they would Of course have set to
work to prevent the Declaration of Independence.
It is little doubtful however, whether their ef-
forts would have been crowned with success, but
they would doubtless have received much valua-
Bile assistance from one Benedict Arnold, " no is
generally regarded as the first live Know-Nothing
patriot cur country ever produced, but who was
born just century too to be properly ap-
preciated.
But perhaps our readers may think we have
been ranging long enough in the regions Of Fogy-
dom, and we shall therefore emerge at once into
the light Of this glorious nineteenth century.
We are instantly edited with the glorious princi
piles of bigotry and intolerance, which we hear
openly proclaimed on every hand our attention is
Immediately arrested by the formidable prepara-
tions which are being made to resist the invasion
Of this country by the Pope Of Rome and all his
hosts, which is expected to come of shortly, and
the meekness and humility with which certain
newly appointed Abide Camps, bear their blush
ing honors, excite our unbounded admiration, and
compel us involuntarily to exclaim, this ever
glorious nineteenth century!
We have few words to say in conclusion to
those who are satisfied with the Constitution as it
exists, who revere the teachings of the early fa-
thers Of the Republic, and who are now rallying
under the standard of Democracy, determined to
make another effort in defence Of the principles of
Jefferson and Madison Beware of traitors in
Jour own ranks, of men who a few months ago
posted off to Harrisburg, and labored ,ong and
zsalously to secure the election Of Know Nothing
as United States Senator, thereby endorsing pin
eiples which if carried out, would render them
and large number OF their fellow citizens out
casts in the land. It is true these now,
if we may believe their professions, the pure and
immaculate disciples Of Democracy, but at the.
present time, when treschefJ is She order of the
day, no man should be recognized as worthy of
your support, who is not as far as regards Know
Noshisgism at least, pure and above suspicion.