Republican vindicator. [volume] (Staunton, Va.) 1849-1857, 1855-03-10
To Messrs. J.B. Anderson, w. Mccoy,
Eef &c

I have this moment had my attention called to the
proceedings of meeting he'd in the county Of PEN
dence with INSTRUCTIONS to ask of me written ex-
precision ofmy sentiments in relation to secret poti
cal organizations generally, and that one popularity
called the 'Know Nothing" III particular. -
Your right to demand an enunciation of opiuon
from those seeking, your confidence is clear and
questionable, and their duty to respond frankly
equally so, otherwise our representative principle is
but farce
shall proceed at once to answer the questions
asked. without troubling you with labored argu-
nent in support of the conclusion to which my own
judgment has arrived. To the first question.
view all secret political organizations as at war
with the principles of Representative Government
and dangerous to the liberties OF free people The
vicious shielded by oath bound secresy will be en-
boidened to do that which the most reckless would
not dare to couutenanec in open day, where public
investigation would expose their evil designs, and
popular indignation scourge the offenders. Gov
eminent is social compact between all its members
it is the common property of ALL and created for the
protection alike OF all.
The organization that undertakes by .coercive
means or secret devices to ctntroi the judgement of
any one OF its members, sought to be viewed with
dstrust in politics. Corruption and profliraey seek
privacy; virtue, truth, and justice, publicity, To
your other question.
have already stated in public card that do
not approve ofthe Know Nothing organization, ms
it is commonly called The objections above stated
apply to this new political organization.
five judge the tree BY its fruits or men by their
acts so far as this party is concerned, the patriot
has all to deplore and nothing to approve. In the
North where they are omnpotent, they havei in eve
ry instance immolated the national men who re-
we're the constitution and the Union, and raised to
power sectional denasogues, notorious only for
their political profigacy. -a=#ss#.
Massachusetts once gave to the Union Webster
and an Everett, whose colossal power shield to
the Union. In their stead we have Sumner and a
Wilson. "How have the mighty fallen" For
Shields, We have Turnbu and for Dodge q
Harlan.
This, srs, is the work of this secret order that
comes to us with peace upou its tongue, aud asks
Democrats and Wings to forget the glorious past
ana Ion them IN their crusade against the and
measures which have made our country what it is
VI all the political organizations that have existed
in this country. take this to be the most danger
Gus. They shun discussion and cover their designs
by oath bound secrcsy. The majority bind. the
minority in claims of slavery; they have no political
freedom but are sworn to execute the orders as Civ
en- by the council. Reason, argument, truth. right
and justice are alike hushed in silence beneath the
heel of this secret yrant. Patriotism long and ell
cient services, correct political and religious prnci-
PIES have proved to be otccticn against its pro-
scrlptlye appetite on the one handn has abolition
Ism, religious intolerance, agraTianism hiyher iau
ism, consolidation, any other ism in the North
been found disqualification for membership In
ts order is found white and black spirits, all col
ois and every shade OF opinion with but senti-
ment in common, and that to crush the great
conservative State Rights Democratic party, that
they may get the loaves and fishes let ther victcry
cost what it may to the Union and to the South H..
This is no time for political secrets in Virginia or
the South. The North with its isms is threatening
your dearest interest. Their emissares are in our
own midst neryed by secret pledges to their persO-
nal protection. Have not seen their hired seris
ioiowng Henry \. Wise through the State, tradu-
cling his spotless character and misrepresenting his
warning appears to his loved Virginia and she South.
In New York. that political BABY Ion, the council
has dared to teach Virginians their duty Virgin
ia. Let Nirginians beware; let them come out in
open day and rebake the ipsoept attempts Of North
e q dctatien. Say to the political leper, cleanse
thysei. ' a
The clamor sought to be raised against our nat
uraiization laws is hardly worth exposure. Under
the law as 1t exists, paupers and criminals are de-
med admission inio our country. foreigner, to
become citizen, must prove good character in
open court. lie, under oath, is required to renounce
ms allegiance to every other government, andswears
Allegiance to ours. This legal oath ought to be
satisfactory to the Nnow Nothngs if they attach any
virtue to their own, which is unknown to our laws
In our past history, has not the naturalizcd citizen
aided ustrc to its pages. The names Of many are
immortal, and dear to the American heast.
Religious prescription, as is now sought to be in
PRODUCED into this country, is Of all innoy aons the
most alarming Ii successful, it is the death kneIi
OF human liberty and religious purity. When beuii
where, ask, will it end. 1t first takes hold OF the
weak, which whets the appetite for larger game
Crush out the Catholic sect, which will be the next
in turn? The dark nutterings in pamphlet from
OF its members at the North, is now directed a.
gainst the Methodist church. And let me ask what
guarantee have they 1.-THE Methodiss.) for protee-
tionthat does not extend to the catholic church also
--nnne--N Ill Nifgidia, the birth place OF religious
liberty prove false to herself? Will Christians for
getul OF their holy privileges, their high mission,
countenanee an order that seeks plant thorns in
their path and Dragons teeth in the church? VIII
Democrats iorsake their Party and its principles
pineiries that have stood the test OF tiinc-prnci-
pies that have made your country great aad glori-
ous-principics that have lushed and busied
the neutrality-suspicious. that alone save the
Union and the South surely not. .@
lwillsay in conclusion, that am prepared for any
sacriiics to psrp.tuate those great principles as
they now exist. Yours truly.
GEORGE 4. 'BENEALE