The daily union. [volume] (Washington [D.C.]) 1845-1857, 1855-09-28
nTuE VIRGINIA REPUBLICAN. J.

This Journal published at Martnsburg Virginia has
been for weeks under the editorial control of Israel
Robinson esq and each successive issue continues to i'm
press its readers with the conviction that II is of the
abest and spirited Of the democratic organs Of the
Old Dominion. The number before us Of the 22d inst is
particularly interesting and instructive The following
article upon the probable origin of knownothngism will
furnish fair idea of the spirit with which Mr. Robinson is
conducting the Republican, and will show that journal
characterized by such soundness of principles and ability
in its editorial management ought to meet liberal support
from democrats
"THE PHANTOM GANo.--Seyera different origins have
assigned to the mysterious order of know nothngs
Common opinion ascbes m paternity to the notorious Ned
untne Governor Wise thought that Dickens bad devel
oped all ts in Of his late novels the
Of which ia placed twenty ago among the coal
mines OF Old England We may therefore, be pardoned for
detailing incident that may perhaps give more honor
able origin than either of those above named.
Shortly after Canning had made his celebrated speech
the House of Commons in favor of Catholic emancipation,
Parliament dissolved and he again became candidate
for recollection for the city OF Liverpool To NIL appearance
there not up the opening Of the polls the sembance
Of opposition to him. On the first day few votes were
cast gentleman whose have forgotten, and in
opposition Mr. Canning. On the second day the number
largely increased and the third day the number of
cast for his invisible competitor exceeded that given to Mr.
Canning himself. STILL candidate but himself appeared
upon hustings although at this time clergyman pre-
ened himself upon tho stand tho representative Of the
absent nominee Mr. Canning called upon the gentleman for
whom these mysterious votes thus cast and asked
explanation Of strange phenomenon The gentleman de-
carcd his entire ignorance of the whole matter and publicly
proclaimed that he candidate. Still, silent and
mysterious throng appeared at the polls and contin
ued TO cast their ,otcs before. As tho tide of suf-
age began mAnstly to turn in favor Of Canning riots
dsgraced the city scarcely inferior in arocy to those
Gently enacted Louisve The election continued
ten twelve daysthe ordinary period of English city
election for in the House Of Commons and although
Mr. Canning returned, it by avery small majority
The snguary and mystery of the whole movement the 81
secrecy with which they operated acquired for the
opponents Of the great English statesman in that election the
name Of the Phantom Gang, which for many months
rich subject for the wit and merriment of the Liverpool
press.
Gentlemen Of the conclave! ye worshppers of the
moon followers Of the dim light of the midnight taper
ye least who versad in the historic lore Of your incom
prehensbe and sublime ORDER tell whether it is true that
you lneal descendants Of the Phantom Gang which in
1910 sought crush George Canning for his advocacy of the
great principles of civil liberty and religious toleraton