Semi-weekly standard. [volume] (Raleigh, N.C.) 1853-18??, 1855-07-25

have been opposed to the flowing tide of immigra-
ton to our country long as Mr.. Reade has, if not
lonoer: and have always, whenever had an oppor-
tI1nitv-both before this canvass opened and since
so declared myself But don't believe that Know
Nothing organizations arc necessary to check it
That will be better done by better mcn-or at least
bv as good are to be found in the secret party.
MI Rcade in the manner in which he attempts to
account for the origin of his party, derogates from
the character of people. He says that for long
time the two old parties had possession of the coun-
try and each bid for the foreign VOTE courted the
foreigners; and so perfectly led by their lead
ers that his party had to originate in secret
They nominated and swore to vote for and elect their
candidates, and did so; and the old party leaders
were astonshed and the people delighted.
Is it possible that Mr.. Reade believes that our
pcople have so little love of country as to and
fectthat there is evil to the country, and yet will
not have the braCery to face that evil openly and
correct it? Are the people all such poltroons as
this implies? This may do for excuse for Know
Nothingism, and may satisfy member of the order;
but think all who are not sworn to submit to the
bcest of a secret council, will be inclined to repe
This as an insult to the American people.
If the Know Nothings are the only hope of our
country then indeed are we in circumstances of un-
utterable despair. With Southern men, united in
close utilization with the fanatca host of Know Moth
inrs North-agreeing to differ upon the subject of
slavcry-the great important one to uS-and stand
torethcr upon all other things, what must be the
consequences to us, should they be successful
though the Northern majority should abolish slavery
in the District of Columbia, and in the territories,
and every where else where Congress has or may be
supposed to have jurisdiction and should refuse to
admit any other saye State into the Union-why
the Southern Know Nothings are oath-hOund and
could only enter their protest The party has
agreed 10 disagree upon the subject of slavery, and
not one of them could without violating his faith to
his Northern allies, do any thing more for the South
than simply to enter his protest.
am an ardent friend of this Union. It can, how
ever only be preserved by observing with strict
fidelity the guarantees of the Constitution. All other
attempts are vain. Let the South be united and all
will be well. We have the Constitution side,
and "thrice is he armed who hath his quarrel just"
We were we'll nigh united until at the North Know
NothngiSn arose, and extended to the South, under
the auspices of disappointed politicians of both par
ties Shall yield to its demands? As q Wing
can never tishonor the principles have so lOngpro
fesscd as TO do it. AS an American citizen, proud of
my native land and anxious TO promote its interest
and establish its true glory l will never unite with
n party which is based upon principles and profess
sions at war with all the maXims of republican lib
erty. have always been proud to believe that the
Wing party a conservative party. This has
constituted its chief attraction for me- But when it
desccnds to appeals to the most unworthy passions
aid prejudces of mankind in order to obtain sue
cess feel an ineXpressible modification and deep
sense of shame. Fifteen years ago, and who could
have supposed that leading members of the Wing
party would be found countenancing religious into
crance!
Alas! loT lily parry It's EIiuC Hdo SOhe oy'
When Gen. Scott a candidate for President,
and our own distinguished statesman, Graham, for
Vice President, the former in public speech, ex-
pressed his fonlness for the" rich Irish brogue, and
the sweet German accent. MIR. Reade found no
fault of him then for that. It all well enough
that he had sent his daughter to nunncry, as it
was said, and pious fears arose in Mr.. Readc's
breast foE the safety of the protestant religion
But 10!
"a change has come over the spirit of his dream"
ba 1ool,inO IN nj a
that nti3ht promote him. All was well-not word
was heard against Roman Catholics or foreigners
from his most patriotic ind disinterested lips. But
now if stars and diadenls do not-I seGt-in Con-
qress doeS-glitter before his mind and he seeks to
avail himself OF what he often says is the prevailing
feeling of the times-to ride into Congress though
it he over the fragments of broken Constitution,
which provides that religious test shall ever be
reqlired as a qualification for any Office or public
trust under the U. States" Well, if such be the
temper of the times" it is greatly to be deplored;
but those who prefer to be right rather than to be
successful should not and will not, waver in their
devotion to principle.
In the Convention of 1885, which amended our
State Constitution, the venerable patriarch Macon,
when discussing this Gerry question of religious tOt
Grafton in regard to Catholics used this language
"Fears seem to be entertained that the Catholics
will oYer-run this country. They may do it, but
do not think it half as probable as that mouse aciU
Kill buffalo Let them come when they will"
Mr. Macon said "and will lay wager that the Pro-
testants convert ta0O to the Catholics one And in
the same speech he also said: s. There are times
when a If true patriot, must stake himself
for the good of his country. The present is cri-
Sis OF that Eind."
The crisis Of which Macon spoke has returned
upon u.s. with all its dangers augmented by the fact
thaits National in its influence, whereas it was
then merely local. Shall true republicans falter be-
of the threatening aspect of the danger? On
the contrary they should be the frner in proper
ton danger increases. And though defeat shall
orertake them if they be candidates for public hon
ors-yet let them remember, that,
&c When madness rules the hour,
And wicked bear sway,
Tie post Of Aonor is the private station.'
Very truly, your friend,