The New York herald. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1840-1920, 1855-06-14
The American Council at Philadelphia-Its
Probable Results.

Whatever may be the results of the present
discussion on the platform of the American
party, the meeting of the Convention at Phila-
| delphla musI exercise wido and potent influ-
ence on the movements Of parties between this
and the next Presidential election. It is quite
| doubtful whether this influence can be seriously
| affected by the rpsbot of the pending discus
sion on the platform. Il would probably be
felt none the less. even though the Convention
were to split asunder on the slavery question.
Whatever may be done now, the past course
and policy OF the Know Nothing body has al
ready given new direction to the political
TIDE, and it seems very unlikely that any event
can intercept its effect upon the elections of
the next two years and the Presidential contest
Of 1856.
We have already published an estimate
founded on the recent elections in Nassachu-
sets and Virginia and also on the recorded
number Of the American Councils in the seve-
raj States-whch goes to show that the number
of Know Nothing votes in the United States
falls but little short at the present time of
million and half This great number of citi-
zeDs are probably divided among from five to
six thousand separate Councils
Now these are great and important facts.
The organization, under comprehen-
sive name and with q view to the
election of President, Of such vast
body of men is fact far more important
and signifcative than all the distractions or
philosophical theories that may be incorporated
in or excluded from the platform of the party.
1t is manifest that the old whig party has al
ready disappeared from the face Of the earth
Not single wreck of its former self survives
in any of the States in any political shape
here, we have now and then galvanic twitch
from the corpse, but il only serves to bring RI
dicule on a relic Of antiquity which ought to
be respectable, and meets with no sort Of re-
spouse in any of the other States. 1t becomes,
day by day, more evident that the great con-
test in 1856 must be between the democracy,
damaged and shattered ss il has been by the
present wreiched administration, and this neH
Know Nothing party. These are the only
really antagonistic parties in the Union, and if
there is to be any contest at all it must be be-
tween them.
From this point Of view, IL is difficult 10 ex-
aggerate the Importance Of the Council at Phi
ladelphia. More important II Is certainly th an
the mass Of the community at all conceive or
imagine perhaps more so than most Of the
members themselves venture TO think. But, at
the same time, it is quite clear that the bulk of
ts Importance depends mainly on its future &C
tion for good or for evil. If it can remain
united, holding itself aloof from the extreme
men on either side, and setting before it as it's
chief end the preservation of the integrity of
the Union; and If when the proper time comes,
the party 1t represents can agree upon suita-
bic man, with enough personal popularity to
relieve the party from the whole responsibility
Of eleciing him, the chances are imminent that
IL will sweep the field in 1856, in opposition to
the democracy, recognized as It will be for
desperate fight.
Another important point or feature in the
proceedings Of the Convention at PHILADELPHIA
is the Obvious impossibility Of devisiug any
platform that will be satisfactory to the ex
trtmes Of the North aud the South on the sub
jet Of slavery. The sooner such MOTTO, is
wholly aId italy abaneo4ea W visionary, TIC