Washington sentinel. [volume] (City of Washington [D.C.]) 1853-1856, 1855-04-05
PENNsYLyANIA DEMOCRACY VS.. THE
ALLIED FORCES, UNITED UNDER
THE KNOW-NOTHING BANNER.

: Buntline know-nothingism" was first hoisted |
in Pennsylvania at State election last Octo-
Der. The Know-nothing faction, like Anti
Native Americanism, Freesoilism,
and every other faction that has ever sprung
into existence in that and other States, has
been the recognized and acknowledged off
spring Of the old Federal Wing party. The
names and guises under which they were
created, were insufficient to disguise their pa
rentage. This last banting, however, to which
the mother party gave birth, has become an
unruly and dlsobedient child. Before com
plotting the first year of its age, it has, in the
most unnatural manner, thrown off its leading
strings, and gone into political trade on its
own hook. Anti-Masonry, Freesoilism, and
Nativeism, were docile and obedient children.
Whenever called upon by mother Whiggery to
march under her banner in opposition to her
ancient adversary, the DEMoCRAcY-the open
enemy Of all factions and unprincipled cliques
they have responded cheerfuly, and obeyed
the command without murmur. But not so
with the Bunting Know-nothings- have
made Whiggery, with all its progeny of previous
begetting, come at once under their lead, or
submit to their terms of forming an alliance for
the purpose of breaking down the Democratic
party. So far, the union of these dscordant
materials, effected by the management of cum
ming and unprincipled leaders, has been sue
cessful in the several State elections where the
fusion has been complete. But present indi
cations, perceptible in every quarter of the
country, show that its race is nearly run-ts
fate is being sealed, by the fatal marks left
upon its proceedings after victory is obtained.
Its tricks of jugglery cannot deceive the peo
ple-the honest masses who have been be-
trayed into its foul embrace second time
and like the locusts sent from Egypt to plague
and injure US for season, the unprincipled
leaders will pass out of existence, either by be-
ing devoured by chickens, or some other
equally easy mode of determination.
We commenced this article, however, with
the exclusive object of calling attention to the
gallant the Spartan little band of Democrats
in the Pennsylvania Legislature. 1t will be
recollected that, at the State election last Oc-
tober, the "allies," composed of Wings, Know
nothings, and Freesoilers, succeeded in electing
a Governor, and large majority Of members
to the Legislature. The leaders of the differ.
ent factions shufled and played their cards
very adroitly to secure the main object they
had in view-the defeat Of the DEMOCRATIC
party-the only party no,c an the country that
openly md boldly denouaces tie ne,o "secret
fraternity" and stands upon its old platform
Of principles. 1t disclaims and repudiates all
connection with either of the factions now
banding together for the purpose of engender-
ing hate and jealousy between the different Sec
tons of the Union, and of inficting a fatal
wound upon the integrity and vitality of the
Constitution whilst, on the other hand, the
once respectable and respected old Wing party,
either openly holds these creatures of its own
nursing, closely clasped in its embrace, or Sc
cretly gives them aid and encouragement in
accomplishing the overthrow of their country's
institutions.
The Democratic party of Pennsylvania held
its convention on the 4th of March, as usual,
to put in nomination candidates for the
several State offices. That convention NOM
mated candidates for Governor, Judge of
the Supreme Court, and Canal Commits
sioner. The Wing party next met in con-
vention, and nominated candidates for the
same Offices. Next came the Know nothing
nominations from the "secret tribunal" of the
Order, and its candidates were announced In
the first place, they took the Wing nominee,
James Pollock, for Governor. This was done
to defeat Governor Bigler, aud through that
defeat dsorganize the Democratic party. Then
came their selection of candidate for Canal
Commissioner; and the Democrats, who had
been invegled into the fraternity, became
FESTIVE, and demanded some portion of the
offices. 1t was necessary to keep those re-
fractory spirits in the harness, and now was
the propitious time to accomplish it. Mr.
Darsie was Of foreign birth and Catholic.
Henry S. Mott, the Democratic candidate was
obnoxious in neither of these respects; and
was, besides, one Of the most popular Demo.
Gratis in the State. He was, therefore, agreed
upon as the candidate to be supported for
Canal Commissioner by the Know-nothing
party-and the threatened secession Of the
Democrats, who had joined it, was prevented.
The other State officer to be disposed Of was
Judge of the Supreme Court, and a new man
was selected--he was candidate on neither
of the other tickets.
Under these arrangements and auspices the
contest was conducted at the election in Penn
sylvania, on the second Tuesday Of October
last. Pollock, who had the Wing and Know
nothing nomination for Governor, beat his op.
ponent by majority of something over thirty
thousand-but Bigler, the Democratic candi-
date, supported by that party alone, received
upwards Of one hundred and sirtyseren thou
sand rotesi whilst, on the other hand, Darsie
the Wing candidate for Canal Commissioner,
and supported by that party alone, only