Worcester daily spy. [volume] (Worcester [Mass.]) 1850-1888, 1855-02-01

For some time past there have been rumors of
an organization similar in some respects to the
Know Nothings, but based upon anti slavery
principles. The cleveland correspondent of
the National Era gives some account of this
movement in the State of Ohio. The writer
says that the equivocal character of the X.
Ms on the slavery question has created I'M
easiness in many minds ; and the proscrip-
ton of foreigners as a whole, without regard
to the question whether they are Catholics or
Protestants, is also regarded by many as I'M
just and unwise. The friends of Republican
principles in Ohio have therefore resolved to
establish an order, TO be Familiarity known as
the I" Kpow Something's" The following is
given as an outline of its platform:
LIST. Opposition to all forms of tyIrany over
the mind and body of man.
I'd. Neither Nature nor the Constitution of
our country recognise the right of man 10
property in man.
Sd. Principles and character, not birth
place, are the true standard Of qualification for
citizenship.
18th. No man shall receive our votes I'M
less known to be opposed to the aggressions
of popery and slavery.
9Th. No slave Territories; no more slave
states.
9th. All Federal offices, so far as practicable,
to be filled by direct vote of the people.
Popery is regarded in the light of politi-
cal despotism under religious mark, and
treated accordingly. 1t is not recognised as
religion, any more than Mormonism or Budd-
hism, as it always makes the civil authority
subservient to the ecclesiastic, where it has
the power by virtue of its claim of infallible
supremacy.
Of the mode of operation of this new order,
the following account is given -
"The new Order, unlike the Know Moth
ings, proclaims it existence and principles to
The world. Each member is at perfect hber-
ty to divulge his own connection with it, but
not the names of others, without their assent.
1t skulks into no garrets, out-houses or
woods, in which to hold its meetings, but en-
joys tile use of comfortable halls and lodge
rooms of other societies, paying for the same.
1t is true, the members sit with closed doors,
but this is deemed expedient and wise for the
present 1t will eventually hold open meet
ing for discussion and lectures, and invite the
general attendance of the public, similar to
those of the Odd Fellows or the Sons of Tenn
perance. But certain degree of Secrecy will
always, perhaps be necessary for its harmony
and efficiency.
1t is not the purpose of the Know Some
things to make separate and independent
nCmlnauonS OF candidates, where men repre-
senting their principles are presented by 'out
siders for support. The grand and funda-
mental aim of the new Order is. to form
League of Freedom, of men who will stand by
cherished principles, in evil as well as good
report-men who will not be blown about by
every new wind. The Order makes no war
upon the constitutional rights of the Slave
States, but it will resist the aggressions of the
Slave Power by every legal means within its
reach, and insist on combining it to its present
State limits, at all hazards.
A State Council is organized, and in active
operation, issuing charters to applicants, who
are pouring in from town and country. In
due time you shall hear more of the Know
Something's.