Washington sentinel., 1855-02-07
THE OPPOSITION.

preservation of the Constitution, for the safety
Of our institutions, and for American charac-
ter and American intelligence, the develop
ments Of the last few days have dispelled the
clouds that darkened the Democratic horizon
We allude to those developments that indicate,
mark, and fix the alliance between the oppo
sition and Abolitionists. So strong are the
evidences of this alliance, that we really can
not see how any man Of common understand
ing, who is posted in public affairs and reads
the newspapers, can, for moment, doubt that
such is the case.
We have had many doubts, misgivings, and
apprehensions. We knew that we had not only
q powerful, but an adroit-not only an adroit
but a secret foe to contend against We knew
that the principles which it acknowledged were
on level with the commonest understanding
We knew that it artfully appealed to two pre-
judices to which the ignorant are peculiarly
liable-the prejudice against Catholics and the
prejudice against Foreigners We knew also
that there is q charm in secrecy, and SO far as
political organizations in this country are con-
cerned, in the novelty, that increased its attrac-
tions. We knew that it offered an amnesty to all
old politicians who had sinned against their
party beyond the hopes offorgiveness. We knew
that it addressed itself to jew and Gentle, to
that it numbered formidable host, and that it
was nightly gathering new members. The in
dications were alarming, for great danger
lurked under its Mokanna mask.
But we knew that it originated in an Aboli-
ton region. We knew that the Abolitionists
had joined it, or that a miracle had suddenly
struck dumb their hitherto clamorous tongues.
This is not the age Of miracles and nothing
was left but the inference that they were prac
ticing the deceits of Know-nothingism. Nor
was this only matter of inference. Facts
were developed that proved the thing beyond
all doubt. Elections came on in Abolition
communities, and men, who all their lives long
had been known as Abolitionists, were elected
by the members OF the secret order. They
wanted to get a foot-hold in the South and they
kept quiet in order to hide their identity con-
ceal their sentiments and thus deceive the
South. The South was deceived That is
many Southern Wings and a fcw Southern De-
mocrats. But we knew the stuff Of which Abo
litonsts are made We knew that Abolition-
ism, like murder, will out. We feared that the
unusual restraints placed upon them and the
high stake for which they were playing, would
keep them quiet long enough 10 accomplish
important results. But we knew that the vol.
cano' Of Abolitionism could not be altogether
suppressed-that in the course Of time il was
bound 10 break out. Ii has broken out We
yesterday published the evidences of it--eyi-
dences 50 strong that they drew from the lead.
ing Know nothing journal THE New York
Herald the confession that the new order and
Abolitionism are identical in the North,
and that THE SOUTH will betray itself by
acting with them.
Hence, we say that every thing is cncourag-
ing 20 Democracy. We know that political
prejudices are strong. We know that Wing
prejndces are the strongest Of all prejudices.
We believe that many Of the Wings have so
insane hatred to Democracy, that they think
any means, short Of positive abolitionism, that
will enable them to defeat it, legitimate. Are
they not now convinced that Abolitionism is
the basis and vital principle Of the new organ
ization with which they have allied themselves2
IL not, they are wiliully blind. If there are
any Democrats 6l the South, who, after recent
developments, viii continue their connection
with the Opposition, all that we have 10 say
is, that they are unworthy to unloose the shoes
OF Aboltionists, even.
We trust to the intelligence and virtue Of
the people. We trust to the integrity Of Wings
and Democrats, who are not mercenary trad.
ing politicians. We believe that recent devel-
opments will show them that the opposition to
the Democratic party is an opposition hostile
to the South, and antagonistic to the Constitr
ton.
Our apprehensions are at an end. We are
full OF hope. We are Of good cheer. We be-
lieye that the days of the new order arc mum
bered. They organized to carry the Presiden
tiaI election They have shown the cloven foot
in the North, and its traces must be enaced in
the South. Il was an ambitious attempt to ally
Whiggery Abolitionism. and all the isms
against the Democracy. II practised frauds
and deceits, but its vile impulses, and It's infa-
nous instincts in the North, were so strong
that they could not be restrained. il has reared
its crest, it has shown its hoof, il has unmasked
itself and its hideousness is 50 repulsiye that
II cannot be permitted to live. It's reign, we
believe, is over, and il is for all great purposes
dead.