Spirit of the times. [volume] (Ironton, Ohio) 1853-1858, 1855-09-04

'ah' one. II there is O reason why they
should be deprived OF one, they should
be deprived Of all. IT it is right 20 al.
low them 10 vote, it is right to allow
them TO bc voted for; the one right is
almost, IT not altogclhr, corrclative OF
the other. Any argument that would
prove q man disqualified for Office, would
prove him disqualified 10 vote.
We object, in tho last place, and
with deep severity Of conviction, to the
principles of orgn 1ization adopted by
tho American or Know Nothing party,
and some of the particular features
which they have embodied in their order.
u ever any principle was at war with
The very foundation of the American
Republic, il is principle of secret,
oalh.bound organization OF political
parties. 1t is unnecessary, dangerous,
hostile to fundamental m axims Of repub.
lican liberty, and in its existing aspect,
demoralizins in high degree. 1t is
striking blow at that great fund amen.
tai maxim Of the government-the in.
icllsonce of the people-an essential
element oi republican liberty. What
matters it, how much intelligence the
people may have, If political men will
concea from them elements upon which
TO employ hatintelliscnce, in the found.
alton OF an opinion and the adoption of
a policy? The duties Of man are
conelat've. If it is the duty of the peo.
pie TO require knowledge Of any party
claiming their sufffaees, before they en-.
dorse them, it is the duty of that party
to give ii. No party has the righ, 10 re.
tire intosthe dark, bind itself 10 secrecy
under oath, unfold what they please from
the people the shadow Of a moral right
to give their sanction TO that, of the
ptopriety Of which they are no, inform.
cd.
Moreover, this principle of organic.
alton will prove utterly subversive Of
the Constitution Of the United States,
by placing the legislation of Congress
in the hands Of an irresponsible associ.
alton Of members; in body totally un.
known to the Constitution, distinct from
Congress itself, existing within, but in.
dependent Of all responsibility TO any
public or recognized law. The Con.
gressional Council itself at war with the
Constitution, will be under the control
Of the National Council /; and the result
will be, that the Congress Of the United
States will become under the full sue.
cess Of the Know.Nolhing principles, a
mere registry Of DEGREES TO body in the
heart Of the country, unknown TO the
Constitution-existing, no one can tell
where-aiming at, no one can tell what.
1t is principle Of party organization,
which by emanding the unlimited sub.
mission Of the minority 10 the majority,
annihilates the balance power of Par.
liamentary opposition, and all the ad.
vantages that belong to it. 1t extin.
suishes this personal independence Of
the voter, destroys tho Jurisdiction Of
conscience over the political conduct,
and makes it condition to the preserv.
alton Of his integrity, if voter should
happen to scruple measure or a man
proposed by tho order that he absolutely
abandon the party altogether.
We have only 10 add, that il the Ma.
tionality, the Federal Union, and the
Protestant Civilization Of this country,
are dependent upon the conservatism of
this new political combination, its past
acts indicate most fearful that gloomy
times are ahead.