Washington sentinel. [volume] (City of Washington [D.C.]) 1853-1856, 1855-03-31
GRAND BATTLE-LAST STRUGGLE.
AND DEFEAT OF KNow-NOTHING-

Walter Scott, i'll the palmiest days OF his i'm
agination, gave life to nothing in his grand
tournomental descriptions which could be held
in comparison with the brilliant reality wit.
messed at the National Theatre, within the
present week, in the terrible combat between
talon Of the veteran Franklin Fire Com
pany." The cause of this magnificent display,
in the use Of arms and lungs, was an offer
made by the Manager Of the National Circus,
of "Slver Goblet" to the producer of the
best conundrum, to be read upon the occasion
of Mile Rosa's benefit About one hundred
champions, overlooking with literature, chiv-
airy, and patriotism, entered the lists as con.
testants for the prize. The conundrums were
to be read in presence Of the audience, (which
duty was impartially performed, and their
merits were to be decided by the APPLAUSE
they elected The bugles sounded to arms
desperate struggle, all the conundrum leaders,
with but two exceptions, were rendered hors de
combat, and ruled out Of the ring. The trum-
pets were again sounded and the master at
arms announced that the two heroes, who pro
duced the following, were left alone in their
glory, to do battle for the mastery:
CoNUMDRUM under the Knownothing banner:
Why is the National Monument in the hands
of the Knoc-noHtings like telon on the GAL
lo,css Because it is to go up with jerk
CoYuMDRUM-underth the banner of the Sire
Company" and personal bravery "Why
were young STEWART HOLLAND and Captain
LUCE on board the steamer Arctic, like the
motto of the Franklin Fire Company? Be.
cause, in danger they both strive to save"
The motto of this company is eve strive
to save"
The gas lights Of the old National seemed
to glow with additional lustre as the friends
and followers of the two champions, who had
vanquished scores Of fearful adversaries, pre-
pared for this desperate, singe-handed con,
hict. Remember the life-sacrifcing intrepe-
dity of our young comrade, struggling on the
perilous sea, to save the life Of others! Re.
member the gallant Franklin Company, striv-
ing to save the property of our fellowcitizens, y
were heard pronounced in low murmurs,
throughout the vast assembly. On the other
hand, the counter current run, in sounds of
evil omen" Go it, We Know-nothingsl Go
it with a JERK! Never let it be told in the
secret caves Of our Order, in high places, that
Know nothingism was defeated in this great
citadel of their strength !"
The bugles again sounded, and the clash OF
arms commenced. The struggle was fearful,
a soulstring one, and victory was held for a
long time in the most excruciating doubt.
Twice did the opposing forces come together,
with shock that made the stout old building
rock from base TO dome, and twice did they re-
coil from the force Of the terrible encounter, to
gather breath and strength. Hands, gloyed
and ungloved, sticks with golden and pewter
heads, were put in requisition, cheered on by
whistling, cheering, and shouting which were
really terrific, all for the purpose Of ,cinnin5
the battle and The prize. Know.nothingdom
was in imminent danger, and its followers were
in perfect hurricane of phrenzy. Grea
gawky-looking men rolled their eyes in mute
despair when, upon the third trial, they were
declared vanquished by the Franklin Fire
Company" and the silver goblet was bestowed
upon its champion.
Thus terminated the last struggle Of the
Know-nothings in this Metropolis. 1t was o
sublime conception, worthy of their Order, to
contrast the WASHINGTON MONUMENT" with q
Felon on the gallops." The comparisor
might properly be applied to the "secrel !rater
nifty" 1t may go up with a JERK" but tha
Jerk will extinouish its political life