Richmond enquirer. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1815-1867, 1855-02-06

We are unwilling to believe that any Dr'n"ef"t -
honesty and intelligence can be scduced from ~
party by the specous generalities Of the hho"
thing platform. That this platform is moi ""."'"'
exposition Of the principles of the order o"' "
duent device artiuly coptrived for tho purpose VI
catching the thoughtess and unwars' 70 ,..,, a,,;
any one who will take the trouo'' u Z"
nation and reflection. or
In the first place. these pre''huou
KNOWN Nothingsm are cssential! '''e'h''.. ~
ara modified in accordance with INC "i'ns
so,,;mept of different localities mus IN Massa'"u
.etts and the North generally, know'N oth''S's" 10
sbo,onisrn blatant and undisguiscd while here II Is
silent and neutral in respect TO slavery. III some
places its obdurae heur relens, and o1hibits some
pity for the Catholic and the foreigner, 80 tar evch II
is said a. to admit them into the order on certain
conditions What does this nct prove but that neither
platform IL Il correct indication of the purposes OF
Know Nothngisu, and that it assumes these various
Li.suises TO hide its defornity and conci!iae public
fsvorf Truth is one, and wears no mask. Burglars
and kdnappcrs travel with an alins-honest people
declare themselves in all places.
All the platforms of Know Nothingism, however,
are alike in ono thing they never pretend TO pro-
mulsate any principles Of public policy affecting the
ordinary interests OF tho country. They touch one
or two issues only and iguore all othor questions
Now, Know Nothingism aspirss TO control OF the
government; but its platforms Indicate no measures
of administration. They are silent the Tariff Pub
lie Lands Sta,e Rights and all other great interests
and questions Will Know Nothngism navigate the
ship Of State, without chart. compass or rudder Al
ter il gets into power. what will 1t do Will 1t be Gs
stupid and inert the sloh This is popular gov
ernment, and the people have right to Know how
they are 10 be governed They do not elevate men to
power or inaugurate administrations, without salts
| factory pledges of policy. When people consents
so transfer the powers Of government without regard
TO principle, its manhood is gone and its liberties are
| in decGv The French nation, incapable of self-gov-
ernrnent may voluntarily subject themselves to the
| sway Of despotsm; the debGsed Mexicans may seek
shelter from Themselves under the sceptre of yrant
but American frcemcn are not yOt reduced to this
extremity. Here, principles. not men, govern; and
the people select public func,onuries 10 curry ont
known and approved policy. Will Know Nothing.
ism declare it's principles after gets into power =
Then somebody must be cheated. Its policy must be
single and consistent; cannot be both Wing ard
Democratic Which will it he There cun be no hes
a,on in answering that tho secret policy OF Know
nottingham is the policy Of the Wing party
Sen.b!o men, We repeat, will not be lod away from
the Democratic party by tho spccious prctence- OF
Know Nothngisn. The Democratic platform j" '"ili'
cent for all tho purposes Of government Tho Demo-
cratic party Gun provide for any unforeseen e1gency
of State. If necessary it can arrest any dangerous
excers of immigration. If any church aspire to hcr
srcLical power, tho Democratic purity is competent to
restrain its ambition. 1t the great apostle of Do
Inocracy who struck down tho church establishment
of Virginia. and fortified freedom Of conscience Oh al
mmegnable basis. The disciples Of Jefferson will
never be,ray the liberties OF the country.