The star of the north. [volume] (Bloomsburg, Pa.) 1849-1866, 1855-09-13
From the Detroit Free Press, dug. 23d.
LETTER FROM GEN. CASs,

On Kno,c Nothingism and the Powsr Of Con-
gress in the Territories.
DETROIT, Aug Esd, 1855.
To the Editor Of the Free Press:
SrR,-The public journals contain a letter
dated July oath, written by Gen. Houston,
which has just met my eye, and in which
be says he perceives, BY the papers OF The
day, that "General Cass has approved the
platform of the American order, as pro-
claimed 10 the world by the convention at
Philadelphia" had observed the state
men,s 10 which Gen. Houston aludes and
had he let them pass unnoticed, for it would
be a hopeless task 10 endeavor 10 correct all
the misapprehensions and misrepresentation
10 which it is my LOT, as well as that of all
other public men, 10 be exposed in these
days OF patty strife. And, indeed, ] could
not suppose that such assertions would de-
ceive any one who had heard or who had
read my remarks in the Senate of The United
States, on the fifth Of February last, upon
the presentation of the resolutions of the
Legislature Of Michigan, insIruciing the
Senators Of that State 10 vote for an. act OF
Congress prohibiting the introduction of sla-
very into the Territories of the United States.
Upon that occasion, while declining 10 COM
ply with those instructions, took the oppor-
iuni,y 10 express my sentiments in relation
10 the nes polilcs! movement, which sought
10 acquire and exercise power by secret COM
binaiions, bound together by the sanction of
an oath, which, il is said, made il The duty
OF lis members TO surrender their individual
convictions 10 the expressed will of majority
of their associates. then observed: Strange
doctrines are abroal, and strange organiza-
lions are employed 10 promulsate and en-
force item. Our political history contains
on such chapter in the progress of our coun-
try as that which is cow opening. The ques-
tons OF constiiuiionality and policy, which
have been so long the baltle-cry OF parties,
are contemporary rejected, and intolerance,
religious acd political, finds Jealous, and it
may be they will prove successful, advocates
in this middle of the nineteenth century
boasiing with much seIf-complacency of its
intelligence, and in this free country, found
ed upon emigration, and grown prosperous
and powerful by liberation. - we
want no new parties, no new platforms, no
new organizations, and the sooner these
dangerous efforts are abandoned, the better
will il be for us. and for those who are 10
follow us in this heritage of freedom"
Imight well suppose, after the expression
Of these views upon the floor of the Senate,
and under circumstances of peculiar respon-
sibiliiy, that any further action on my part
would be necessary 10 prove my consisten.
cy, as deciple Of the school of Washington
ard jefferson, and Madison, and Jackson, in
the rejection of dangerous Innovation, in-
consistent with all the principles those pa
,riols taught, and which, in effect, aims TO
transfer the grea, political duty OF an Amer
loan ci,izen from the light of day where u
should be exercised in this land Of freedom,
10 secret conclaves, as unfriendly TO calm in-
vesligation, as to wise and patfiotic decision.
But The extract from the letter OF General
Houston has shown me ths. these reports
have received more credit than ] had be-