Weekly Indiana State sentinel. [volume] (Indianapolis [Ind.]) 1853-1861, 1855-03-29

FROM tue washington Union.
WHAT THE Know NoTHrNG LEGISLATURES
HAVE DoNE.-The legislatures of the different
States which have fallen into the hands
of the know-nothings are Just now furnishing
some very apt Illustrations of the advan-
tages of seclet political societies upon pub
lie morals. The row organization was to be
sort of purifying process drastic chloride
of lime-upon the alleged comuptions of
the old parties 1t was to Ire congregation
of saints-a gathering of incarnate pctriots-
to which none were to be admitted except
those without spot or stain. This programme
was tempting enough, until such men as the
Angel Gabriel and the priest Gavazzi assum-
ed the lead but as these were held up as re-
formers par excellence and as representatives of
the Masses and especially of the religious SEN
timent of the country, there was general ac-
quiescence in the suggestion Ofawaiting results.
We are now enjoying the results in great pro-
fusion. And what scene they present
Take the example of the New York legis-
lature. The members of that body seem to
be mainly occupied in the work of elimination
and recrimination.
On the one side there are charaeS of perjury
against Mr.. Stewards friends, who have left
other, there are denuncations against the
know -nothings involving the gravest accu-
sations of personal and political turpitude
In the Massachusetts, legislature the exhibit
ton is no less disgraceful Infidel preachers
hold places in that body, and glory in defam-
ing the Institutions of our country Abolition
serenaders and showmen are introduced to va
~ the pastimes of men who delight in remov-
ing Judges for discharging their duties to tine
federal constitution, and in enthusiastically
elevating negroes to the position which they
deny to a white Catholic, or to am adopted
/ citizen, no matter if the one should be a Car
roll or the other Lafayette.
InNew jersey and in Pennsylvania things ar,
no better. Charges of bribery are ex
changed between these pure and untainted
brethren with equal familiarity and indigna
ton; and the whole business of LEGISLATION
is thwarted and arrested by the contest be
tween ambitious aspirants ald impracticabl,
projects.
In Illinois Main-li liquor law has been adop
ted, in the last degree tyrannical and absurd
In Indiana the Legislature has adjourned af
ter vain efforts on the part of the Know No
things to elect an abolitionst to the Senate o
the United States.
In all these legislatures abolition projects ar,
first among the list of measures of public pol
icy. Resolutions against the fueitive-slav
law and against the rights of the States hav,
been offered in each, passed in some, and il
all opposed, and in others defeated, by tin,
united phalanx of the democracy 1t will b
recollected that in tie Michigan legislatur
General Cass and Senator Stuart were instruct
ed to sustain some of the most ultra and rev
olutionary schemes against the peace an
perpetuity of the American Union.
Such is the record presented to the couutr
by the experience of a few months on the pal
of an organization which started out resolve
to chasten and to purify politics, to bring int
power new men of unchallenged virtue, an
to inaugurate an example of administrative
} and executive ability such as our experienc
has never known.
When these men obtain national powe
who can tell how far their present and recel
2 actions will inspire confidence either in the
5 integrity their patriotism, or their usefulness
5 CFTho New York Heralfs WashingtC
d letter writer says that, few hours before Il
sailing of the steamer Africa, Mr.. Buchan,
n wrote letter to the President, saying that Lo
Il Palmerston had desired him to say that II
e Majesty's government would interpose
5 settlement of our difficulties with SPAIN