The daily union. [volume] (Washington [D.C.]) 1845-1857, 1855-04-18
Speech OF Mr.. PATTON. )


We republish from the Richmond Enquirer the speech
delivered by Mr. John NJ Patton in ls4s while acting as
president of the democratic State convention Of Virginia
HID Mr. p possessed the gift OF prophecy he could not
have described accurately than he did the know
nothing organization of which he is now one Of the stand
ard-bearers
In the opening Of his address, Mr. Patton said
awe proclaim unchanged and unehan qea5e
adherence to those great principles Of republican govern
ment of practical expediency and of constitutional con
sruco of which he president Pok has been for the last
three years the exponenprincipes which deem
tial the epe,y Of republican govsraaea and % the
Of the States. ICheersl We have disputes to set
teno conflicting claims Of rival candidates for the pres
dency to decdeno Dehtc oracles erpopdand no Sbg
line lsapes 70 interpret Ipresume shall have thander
to shake and flashes of lightning bewder
There dark and portentous clouds lower
ing which require thunderstorm to dspel
The only clouds have light and floating vapors far
above hcad which may make It doubtful with those who
weatherwse whether the day clear or cloudy
but which the first Of democratic sun will Obstinate
and show that the skies bright aud brgtennq IChee
Mr Patton then referred to the extraordinary fact that
the whg convention had quietly laid the great Embodiment
wing principles the SHELF and had soleny announced
their vorite candidate gentleman Who with the frank
and honest painness Of gallant soldier takes especial pans
declare that he will not be their eanddaellauehterl
and that be will be the exponent Of their doctne
that his life has hitherto 80 much spept
in the field that he has not had time consider or nves
gate great political questions has he attempted to do So
Notwithstanding this they proclaim Gen. Taylor their
first choice TO this complexion the principles Of the great
whg party have last lLaughterI Thus ends the
great chapter Of whig principles laughter qaety in
urned in tomb Of all the Capulets by its friends and
their inbodiment quietly laid the shelf! Laughter
think we may say these defunct and buried principle
Great Caesar d, IA aud tururd from Clay
Aiay hoe 20 krtp this wind away.
But gentlemen, becomes ne steadily 10 nafa-
pracipcs Since Esops Fables having been
quoted by General Taylor, likely become political
book think may draw lesson Of instruction from
that renowned writer civil government Laughter
We told noted fable Of Rsop OF animal more dan
gereus mlie hid meoi ta6 than when running about with
bell around IL neck tLanghter.l Tso Daaao e. aona
seatss. afraid political opponents dead though
their present principles be- msy rise up some other r
They may possibly the OF greo conserraii.e
party suggested by their president, Lspghterl was
mysclf member OF little conservative party TIangh
ter and have objection little conservatives mart,
with principles bat ole decidedly to great big one
Aort polilioa principles. tLanghter.l But inasmuch
they may be ndposcd TO take either these names they
may adopt the suggestion q another distinguished cham
pion d the lats fndoutabe wings. and take the cog
Of the 'uisd MAS bg6. Therefore, gentlemen
II Is the lass necessary that should maintain uroeai,
and stand By prncpIestha should adopt the means
necessary concentrate pablc opinion upon man avail
able to rssaiA our pReps and % take a5aadon