The daily union. [volume] (Washington [D.C.]) 1845-1857, 1855-07-21
FROM AN OCCASIONAL CORRESPONDENT.

PHILADELPHIA July 10 1000.
Mr. EDIroR Opposition TO Catholics and 70 the Cath
Ollie religion is the only element in the know-nothng creed
in this section which possesses particle Of cohesive yr-
tue Take that away and the homogeneous mass would
tumble asunder like rope of sand In the East the lead
ing tenet IS aboiuonism, and the centrpeal tendency
there strong weak in exact proportion to the ieryor
with which that part OF the platform is adhered TO- These
two elements are reconcabe aud If by joint effort their
supporters could obtain the requisite power they might
both be carried out. The know-notbings in New Eng
land therefore aud those in Pennsylvania act in con-
without challenging contempt for the weakness Of
either but how u il with the half dozen subordinate
clans and their peculiar platforms In Louisiana the
Catholic test is repudiaed and in South Carolina that OF
slavery These may serve keep the organization to-
geter for mere subordinate purposes such the local
elections or for a warfare upon the democratic
party but what interest would they take under nation
al victory
When the democratic party adopts platform, it in
tends in Of success shape its measures as nearly as
possible TO the established standard but when opinions
conflict they always will 1t is driven to the necessity
Of disobliging the minority With such precedent at
hand then and from such source how is il possible for
tho ubordnates expect from the present lodges in
the event OF common victory, than respectful apology
STILL they profess allegiance to the cause and enda hearty
cooperation in the battle against the democratic party To
those whose objections the principal platforms are mere
ly trivial it matters but little but with the Catholic and
ling magnitude. mans dearest privilege, bis most
cred right has always been considered TO worship his
Maker in his way and next to this the dearest priy
lcge of the save-owner his sacred right has always
been considered that Of enjoying his constitutional prop
ert in his way How they expect retain these
success when the platform Of large majority
the other way, what they expect to gain
equivalent for their loss, questions which cannot
solve Yet have said they TO be in earnest and
appear their equanimy by that of their strong
coadutors. Where the preceps of John G. Calhoun
If but here enforce them he would begin with
the interrogaory, What will it profit man. il he gain
the whole world and lose his soul p and he would
end with giving the of South Carolina to the party Of
the constitution and of religious liberation
have alluded to the eguanmity of those who adhere TO
the two leading platforms infer this from the facts.
The game is their side aud viii continue by the
weakness folly Of Others without being driven to the
eSpedent of acting upon underground idea. This is
pleasant and illusions to the generous and chvarc
South from unusual quarter may be expected multi
ply rather than diminish But ! still think, rather
hope, that wiser eounsels may prevail If the present
Of things should influence the local elections in their favor
the result may be earlier discovery of their advantages
the minority than if they receive temporary
check
The Catholics in this country came here to be satisfied
with toeraton and hence they have in the main attached
themselves to the democratic party They know that if the
latter finally defeated it would not be Ave years be-
fore religious test would be Incorporated in the federal
constitution An nconsiderabe number il is true go the
other way and perhaps think differently but their power
is not great TO challenge resentment Know nothing
ISM however, WILL if it succeeds attach them TO their
brethren when the entire will with the democratic
party and not because will be tho highest bidder but
because win have proved to be the party Of oleton
Your bard ticks aroused Virginia to the abolition tenden
ces Of the new organization am opposed to imbodyng
foreigners any particular sect for political purposes but
you not strike blow that will dispel the Illusion
under which the Catholics of Louisiana aborng II
we to be held responsible for their protection, we
should have their aid: would for my right hand
say Catholic in preference TO Protestant federation is the
word that is upon banner, and banner is broad
enough to cover both. >. h.