New-York daily tribune. [volume] (New-York [N.Y.]) 1842-1866, 1856-01-22
FRENCH VIEWS OFKNOWNOTHINGI

The Paris Patyie has some editorial remarks on
Know Nothingsm, exhibiting along with hetero-
dox fights the merit Of better knowledge and ap-
probation Of domestic politics than are ordinarily
displayed by French editOrs-who, as class, are
equally ignorant and prcsumptuous when the United
States is the topic. II would seem that the many
FrcIchmen residing in this country have done very
little to llumne the Partisan understanding as to mat
tiers and persons here, while it may be said on the
other hand that American correspondents in Pars
keep us fairly awake to the Gallo thngs material
and iumaeIal. The article in question, after inform
ing it, French readers, among other things, that
M Bank Junior, du Massachusetts, il candidate
for Speaker, proceeds to discuss Know Nothingiam.
We translate an extract as a sample Of its spirit:
We should not now attach undue Importance
to the term Know-NOthing, which the party leaders
chose rather popular title than the serious ex-
preston of political opinion adopted after mature
delbcration. Know -Nothngism is at present fash
ion on the other side of the Atlantic and it has
created an enthusiasm equal to that made by a cele-
brated artist, or by Bsrnums mermaid. Who docs
lot remember the iniatuation which prevailed in
France few weeks after the Revolution Of February
for the name of Oarrier Every one was then an
OaTter, the same as every one was Republican. 1t
is true however that the feeling did not last long
and matters soon came back rapidly to their natural
position, and probably the same thing will occur in
America with regard to Know Nolingsm. After the
monontaiy agitation which in a country like the
United States announces the advent of idea or
political dogma, the torrent of public opinion quickly
regains IFS natural level. And when il shall be said
that the whole world is more or less Know Nothing
no one will be willing to remain any longer.
Already the American idea which is at the bot
tom of Know Nothingsm, is despoiled Of its sting
stripped of its sectarian covering and Of its jealous
exclusveness ar secret society, intended to give it
little byJtlc entire political control. After hav-
ing exaeted of It's converts oahs of eXtermir iton
against Catholics, Irish, Germans in a word against
strictly Native. American, the new free masonry is
very much humanzsd il has become acceptable to
the most moderate men of the Union, however little
their patriotism NAV he seasoned with supersttous in
gredieu- Wiic are less rare in the United States than
elsewhere.
Know -NothiDgism is ike the demon Of the Gospel
Whose name was legion and il ia owing ia that chaac-
ter Of COLLECTIVELY that has been able to extend Itself
80 rapidly from one end of the Union ito the other
But what the new idea has gained in extent. it has
lo-, in depth. 1t has had at time Thousands Of
followers and It has not at the present moment N
slc uAn who could bc placed by the side olive WI
not saw Washington Jefferson, Adams, but even OF
CLAY or Webster. II Is multitude rather
than a party. 1t was able to accomplish az tho
moment great deal of HARM hut if am nci very
rIuch mistaken, il rW Heccr produce c"her great
i2ca or n great man