The true Democrat., 1856-01-15
For the True Democrat. Know Nothing Beauties.

For the True Democrat.
 Know Nothing Beauties.
 Know Nothings usnrp the prcrogative of God-they visit the sins of the fathers upon their children, not only unto the third and fourth generation, but to the eig1tA and ninth. They have hankering for the establishment, in some form or other, of that old tory doctrine that made the act of the ancestor "work cor ruption of blood,' and forfeiture' as to the rights of his descendants. They prosecute their fellow-c citizens for what their forefathers did, or allowed, through Me superstitions of Me day, certain Popes and other individuals to do-when the events of modern times prove that those par ticular superstitions have passed away, and, of course, with them the power of the Popes which grew out of them. How wicke are these Know Nothing appeals, upon this sub- ject, to the prejudices of the people!-eoiched'- don't we s;e Know Nothing, as we'll as other newspapers, weekly advise us of the acts and dongs of the Catholic people upon ultra-mon- aine territory-as well as of Catholics upon his side of the Alps, which prove the power lessnesS of the Pope in temporal affairs, eUen Mere2 Though not knowing the nature of the charge they make, the Know Nothings are per petually furnishing demonstrations of its utter falseness, aoithout being aware of tt.
 The people of Piedmont and Spain are out growing the supetstitions of their ancestors, and they are enjoying the benefits naturally arising from their progress; but the infinitely more h. telligent American Catlolic (who has long since outlived this ancient weakness) for the super sttions of his forefathers, must not enjoy the natural advantages earned by his progress: but IS to be doomed, it seems at the hands of his tello~-citizens to suffer political prescription and degradation.
 The temporal power of the Pope is proved by hlS having some centuries ago deposed certain princes, etc. These Know Nothings are hnotu nothings indeed they come under that denom- nation in the natural sense. They do not know what it is that constitutes the power they rave so much about.
 There was a time, of many ages duration, when all christendom aN our toretathers, was one glowing religious superstition, it was the all-absorbing hobby, and the Pope was by his position, at the head of it-he was the object ot universal reverence-the grand focus of those universal feelings and sentiments, which then swayed every thing, thefore he could, by the consent of all, do as he pleased When ever by the humor of the times, men have power thrown upon them, they have to use it. 1t IS their duty to use it. Power, whether mo- narchlcal or papal is the creature of crcum- stances, monarch or Pope gets as much of it as the times will admit oft ds C matter Of neces- Saty. Laws do not create or destroy power--the power exists before. Those fundamental laws which we call the constitution, never in any country did anything more than regulate or pro- vide channels for power all ready in esse to ope- rate in to make it efficient in accomplishing the object desiIed. So regulated confined to such channels, those interested can better watch its progress and maintain its integrity Power has been established among the people by the ditfu- slon ot Knowledge, the arts and sciences, etc. When the cork will sink under the water or be restrained from rising to thetop, by an enactment Of human law, then people or the Pope will be deprived of, or take power by virtue of parchment. The singular position held by the papal office this last thousand years has made it kind of political barometer show ing during that period, the weight and vicissi- tudes of the moral atmosphere.
 Whether the power held by the Popes in days of yore, was used by them wisely or un- wisely is merely subject for the investigation of the philosopher or of the curious; but the power wielded by the Popes then no more proves what the power of the Pope is moao than the influence held by any lion of the day." when he is in the zenith of his glory. proves what his influence is years afterwards when the spell is broken and he is "shelved," to make room for other idols. Instances of such little Popes in society, every one can find for himself. 70, but" says the sapent Know Nothing, "!f the Pope only had tue po,Der again, he would be as despotc vs ever" That J-if |-f the President had the power he too would play Nicholas or perhaps Bomba over us, and all that Is wanting to get it for him is the suc- cess of good deal of Know Nothngsm; but confess have no fears upon that point Know Nothing success is long way off, But if for the life of me- had to point out man who, above all others, would play the tyrant if he had the power, should unhesitatingly put my finger upon zealous Know Nothing.
 There are many Know Nothings whose De- culiar composition the principles of the order exactly suits-persons who have always been for correcting the failings of their felow-men with iron rules-who have never failed to se- lect strong measures when mild ones would have answerd These are in their right places. But there are others that are also in the order, of diferent character, who are sick enough of the concern. Captivated at the start at the high- sounding professions of patriotism and so forth, they ,oent in, and they have found it like the whitened sepulchers of old, beautiful on the outside but full of dead mems bones within. ; The place don't suit them nor do they suit the place; they know it, and bitterly feel it; outer roneous ideas of consistency, pride or fear of ridicule restraints them from at once breaking lout SIDNEY.