The Feliciana Democrat., 1856-08-16
The Duty Of Know Nothings.

The following extract s taken from an article in
the Richmond Wing, of the 18th of July. We have
corrected what we conceive to be errors in the
original print aud we look upon the article as cor
rected as coming nearer the truth than any thing
that has emanated from the Know Nothing press du
ring the present canvass. 1t is worth careful pc
rusal:
"Proof upon proof accumuates that the contest
throughout the nortern stated Is exclusively and en-
phatically between Buchanan and Fremont Fillmore
is hardly heard of In the race-his friends are de-
serting him everywhcre-thc frcesolIsh portion go-
ing over to Fremont. and the conservative portion
going over to Buchanan In view of this now cstab.
llshed and solemn fact, what is the first duty of
southern Knownothings? Will they cousent under
the selfish instructions and petty dctaon of their
party leaders and managers to be driven to throwing
away their votes upon Fillmore, when 1t Is evident
that every vote given to the Philadelphia nominee is
virtually vote given to Fremont DO they not
see-ls not as clear Us the sun in the heavens-that
Fillmore is not In the contest and that, patriots
ana lovers OF their country they are compelled to
choose between Fremont aud Buchanan
That conclusion reached. rs IL must be by all con-
siderate and rejecting men, Is 1t not the bounden
duty Of southern knownohngs to sacrifice thcir
party predictions In this important crisis for the
sake of the constitution and the rights of the south
TO rally, Is one man. to the cordial and enthusiastic
support Of Buchanan-the only man in the field who
stands the remoest chance of defeating the Black
Republican candidate, and thereby arrestng the pro-
gress OF Abolition tanatcism, and restoring peace
and confidence between the embittered and warning
sections of the Republic! In all candor, in all hon
esty, and with full conviction of the gravity Of the
present crisis, and OF the danger that menace us
both US nation and rs section, we put these qucs.
tons to the calm, thinking. patriotic portion OF the
Virginia and Southern Know Nothings aud appeal
to them to rise for once superior to party passion
and party prejudice, and prove themselves equal to
thls great emergency-an emergency that demands
whatever of patriotism, ability and energy they may
possess, II they wish to preserve their institution.
aud cement the bonds of Union which has conduct
ed us to an eminence of national prosperity power
and happiness, unequalltd in the history OF the
woorld.
II is iactons it is weak it is childish for southern
knownothlngs to be wasting their energies in doing
battle for mere candidate of ''straw''-ior man
who is virtually not in the iield-when those encr-
gies should be directed to the maintenance of south
crn rights and honor, and to the upholding of our
national constitution in an earnest and vigorous
support of James Buchanan. We beg them to CON
slider well the consequences of their adhcring to
Fillmore, when all hope of his election is clearly
gone-when the contest is narrowed down, in the
Judgment of all candid and sagacious men, to Bu-
chanan and Fremont Should Fremont unfortunate
ly be elected President, his election will be the shame
fu and alarming result of having thrown away your
votes upon Fillmore; and the responsibility for the
result must necessarily rest upon your headsl We
invoke you to be warned in time, or you will have
to endure the modification hereafter of having been
the principal agents in the elevation to the Prcsi-
dcncy of Il Black Republican! Let not your selfish
and desperate party leaders drive you to do that
which you will regret the longest day of your lives
Vote for Buchanan, aad you will elect him. and beat
Fremont, and in that reflection, if you are ut soul
patriots. yon will find a consolation that passcth all
understanding"