Nashville union and American. [volume] (Nashville, Tenn.) 1853-1862, 1857-06-19


SO Slate IN the udion possessed of 50 snail
foreign population, as suffered SO seriously frohthe
prevalence Of Know Nolhingism as Kentucky The
spirit Of mobocracy and riots have prevailed there
to an extent equal 60 the more densely populated
free States Of the North.
Those who have supposea-tbat the bloody riots
that have disgraced her fayorie city, were exclu-
sively the work Of the low and disreputabe persons
that infect every city, have beenvery greatly mis-
taken, Thes edissolu;eand unfortunate personshave
been the mere instruments 10 execute The dirty
work planned and insiigated by men of position and
influence in society--sueh as make grave profess
sions Of a love Of order and desire 10 preserve
peace. The Democrats Of Kentueky have known all
the while who were the really guilty parties, but
have found It difficult to obtain proof that would
place it beyond doubt We have reason to believe
they have finally succeeded.
Mr.. Blanton Duncan of Louisville, has been the
Secretary Of the Grand Couaci Of the State, and as
such seems to have been their next greatest light to
the editor Of the Journal Proof has been recently
obtained against him that he has been encouraging
the same character Of riotous proceedings in the
smaller towns thai have so efeeluay disgraeed the
cities Mr.. Duncen is out in a letter, in which he
attempts partial defence against the charges His
only success is bubble rs 10 facts immalerial lie
is charged with having received FROM, and wri ten
to the country, letters concerning the use Of brass
/ knuckles, and encouraging tue same. The follow
| ing is an extract from his card:
Noletter was eve- ad Ire -Sel to me upon the sub
iecl but MIR Prentice received one. whic is now in
the hands of your fowu~Uan. W. II Wur7hiuyton
The writer stated that Large numbers Of Illegal
tiers had been brought Iu.o the country. and would
| vote it not prevented, and that be desired 10 pro
cure some brass knucks with which to resist ihese
illegal voters if they persisted by free in Offering
| their votes
In replv 70 this at Mr.. Prentices request stated
| that / never had seen any, did know the cost,
or where TO get the articles, but if the person would
come or send 10 Louisville would introduce him 10
some one Of the foundrymeH, who could put him in
the way Of getting them. advised him at all ha-
| ztrds TO prevent illegal voting and I am realty 10
| give the same advice upon all occasions
Very innocent indeed! He had never received
such letter. Prentice had receivciit, and duncan
only answered it, He had never seen any brass
Inuckles, but if the gentleman wanting them would
only come to Louisville he could Put him in The way
of getting them. They were wanted to prevent il
lecaI voting and he advised his country friend at oil
hazards TO do So This Is so innocent-so lamb like
80 strikingly characteristic Of Know Nothingism
The laws and public officers Of the country were not
sufficient to determine The right of voting and pro.
tec the ballot box; and the Secretary of the Grand
Council Of Kentucky is ready, he says upon all oc
easions to advise his friends TO buy brass knuckes
organize a set of Plug Ug'ies, and use them at all
hazards according know nothing discretion, as tC
who should and who should not be entitled to vote
Was there ever such party before? Can it bt
that orderly people respecting the rights of indi
viduas and desiring the peace Of society, can con
tinue to countenanee party actuaed by such pas
sions led on and insiglted By such men and having
such & history! It cannot be. Society has no
reached that point in moral and social retrogressOn