New-York tribune., 1872-08-31
GENERAL POLITICAL NEWS
GEN. WILSON AT THE PHILADELPHIA
,r-r KNoW-NOTHING CONVENTION: -Tr
ALBERT PIKE REAfFIRMs THAT WILSON HnnGC WAS

n .
Arprpr pr,r RFAFFIRMs THAT WILSON WAS
THERE, AND STANDS READY TO PROVE IT.
WASHINGTON. Aug. 30--Gen. Albert PIKE, VINO is
now resident of this city, said. yesterday that noe
only did he meet in the Know-Nothing ConVentloh'
in PHILADELPHIA, in June. 1855, tho Hon. Henry
Wilson. but he sat with him in the Convention' ana
was there introduced to him. MIR. wilson said 10
Mr.. Pike that he was very glad to meet hln' anu
that 4" we, the Know-Nothngs are very PROUD Oh
you in Massachusetts," Gen. Pike says tnat SEN
ator Wilson has also repeatedly alluded TO the Coh-
vention since that time and within a few years has
called Pixies attention to the fact that their ac-
quaintance began at the Know Nothing Convention
in Philadelphia The General is sure the Philadel-
phia papers of the time contained Wilson's name,
and says that if necessary he prove his presence
there by 20 affdavits He will, in few days, pre-
sent letters from several prominent gentlemen who
were also delegates to that Convention, and saw
Mr.. Wilson there. When shown the German letter
of Wilson. emphatically denying that he was ever
Know Nothing. Pike said that he was sure it was a
forgery, as no man, however dishonest, would dare
to stand before the overwhelming evidence in this
case. if he was in his right mind.
Mr.. BIID ON THE SAME SUBJECT.
Mr.. Henry Wilson having declared in let
ter TO Messrs Bernhard Fienert and Others that he
was never member Of the Know wNothing party, never
voted with IL, ALWAYS fought against its detrimental
principles, Mr.. Frank Bird. who. probably much
as other man In Massachusetts,, Invented
Mr.. Wilson publishes the Boston papers letter which
not merely concludes the question, but humates Mr.
Wilson, by leaving him in the position of person WILL
ing write and subscribe his name to lie, which thou
sands Of people know to BE- lie in the shortlghted
hope that he mayithus gain temporary political advan-
tage Mr. Bird first states the question thus: III you
mean TO deny that you were a member Of the
American or Know Nothing party of Massa-
chusetts, which elected Henry ]. Gardner in
1854 and elected you Senator in 1855. then you cheated
the who elected you otherwise, you have lied
Mr. Bird says that the fact OF his membership IN the
know-NothDg party In 1S5i-55, as notorious as
that he belonged 10 the Free Soil party in
lsis lie quotes his letter to Vespascan
Ellis distinctly admitting it, and says: You have
peaedly admitted to me in substance that you were
member OF the American Know.Nothing party You
said to Judge Day OF Barnstaple, 'The
only part OF my record which I wish
to blot out is that which connects me with the
Know-NOthng party; and am authorized to say that
Judge Day is ready to bear testimony to this You were
first proposed as member Of the Know-Nothing
party in Nack and we're blaok-balled. Anson Burln-
game Charles W. Slack and others OF your friends then
proposed you for admission to the Council in Ward Ten
of this city. DR.. WIN. NJ. Cornell protested against
your admission, and made a speech opposing
you on the ground that you would cheat them. You
were however admitted that evening and initiated and
prove this by many reputable witnesses present on
that evening You attended the KnOwNothing Conven-
ton in There living to-day in Massachusetts
at least 800 who can truly make oath
that they you present and heard speak.
Mr. Bird gives also in full the ceremony OF the invita-
tOn through which Senator Wilson passed. including the
exact formula Of the oath taken in Massachusetts,
and adds "Now, Gen. wilson, desire to ask in all sim
cerity and solemnty what you mean when you say 4
have never been member OF the KnowNothing party
and never voted with it, was not myself member Of
the Order but am ready prove every statement here
made by those who were"
WHAT WILSON WROTE TO THE BROOKLYN GER
MANS-IS THIS FORGERY
NATICK Mass, Aug. o. 1872
MGsSrS. BERNHARD, FIEvERT, and others
Gentlemen aIn in receipt OF your honored favor In
which inquire whether the reports that was once
member of the know-Nothing party are founded in
TRUTH or are chOns created by political enemies. Let
say you that have never been member
the KnowNOthing party and have never voted with
II, but that / have always eXerted myself to fight
against detrimental principles from the beginning OF
its existence both by word and acton and every
occasion. AS yon, honored gentlemen, are
well able distinguish truth from fasehood. you WILL
hope Sirs favor with your kind confidence In the
future HENRY WILSON.