31

But the majority of this Committee have condescended to be a
little more specific, and have told us what they mean by the
American party, and say it is the American Party of the Philadel-
phia Platform, published in June, 1855, a copy of which platform
they produced in Committee, where it was marked, and is now
hereto appended, and by each and all of the provisions and stipu-
lations of which they have declared that they and their associates
are bound and adhere to. This much then is reduced to certain-
ty—let us therefore discard for the present any thing outside of
this, and proceed to the consideration of this document, its origin,
progress, principles, provisions and obligations.

First, then, where does it come from ? From the Grand Na-
tional Council of the American order, held in the City of Phila-
delphia in the month of June, in the year of our Lord, one thou-
sand eight hundred and fifty-five. Who composed that Grand
National Council ? A large number of delegates from the various
States of the Union. Well, but by whom were they delegated,
who elected or appointed them, who sent them there ? The va-
rious Know-Nothing Lodges or Councils throughout the Union.
Then they were Know-Nothings or the representatives and agents
of Know-Nothings, and this Grand National Council of the Ameri-
can order dwindles into nothing more nor less, than a congrega-
tion of Know-Nothings; all besides, in its tilting, is fuss and
words, " signifying nothing." As Know-Nothings, they must
have taken one or more of the oaths according to the formula
hereinbefore recited, and were bound by them and all their pro-
visions; and it no where appearing that they renounced Know-
Nothingism, they must be presumed to have continued throughout
their deliberations and still to be, in fact Know-Nothings. The
term Know-Nothings is known to be now disagreeable to some
gentlemen, and sometimes produces a little flushing of the
cheek; but in tracing genealogy, accuracy in the use of names is
necessary. That is the work at this moment; in hand—as soon
as it is" accomplished, the regular descent shown, and the title of
the heirs established, no further offence will be given in that re-
gard, but the heirs and successors will be designated by their
newly chosen name. Proof of actual identity is the only object
here—what offence it may give or has given to associates, or for-
mer companions and collateral relations, to find the possessors of
the family property renouncing and ashamed of the family name,
and it may be of some of themselves, is a matter exclusively with
them.

This Grand Council met and published in June, 1855, a plat-
form styled, " Platform and principles of the American organiza-
tion. " This council had a delicate and, most difficult task to per-
form in preparing this platform. There can be no doubt that the