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primary object with most of them was to consolidate all the dis-
cordant and conflicting elements which entered into the composi-
tion of Know Nothingism in the various States, sections and dis-
tricts in the United States into one great, powerful and controlling
political machine. It was probably immaterial to most of them
what peculiar views or principles prevailed—the question was,
could the various and contrarient views and purposes and princi-
ples be harmonized or reconciled, or so evaded as to bring into
concerted political action materials for a large and powerful party,
sufficiently dispersed, and sufficiently numerous, to control the
elections, and place the power of the State and national govern-
ments in their hands ? The first thing was to get clear of the old
name, which was low and vulgar in sound and origin, and on these
and other grounds very objectionable. This was not so difficult
a task—the designation of American had long been familiar, and
would be acceptable to every one—it was nomen generalissi-
mum, and could be made to cover all shades of opinion, principle
or purpose; besides many not of the society would still claim that
name—none would refuse to be called by it unless he had time to
stop and specify his reason, because it was a common name for,
and equally applicable to all citizens of the country. This would
cause a great show, delusive to be sure, but still a great show,
and diffuse a high idea of the numbers and strength of the party,
and thereby win over all the fence-men, who ate so constantly on
the watch to find out and unite with the strong side, and thus add
to the real strength of the party—the primary object. The name
of Know Nothing was therefore thenceforward for ever renounced,
discarded and repudiated, and that of American assumed and ap-
propriated in its place.

Next arose a question which gave them much more
trouble, and though managed and disposed of with masterly
skill at the time, has been found to annoy them ever since,
and still annoys and distracts them exceedingly. This was
one of the fundamental principles of the order—had been
and still was—and is fundamental in all the lodges and
councils of the Know Nothings, their founders and pro-
genitors. This was the question of religious proscription—
that principle could not, must not be discarded—the pre-
judiced, the bigoted and the ignorant dupes were too
numerous for that—they formed the basis on which rested
all the hopes of ultimate success, the great mass of the order.
They must be kept steadfast, and this hatred of Catholics
(strong with many of them as the antagonism of good and
evil) was the chief principle of cohesion amongst them. But
on the other side there were a considerable number of Catho-
lic voters in the country, who, with one accord, must resist