9

this, in reiterating in his letter the alarm given in the message of
the dangerous character of this conspiracy, he appeals for his evi-
dence to the open avowal of the objects of the party referred to,
now known as the American Party, as they are written and pub-
lished in the proceedings above described.

It is true that he does take exception to this party because it
chooses to pursue its declared objects, by private consultations,
whenever it finds those necessary, and does not allow these con-
sultations to be intruded upon by enemies, spies, reporters, or
others who might find inducements to plot or practice against its
success in the strenuous endeavor it has been making to reform
abuses against the letter and spirit of our Constitution, and in its
efforts to infuse into the heart of the country a sound and genuine
American feeling.

In this unexpected communication of the scope and character
of the supposed evils which have aroused the vigilance and in-
voked the warning voice of the Governor, the committee find
but little occasion for a protracted investigation, none for the use of
that power to send for persons and papers which the House has
conferred upon them, to be employed if they thought necessary.
The House itself is possessed of the most authentic information
upon the whole subject, and can appeal, besides, to a large ma-
jority of the people of the State, as the host of witnesses, to sat-
isfy the Governor that the public safety is fortified by the
protection of virtuous, enlightened and patriotic defenders, and
that the Constitution, both of the Federal Government and of the
State, are secure against any violence by foreign and domestic
enemies. Whatever ground the Governor may fancy he has had
for sounding an alarm, it is but a topic for discussion upon facts
not concealed, but openly proclaimed. He has himself referred
to the proofs, and these are all abroad in the light of day. There
is no necessity for producing witnesses to establish them. They
consist in carefully considered and solemnly uttered declarations
upon the public political interests of the country, promulgated by
men of unquestionable fidelity to every obligation of free Govern-
ment; men of intelligence, reputation and distinguished public
service, and published through every channel in which the Ameri-
can people are accustomed to seek for knowledge upon the sub-
jects of their rights and duties, they are announced in clear and