The Know-Nothings of 1856 are back again.

Utah’s new immigration bill (not yet signed by the governor) has stirred up a hornet’s nest of opposition, chiefly among what looks like a modern version of the Know-Nothings party of Lincoln’s day. They feared German and Irish Catholic immigrants, wanted repeal of all naturalization laws and the sending of back pauper immigrants. They allowed only protestant males of English descent as members, and gained their name by answering “I know nothing” when asked what their intentions were.