Delaware State reporter., 1854-08-18
1Dolitital Intelligence.
TFrom the Richmond Examiner, Aug. 81
THE KNOW NOTHINGS.
Abstract of the Oaths and Principles of the 1Iys-
terious Order OF Know NOthings.

We have received from a subscriber, and
very intelligent friend in free State, an
abstract of the oaths and principles of the
mysterious Order of Know Nothings, as
printed below. We have the greatest con-
fidence i'll the sincerity and veracity Of our
correspondent. We have no doubt the pub
lication of these revelations will brew a
storm of anger and excitement in the
" Councils" hereabout; but, stern in our
purpose to furnish the public the whole truth
on this question, we give the whole schedule
to the winds. We are led to believe thatit
has never before been dragged before the
public gaze. Having no acquaintance with
the proceeding OF any secret order in the
heavens above, in the earth beneath, or the
waters under the earth, we are not prepared
to say that the things below depicted are too
monstrous for belief, as they would seem to
be to the honest patriot. Yet we have good
reason to believe that the picture, ugly and
hideous as it appears, is faithful and accu-
rate.
The writer, in his accompanying letter,
Gin --, (th6 writer's State,) they
are Wings and Abolitionists, with sprink-
| ling of bogus, anti-Ncbraska democrats. 1t
is undoubtedly intended BY the movers and
originators of this new party, to establish
themselves thoroughly in all cities, towns,
villages, crossroads and neghborhoods, pre-
paratory to the elections of 5G, and carry
their brotherhood then into Office.
"Thc present ritual of the order in this
State has come into my hands by accident.
They adopt as few written formule in their
Councils as possible; but they use pam
phlet containing their short constitution and
bylaws, their method of procedure in inita-
ting mcmbers, the duty of officers, instruc
tons to the initiated candidates of the first
second, and third degrees; in fact, all theil
principles and objects. The oaths it is sup
posed, arc the same throughout the UniteC
States, in Virginia as well as this State
and to aid you, copy all and send them t.
you enclosed. | was never member o
the Order, the whole thing having been dis
closed to me by one of their softs.
"There is Grand Council for each State
Councils subordinate may be instituted il
any locality in State, by "a charter from tn
Grand Council, preceded by petition fo
the same from thirteen citizens, who ar
initiated by travelling agent. They pa
S12, receive charter and seal, and go t
work They aim at all the power-not d
the balance, as you have been led to suppose
Know Nothingism is opposed to til
; sentiments which, by the aid of your .Jefe
son, and all your revolutionary men, brougl
these States out Of servitude to indepenC
encc The ends of Know Nothingism al
nothing short Of sectarian power, whic
they will carry, if necessary, over the slai
! bodies Of a great, patriotic and true class
: American citizens and democrats. it W
never do; and this cannot fail of beir
: Immediately apparent on the examination
y ;, their oaths and tests. Is it right tn
! ! Catholics and adopted citizens should
n totally prescribed in republican COVER
e ment, where all our constitutions are mo
: particular in prescribing prescription
i What can come of it but alienation
! brotherly love, prostration of all fratern
o feeling, civil war in all our cities, feuds
) our villages, battles on our public work
d discord, anarchy, overthrow of republica
y y ism, and arrest Of progress | am myst
" in favor of the fastest and youngest demo
racy and Americanism, have not the les
objection to your institutions at the Sout
:, and am glad to see and know that the Sou
= :. is equally progressive and thrifty with L
= North. hope that Kansas and Nebras
'0 may both be populated by your people, al
slavery be adopted in their constitutions.
the North should refuse to accept the
maintain your rights at the hazard of dis
y luton. Though that would be to be !
gretted and deplored it is your right, a
&c being so, should be maintained
is 81 would mention that Know Nothi
lie Councils that is the name their assoc
1t tions are known by among themselves, as
to instance, Ethan Allen Council, No, S4,
i, the Supreme Order of '76,' (Know Nothi
of is for outside barharians) make nomir
tions directly when strong enough to eli