Indiana American. [volume] (Brookville, Ind.) 1833-1861, 1854-09-22


ciety Of Know-Nothings, called upon
them last week on special business =
He says that the members ofthe Order
throughout the Union, have felt them
selves deeply aggrieved by some pre-
tended exposures Of their association,
put forth to the world through the
partizan press. and at late meeting
of the National organization OF the
Society, held in Western city, the
subject was brought forward and dis.
cussed. While the members were
aware, that strict secrecy, in relation
to everything connected with the Order
is desirable. yet, as the objects OF the
association are purely patriotic, It was
he unanimous opinion Of the members
of the National camp, that no harm
could result from a volunteer publIca-
ton of the forms and ceremonies Of
the Order.
We have not room for all the cere-
monies, &C.. Of the Order as set forth
in the ritule, but will give the leading
objects. the most prominent OF which
rsthe restoration Of pure administra-
lion Of government.
LIST. Ts discard politicians of every
character, and to ELL all offices with
men of tried integrity, who are to be
selected, and if possible elected, with,
out their own knowledge. and who will
therefore enter upon their public du-
ties. without being embarrassed by OBJ
legations.
Cd. To put none but Americans III
Office. as men born and reared upon
the soil have undoubtedly the interests
ofthe country more at heart, than those
who have sought itnerely as an asy-
lum from oppression.
Sd. To oppose all influences tending
to change in the least, the time-honor-
ed institutions os our country, and to
sustain at all risks, universal system
of public free schools, religious tolera-
ton and a thorough enforcement of the
laws.
4th. To have our government, and
all its officers, thoroughly republican,
particularly those holding positions
abroad.
5th. Economy among office-holders,
but liberality in establishing and sus-
tanning public institutions.
The above, according to the -ritule,
are The sole objects Of acknowledging
ism. One apparent inconsistency
ought to be explained. ltprofesses
to uphold religious liberation, while II
proscribes Roman Catholics from mem.
bership. In one Of the charges tins
is overcome by the assertion, that the
church has officially prescribed all Sc.
cret associations, not entirely compos
ed of Catholics, and that no member
of that church could honestly become
a Know-Nothing. And further tina
the governors ofthe church, support'
by large portion of the membership
have assailed and endeavored to over
throw some of our 'bulwarks of liberty
and that therefore, all who hold toth'
church must be looked upon with sus
piston.
As to how members are proposed
the Times gives the followinginforma
ton.
Members are not allowed to as
persons to join the order, but procee'
In this wise. Knowing that neigh
Dor or an acquaintance is an America
in sentiment, he proposes his name
and has him balloted for. If elected
he informs him on limitation night {
the simple fact; and asks him to go {
the meeting. He will answer no en-
auiries as 10 the Order, and il th
candidate refuses to go, that ends tn
matter. A man once rejected. ca
never enter the order. The recon
mendation of politician is sutiicier
cause for expulsion, and should a
Office seeker happen TO get in, and u
fact be sustained, he is not allowed
hold Office, or take any part II II
business of his regiment"
The initiating ceremonies are ver
beautiful, but owing to their length v
have to omit them. The following
the principle obligation taken by d
candidate, which. ia taken in the fir
or White Degree:
before high Heaven, and in q
presence of my countrymen, | Jol
Smith. do most solemnly declare IL
l am devoted to the institutions al
government Of the United States
America, which country is my matt
land, and that desire them to -FOUR
and prosper. that my countrymen a
their defendants. forever may enl
the blessing Of a free government.
Therefore, | do most solcmnly
nounce and denounce all political dc
agogues, or men who aim to live SO
ly off of public Office, let them prof
whatever principles they may, and
the presence Of these, my countrym'
swear thatI will never hereafter "
for any such, or for any Roman Ca
Ole for office, And do further
clare. aud swear that in voting
public offices. hereafter. my prelerel
shall be- for men born on the SOIL
nominated by this order, provit
they are equal in qualifications and
tegrity to such as may run agai
them. And do further swear. I