The true Democrat., 1855-08-21

, When you shall have assumed the patriotic VOW by which we are all bound, we will em brace you as brothers. I am authorised to de- clare that our obligations enjon nothing which is inconsistent with the duty which every good man owes to his Creator, his country, his tami- ly or himself We do not compel you against your own convictions, to act with us In our good work; but should you at any time wish to withdraw, 1t will be our duty to grant you a dismissal in good faith. If satisfied with this assurance, you will rise upon your feet, (paus- ing till they do SOL place the left hand upon the breast, and raise the right hand towards heaven.
 ('The brethren to remain seated till called up.)
 Obligation.
 In the presence of Almighty God and these witnesses, you do solemnly promise and swear that you will never betray any of the secrets of dis society, nor communicate them even to profer candidates, except within a lawful coun- ell oi he order; that you will never permit any oi the s1crets of this society to be written, or Tn any oth,~ manner to be made le5ible, except tor the purpose of official instruction; that you will not vote, ner give your influence for any man, for any othce within the gift of the peo- pie, unless he be an American born citizen, in favor ot Americans ruling America, nor if he be Roman Catholic; thal you will in all po.t- cal matters so far as this oder is concerned, comply with the Will ot the raaioritv, though it may conflict with your personal preference so long as 1t does not conflict with tle constitn ton of the United States of America, or that of the State in which you reside; that You will not, under any circumstances whatever, khow. ingly recommend an unworthy person for iniG- c,,+Ia na Inna 1,,, to prevent it; that you will not, under any cir cumstances, expose the name of any member of this order, nor reveal the existence of such an associations; that you will answer an impera- tive notice issued by the proper authority; obey the command of the State council, President or his deputy, while assembled by such notice, and respond to the claim of sign or cry of the order, unless it be physically impossible; and that you will acknowledge the State coun- cil of - as the legitimate head, the ruling authority, and the supreme tribunal of the or der ln the State f., acting under the juris- diction of the National Council of the United States of North America.
 Binding yourself in the penalty of eXcom- munlcatiOn from the order, the forfeiture of all intercourse with its memLers and being de- nounced in all the societies of the same, as willful traitor to your God and your country (rhe President shall call up every person present by three blows of the gavel, when the candidates shall all repeat after the Vice Presi- dent in concert)
 All this 1 voluntarily and sincerely promise with full understanding of the solemn sanc- tiolls and penalties
 Vice President: You have taken solemn oaths, and made sacred promises as man can make, that you will keep all our secrets nvio late; and we wish you distinctly to understand that he that takes these paths and makes these promises, and then violates them, leaves the foul, the deep and blightng stain of perjury resting OR his soul
 President: (Having seated all by the blow of the 8avcD- Brother Instructor, these new brothers having complied with the demands of the order, are entitled to the secrets and priyi- le5es of the same. You will therefore, invest them with everything appcrtaiuing to the first degree.
 Instructor: Brothers, the practices and pro- ceedinSs in our order are ag follows:
 We nave pass words necessary to be used tc obtain admission to our councils; forms for our conduct while there; means of recognising each other when abroad; means of mutual prOtec- ton, and methods for giving notices to m3m- bers.
 
 dinary alarm to attract the notice of the outside sentinel.
 When the wicket is opened you will pro- nounce the (words-what's the pass, in a whs- per. The outside sentinel will reply (give t,) when you will give the term pass word and be admitted to the amteroom. You will then pro- ceed to the inner door aud give Gone rap.)-. . When the wicket Is opened give your name the number of and location of your council, the explanation of the term pass, and the de- gree password.
 If these be found correct, you will be admit ted; if not, your name will be reported to the Vice President, and must be properly vouched for before you can gain admission to the coul- ell. You will then proceed to the centre of the room and address the Presdent) with the countersgn, which is performed thus, (placing the right hand diagonally across the mouth )- When this salutation is recognised you will quietly lake your seat.
 This sign is peculiar to this degree, and is never to be used outside the council room, nor during the con:erring of this degree When retiring you will address the (Vice PresidenD in the same manner and also give the degree pass-wor to the inside sentinel
 The term pass word" is eve are)
 The pass word and explanation are to be established by each State council, for its respec- tive subordinates.
 The explanation of the "term pass' to be used at the inner door, Is, (our country's hope
 The degree pass word is (Natve.)
 The travelling password is (The memory of our pilgrim fathers.)
 This word is changed annually by the Pre- sdent of the National Council of the United States, and is to be made and only used when the brother is travelling beyond the jurisdiction of his own State, district or territory. It and all other passwords must be communicated in whisper, and no brother is entitled to commu- nicate them to another without authority flom the presiding officer.
 The sign of recognition is (grasping the right lappel of the coat with the right hand the forefinger being extended inwards)
 The answer is given by Ca similar action with the left hand)
 The "grip' is given by an ordinary shake ol the hand.)
 The person challenging shall Chen draw the forefnger along the palm of the hand.) The answer will be given by Ca similar action form. ing link by hooking together the ends of the forefngers) when the following conversation en- sues-the challenging party first saying (is that yoursD The answer, Git is.) Then the re- sponse Chow did you get it?) followed by the rejoinder, Git is my birth right.)
 Public notice for meeting is given by means of a (piece of white paper the shape of 8 hearty
 (In cities) the *** of the *** where the meet ing is to be held, will be written legibly upor the notice; and upon the election day said **s will denote the Xxx where your presence is needed. This notice will never be passed, but will be*** or thrown upon the sidewalk with a *** in the centre.)
 If information is wanting of the object of the gathering, or of the place. etc, the inquirer will ask of an undoubted brother (where's when?) The brother will give the information if pos sessed of it; if not, it will be yours and his duty to continue the inquiry, and thus disseminate the call throughnut the brotherhood.
 If the color of Ghe paper) be (red,) it will denote actual trouble which requires that you come prepared to meet it.