Daily American organ. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1856, 1855-03-10
OHciaI Manifesto.
From the Precedent 10 the State Council of Ne,c
York

From the Prestdefn 10 the STATE Council OF -Ne,o
York.
BROTHERS The occasion Of the annual meeting
of your honorable body 10 one Of no ordinary in.
terest, involving, as it does on the present occa-
iion, the novelty OF being the first under the ex-
sting form Of representation. II Is perhaps well
% review, in brief some Of the prominent features
in the progress Of the order.
On the 18th Of May 1854, consolidation was
effected between the two divisions Of Americans
protesting the same principles, but acting under
the respective names Of Lodges and Councils the
Two then numbering about sixty subordinate bodies
This union was hailed with enthusiasm, and formed
nucleus for the perfection Of an organization, the
estiny Of which was to control the politics Of the
nation.
The obvious necessity Of such an organization
)eing apparent TO the minds Of the great mass Of
the American people, II was deemed only necessary
70 combine the divisions TO secure the perpetuity
Jf The action.
Ii was the pleasure OF the Order, at the time OF
the consolidation TO elect TO the Office Of Presi
lent. In entering upon the duties Of that Office, |
vas fully aware of the responsibility which devol
we'd upon me, of the Disadvantages ! should labor
nder from the crude and imperfect form Of the
constitution, any alteration OF which was looked
pon with jealousy and suspicion, and Of the ELI
nents of discord and confusion which must natu.
ally be anticipated In an organization based upon
effect.
The whole strength Of the Order in the State, on
the lth Of May, 1854, did not probably exceed
dive thousand, and in the United States there was
not more than ten thousand members.
MY first efforts were directed TO the formation Of
proper agencies for the introduction Of the work In
he different counties in the State, and the subse-
luent appointment Of proper local deputies 1t Is
Unnecessary TO enter into minute details OF the ac-
=. r 20 oav
most Of the deputies have been faithful and eff
;ent In the performance Of their duties, and rem
Tered valuable service In extending the Order, and
carving out the laws Of the Grand Council
The present harmonious and prosperous condi-
ton Of the nine hundred and sixty councils in the
State Of New York is the only evidence / deem IL
necessary TO offer OF the efforts ! have made to
perfect the organization, to build up national
party 70 disseminate national feeling, TO destroy
the influence Of sectional sentiment and TO estab-
Iish, not balance Of power, but positive, uncon.
trollabe and enduring power, both in the State and
| nation, IN the Order
Il is TO be amented that We have had persons in
| our ranks who have been so recreant 10 duty, so
Indifferent TO the sacred obligations they ha as
mmed, so debased in mind, and go reckless Ct mo-
al character as to expose the work Of the order,
thereby committing moral PERJURY before God
| ind man. Though II is 10 be hoped our councils
are now rid Of those traitors, Il beboovcs each and
every member TO be guarded in their intercourse,
and especially cautious In recommending persons
| for membership
| At your last quarterly session It was deemed ne
cessary for your protection 10 adopt measures for
he publication Of your own body, and 70 recon-
mend course TO subordinate councils which had
proved effectusl with their Representatives. The
orm prescribed has had, am happy TO say, salu-
] AIRY effect throughout greater portion Of the
state, though objections have been raised in some
councils and open and determined hostility dis
played in Others. Such unfavorable demonstra-