Washington telegraph., 1855-06-13

From the Lynoh5wg Virginiaa.l
The Nationality OF Afnericanis1n.

From the Lynrh5mrg Virginiaa,l
The Nationality OF fAInericaniszn.
RITUAL OF THE THIRD DECREE
Allusion is frequently made, in the Do
litical press. to the obligations assumed By
members of the American party, in taking
what is called ''ihe third degree" and 10
the incompatibility of those obligations with
aboli:ionism OF sectional agitation of any
character The anti-American press of the
South, in publishing what purports to be
revelation of the secret rites and pledges of
/ the party, take good care to leave out this
/ third degree. but within a few days past
! freesoil. anti-American paper of Pittsbure
/ has obtained accidental possession of copy
cf it. and has made it public with view of
/ creating a prejudice against the American
movement with the abolitionists, disunion-
lists and agi,a,ors Of the North The story
/ is that it was among the contents of q lost
! pocket book. which the finder placed in the
hands Of the editor. Without commenting
upon the propriety Of its original publica-
/ ton, under such circumstances We desire to
| state that we have reason for believing that
the formula as published by the PitIsburg
| Gazette. and given below. Is the true and
genuine ritual of the third degree We
submit it to the people of the South, with
the inquiry. whether they know any other
party that is willing to take upon itself. as
a rule Of action throughout the country
the conservative. tranquilizing and national
obligations here prescribed. And We sub
NIT it to them whether any party, willing
! thus TO bind itself in the sight of God and
man, should not be sustained by all who de-
sire TO secure the peace of the country and
the perpe;uity of the Union Here is the
document
RITUAL OF THE THIRD DEGREE.
THIRD DECREE COUNCIL.
The President administers to the candi-
dates elect the following
BLIGATIoN
You, and each of you, OF your own free
will and accord. in the presence of Almighty
God aud these witnesses, with your hands
JI:ned in token Of that fraternal affection
which should ever bind together the States
of this Union. forming a ring, in token of
your determination that, as far as Your ef-
forts can avail this Union shall have no end,
do solemnly and sincerely swear (or allirm)
that You viii not. under any circumstances,
disclose in any manner. nor suffer it TO be
done by others if in your power to prevent
1t, the name, sigus, passwords. or other Sc
crets Of this degree, except TO those whom
you NAV prove on trial to be brothers of tie
same degree, or in open council for the pur-
pose of instruction; that you do hereby SOL
EMMY declare your devotion to the Union
of these States that in the discharge Of
your duties as American citizens YOU will
uphold. maintain and defend it; tht You will
discourage and discoun;enaHce any and eve
ry attempt coming from any and every quar-
ter. which you believe to be designed or
calculated to destroy, or subveit it. or to
weaken its bonds and that YOU will use
your influence, as far as in your power, in
endeavorlng to procure an amicable and
equitable adjustment of all political discon-
tents or differences. which may threaten its
injury or overthrow.
You DO further promise and swear Tor az
frm) that you will not vote for any one to
fill any Office Of honor, or profit, or trust, OF
a political character, whom you know or be-
lieve to be in favor Of dissolution Of the
union of these States or who is eudeavor-
ing to produce that result; that you viii vote
for and support for all political effices Sd or
Union Degree members of this order, in
preference to all others; iha; If it may be done
consistently with the constitution and laws
of The land, you will when elected or ap-
pointed 10 any official station, which may
confer on you the power to do so. remove
from cfice or plice, all pers rs whom vou
IL -
ton of the Union, or who are endeavoring
to produce that result and that in 10 case
will you appoint such persons 10 any poli;i-
icai ofiee or place whatever. All this you
promise and swear (or aiirm) upon your
honor as American citizens and friends os
the American Union. to sustain and abide I
by without any hesitation or mental reser-
vation whatever. You also promise and
swear Tor affirm) that this. and ;,n other OBJ
legations which you have previously taken
in this order shall ever Be kept sacred and
inviclate- To all this you pledge ycur
lives. your fortunes. ard your sacred hon
orS, 50 help you Cod. and keep you stead
fast.
Each one shall answer Il dol
Af;er the cand dates have been instructed
in the mysteries Of this third degree OF the
order. the following charge is given by the
President:
BEoTHERs: 1t is with great pleasure that
| congratulate you upon your advancement
to the third degree Of our order The re-
sponsiblities you have now assumed are
more serious and weighiy than those which
preceded, and have been tried and found
worthy Our obligations are intended
as solemn avowals of our duty to tho
land that gave us birth; 10 TIE memo
ries of cur fathers; and to the happiness
and welfare of our children Consecratine
to your country spirit unselfsh. and
fdelifv ike that uhiob distioouisboa ,Io !