Semi-weekly standard. [volume] (Raleigh, N.C.) 1853-18??, 1855-08-18
secrecy and oaths of Know Nothingism.


appeal to his constituents on the character of the
new secret organiZati,n n.
Mr. STEPHENS commences by expression of
confidence in the principles of our Republican insti
tutions, they were originally founded. Depart
ture from them, with the hope of getting something
better, would be evil hour. These institutions
he believed were in danger at the present time:
l believe this secret political Order of Know Moth
ings-with its great head-and affiliated societies
all the country-spreading spider webs
from Maine to California throwing out its fatal
meshes in every Notwithstanding vast
amount of power-assumng the attributes of gov
ernment-the power to tax and punish without
limitation restrction--the power to settle by he
National Council all political matters for the United
States, and taking hold of the conseiences Of men
and swearing them to yield implicit obedience to the
great Central Head, even against their own free will,
is themost dangerous and mschieVous organization
that has yet arisen III this country 1t is alrea
dy an i" Aaperiuns in Impsrao." A Government
within the Government. And when we come to
consider the principles upon which its secret opera
tons based, the mischief and danger to be ap-
pretended from it is infinitely increased. These
principles | consider in direct against the
fundamental principles of the Constitution of the
United Statcs and if carried out will end in total
subversion of some of the great and most vital OBJ
jects intended to be secured by that. instrument
those objects which should be dear to every true
hearted American.
MIR. Stephens then proceeds to the analysis and
discussion of the Constitution of the " order" He
quotes at length, formula obligations and ritual
it is called the third degreefor this institution
proceeds by degrees 1t has its first degree its
cond degree and its third degree. The first and
second seem to be for the workers" the third for
the Office holders, Office seekers-for all who
hold office with them must be third degree men.
The fourth degree, or fourth step in the develop
ment of this organization, has not yet been taken,
SO far as outsiders know.
But let examine this first step. 1t is leap in
the dark to all who take it or, at least, it was at
first, and would have been to the present time if
accident had not brought these things to light The
Eooh Unfit
ed member Is sworn not to communicate, even to
any candidate for admission any thing about its
principles until he is brought to the book to swear
to do, not to do something of which he has no
information before-withOut moments thought
reflection upon the propricty improperly of TAX
ing the obligation. Now, why this secresy? Why
entlce and allure men--youns men otten-into such
a position, where they may take such q solemn OBJ
legation, instantly, and without time think of it,
and consider oft? If freenen cannot be trusted-if
their honor cannot be relied on-if an oath must be
taken by them, 30 bind them to obeytyour bidding
as iege serfs by their naughty lords,
why not do it in public? Why be SO private and
secret about it? Does it not look if the object
was to take advantage of the unwary? What is
the greatest boast, well glory of an American?
Is it not that he is freeman, and can and ought to
vote as he pleases, according to the untrammelled
dictates OF bis own judgment? Why not allow his
judgment to be free until the last expiring hour of
election day, If he pleaseS? have seen CsfenceS
made in tine papers, of this secresy feature, and
Heard some made the other day. upon the stump,
which, think for the honor of the Order it would
have been better if they had never been made.
These defences. amounted to this That sachawas
the tyranny of cid parties, that the. members of
this new Order" were compelled and driven to
this course, as matter of necessity. Docs this
speak well for the mannesS and Independent spirit
Of those men who constitute the Order and who
set themselves up such Americans entitled,
above all others, to rule America ?-men abject,
IN TINS Tree country where every man can do as he
pleases, to have it put forth, a defence for
them, that they afraid to their sentiments,
and We're driven into secresy compelled to hide |
from their fellow-men, and made to take oath not
to let it be known that they in Council?
Is it so, that the party is composed of such men,
weak and irail in spirit so timd and cmcken-h heart
ed, as this defence represents them to be ?-such |
craven hearted miscreants? l do believe it think |
better of them than their defenders do--and well !
may most of them exclaim, "save from our
friends, if no better defence than this be made
for them the sccreSy feature. If that defence be
we'll founded, bold Of Americans there would
be to rule America, wouldn't they be2 Had | rep
resented the party composed Of such men, as it |
must be if this defence be true, should doubtless
have been charged with having most outrageously
abused them.
The truth is, the defence is only pretext For !
his exposed it and denounced it. In this: coun-
try no man having in view any good object is afraid
TO speak his sentiments or avow them-all know
but the most shameless part of this preteXt is the
granny of old parties. What party earth
,cpt this and that got up in Rome by Catalina,
presumed to exercise over its members the tyranny
ii q sovereignty over MS SUBJECTS IN requiring an
bath of featty and secresy? L present these views
simply for your calm consideration intelligent
reemen
After discussing at length one of the peculiar
aths of the order, which, in the face of the Con-
ttuton, imposes religious test, Mr.. Stephens pro-
eeds: =
But cannot dwell upon this first degree obiiga- |
ion. 1t would take an hour to expose the mischie-
consequences that may be expected legitirnatey
flow from the practical operation of several parts
f it. Such for instance, that which swears every
lember Of the party, in these words
!" You will, in all political matters, SO far this
rider is concerned comply with the will Of the
ority, though it may conflict with your person.
preference" &c.
And again:
" You will not under any circumstances, expose
he name of any member of this order, nor reveal
ne existence of such association"
Mark this language" under any circumstances"
uppose public duty should demand of good citi-
en-, uRwittngly" drawn into it, to make known,
OF only the existanee of such an Association, but
ne VOWS of its members would good men, with no
bects but good objects, want such protec-
on against exposure and discovery, is here most
olemhly providedg 80.
But again:
That you will answer an imperative notice is |
led by the proper authority; obey the command of
lie State Council, President his Deputy, while
ssembIed by such notice and respond to the claim
signor cry of the Order, unless, it be physically
lpossible."
Fellow citizens and my friends who are ''Know
LIDO not wish to say ANYTHING ealculat- .