Democrat and sentinel. [volume] (Ebensburg, Pa.) 1853-1866, 1855-03-22
A CARD.
BURNSIDE TP.

"A CAhD.
BURNSIDE TP., Fc5 81, 1855.
MEssRs. MOORE & Wnsos: Gentlemen, must
ask the liberty to appear before the public, fe-
the first time in my life, in the columns Of news
paper. To vindicate my own character, and to
expose the corruption of a secret oafh-bound po-
litical combination in midst is my only object.
have all my life endcavored to keep my obliga-
tions with my fellow man, and intend to do so IN
future, whenever sound morality binds me to doso-
regret, that duty to my conscience and my c0ua-
try, compel me thus publicly to renounce an obi
CATION taken without knowing its extent OF its
character L mean the obligation imposed upon
the members of the order Of 50 the Star SpangIed
Banner as it has been recently called, but more
fanniliarly known as the order Of s' Know-Noth
ings.'' / became member Of the order previous
to the last election, and took the first degrees
TIE order to which I belonged was called tn.
q New Washington Councl,'' No. 261, and he'd
its meetings in the town of New Washington.
Burnside township, Clarified county. Pa. The
meetings were always held after night in secret
manner, in some out-h house or uninhabited build
ing with the windows darkened, and made secure
from observation. One OF their meetings was
called in my wagon shed, being able to ind no
better place where the Council could meet without
fear of detection. The instruction to the mem
bers, was, always to approach the place of meet
ing alone, and to leave in the same manner for
fear of exciting suspicion / must here confess
that always felt degree OF neanurss in going
to and returning from those places, that had ne
yer before felt, and the moro knew and learned
of their secret organization, and their movements
the more became convinced that no honest, up
right. conscientious man could, without great vio
lence to his feelings, and an entire surrender of
all sefrespect and dignity of character, continue
in their ranks. had always before felt the proud
consciousness of being honest and free
man. l had never known what it was TO shrink
from the gaze of any man or set of men. had
always felt, and feel now, that it is high privi
ege for :. freeman to express his thoughts on
all occasions and upon all subjects. l have been
taught to believe that an honest man is the no
blest work of God,'' and my highest ambition
through life has been to occupy among my fellow
men that exalted position. i soon found however,
that had been decoyed into a secret society, that
claimed from me very different character. a
society that not only asked me voluntarily to
talsify the trh and to act the knace but actually
imposed upon me an oath in advance by which
was bound TO lie at their bidding. Having with
out proper reflection assumed these oaths, and be
come a member, concluded for while to remain
with them and learn what could of them.
have now left them and forever I shall no more
meet in their secret midnight conclaves, and no
longer hear their impious oaths administered.
rejoice to feel that am again freeman! Those
whose consciences win allow them to remain in
their ranks can do so. Doubtless ere this have
been expelled from their Council, for my denun-
citation of the order, and if SO obligations
dissolved by 8. mutual consent
The question here arises in my own mind-have
done my whole duty in merely freeing myself
from their unhallowed influences2 Do 1 not owe
it as a duty to my fellow men to expose this com
bination, and to warn them against what / con-
ceive to be the most dangerous political movement
that has ever existed in this country. know
there are those who will think and say, that am
violating high obligation if 1 attempt to expose
the doings of these midnight orgies, but shall
content myself with the belief that they are not
those for whose opinions have much regard.
have thought long and anxionsly on this subject
Ny conscience approves the course. If the judg
ment of the public is rendered in my favor shall
feel glad if not, shall be supported by the pu-
rity of my own motives. ! firmly believe the
oaths administered to be immoral in their ten
dency, and corrupt in their influences. Having
sworn to become dishonest and to practice false
hood, am / bound to keep that oath laving
sworn, if needs be, to periure myself in a Court
of Justice, viii the Almighty hold me responsible
for the violation of such an obligation. Believing
as do, that my duty, both TO my God and my
country demand at my hands full remuneration
of all such obligations, can hesitate2 Certainly
notl Every impulse of my heart approves the
course have adopted, and my friends will allow
me alone to be responsible for the consequences
! shall settle that account before tribunal far
above the reach Of Know -Nothingisln, and before
which neither their .fapors nor froscns can eiiect
mo. One thing know, should not b" alone IL
others were not afraid to go with me. There are
hundreds in their ranks. whose esss-seed tfeaings