The true Democrat., 1855-03-28
Know Nothing Ritual.

ElE5I Dh1hbE NOONbIl--
 OrrsrDE. Daring this time the candidates arc in the ant"-room.
 Narshal-Gentlemen, are you candidates lol admission to the organization
 Each answers, q am."
 Marshal-Betore proceeding further it is ne .ossarv trat you take an obligation of secrecy.
 Marshal-You will now place yourself in a position to receive It.
 'Posjton-Place the right hand on the Holy Bible and cross:
 Obligaton-You do solemnly swear upon .h;s Holy Bible and Cross, before Almighty God 'n5 these witnesses, that ycu will not dlvulge anv ouestion now proposed to you, Whetheryou 1o1oc 1'ls member of this organization or not, aTd that vou will never, under any circumstan- "os mention the name of any person or persons an may see present, nor that you know such examination to be in existence; and that you '-,iI frue answers make to every question asked ,,or to the best of your knowledge and belief, So belp YOU God. q do."
 First 0uestion-Are you twenty years of ace? "I am."
 Second Question Do you believe in the ex- ;stence of Supreme Being, the Creator and proserver of the Universe, and that an obIiga- +;on of this time taken will be binding upon you through life? "l do.'
 Third Question-Were you born within the limits or under the jurisdiction of the United Sites of America? q was.''
 Fonrth Queston-In religious belief are you Roman Catholic? "No"
 Fifth Qucstioir-Have you or have you not been reared under Protestant influences? "YeS' or No"
 Sixth Question--Are, or were either of your narents Roman Catholics in religious belief?-- 1als,.'' 1@To.' -'''''''''
 Seventh Question-If married, is your wife Roman Catholic? "No' or " Yes''--the answer to b. varied as the Constitution of the State council provides.
 E ghth QuestioE--Are you willing to use your ;nAucnce and vote only for native born Ameri- can ctizeus for all the offices of honor or trust in the gift of the people, to the exclusion of all foreigners and aliens, and of Roman Catholics in particular, and without regard to party pre- affections? ( 1 am."
 INSIDE The candidates are now conducted inside.
 Marshal-WorthY President: 1 have examin- cd these candidates, and finding them duly qualified present them for obliga ion. If the examination in the ante-room gave evidence of even partial objection to any candidate, the marshal should state if to the President before introducing the candidate.
 Pre8idc1t--Ny Friends: Previous to your uniting with and 5ecdming members of this organization, it will De pecessary for you to take upon yourselves iemn obligation--one which we have all taken and intend sacredIy to keep through life. It Will hot conflict with the du- ties you owe to yourselves, your families, vour country or your God--With this assurance are you willing to proceed?
 Each answers, "I am."
 0bligation-You and each of you, of your own free will aud accord, in the presence ol Almighty God and these witnesses. vour right hand resting on this Holy Bible and Cross and vour left hand raise towards Heaven, in token of your sincerity, do solemnly promise and swear that you will not make known to any person or persons any of the signs, secrets, mvs- teres or objects of this organization unless it be to those whom, afte.. due examination or law full information you shall find to be members of this organization in good standing; that you will not cut, carve, print, paint, stamp, stain, or ill any way, directly or indirectly, expose any of the secrets or objects of this order nor suffer 1t to be done by others, If i'll your power to pre- vent 1t, unless it be for official instructon that so long as you are connected with this organi- zation, if not regularly dismissed from it, you u, this order is concerned, comply with the will of the majority, when expressed in lawful manner though it may conflict with your personal pre- ference so long as it does not conflict with grand state or subordinate consultations, the coastitu- ton of the United States of America, or that of the State in which vou reside, and that YOU will not under any circumstances whatever knowingly recommend au unworthy person for initiation, nor suffer 1t to be done, if in your power to prevent il.
 You furthemore promise and declare that you will not vote nor give your influence for any man for any office in the gift of the people, uu- less he be an American born citizen, iu favor of Americans born ruling America; nor if he be a Roman Catholic, and that you will not under any circumStances, expose the name of any member of thS order, nor reveal the existence of such an organization. To ali tan io~aLoinq you blnd yourselves, under the 10 less penalty than that of being expelled from thh order. and of haYIng yonr name posted and circulated throughout the different councils of the United States, as peDurer and as trator to God and your country, a. being unfit to be employed and trusted, countenanced or supported in any business transaction, as person totally unwor- thy of the confidence of all good men. and as one at whom the finger of scoru should ever be pointed. Sc help you God. (Each answers Il do.D
 President-Worthy Marshal-you will now present these brothers to the secretary that he may record their names and residences; which being done, you will present them to the in- structor for final instructions.
 Darshal-Worth InStructor-Bv direction of the Worthy President, present to you these brothers for final instructions, they having sign ed the constitution
 Instructor-Brothers-.- the outer door you will make an ordinary alarm. When the wick etis opened, you will ask what is the pass The outside sentinel will reply "give it"- when you will give the term pass, and be ad- mitted to the ante-room. You will then pro- ceed to the inner door, and give one rap When the wicket is opened give your name, the num- Der of your council, the explanation of the term pass, and the degree password. If these be found correct, on being reported to the vice president you will be admitted to the council. You will then proceed to the centre of the room, and address the president with the countersign, winch Is performed thus Position-The right