The Bedford gazette. [volume] (Bedford, Pa.) 1805-current, 1855-07-13
Unanimous action in Council.

Whereas the State council of knoW-nothingS
at its recent session in Norv iCh, IN the grosSest
violation of its constitution and laws, by which
It proesses to be governed, and contrary to
ryrry decision founded upon evidence and JUS
ticr, did revoke the charter OF this council on
the representation of the presidents OF two other
councils in this town-Nos. I05 and los that
a majority Of lis members voted at the spring
election in accordance with the dictates OF tht II
own consciences, without fear or favor Of any
man Therefore,
Rcsolyed, That we can regard the action Of
the State council, in thus revuking our charter
without even notifying us Of such intention, in
no other light than that Of base and tyTanni-
cal uSufPaton Of power, oppressive alike 10 US
and every subordinate council in The State.
Resoircd, That this action has fully opened
our ryes 10 the manifest determination OF the
order TO crush out both freedom Of speech and
action on the part OF lis members; to utterly
disregard its assurances and obligations, profess
ftIy made in good faith, whenever 1t shall best
snIt its secret, dark, and unhalowrd purposes :;
and hencpforlh TO regard no other law than that
oi passionate impulse aud arbitrary prescription,
which has ever been the last resort Of those
powers only that have attempted 10 shield the
most gigantic wrongs under the dangerous plea
OF necessity and absolute authority.
Resoired, That, in our opinion, the time has
arrived for the alarm to be sounded in the ears
ol the people of Connecticut, and 10 inform
'hrm OF the existence of a secret order IN their
midst which is striking a blow in the dark
against oGr institutions OF civil and religious
"6rriy, and which, if suffered to 60 on, will
soon destroy all we prize most dear in religion,
politics, and morals.
Resolred, That we feel that we should prove
laISe to our obligations to God and our country
We were TO keep silent at such time as this,
ana That we hereby set forth to the people the
!oiIowng exposition of the order, and the OBJ
Jrcllons which arise in our minds TO the prin-
N'pes OF IT'S organization and action.
OA our admission TO this order we had giveH
" Us the solemn pledge and assurance that no
oo''ga'ionS would be- imposed upon US which
"ouid conflict with those we had already taken,
ana 81 owed to God. our country, and our families.
! VI ihe sole reason that We acted as we were
oouhd to do under The constitution ofthe State,
qua ", mat we honestly complied with our sacred
O'7a.lohs as electors, we were elected from
"9 oFdpI, mathematical as unworthy OF respect,
,'"ueseFving OF any confidence or trust in any
business transaction, and as deserving only the
No.h and reproach of all good men. We were
subjected to the most fearful denunciations be-
o4Dse We would not surrender up to this most
aoCufsrd OF all despotisms our freedom of citizen
cup, and degrade ourselves down to the ig-
,,u''''nloas serylude of wearing mastlif's col
IN view of such things, what honest man
! "on'u contend that any obligations which might
Ue imposed by the order are in the least binding
=. entitled to moments respect! Who would
mo' 60 rather one step further, and say that
,.t ".tn IS guilty OF perjury IN. the highest degree
h, %'' would act with the order against his own
honest convictions?
y we believe if the parent for such cause
N'''AnS the offspring, the obligation 10 keep the