The daily Gate City. [volume] (Keokuk, Iowa) 1855-1916, 1855-08-22
Gen Sam Houst
Gen Sam Houston's
PUBLIC ENDORSEMENT OF TIE
PRINCIPLES OF THE AMERI-
CAN ORDER.
IspKrrSDxNcE, Texas, July "a, IS

IspErrNDKNcE, Texas, July "a, IS
GESrLEMEs:-Yo ur letter of yester-
days date was presented to me early in
the afternoon. AT the present time, feel
no hesltancy in expressing my opinion in
relation 10 lie American Order, or lis
principles. | feel that my fellow citizens,
N whose service have been So long en-
gagged, are entitled TO my views, which
may, in their opinion, in any way affect
the public interest. At an earlier period
III the State canvass it might have been
charged to me that MAS endeavoring 10
influence the elections in our State, but,
rs the election is so close al hand that my
opinion cannot have gen ral circulation,
cannot be charged with interference.
lou may rest ASSURED that, in relying
upon my caRdor and sincerity, you will
meet with no disapp Ilntmcn, Owing To
the heated state Of the publ.c mind, the in
fiuence Of federal patronage. and the des
perate efforts which arc maxim TO smother
American sentiment, and quiet the upheav-
ings Of the American mind, expect 10 re
ceive afull share of vituperation and abuse
- OIitLiy lbps Abht TIC SstIIiOI III TIIiiR
has strangled the efforts Of tile American
people 10 regain the legitimate rights
and Wind cate their Inherent principles,
is, to my belief, falaeious. l regard the
result in The Virginia election as highly en-
couraging to the principles of The Order
The efforts used in tina, s. ate were OF the
most herculean and untiring order backed
by Federal patronage. In party contest
IN the State. an interference on the part Of
the Federal Administration would ha,e
been deemed an outrage. AS is, the old
orthodox State of Virginia has received
and recognized the righ, of Federal inter
terence IN her State elections. The dem
ocracy of Virginia will yet awake to pro
per appreciation OF the rights Of their com
monweal,h and the extension of Federal
power.
Ia treating Of a subject which has been
80 generally and deliberately discussed as
that OF the American Order, it would be
difficult to present anything original in the
way OF argument; hence, my aim will be,
to offer my deductions and conclusions from
the facts and arguments of others, and to
glance at III causes which have given rise
70 the present excitement. The movement
] regard as one growing ont Of great cr-
sis in the affairs Of our nation, and the pre-
cursor of sound, healthful and vigorous
nationality, which will be commensurate TO
solve and carry out the great principles OF
free government, and TO prevent the lber-
ties OF the country from being destroyed by
the Vaccinations Of demagogues and fac
honis's, whilst they continue TO chant the
syren song Of mo DANGER at the same time
they cry out beware Of secret societies.
II is true that secret societies lave ALWAYS
been dangerous to despots and tyrants -
They have even denounced and proscribed
Masonry. The Pope, with other polen-
tates have crushed the order in their do.
minions. In our couatry we have seen
the portals leading into the sacred temple
Tor awhile closed and deserted. Secre
societies were then denounced. Thank
heaven that cloud Of fanaicism which fo
awhile overshadowed it, has been dIspel
ed by the light ofreason, and il still con,in
ues to extend the blessings OF its principle,
TO thousands of disconsolate widows ane
orphans. The opponents of the American
Order exclaim. ''it is political association
and therefore ought not to he secret"
Ireply, yes. il il secret, and It's nam.
dnootes its objects. II is The first seer.
political society which has been organized
II the United States? Is it as well known
- any other historical truth, that Gen
Washington and many Of his compstriot
u the revolution were members Of the Gin
Z Society. In which. IL [ am nnA I'm