The Opelousas patriot. [volume] (Opelousas, Parish of St. Landry, La.) 1855-1863, 1856-10-25
The Celebrated "Third Degree.u
DEMOCRATS. READty@

How much of the breath Of De, lcratic ora.
tors, and the ink and malignity Of Democratic
editors, have been expended during the present
! canvass in denouncing the terrible-the treason.
able secresy which, they maintained, surrounded
the American party! No language has been
found to fully express their sense of the danger
which they said must Turk in this mystery.
Even since the workings Of the party have
been open to the world, they have not ceased
to harp upon the fearful nature Of the obliga-
ton which had been taken, and that " THIRD
DEGREE" in particular, has been hurled at
MI. Fillmore from the stump, and through the
columns Of Democratic papers, with a violence
which was confidently believed would prove
crushing. Orators like Mr.. Benjamin, while
they paid high tributes of praise to the Ameri-
can candidate, pointed with solemn warning to
that fearful " Third Degree" The obligations
OF that degree are now before you. It was
published in the American Organ at Washing
ton, in accordance with a resolution of the
American council Of the District of Columbia,
in. accordance with the removal Of the seal of
secrecy by the National Council. Again we
say to Democrats, READ It'll!
OBLIGATION.
You, and each of you, of your own free will and
accord, in the presence of Almighty God and these
witnesses, with your hands joined in token Of that
maternal affection which should ever bind together
the States Of this Union. forming a ring, in token of
your determination that, as far as your efforts can
avail, this Union shall have no end, do solemnly and
sincerely swear Tor affrm) that you will not, under
any circumstances. disclose in any manner, nor suffer
~ 70 pc aone ~ Others II In your power to prevent it,
1he name, signs, passwords, or other secrets of this
degree, except to those to whom you may prove on
trial TO be brothers of the same degree. or in omen
council for the purpose of instruction that YOU do
merely solemniy declare your devotion to the Union of
these States that in the discharge Of your duties as
American citizens you will uphold, maintain, and de-
tend 1t, that you will discourage and discountenance !
any and ever, attempt, coming from any and every
quarter' which you believe to be designed or calcn-
and that yon will use yonr influence. as far as in yonr
power, III endeavoring to procure an amicable and
adjustment of all political discontents or
throw. ' " we"
" You do further promise and swear Tor affirm that
you will not vote for any one to fill any Office Of
honor, or profit, or trust of a political character,
whom you Know or believe to be in favor of a dissolu-
OF the union of these States, or who is endeavor-
support for all political offices Sd or Union Degree
members of this order, in preference to all Others
that II II may be done consistently with the Coustit,,.
Ilon ana laws OF the land, you will, when elected or
appointed to any official station, which NAV confer
on you the power to do SO, remove from Office or
place, all persons whom you know or believe to he In
tayor OF a dissolution Of the Union, or who are on.
1eaVorlng to produce that result and that in no case
You VIII appoint such persons to auy political Office
Or place whatever. ~
All THIS you promise and swear Tor afirm) upon
your nonor as American citizens and friends Of the
Union, to sustain and abide by without any
or mental reservation whatever, Yon aIsn
promise and swear (or afirm) that this, and all other
which you have previously taken in this
,raer, shall ever be kept sacred and inyiolate. To all
MS you pledge your lives, your fortunes, and your
acred honors, 30 help you God, and keep you staad.
asst. W. '""
Each one shall answer /. 1 do.,"
The foregoing was the " obligation" and the
Whole obligation, of the Third, or, as it was
lsually and appropriately termed, the " Union
0eggree." If THIS BE TREASON, MAKE THE
lost OF IT
The Organ also publishes in full, the charge
which accompanies the obligation of the third
'egE J, and it breathes throughout, the spirit
Vhia pervades the sacred " Farewell address,"
and devotion to the Union are in
ulca ed in every line, and there is not a SEN
imef expressed, either in the obligation or
charge, which can not be endorsed BY %eyery
over of his country.