The New York herald. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1840-1920, 1857-05-20

new AtDttnSst NbOsehhoou h0 nASS~sAAssSVssS
farming OF tlae Nigger WOrshspper
| We entertained Q hope that the recent sboll
ton anniversary meetirgs would throw some
further light on a certain Massachusetts, sssocia-
| tioo to which our attention has been attracted
| for some time past But, save the Wanting invl-
| tstion of General Wentworth Hlgginson for
| convention of fugitive slaves to assemble pub
lIcly in the City Hall of Worcester we heard no
direct alluslon either to the association or its
| power. That invitation alone, however giving
the proposer credit for the usual abolition sanity
is proof DO Tive that he mnst have spoken
with some secret authority to render the invita-
ton safc and the persons OF the invited secure;
and of the nature of the league which lies be-
bind this invitation, we are now enabled to give
some details that will prove, we think, deserving
| Of very serious consideration.
| We do not alluds to the Boston Vigilance
| Committee or It's auxiliarles, but to a secret
society, deliberately organized drilled Disciplined
| and trained to the use Of arms. The true title
of this society we are not at liberty TO dlvulge;
! but Us its members have adopted for their flag
one Of the old symbols Of New England, we may
| membersLthe Pine Tree League.
| Strictly speaking, this league is not of an
| abolition character its one sole and exclusive
aim Is the notification in Massachusetts of the
Fugitive Slave law. AL other Issues and objects
| II ignores, and poHtics-whether national, state
| or municlpal-are forbidden to be discussed
within Its gatherings Thus, having no patron
| IN, k.ot pol,t;ciouu avoid nj
only those ultra zealos are at home ia Its ranks
who ore willing to do duty and make sacrifices
| in support Of an abstract principle
This society is divided into two orders or
| classes-technicslly known as Assistants and
Athletes-tbe former comprehending the new
| members and those whose sentiments are least
| advanced. The Athletes are selected by ballot
from the Assistants; and 50 exclusive is the Or
ganization that one black ball, or vote in the
negative, defeats a candidate; and none are
eligible unless fully prepared to adopt to its
utmost extent the motto Of the association, which
If Everything for the Cause" To the adoption
Of this motto We believe the elected have to
swear; but on this point our Information Is not
certain.
These Athletes, therefore, form TIE "mountain"
OF most advanced Jacobtn-wing Of practical
snt-slavery, and to them Is committed the I'M
questioned government of the league. But for the
| attainment Of prompt action, q centralized and
concentrated authority Is requisite, and therefore
the eutlre executive power Is delegated by an inner
vote to less than half dOzen-fve, we believe
of this Athlete council The creed of this Utmost
| directory and the belief for which they are Sc
lected runs to the effect that the time for remon-
strances Is over, and that deeds alone must mani
feet their repugnance to the obnoxious law.
Speeches, resolutions and personal liberty bills
they denounce as mere decoys and diplomatic
blinds; and If there be any truth in the oaths
they have taken, these presiding officers would
shoot down, ss~h OF string up any unfortunate
slave hunter who light fall into their hands "w,,
ne more ceremony or conjunction than would
DO used or felt in performing similar Office for
any foui-legged bloodhound which should follow
its prey within the charmed bounds of Massa-
chusetts"
The Athletes are drilled In small compa-
each week-not only TO the old fashioned
use Of the musket and bayonet, but In all the
modern and improved accomplishments Of the
French chasseur. To these purely military
exercises is added novel one-perhaps
the most efficient for the purposes had
IN view that could be invented II is
called the walking stick drill The arms for
this exercise ore cudgels Of all shapes and kinds
gold headed canes, hickory sticks and loaded
Inda rubber life-preserverS Each private arms
according to his taste and means, and has stick
to suit the remainder of bis drees the only uni
formi'y required consisting Of q certain length,
strength and weight in the weapon carried
The Athletes and Assistants 30 armed are train
cd 10 mlngle with crowds, stand or walk here
aud there as ordinary spectators but on a given
s'gai to collect, or act separately, 90 necessary,
with the precision Of disciplined body. The
whole corps is divided Into "squsds" consisting
Of FIVE Assistants each squad being under the
command OF an Athlete who Is called monitor
-Four squads form "class," under the lead of
"tescber" (csptain); and four "classes" or one
hundred men, school or company otherwise
regment), under the orders Of deputy"
when on duty everything IL entrusted TO mar
shall" whose commands are law-Asslstauts,
Athletes, monitors, teachers and deputies being
all sworn to obey him without question OF re-
monstrance. Over all the members and resources
Of the league within his district each marshal
exercises supreme and unlimited Dictatorship.
N is principle Of the league to avoid
unnecessary exposure or publicity. None
bat the supreme executive know any
thing OF its total resources, strength or plans
When one man can accomplish n tssk, he goes
alone; where two only are required, three must
never be sent Every squad" Is distinguished
by number, every "class' by letter, and
every company" by word which Is their sign
Of recopniton. and has therefore 20 be frequently