New-York daily tribune., 1858-04-07
ANOTHER SECRET SOCIETY


SIN: One OF the most remarkable political organ1a-
tions existing at the present time in the City OF New
Yo,k is the Young Mems American General Commit
tee Is history is both interesting and novel; AS
happen to be well acqusinted with the Individuals who
STATED the Committee, have obtained from them, IN
the course of dfieren. conversations, the following
particulars respecting ii.
Without desiring to enter into any argument for the
purpose Of demonstrating the necessity of the existence
of the Committee, will merely say that the want OF
such a Committees Committee to represent and be
composed of American young men, was long acknowI-
edged ard felt but with the exception Of an attempt
made nearly two years ago to start Committee OF
this chaiacter-an attempt which proved miserable
failure nothing effected in the premises until the
present Committee was organized, and which com.
menced IFS cxsteIce under somewhat peculiar and
dcoursgirg circumstances II has slowly but surely,
however worked its way, notwithstanding the obsta-
cles in ts path until i. is sufficiently powerful TO
make ia Influence felt and i.s claims respected.
The bold step taken al the OUTS Of its career OF
avoiding as much possible any connection with, or
asking any support from the Councils, which were 10
be left to the care and control OF the Old Men Com
mttee; and in order to make the Committee success
full new and original plsn Of organization and action
was regarded as necessary.
It was decided to sppont reliable deputy for each
Ward on whom would devolve the duty Of forming
Club to be subordinate TO and represented in the Com.
mttee by three deegstes. To form such Clubs in the
various Wards without the knowledge, and without
exciting the alarm jealousy Of the Councils, was
difficult undertaking. but it wa accomplished excep,
III few cases, which, although failure at the time,
we've subsequently, successful Each Club was Sc
cret body It's existence known only to the initiated
member. No Club was restricted in regard 10 the
nationality Of its members bu. was allowed to admi,
sDy voter, provided he was not . Roman Catholic.
The result of this plan was soon apparent. Old men,
bers OF the party began to suspect that work of a
strange character was going on, but were ignorant of
its object. few OF the most pereyering with the
determination to satisfy themselves, followed up with
great the signs about them, until they to
the closed doors of Club, and could 60 no farther
Each Club has its own peculiar name, or SoLriquet.
There Clubs known by the name of Never Sur
Americans" Iron Hearts, "Black Cats" INA.
tioral Americans" &c. | under-.aLd that Mr.. Wm.
a. Hyatt lie President Of the Sixth Ward Club M
Daniel &. Collins of the Seventh Ward Club Mr.. John
Thomas Phillips of the Sixteenth Ward Club, Mr.
John l.. Shnge land of the Fifteenth Ward Club and
Nj. William III. Moun;for of the T~enty-irst Ward
Club.
Every delegate from subordinate Club hss t. be
native born American. and entitled to vote.
In the election IN this city previous TO the a when
the fusion took place between the American and Re.
publican parties, the clubs took an active though
silent part, ard without exception opposed IT, and
voted aganst nearly every of its candidates. Thus
assertion is not made upon any hypothesis Il il ca.
pabe of being substanta'ed beyond doubt
have been informed that in ward club held
the balance Of power between the fusonsts and used
it 10 advantage. And in another ward club diverted
enough votes from the fusion Councmarc candidate
10 insure his defeat. | am told that in my own ward
the Democratic candidate for the Assembly elect.
ed by majority which tailed exactly with the num-
a errt q nh in
tie ward-a club that was suborcL ate TO the Coz
uitee. Again. tod Of the case OF certain zen.
tieman who. a. the las. Municipal election was run.
ring the fusion ticket for Alderman in an intensely
American district and was comparatively csrtain OF
an election, but who was defeated by less thsn
hundred votes which given for his ODD onent
by another OF the secret clubs club whose me etng
room was within half mile Of his residence, and OF
the existence Of which club he entirely ignorant
Indeed, am personally aware of the fact that g; the
same election, there wac 0 gentleman OF the sysl
profession, nominated by the American patty for
he State Senate, whose chance Of being elected
nomiDee Of the party, but who when the votes
we're counted was beaten by nearly a thousand
majority given for his Democrats competitor.
One among the many reasons Of his defeat, was MS
arrogant treatment Of Committee, sent by secret
uboidinate Club, that existed in ole of the Wards in
III District for the purpose of procuring from him
lunoer CT hs tickets for the of those members of
ne Club who desired 10 vots for him. The Commit
ee called upon him, and stated that they repre-
entfd Club Of 900 voters in his District, macy
y whose votes would probably be cast for him, and
ney would like to obtain that number Of his tickets
VI distribution IN the Club previous TO the day Of
.ciicn. The Senatorial candidate ia reply, STATED
hat he had lever heard norwss he aware nay he even
Oubted the existence in his Dsiric, of secret club
oDposed Of that strength, aud ss confirmation of |
s ignorance AID skep.cism gave the Committee the
shy pImber Of only 90 tickets This act roused |
be nd gDstior a, once Of the Co1ntee, the Chair
Ia. VI shic t.afed that, although h,s ps aad th1.e