New-York daily tribune., 1858-03-16

We have hitherto called attention to the machi-
nations Of Secret Societies as part of the political
machinery of our times. That We deem such soci
eties at all times dangerous and often fatal to Lib
erty and good Government, our readers already
know. That they are impressively condemned by
Washington in bis Farewell Address, we need
hardly observe. If there were secret political
order connected with growing out of the Re-
publican party, We should have said far more in
deprecation of and in warring against such order;
but, so far as We know, there is none. Nor do we
think the DcmOratic party is generally cursed with
the cancerous existence CT one of these midnight
csbals in its midst but in this City the evil has at
tsined frightful proportions. We are cre1ibly as
sured that no less than six distinct secret orders
are now preyiDg on the vtals of the Sham Dsmoc-
racy of this EmpOrium-each OF them processing
the most unbounded devotion to Democratic prn
ciples while each is in its structure aud essence
deadly, mplacable enemy to those principles, and
really blind instrument in the hands Of some
crafty demagogue to be welded for his own ag
grandzement and that of few cOnfederates
Such societies indicate the decay of the Republic.
They are the parasites that feed on its corruption
and thrive by its dissolution.
"The Fore.ters" is the name assumed by one of
the last devised of these dark cOnspiraces against
independent action and popular freedom, of which
the specific purpose is the recovery by Fernando
Wood and his creatures of the control of Tannany
Hall. To this end they initiste into the " Fores'
| ters" none but members of the Tammany Society.
Wood is of course the cOncocter and chief manager
| of this machine, and he generally Though not
uniformly directs its operations We have been
| furnished, from reliable source with the follow
ing account ofits practical operation:
The candidate, having been request I'd to call on Mr.
Schen or Mr. Wood will be most effective in Undue
ing bm to accompany the stoolpgeon sent for him. is
conducted TO No. 234 Grand street, the third Aoor
though the meetings are not always held in the same
place.
He isreceved a. the outer door by of the For
esters Wlter. and then informed that he has been
brought there to join society of Democrats, which
has for its object the regeneration of the Democratic
party. Are you willing to join, and to unite in an
obligation which we have all taken?" If he answers
Yes" the reply is "Pass him. He is then taken
to an inner door where the form is gone through
only little stronger. After walking around the room,
ne is conducted the chair of the VisiJls Vice Nos-
| burgh), who addresses him as follows
Son Of Tsmmany You presented here for obligation
| Democrat srd a member Of ths Tammany Society. The
rcr.s workings about be made known 70 not 20
be revealed the pnAy Of everlasting disgrace and eternal
dsmpsion Are you willing take the obhss'sn on the Holy
| EVang,iists"
If it be answered in the affirmative, the scales fall
from his eyes, and he finds himself surrounded by men
| in masks. The Visible Grand Fernando Wood then
| proceeds to administer the following obligation;
Dennis Dupe aJYlicantJ for ne C. H., do hereby solemn
prom keep the working OF ihs 10 rta
tn 10 ell matters sPTeranins 10 'he soo! aua
the ensuing Sachems and ohcer SO help me Uod
He then signs the pledge or constitution, and ID
iIormed that M Wood is the Visible Grand but that
Augustus Schel is the Invisible Grand, who will make
his appearance among them at aproper time. and that
IN conversation with the members of the Tammany
Society he shall conduct himself as to leave th'
impression that there will be but ticket, as the
nlehds oi wood intend to build new Tammsny Hal
Ihe Society has held but FIVE meetings, Wood pre-
sidhg thrice and Dan Clark when he was absent.
composed principally of the gang who formerly sur
rounded tie City Hal and the weak brothers IN the
Custom House, who are led to believe that this is the
only way to secure their places but some respec.sb
men have found their way in-William II. c. Waddell
John Nimmo, Col Bogsrt, Dr.. Van Zapdt. the Mur
| phys, Avery Robbins, and others.
One of the very weak brothers of the c. H. Me i
suspected of having blown the thing, when il WAS 70
soved that il should be reported taa. the Soce, wa