New-York daily tribune. [volume] (New-York [N.Y.]) 1842-1866, 1858-05-21
<LIE0ED CATHOLIC CONSPIR 'cY IN
NEW-YORk.
A GREAT SECRET SOCIETY A 9noSSSS All
LOWING THE BIBLE IN sCHOoLS'

met and finally overw belmed Inc hyrnLooHs - ~,
man CathoIjcsm some years since, when they Nv
tsmp.ed to exclude the Bible from our common
schools by force and enactment, could not then nave
believed that the Roman Catholic Church woaid ever
Recent went, have brought to light sons develop
uepts of starting character, fearful 70 contemplate,
and amoet exceeding belief; and was not my hnior-
mant unmpeschabe as msn oil truth anu cna
with no motives Of pecuniaIy or pesi a.;S. ~ The
words and ask for them careful pernssi, WI
challenge 10 dsproye them IN any one sinse par
tcular.
School Trustees OF the Fourth Ward in this city, held
some two weeks since, resolution was ado Jted oy
them eJeuding the Bible from the Schoo9s ana I'Iod
ding ITS use hereoJer The Frees OF our cry w
but two marked EXCEPTIONS, united 10 condeu'n
ing the policy of this action, while the puoc az l'rE1
received the announcement OF this new ou.rase win
universal indignation.
II lie Only the beginI ng-the end is not yet.
II is proper that should preface my statement Win
few words OF explanation.
NV informant II q foreigner by birth, educated q
Roman Catholic Ct the moet bigoted description. ne
has been and until very lately in the confidence Oh
those high in authority in the Roman Cnurch ne wa
passive spectator and participant IN the scenes and
circles am about TO describe and 20 far as It was
possible, he has furnished me examination OF the
docume ntary proof to sub,tsntiate his statements
There exists in this city secret oath bouod orgsn-
zation composed of the select of the Roman Ca.hohc
Ciurch, If which Archbishop Hughes Is the head
AZ uence seietef from the masses ard initiated
into iis mysteries Its has for its objec. the political
advancement ard civil supremacy OF ne charch It's
members are sworn 10 obey any ordeTe viii may
enc na from AID by authority" at Whatever sacrl-
flee OF life and property may be necessary to secure ne
de,ired end. Members OF different political parties
are ected herewith and while professedy earnest
the support OF party principles are IN reality ADO-
| ing under the direction OF this unseen influence.
At the proper time sill state several circumstances
which may serve to explain away many ncomprenen-
sible movements which have attracted general atten-
,iop ard for which explanation has ever been given
Tie Circle Ct Jesus has been organized nearly
three years. and now numbers quite three thousand OF
the most energetic and influential members OF the
Roman Catholic Church. There IL no hmit TO ITS
| sphere of action whin the States Of New-York and
New jersey; members received from any portion
| Of either Of the two States John Hughes, Arch,
bishop Of Newiork, is the Bishop OF the Cuete.
Board of twenty Counseors, elected TOR three
wears seven each year perform all the executive onsi
ness Of the Circle, ard no action vi any kind is
taken without the concurrence first, OF two-th'rds
lfou.een of the Counselors, subject TO the approval
The Treasurer IAN influential banker in Wall street.
| can make disbursements save by order Il The
| Bishop.
Nd person can be proposed for membership withou,
the approval, fret, of the Bishop.
No changes, mod i6ca,ioDs or alterations IN the
organi zaton OF the Circle" no movements, civil,
religious or political, can be set on foot involving the
aid Of the "Circle" without the entire Concurrence
| Of the Bishop
|
recognition, of dittress, o,.bs, obligations and all
| the usual (and unusuaI) p.rapaernas of q secret
society, a review of which reveal the mister-hand OF
| one well fitted by learning and experience to shape
the course of action and define the policy of such
| combination.
need not say rlo that master ruling spirit is.
| will pass over that portion OF tine preliminary
arrangements taken, and 90 necessary to secure the
admission of person to the Circle" except that
| may state that vote, except the Bishop again
approve of the candidate, is sufficient to exclude him
| forever from the Circle"
| That portion Of the initiation I" Introductory
las they term it, to which desire especially TO call
the attention OF American citizen. lie the Infamous
oath and Obligations taken by each and every mem
Der Of the Circle of Jesus. Ii makes one 3 blood
Iun ccld TO think that of intelligence and stand
ing in society; men in whom the public have repeat
eddy placed the greatest possible condolences in various
different wsys; men whom we are accustomed TO re-
spect and honor cay il makes shudder to think,
aye and know that they have bound Themselves by
oaths and obligations to obey the behests of one man.
matter If in doing it they deluge the land other
bIth and adoption in blood, or forever destroy were
they possessed of that power the very existence OF
ouI institutions.
The Circle of Jesus always meets il the morning
when members initiated in the presence OF at least
three Of the CounseloIs and the Bishop. These meet
ings are held az some OF the NUMEROUS Catholic
Churches in New York. Brooklyn or Jersey City, TO
the greatest possible secresy and remove all
| suspicion as to the object of the gathering. The
church Is closed against all corners save such as can
give the eseary signals and passwords. They the
isnals &c changed once in each month, and TO
secure the active cooperation and cetan atten lanes
| of each member at the meetings, no one failing 10
attend unless by reason Of slcknessdus notice OF
which mast be given 10 the Bishop can receive the
new signals &C.. for three months and then only 10y
subscribing to all the rules and regulations laid down
in such This is l. secure the Circle against
al possible tTeachery on the part OF its adherents
The form OF the " introductory must be protin
sublime and well calculated to strike terror to the
| hearts Of the creduous and bigoted Catholics.
l
After person has been received, lie Is notified
by the Archbishop John Hughes, in personal ~
| terviow Of the fact and notified when AMI where t.
present biuself for further advice and direction.
After having complied with several preliminary
forms, be is led to the altar OF the church, from whcu
burning incense is attending, accompanied oy ne
usual display of lighted candles priests IN dl! dress
&c &c. The Bishcp Of the "Crcle las III the case
of my Informant arrsyed in his robes, advances to
| the kneelipg candidate, and-pacing h; hand upon
| lis heac-utteIs a short prayer The object Of the
| ceremony is then briefly explained, shorL aud oil
| course imperfec sketch Of which can only give:
Tie necessity organization of the true and Si.iu al
hr.n ithc Catholic Church has led To the formation Of so
civ scusivey msmbr-; you e supolcant
chosen from the account OF your worth snd
ucnce IN be world around lndscr,tons COMMITTED oy
GUS iends timed ex.ons the part 81 our sdner
.u have dansed standing and mrled tn' Influence Of
the Church Society win guide and control in all caes the c
sud political policy Of our ohIen N we @ So s S
fidelity self sacrificing devotion to cause and Tor wncn
chosen one OF our number We exact s
your brethren The necessity for which voluntary se-
| That oath MI administer"
| The candidate kneeling, with one hand appraised,
while pressing the to bis lips, repeats word for
word after the Bishop, the affirmation.
AZ far can he sscertaned, these oaths are not N
print being committed TO memory by the officiating
Bishop and the attempt to reproduce them on paper