Richmond Whig. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1862-1865, 1863-04-09
The Union Leagues.

tangled Yankee organizations was given in an extract
from the Boston Courier, copied into this paper The
Courier stated in plain terms, that their object was tC
inveige the simple into remuneration Of all the
rights of reemeu and abect submission to the des
potism at Washington. Once member OF the Union
League there is no chance of escape no opportunity
for even protest against whatever madness, folly OF
crime Lincoln and his Cabinet may fit to perpetrate
except by peJury-the entrapped victim being bound
BY an obligation as solemn and terrible as the Masonic
OATH not divuge the secrets of his League and to
support the Constitution and the Government of the
Uuited States.
One of the Rituals of this latest invention of despo
ism has fallen into the hands of the editor Of the Crisis
Medary's paper and from that Ritual not little in
formation obtained 1t that the League is d.
vded into Councils each of which has President, Vice
President, Treasurer, Secretary, Marshal Herald
within the inner door, and Sentinel without the outer
door" The furniture consists of an "Aar Holy Bible
Declaration of Independence, United States Consiitu-
Iion Flag of Liberty, Censor Of Incense Sword Gavel
and Ballot Box The object of the altar is explained
in these words: 1.-The FIRE of liberty to be kin
died the Altar of Incense is composed of gum,
thus and uDuh, to be found at any drug store" The
Crisis heaps ridcue upon this drug business but does
not explain what " thus" is. Gum we have heard of,
myrrh, also but "thus" mystery, which We would he
glad for any Confederate apOihecary to unravel
Candidates for admission the League present them
selves to the Marshal who fetches the Vice President
who propOuuds to them Several important questions
which, leach of you will answer in low but distinct
tone" We inser, two questions "a specimens:
49, Are you sincerely opposed to secession and dis
unions Answer: Il am"
IS. Do you acknowledge that your first and highest
allegiance, under God is due to the Government OF the
United States of America Answer: Il do"
The candidates being examined, and pronounced wor
thy are introduced to the Council for further nstruc
ton which consists in address from the President
who tells them that the league rises above every sordd
consideration that it desires members such only as
are capable Of describing from their minds the low aims
aud selfish spirits of partsans and of claiming
and defending the boon Of freedom for its intrinsic value
Tney are then requested to take a solemn Obligation
which the President assures them does not conflict with
the sacred duties they owe their God their country,
their fmil es or themselves. Toe candidates having
expressed their willingness to take this Obligation "the
P" (the Presidency calls upon 1.-The c." Chaplain, we
SUPPOSE to Invoke the blessing of Almighty God on
our undertaking" Then follows prayer.
The P. continues as follows:
Now place your left hand on the National dag, and
raise your right toward Heaven, repeating after the
following obligation:
There the ~ lights the Altar Of Incense to burn du-
ring the administration Of the obligation, when the
members will be called up by two rsps of the glve and
ion hands in the circle around the candidates and the
Altar.
OBLIGATION.
with your nams) do sOlemnly swear in the presence
of God and these Witnesses 20 support protect and de-
fend the Constitution aud Government of the United
States and the flag thereof and aid in maintaining the
laws OF the United States and to defend this State or
Di ct against any INVASION instruction rebellion TO
the best OF my ability without any mental reservation
or evasion Whatever. Furthermore, that will aid and
assist in eeciing and reliable Union men, and
others to all Offices of profit and trust from the lowest
to the highest in town. county, State and general Gov
ernment And should ever be called to I'LL any Office
Ni then and there, faithfully carry out the objects
and prin ,iples of this L. and further that will protect
aid and defend all true members of the U. L. and will
never make known in any way or manner, to any per-
or persons not members Of the L. any Of the signs
passwords proceedings purposes, debates plans of
this or any other Council under this organization
cept when engaged in admitting members into this
organization place your right hand on the Holy Bible,
etc aud with my hand upon the Holy Bible Declaration
of Independence and the Constitution OF the United
States OF America under the seal of my sacred honor
acknowledge myself firmly bound and pledged to the
faithful performance of this my solemn obligation SO
HELP no Con.
The new members Of the league pledge themselves to
this obligation "The p" then delivers brief address to
the newly initiated the first sentence of which reads as
follows:
''The oath which you have now taken is rendered
aouJiy sacred by your solemn appeal to the Supreme
Ruler of the Universe and the symbols of The Gorer
nsHt and Uniou.'
What blasphemy! What wicked mummery to cntrap
people into the support of "he best government the
world ever saw Well may the editor Of the Crisis
,1claim:
f the Apostles could step in and see the uses to which
hey put the Bible they would not be more surprised
han our fathers if they could witness the sacrege of
constitution this very organization is got up to Destroy
md the flag to desecrate. But the whole affair is of
piece The incense" the prayer" the "oath" "Obl
yaton" All done to bind ment rote at our elections
The tomFoolery winds up thus:
Gentlemen concludes the P around you is a band of
fr0emen, who pledged to defend glorious Union
They have made high resolve and will keep it or die
This circle is never 10 be broken by TREAcHERY
Response by members
Never"
P.-Aembers Of the l., viii you enlarge your circle
10 admit new members?
Response by members:
I'VE will"
Prepare for acoessORs to your ranks.
The circle will here be opened, the new members
admitted and with cla;ped and upfed hands, repeat
H. the following:
To defend and perpetuate freedom aud the Union, l
pledge my life, my fortune, and my sacred honor So
lELP NE GOD!
Here eive the sigma otto snnl;c,bla IN tho secrat
work
FINANCIAL AND CtMAERuIAL
WEtSEsDAT April s, 1868.