The weekly Butte record., 1863-08-22
0dteklp 8utte Rttorb
Secret Political Societies.

patriots. We hear that there is an organiza-
tion in this place, and we will not be surprised
to hear OF the members appropriating the arms
OF our volunteer company the first opportunity.
The Abolitonists are no longer willing TO
trus. to the calm sober judgment of the people
at the ballot box, but intend by intmidatiDg
the voters to control that last privilege of an
American freeman
Grand Council, Union League of -4nerica,
For the State Of California,
san FGASCIsco, June 20, lS63)
To the Officers and Members of tie Union
League tcrthin the State Of California;
GENTLEMEN On the 10th day Of Nav. ult..
the Grand Council issued circular letter re-
commencing the formation OF a military organ
ization within each subordinate Council of the
League within this State. The necessity for
such action has not diminished by time, on the
contrary, there is greater Iced to-day for the
thorough organization Of the Union men than
ever before. \ determined effort is to be made
in the coming election to array this State
against the Administration and the war To
resist such an attempt, we have pledged, each
to the other, our lives, our fortunes, aud our
sacred honors "a pledge not idly made, nor
lightly to be broken. In furtherance of the
spirit Of this pledge, the Grand Council recon-
mended:
First, That all the able bodied members of
the League unite themselves with some com
pany Of the organized militia of the State. II
there be no organized company Of the militia
at the place where the subordinate Council is
located, that one be Immediately organized
under the laws of the State and an application
made to the Adjutant General of the State for
arms. 1t is also recommended that those mem
bers of the League who, from age, inirmity,
or other, are incapable of bearing arms, or
who unwilling to join the organized militia,
form themselves into a Home Guard and per
feet themselves in the drill by company and
battalion, either using such arms as are acces-
sibe, or without arms.
Second Officers Of subordinate Councils
will include in the monthly reports 10 the
Grand Council, the number of able bodied men
in their respective Councils, capable OF endu-
ring the fatigues of military service as also
the number of those who, from any cause, are
incapable. As, also the number of those who
have seen military service, when and where,
and whether in the regular army, in foreign
service or in the organized militia OF the State
A vigorous effort is being made to induce
the General Government to place at the dispo-
sal of the authorities of this State a quantity
of arms sufficient to equip ali whom, in any
contingency, 1t may be necessary to call into
service. Should this effort prove successful,
notice will be transmitted Immediately to all
subordinate Councils of the League in the
State
An application will also be made for arms
for such companies of Home Guards as shall
organize themselves; but from the nature of
circumstances at present existing, without
hope of success, such companies will probably
be obliged to supply their own arms and equip
ments
Commenting the suggestions herein contain
ed to the consideration of the members of the
League, we remain. respectfully,
5. II. PARKER, Grand President
By Order of the Grand Council
ALFRED BARSrow, Grand Secretary.
The following is the order of General 0. B.
Wilcox, heretofore alluded to, suppressing Sc
cret leagues and associations, and threatening
TO use force TO disperse them if it cannot be
done otherwise This order has squelched such
Infamous associations in the Department of the
Ohio, and riots aud resistance to law has ceas-
ed. Would General Wright issue similar
order for this department, he would break up
gangs of despcabe sneaks, whose business it
now is to provoke disturbance against the
peace and dignity of the State:
DEPARTMENT OF The Ono.
Indianapolis, Ind, June 3, 1863.
The peace of Indiana has lately been dis
turbed by violence murder and other acts con-
trary to law and having their origin in certain
political societies, clubs, or leagues The
common safety now demands that all such as
sociatlons should be discontinued no matter to
what political party they belong They are a
constant source of dread and mistrust-they
divide and provoke hostility between neigh
bors. weaken the dignity and power of courts
OF justice, expose the country to martial law,
and discourage the people from enlisting in
defence of the country
No matter how worthy or honest may have
been the reason for such societies in the becin
ming, their very secrecy and the oaths they
impose do enable wicked men to use them to
unlawful ends, and pervert them into public
nuisauceS.
All good objects can be accomplished OPEN
iy, and none but the enemies of their country
need disguises
1t is perfectly plain that such secret organi.
cations are both dangerous and beyond the or.
dlnary grasp OF law; they are, therefore de-
clared to be hostile, and will be put down by
all the military power of the district, if need be
| invoke against secret societies the good
influence and active aid of all men who are
friendly TO the Uniou-to discontinue and
peaceably break up such organizations within
the limits OF this district and call upon the
members thereof speedily to withdraw from
their dark meetings and openly show that
their intentions and acts are such as NAV well
become the true and loyal citizens of a country
whose freedom and integrity they will main
tain against all enemies whatsoever, and before
the eyes of all the world.
Q. B. WILCOX,
Brigadier General Commanding.
All honor to General Wilcox.
TnE question Of rank raised By Gen. Butler
has been settled as follows Mcclellan is
.rSt in rank newt Fremont r,axt R,,i-, 49,.