Washington standard. [volume] (Olympia, Wash. Territory) 1860-1921, 1863-09-12
Sanctity of an Oath.

1t has ever been custom in civilized
countries, to regard the being who would Vi
olatc the sanctity Of an oath, as a thing un-
worthy Of confidence or respect from any
source. lie who takes upon himself, in the
sight of Heaven, the solemn obligation of an
oath. and then wilfully violates the same is a
pcy;~rrd riNaix and would not scruple to
murder his fe!low-man. were it not for fear
his infamous life should pay the forfeit. Two
years ago it would have been hard matter
to have produced man so stepped in infamy
and so lost to all self-rcspect as to dispute
these propositions. But alas ! for these de-
generate days, when men ore to be met with at
every turn and corner who boldly and un-
blushingly asset that they do not feel moral
ly bound to observe any oaths as binding,
except such as agree with their individual
tastes and likings. In accordance with cer-
tain laws of our Government, it is rendered
necessary that an oath to support and sus-
tain our country against oil her enemies,
whether foreign or domestic, should be taken
by parties seeking various rights and privi-
lcgcs under the laws which they swear to up
hold. This oath is invariably taken by all
when required; and yet VIC find many who
freely assert that they take it only because
they cannot avoid it., and therefore do not
consider it binding. They assert that, " to
be binding. an oath must be freely and vol
UNFAIRLY taken," and that as this obligation
is :. forced upon them they are not bound
to regard it in any other light than g as
farce"
Was ever such doctrine promulgated in
Christian land: Who cOmpels these gentle
men with elastic conscicnces to take the oath
of allegiance to the Government under which
they live and the protection of which they
seek: If they arc our enemies and abhor
our institutions, why do they not seek some
or, if they arc unable to do this, arc they
any the less criminal for violating their
plighted word before God, when all that is
to be gained thereby is the requirement Of
wealth among people whom they effect to
despisc: Once adopt the odious reasoning
of these pcrjxrcd vrctchcs, and the very
foundation Of all law is destroyed. They
should be vigilantly watched, and when
known, should be forever debarred from aug
menting their crimes by testifying in any
case. No man who holds to the doctrine
that an oath is binding only when congenial
to his feelings. should ever be trusted. either
at the ballot box or in any court Of Justice
Portland Times.
A SmREwD TRicE.-'rhe lowling mob Of
last week sspird Major Of volunteer rrgi-
ment alone in one Of tue avenues aud gave
chase. He ran, but the ruffins gained upon
him. until finally he looked for convenient
shelter in order to save his life. just ahead
of him was butcher shop, into which he
tvrned; divestiug himself Of his uniform coat
aud throwing It under stall. Seizing a
long knife and a cleaver, the Major fell to
work quietly upon side Of beef, cutting and
carving it with great composure. The for
most rutfians soon rushed in, demanding to
know where that officer was;" but the vol
unte~r butcher. who by this time had got
himself professionally bloody. had seen no
officer" The mob believed him. turned away,
and went raging up the street in search Of a
new victim. But the cool Major was safe
New York Eresixg Post, July 23d.