The Ottawa free trader. [volume] (Ottawa, Ill.) 1843-1916, 1863-07-18
Union Leagues.

Like Know Nothingism, this new sys-
tenn OF political humbuggery and deception
which goes by the name of Union Leagues,
is gathering into it's folds al! the scaly,
week kneed, and wishy -washy, as well as
KIN: wish and cunning political rubbish in
the country. A sort Of alf-and-alf demo
crat told US the other day, IN all earnest
ness that he intended to Join the League,
! for Mr.. So-and.so, a shrewd and sharp re-
publican, had solemnly assured him that
the League had large fund ont Of which
they intended to pay the $500 tor every
member that was drafted From the few
Leaguers that get into the army, it is posi-.
bic it may embrace among its objects es-
cape from the draft, bnt we rather suspect
| this is but another of the decept,ons used
to inyeigle week Kneed and white livercd
voters into its folds.
Its astonishing 10 note the activity OF
| the leaguers We know Of several indivi-
| dnals who have actually done nothing else
for month or two but travel over this
ana adjoining counties. organizing, visit
ing, and sxhorting tho little township
| and precinct leagues There is not n
neigh borhooo bu: has its League, or Owls
nest for holding meetings of these dark
lantern politicians.
OF course like Know Nothingsrn, the
objects Of the league are not political !
These pure patriots are trained to discard
| all politics and vote only the county,
| But the country means the admiDAtra.
| ton and all its measures, particularly the
! proclamation and the ant-slavery war
| policy, and to uphold these and these only
| means unfolding the country. As the
democracy question the soundness Of the
negro policy, of course. the democracy are
enemies to the country, and every Lacquer
Is thus sworh to vote-not against every
democrat-but against every enemy of
his country that is, enemy of the sacri-
fee every thing 10 free the-negro policy of
the administration.
The leagues seem rapidly 20 have imbiL Ell
worst forms. As that accursed hy-gone
ism was the parent Of so many fearful
riots in New York, Baltimore, Philadel
pima, Cincinnati, Louisville, &c, so the
League in some Of our western states has
already led to public disturbances, and
threatened to Interfere not only with the
laws. but with military operations Gen
Wilcox, the commander Of the military dis
trict composed of Indiana and MIchi % II
Successor to the redoubtable Uascall,
though an earnest republican, supporter
of the administration, &c, has found the
Leagues and S B's so dangerous in his
district, that he has issued an order acains t
them. We copy the order for the bcuefi,
and profound costation of the lovers Of
peace and order in this community.
General Order No. 8.
II Dc RS DIsr. INDIANA AND MicnIGaS,
Department of the Ohio.
Indianapolis, June 80. 1863
| The peace of Indiana has lately been
I disturbed by violence, murder. and 9th ~
acts contrary to law. aud having their orr
gin IN certain secret political societies,
clubs or leagus The common safety now
| demands that all such associations should
| he discontinued, no matter 10 Is hat yoliti-
| cal party they may belong. They are a
| constant source of dread and inistrus.-
/ tney divide and provoke hostility bctwe. II
! neighbors weaken the dignity ard pow e.
of courts Of justice, expose the country 10
martial law. and discourage the people
r.','.. s..rresE.'- srvsUrI-v OF LuS .latIot
! No matter how worthy or honest NAV
| have been the reasons for such soci-t - in
the beginning, h III Very secr,sy and Ii,
oath> they impose do enable wicked men
10 use them unto unlawful ends, and per
vert hem into public rui,arces
All good objects can be ACCOMPLISHED
op-rly, and non. but the enemies Of ,heiI
country ever need disguise
II is perfectly illI'u that such secre,
organizations are both dangerous and be-
ypud the ordinary grasp If the law, thy
are therefore declared 10 be hostile. and
will be put down by the military power
of the district. if need be
invoke agan,t SAIL secret societies the
| good influence and active aid OF all men
who are friendly TO the Union-to discol..
TRUE and pracea5ly break up such organ.
iz.,tIon, within the limits Of this district
and | call upon the members Thereof
| speedily to withdraw from their dark
| meetings and openly show that their in
tention- and acts are such may well be
come the true and loyal citizens Of Il C, Jun
try whose freedom and integrity they vii
maintain against all enemies, whatsoever
aud before the eyes of all the world
O 3 Wilcox.
Brig. Gen. Commanding