Raftsman's journal. [volume] (Clearfield, Pa.) 1854-1948, 1866-09-12
TnE RAFTsmAn's JouRNhL,

ize Mystic circles, or Democratic clubs.
which are to register the voters, collect
money TOR the party, distribute documents
ana Go various other things 10 insure the
fuil party vote. These are semi military
secret organizations and the members are
admitted by initiation, at which the candi-
date places his right on his left breast"
aud enters into most solemn VOWS to vote
against all men who are willing to give the
negro either political or social equalityin this
State, or in any OF her State. District or Ter
rtoTy OF this country. = Their watch words
are Silence, Obedience, Vigilance"
1t Is pity the great light of these magnani-
nous patriots should be longer concealed
under bushel, and that they can find moth
ing more important to do in this great crisis
OF our countrys fate. But forewarned
should be torearmed. Guard well against
these in>ldlous appeals to the preiudices of
our people, and attempts to mislead them
by such means. Be not deceived by the
stale clamor about negro equality and negro
suffrage. These favorite hobbies were sup
posed to have been ridden to death at our
last election, when, as now, they were de
cared by these same men to be the great
issue of the contest. They are now raised
ed by the same riders, and destined to the
same ignobe end. The Constitution of
Pennsylvania permits only white men to
vote. By its terms it can be amended only
once IN every FIVE years, and having been
amended in 1864, allowing the soldiers the
right to vote, 1t cannot, in conformity with
Its own provisions be amended again uatH
1869. 1t is hoped, therefore, our Demo
cratic friends will restrain themselves, and
not press negro suffrage upon his before au-
thorized by the Constitution of the State
Complete your township and county or
ganizations without delay; revive at once
everywhere the Leagues and Associations
which proved of such vast service during the
war; let every friend feel that he has some
| thing to do in the good work, and proceed
forthwith to do 1t with all his might. Ex-
clude side issues and suppress all local quar-
rels and personal aspirations, and labor only
for the public good. See to it that all need
full assessments are made in due time. Be
not discouraged by the boasting and clamor
OF our adversaries they have teen inglori-
| ously defeated IN every contest for years,
and cannot prevail against US. Nothing
but our base betrayal by the President and
| the hope Of office could have galvanized
| them into sufficient vitality to make another
| fight against the victorious host Of freedom
The physical conflict for the time at least,
is ended, but the moral conflict between 10y
atty and disloyalty continues, and the grave
| question is, whether the one or other shall
rule the State and the nation. We urge
| harmony, energy, systematic. associated and
| individual labor, and renewal of the fires
of patriotism. The loyal and patriotic peo-
pie of the State have nobly sustained us and
the cause OF the country, under the heavy
! pressure and dlsc0uragementSo of drafts, be
| reavements, taxation and carnage and when
nothing but abiding faith in the justice of
| God could enable US to see the end. Surely
there can be no faltering now, when the
goal is almost reached, and when one more
united rally for our principles and our flag
will enable US to secure the ripe fruits of the
late dreadful conflict, and to garner them
safely for ourselves and our children
We stand over the ruins of a gigantic re-
beillon, the most formidable enemy repub-
| lIcan Institutions ever encountered We
stand by the graYeS of three hundred thou
sand Of our noblest men, who counted lives
well spent when offered freely for liberty and
Union. In the presence Of their speechiess
| but eloquent dust; in the presence of the
doubling and Sneering enemies Of free gov
ernmeut at home aud abroad in the pres
ence OF the oppressed millions, who, from
| beneath crushing despotisms. watched our
flag with tears, hopes and prayers before
| the rapidly coming millions of the future :;
| before God OF Justice, and in the name of
all that makes faithfulness to Him and hon
or among men, we stand pledged to secure
and maintain forever the principles for
which our brothers died By order of the
Committee, Il. JORDAN, Chairman.