The evening Argus. [volume] (Rock Island, Ill.) 1861-1871, 1866-05-29

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peal 1t is "Help, Cassius, or we sink 1t is
call for the juntas, conclaves, shades, myster-
les, abolition birds of night, beasts of prey that
prowl in the darkness, and all other underground
and midnight radical vermin, to meet in the cata-
combs and DEVISE new schemes of plumber and
new plots of treason.
OFFICE OF THE SEC. OF THEj
ILL GRAND Co'NCn,
SPRINGFIELD, April 26.
Ny Dear Sir and Bro;
am in receipt of important letters from the
Hon. J, M. Edmunds, president of the national
grand council, e. L. A, and also the report of
the proceedings of the national grand council,
held in the city of Washington, embodying the
report of the executive committee, who, among
other matters, make the following recommends
ton, viz:
81. A complete reorganization in all the loyal
states, in so thorough and general a manner
to grmly hold every state, and may
be, every county and municipality, to our sstand-
ard.
-. Careful attention to primary meetings and
conventions of the Union party, and the cleo
ton of at least due proportion Of our own men
to places of power and trust, especially to legis
lative bodies.
s'3. A modification of our ritual and work, so
as to embrace the living issues of the day, and
be rendered attractive in its forms and ceremo-
MES.
"a. The extension of the organization into
every township and parish in the south, to in.
clude men of every race and color, and only such
as will engage in the great movement for the ele-
walton of labor.
'5. The establishment at the national capital
of an organ of the order, to be published weekly,
oftener if need be, and patronized by all our
local organizations, north and SOUTH
None know better than yourself the vast in
fuence exe,ted by our organization, during the
past four years, towards supporting all the meas
ures of our government which tended to suppress
rebellion and elevate the condition of down-trod-
den men. The league did great work, and, at
the successful termination of the political cam
paign of 1864 many supposed its mission had been
accomplished; but alas the country now il
again in great need of the combined support of
all true Union men, in order that the glorious
work accomplished by gallant soldiers and
members of the Z. l.. A, may not be undonc,
and the condition of our country made worse
than before the great rebellion.
The obligation taken By us ell is now as bind
ing as when, before the altar, with the fire of
liberty burning brightly before US, solemnly
pledge ourselves to support protect and defend
the constitution of the United States, and the
flag thereof, against all enemies, foreign and
domestic" and that would do all in our pow
er Ito elect true and reliable Union men and
supporters of the government, and none Others
to the highest. And now, when our country
needs aid to save her from domestic enc
miles, l trust we will not forget that solemn OBJ
legation.
The signs of the times ominous-the poll
tical horizon looks dark-the friends of freedom,
of progression and of our beloved copntav must
be on the alert. The political campaign next
summer and fall will be of the gravest i'm.
portance. Our state legislature will be elected
The enactment of important state laws AID the
election Of United States senator viii be in
their hands; two important state officers togeth
with our regular congressman at large, are to
be elected; and upon the Union men of this
state will rest the grave responsibility of the re-
suits.
The issues of the next election will be of such
Importance and of so momentous character q:
to require prompt and determined effort on tbs
part of true Union men to elect none but s'trut
aud tried Union men to all Offices of profit Oh
trust, from the lowest to the highest" and fol
that result all must work
For the purpose of consultation and for tn.
consideration of grave and important matters
connected with the Union league and the welfare
of our state and country, il is necessary that
meeting of the executive committee of the L. L
A., Of Illinois and the officers of the grand AM
county councils, should be held at early day
and upon consultation with a number of member
of the executive committee and officers of I'll
grand council. Wednesday, the 9th day-of May
1866, has been selected as the Tune, anu the stat
senate chamber the place where said meeting wi
be held.
Feeling that this meeting is Of the utmost in
portance and one that will vitality affect th
dearest interests of Our state and country, il
hoped that every member of the committee, a
the grand and county officers and other member
of the league who can viii be present DELI
gates need not be officially appointed but ever
member who desires and can be present viii b
heartily welcomed.
Frasernally yours,
(Signed) GEORGE III. HARLOW,
Grand Secretary.