The Van Buren press., 1867-08-23

arm, and passing around The aitar are pre-
sented In front ot the P's. chair. As they en-
.er the door the L. gives three rap, with the
raycl, which will call up the e. The Presi-
I dent rising, the VI. VIII introduce the caIuI-
I dates by name.
While the candidates are coming ia ana
taking their places around the altar. the T.
NAV direct the C. 10 sing a verse ar more ui
some patriotic song. Hail Columbia, star
Spangled Banner" which may he printed on
cards for the {. By a signal from the J.. The
members take their seats during the delivery
of the address.
VI. Mr.. Vice President have the pleasure
representing these candidates for membership
in our Union League.
Address.
V.P. Gentlemen (or sir) We rejoice that
you have come forward voluntarily to unite
with us. The cause we advocate is that OF our
conntry. Banded together for the purpose of
perpetuatlng the liberties for which our faith
erS fought we have sworn To protect them.
In time of peril 10 our government aud the
Union. IL became the sacred duty of the true
patriots TO unite their efforts for the prcscrva-
ton of constitutional freedom and in thwart-
ing the designs of traitors to destroy the tree
of liberty. planting by our patriot fathers, and
watered Icy their blood.
Neither domestic traitors or foreign foes
must be permitted to destroy this nation, nor
to eirrumscribe the influence and progress of
American institutions on this continent.
The first grand purpose of our organization
has been accomplished, through the combined
efforts of our order and the gallantry and per-
seycrence of our citizen soldiers, TO whom our
grateful acknowledgements and continued
appreciation is ever due.
The legitimate fruits of this triumph are yet
to be secured in the complete ascendency of
tl.
the establishment of equal liberty; the eleya-
ton and education of the toilng masses ofthe
republic; the preservation of the national
honor and faith the incubation of brother
ly affection and true charity towards all the
complete and final overthrow at the ballot
box. as in the field, ofthe oligarchy ofpolitical
leaders. who sought to ruin when they could
not rule, and through whose errors and
wrongs our country has been baptized in
blood; the establishment here of an asylum
for the distressed of other lands. and ofa bea-
con light so prominent and enduring as to be
seen by all nations for all time. and so uner-
ring as to guide all people to the certain pos
session of national and true liberty.
| BY means of this Loyal League these grand
purposes may be realized.
We ask none of you to join us who have not
the noble sentiment of patriotism deeply i'm
planted in their hearts, for such only are capa-
BILE of rising above the level of the mere par
! tizan, and claiming and defending the boon
of freedom from its intrinsic value. 1t is to
sustain the government and the principles
and policy we have indicated. that we are
united, and for this purpose you are required
to take a solemn obligation, which | assure
| you does not in any way conflict with the du-
ties you owe to yourself, your country, your
| family or your God.
With this assurance are you willing to take
such an obligations?
ANSWER to be in the afirmatve)
V.P. Candidates will please turn and ap-
proach the altar.
QIere the 2. calls up the C. in four raps in
coupletS, and says:)
p. The chaplain will now invoke the bless
ing of Almighty God upon our undertak-
ings.
Eternal God! Supreme Architect and Ruler
of the Universe we bumbly beseech thee to
protect the loyal people of the United States
and especially the members of this patriotic
organization. Wilt thou be pleased to direct
and prosper all our consultations to the ad-
vancement of Thy glory the honor and well
fare of Thy people; and may all things be or
dered and settled. by the coordinate branches
Of our government, upon the best and surest
foundations, so that peace and happiness
truth, liberty and justice may be established
among us for all generations.
Save us, we pray Thee, from foreign foes
and domestic traitors, and make us all faith
ful and true to the noble cause demonstrations
al liberty which Thou hast graciously com
mitted to orr care. BE pleased to guide and
direct us, as Thou didst our forefatEers. With
the strength Of Thy Almighty arm, Thou didst
uphold and sustain them through all their
fiery trials, and at last ddst crown them with
victory.
May we be united in love for our common
country, imbued with sentiments of liberty,
attached to the principles of the constitution.
filled with reverence for Thy Holy Law, and
may Thy good spirit guide, strengthen and
comfort us, now and forever Amen.
Here after darkening the room, the M lights
the fire of liberty, to burn during the admin
istratiOn of the obligation; the members will
be notified to join hands in circle. around
the candidates and the atar-the l.. stepping
within the circle.
When there arc more candidates than can
reach the flag or Bible, they should be divided
and obligated by sections.
! The Il. then continues as follows: Now
place your left hand on the national flag and
raise your right toward heaven, repeating af-
ter me the following obligation:
OJHgdtioa
! ]. (repeat your name after mine) do solemn
ly swear (or allirm) in the presence of God
and these witnesses, that | will never volun-
tarily bear arms against the United States
while am a citizen thereof; that | will sup
port, protect and defend the constitution and
| government of the United States and the flag
thereof against all enemies, foreign and do
nestle; that | will bear true faith and alegi-
ance to the same; and that will also defend
this State against any invasion, insurrection
orrebellion, to the extent Of my ability.
This freely pledge without mental rescr-
vation or evasion. Furthermore that will
do all in my power to elect true and reliable
Union men and supporters ofthe government,
and none others, to all offices ofprofit or trust,
from the lowest to the highest, in ward, town.
county, State and General government And
should ever be called to fill any office, | will
faithfully carry out the objects and principles
Of this League And further, that will pro-
tect, aid and defend all worthy members OF
the u. L.; and that will never make known
in any way. TO any person or persons not
members of the u. H., any Of the signs or pass
words, proceedings, debates or plans of this
or any other c. under this organization, ex-
cept when engaged in admitting new mem
borv int thig I (Dlnrn your riuht ho ,l 4, no.,