Public ledger. [volume] (Memphis, Tenn.) 1865-1893, 1868-09-11

up BY stating that tho candidate IL re-
quired 10 take serious aud binding OBJ
legation. II the candidate agrees, he ID
permitted 10 approach the altar aud the
chaplain makes prayer.
The prayer concluded, the room is
darkened aud the marshal lights the Gre
OF liberty 10 burn during the adminissra-
ton Of the obligation; tho members are
then notified 70 join hands In a circle
around the candidates and the altar, and
the President then calls upon the candi'
date to place his Left hand on the No.
tional flag and raise his right hand
toward heaven and repeat after him the
following: fff7 ffti t
Az f ll OBLIGATION.
I[repeatiug his own uame1, with an
upliied hand, in the presence Of God
and these witnesses, solemnly swear Tor
affirm, if consciously opposed), without
mental reservation in me Of any kind,
that will support, protect and defend
the Constitution and Government Of the
United States Of America, one and in
divisible, aud the flag thereof, against all
enemies, foreign and domestic; that
will vote only for and none but those who
advocate and support the great principles
set forth by this League to gil any office
OF honor, profit or trust in either the
State or General Government. and that
if ever called to gil any office l will
faithfully carry out the principles set
forth by this League. Aud further, that
/ will protect aud defend oil worthy
members Of the Union League Of Amer
les, and that will never in any manner
or form divulge or make known to any
person or persons not worthy members
Of this organization any of the signs
passwords. grips, proceedings, designs,
debates or plans of this or any other
council Of this organisation, unless
when charged in admitting new members,
aud with my right hand on the Holy
Bible, Declaration Of Independence and
the Constitution of the United States of
America, l acknowledge myself firmly
bound and pledged to the faithful per-
formance of this, my solemn obligation,
so help me God.
Response by the MEMBERSHIP this we
pledge ourselves"
President" Gentlemen, around you
is a band Of brothers alike sacredly
pledged. This circle is never to be
broken by treachery."
Response by the members" Never"
President" Brothers, will you en-
large your circle to admit new mem
bers 7"
Response by the membeis-"We will"
Prepare then for access
sions TO your ranks. The new circle |
will here be opened and the new mem
bers admired"
President-"with clasped and up
lifted hands repeat after me the freemau's
pledge: To defend and perpetuate free
iom, political equality and an indivisible
Union / pledge my life, my fortune and
ny sacred honor. Sc help me God
Here follows patriotic ode at the dis
,retion of the Council.
The members of the Council will now
,e seated and the candidates take their
places before the altar.
The President will then deliver the
charge as follows
CHARGE.
The oath which you have taken, of your
,wn free will and accord, cannot be vic.
ated without leaving the stain of perjury
~ your soul. You have declared that
lnder God your first aud highest alle-
.iance is to the Government OF the United
states of America, one and indivisible.
You have taken "a solemn oath of alle-
,iance upon the Holy Bible, Constitution
md Declaration of Independence lying
vithin the folds of the flag of the Union.
these ain the enduring records of
ur rights and privileges. The symbols
f industry which greet you upon the
liar are to remind you of the great pur-
'oses of our order and to represent the
oundation upon which our iusiitations
est.
To stronghold and elevate this is to add
D tho grandeur and durability of the
tructure we uphold
The Bible contains mana moral code
nd the principles Of religious faith. The |
declaration of Independence declares
8 self-evident truths that all men are GRE
ted equal, endowed by their Creator with
rights to life, liberty and the
ursuit of happiness. The Constitution
an instrum ent reducing to practice the
toSopso Va WV OcCidietiuus ~ 10 uUcEty |
sgulated by law
The sword is weapon of defense and
Lastly, the light you behold
urnipg upon the altar is mathematical Of
he sacred fires of liberty, which burn for.
YER in the hearts and breasts Of true
atriots.
We inculcate the spirit Of peace as es-
entail TO national happiness and pros
Gritty; bat when foreign foes or traitor.
US hands attempt to rob us of our
ational Inheritance, let our cleaning
words leap from their rests to guard the
,mple of our liberties. !
1.-THE NJ instincts the new members in
le signs, etc. When these have been
nparted, the p. may give short history
the origin, present condition and
Iture prospects Of the organization.
Ie should impress upon the members
lie improperly of using the signs, etc,
10 often or carelessly, as it detracts from
Ieir value and increases their chances
exposure. 1t is erjoined upon each
ficer to commit to memory his part of !
Ie initiatory ceremony