Litchfield enquirer., 1868-10-01
Jackson Democratic Association
ITS SECRETS EXPOSED.

ITS SECRETS EXPOSED
 We have been fortunate enough to ob- tain copy of the printed instructions given those who organize lodges of this secret, political order. We subjoin the "Initiation by the President" "Instruc- tions by the Vice President" and "The Presidents Charge, precisely as they ap- pear in the printed form, (words included in brackets, of course, excepte0:-
 INITIATION BY THE PRESIDENT.
 In becoming member of this association you will be required to take an obligation such as we all have taken, and assure you it will in no way conflict with your religious belief, or your domes- tic duties; with this assurance are you willing to proceed? Zach candidate will answer 'sI am.")
 Then place your right hand upon your left breast (the significance. Of which position is that the heart and are alike engaged in the cause) and re- peat after me the following obligation:
 [oATH.
 Administered Melo- Dranaaticauyl
 ''In tho presence of the members here assem- blod (your name( do solemnly promise that laws and other regulations of this Association; that will not divulge any of the slgns pass words or any of the proceedings of tho meetings of this Association to any person not entitled to receive them; that will use all lawful means in my pow CT to promote the objects and advance the inter- osts of this Association, throughout the length and breadth of the and that will attend all meet ings of this Association, if in my power to do, from whatever cause, will keep sacred the se- crets imparted to me and the obligations I have taken. likewise promise that will be true friend to worthy member of this Association, wherever may find him. To the faithful perfor- nance of which, pledge my sacred honor as man."
 INSTRUCTIONS BY THE VICE PRESIDENT.
 will now instruct you in the secret workings of this Association When you arrive at the door of raps, whereupon the Warden will present himself to whom you will give the password [The pass- word is of course left blank but we believe the one now in use is derived from the original name of the Order-"Jackson Association" "-'Democratic" having been inserted afterwards to save appear ancesl. He will then ask you-[Jack.2l You will answer-lAss.] He will then admit you, and you tion and answer must never be used any where ex- cept to tho Warden at the door of the meeting room, or when the password is taken up in the room, and always in whisper, and nevor be pas sed from ono member to another [iDpoliteness obvious]. Should you forget it, the presiding off, Ger of your Association, on application, will give it you Tor, he may once in 8 while forget and recognition sign, by which we know ( each other in the daily walks of life it is smply-[by their earss That is the way outsiders recognize" them]. Shoulo you wish to retlre during 0 session, you salute the Vice President with the sign of tho Or der, which he will return.
 will now give you the password for the cur rent term.
 The Conductor will now introduce the candi- dates to the Financial Secretary [expense of in- troduction supposed to be about s5l, then to the worthy President for further instruction.
 THE PRESIDENTS CHARGE.
 My FRIENDS: You have been initiated into, and made acquainted with some of the secret works of this Association, and trust you will become bet ter informed during your membership. Here we have common interest to uphold; the dissemi- nation and maintenance of pure Democratic prin- ciples. In our Hall we meet for mutual counsel; here the unntiated are shut out, and We can free- ly discuss all questions of interest to the Associa tion and our common country, placing implicit re- liance upon those who join us, that what may be said or done in our business meetings will not be divulged. To guide us, we have adopted certain obligations and laws. These obligations we trust it is your intention to strictly adhere to- and these laws faithfully and impartia1ly carry out; this we expect and demand of every member. BROTHER for as such you are now entitled to be hailed-I greet you as a member of this Association, and sincerely hope your conduct will be such that we shall never have cause to regret your connection with us; remembering, at all times that you have here voluntarily pledged your sacred honor as a man, to be true friend to worthy member of this Association, wherever you may find him.