The Daily state journal. [volume] (Alexandria, Va.) 1868-1874, 1871-10-19
THE ENQUIRER, ANSWERS.

We comply most cheerfully with the re-
quest Of the Enquirer, and publish the
aohole of its article relating to the secret
organizations Of its party in this city.
We are now convinced of the fact that
our neighbor is really ignorant of the or
ganization and its intentions, and would adj
wise it to inform itself more thoroughly
upon the subject.
These organizations were introduced and
formed by an agent OF Tweed, Sweeny & Co.,
of New York, who was sent here with mo-
ney and authority to organize them, and
wherever they do exist, they rob the peo-,
pie of all voice in selections of candidates
for office, by making themselves supreme.
To deny that they have nothing to do
with Catholics is simply begging the ques-
ton; as our neighbor knows very well, a
Catholic cannot become member of a Sc
cret society, and as this society does con-
troll, and did nominate certain persons who
are now upon the. Democratic ticket; Cath
olics were as much excluded as if its (the
society laws prohibited them from mem
bership.
Two wrongs never made right and
we are in favor Of fair, open, daylight
fight in all political matters, and shall OPP
pose, individually, any other sort. We
did not expect to create a sensation by an
exposure of such an organization, but sim
ply to enlighten those of your own party
who are not only opposed to such organiza-
tons, but whose opposition has resulted in
their being kept in ignorance of their exist
ence.
In response to the State Journal we have TO
say that we learn ON inquiry that there are asso-
Citations in this city, which meet in private, and
which have been organized to oppose the Radical
party. The object is to help, by the aid of a
leet corps of dttire icorkes the Conservative par
ty II has nothing to do with Catholics or Pro-
testants, Foreigners Natives, and excludes
none but Rddicats. The sole object is to oppose
the Union Leagues of the Radical party
We have simply to remark that we are opposed
to secret organizations of all sorts, and have had
frequent occasion to denounce the Secret Union
Leagues of the Radical party, although we do
not pretend to admit that there is any. resem-
blance between these Working Committees and
the Loyal Leagues. We hope the Journal is now
satisfied. We are always ready to answer fair
IL OuUJftut iHstiAt
out of the fact, 1t is welcome to do so. We
imagine that the Catholic population of this
country know their friends-and they will not
l jol for them in the Radical camp.
[Since writing the foregoing wo have procured
more specific information. We learn that there
are two clubs in this city, one in Monroe Ward
and one in Jefferson Ward, consisting of active
workers in the Conservative cause. Both to-
gether number about 200 members. They meet
occasionally, eat n supper. and consult with re-
gard to the canvass. Catholics and Protestants
are free to join alike, and there Catholics loLo
are honorary members. There are no oaths,. and
TO join the society it is only necessary to sign
paper pledging the signer to be faithful aud true
to the Conservative cause. We doubt whether
the Journal can make much of a sensation out of
these materials. We suggest something else.
And as the Journal has insisted on having its
| questions answered, we now request that II will
publish he lrhole of this reply.