The New York herald., 1872-07-04
OLDEST TAMMANY SOCIETY.

Perhaps this ancient manuscript is the only
record OF the kind extant giving details OF the trans
actions Of a Tammany Society existing before the
establishment OF the Tammany Society or Columbian
Order in New York. In this respect it is of value
and entitled to be regarded as authority In the
government and celebrations Of the society. 1t will
be noticed in the extracts given below that at the
several meetings held from 1878 to 1888 by the
officers Of the jersey line such titles as Sachem
Sycamore and Wiskinskie were known. 1t was six
years after n7ss) that the Tammany Society was
instituted in this city. Various societies had ex-
fsted before ana during the Revolution in different
parts OF the country under the names OF the "SOns
OF Liberty" sometimes called the "SOns Of St.
Tammany" SO many organizations had been
formed under the names of St. Georges ST An.
drews and st. Davlds, all OF which breatned the
most fervent loyalty to- Great Britain, that it was
thought too great distinction for them to mo-
nOpolize all the saints I'm the calendar and an
American saint was discovered thus placing
Americans on level with British loyalists.
EARLY "REMINISCENCES.
The discussion upon the adoption Of the fede .al
constitution In this State had evolved two distinct
parties. Ono was In favor Of consolidation, the
other feared attempt TO destroy the sovereignty
Of the States. After the adoption OF the constitu-
tion the New York Tammsny Society numbered
among its first members moderate men of both the
federal and anti-federai parties who while agree.
ing to that instrument, yet cherished most de-
voted attachment to American principles and the
doctrine OF State rights. II was not however,
commenced as party institution. That idea does
not appear distinctly recognized until the time of
Jefferson. Before that 1t was composed OF men
Of both political parties, and was intended, as
its first constitution published u 1885, expresses It,
ITO connect In indssolubc bonds of friendship
ricop hrct hrau ~ kna
tical rights OF human nature and the liberties OF
the country" It also Incorporated benevolent
feature In It's organization, which existed years be-
fore in the Jersey Line Society, and to carry ont
fully the American principle Of It's founders IA well
rs to show its contempt for those societies aping
foreign manners, 10 introduced aboriginal forms
and Ceremonies divided the year into seasons of
blossoms, fruits and SHOWS, and the seasons INTO
moons. Another object Ia organizing the society
on this plan was to concillafe the numerous tribes
frontiers and carrying desolation with fire and
tomahawk TO the heartls OF the intrepid pioneers.
TAMMANY HALL BECOMES DEMOCRATIC ~ 1900
further cause that contributed to the lorma
tion of the society was the principles adopted by
the Society OF Cincinnati of hereditary succession
in ITS membership, OF which Baron Steuhen was at
that time the President IN this State. This obnox-
i0us feature was modified at the urgent request OF
Washington, but exists IN the society TO some ex-
tent at the present time. Such were the causes
which, combined together, produced tho associa.
tton that sclipsed all its contemporaries in power
and influence: II was strictly q national society.
founded on the principles OF patriotism, and had
Tor Its ODJeCt the keeping alive OF that honest and
| generous devotion TO country which Is re-
! moved nom radical principles on one hand
/ and frop disregard to the rights OF
| the people on the other. In I79s, when
the principles OF jefferson Were in the ascendant,
| federalism IA 1nDnany Hall gradually died ont.
standing army, the power OF President Adams to
borrow money, his control OF Aliens the law against
speaking or writing anything contemptuous OF
Adams. convinced republicans thai a determination
existed 10 sulycrs their Ilbgrtles Then it was that
| The Tammany Society became distinctly demo-
cratic institution, Which II has continued to be up
| 10 the present hour. The proved guilty OF ex-
! travagancc and corruption in puplic affairs and
| those who held high positions IN tho organization
have all during the past year, been thrust from
| their places, and the TQmInany Society is now
| under the control OF the abcst and most upright
members oI the democratic party.
IT'S FAST CAREER.
| The Tamnnany society, emerging at this juncture
nom very dark clouu can look back with patriotic
pride on us past career In 1870 1t Illustrated the
benefits OF one VI tie principles upon which IL was
founded. The United states had Tong been desirous
or forming u treaty OF friendship with the Creek
| Indians, and various unsuccessful attempts had
been made 10 efcct this Object delegation or the
red men were induced to visit this city, where the
Tanmany Society determined TO receive them with
great ceremony. Wien tho Creeks entered the
| Wigwam they were surprised TO see snch
number OF their own race that they set up q
| wh00p OF JOY which almost terrified the people
present. Before they lct the city they entered
Into treaty of friendship with ''washington, the
bciovod Saclcm Of the Thirteen Fires" as they
| we're pleased 10 call him. The society advanced
rapidly in wealth and prosperity II was inc0r-
poratcd In 1905. In 1903 the 1nmnany Society de-
| termned TO perform duty OF patriotism which
will ever be an honor 10 the mstitutlon. since the