The weekly clarion. [volume] (Jackson, Miss.) 1863-1882, 1875-12-29

Patriotic order OF sons Of Amerf-
ca--PriaeiPIes OF che 0rgAHtza-
PoRrLASD, Dec. il, ISL

Hen.
PoRrLASD, Dec. Is, 1875.
To the E,litsr of the Portland (Me.) Press ]
This patriotic organisation vas first or
gained in Philadelphia, in 1847, but,
prior to the rebellion, its organization wSs
very imperfect and its progress eonse-
quently slow, the ramiiications not extend
ing much beyond the Middle States, and
when the war broke out 4 general enlist
ment of its members compelled its uni
versal suspension. In 1866 the organiza-
ton was revived and placed upon a sub
stantial basis, and its members now seek
to make it what it should and must be,
the organization of the United States.
The order has for its objects the iaculca-
ton of pure American principles; the OPP
position TO foreign interference with State
interests in the United States of Ameri-
ca; the cultivation of fraternai and
brOtherly love; the preservation Of the
Constitution of the United States, and
the propagation of free education.
PREAMBLE OF THE ORDER.
Whereas, The experience of all ages
and all countries distinctly showeth that
popular hberty-born amid the din of bat
tie, baptized in'patriot blood, end rocked
by the rude storms of civil strife-demands
for its preservation against the rage of
party spirit, the wiles of ambition, and
the stern arm OF power, the undivided
love of all her votaries, aud the firm de-
termination of all her friends in an eter-
nal struggle with her foes. The HISTORY
of the world most plainly proves that it
is the business of one generation TO sow
the seed, of which another reaps the har-
vest, let it be Of grain or tares, of good
or evil.
Now, therefore we, the undersigned Sons
of America--childre7l of is soil, reared
beneath the shadow of its flag, loving it
as none other can love, knowing it as none
other know, and having an interest in its
future welfare, nearer, truer, deeper than
all mankind beside, hereby associate our
selves into an order for the purpose of
maturing ourselves in the knowledge and
encouraging each other in the practice of
our rights and duties as citizens of a eoun-
try in which We are called to exercise
among our fellowmen the common rights
of sovereignty. In which act of assOcia-
ton we severally pledge ourselves to the
observance and support of the laws of the
land and regulations Of this body, as be-
comes the sons of freeman, willing 10 snh-
NIT to the restraints of social order, and
acknowledging no other bonds but those
OF duty toour God, our country, and our.
selves.
QUALIFICATIONS FOR MEMBERSHIP.
No person shall be entitled to member
shipin the order except he be of good
moral character, eighteen years of age, a
believer in the existence of a Supreme be.
ing as the Creator and Preserver of the
i Universe; born on the soil or lUithia TIE a.
risdictiOn Of tie United States; in. favor OF
free education; opposed to any union oil
Church and State, and to the inteFferene e
of any foreignpower, directly or indirect
ly, in the affairs of this Government. ssl
a.a.l EXPLANATORY. ssh tsi.sz.6
The Patriotic Order Sons of An1erics
has now assumed a position of power
and influence which not only gives
a guarantee Of its ability To endure
the changes and shocks of time and
fortune, but TO WELD controlling
hand in shaping the future career Of
our nation, especially through its own
stern and indOmitable resolve to shield
the educational system of our land from
bIgOted aud illegal sectarian influence.
Its principles are home beneyolence, the
care Of its sick, the burial of its dead, the
protection of and assistance to all con.
nected with it who may be in need, the
patriotic love of country which impels q
constant and yigilant watch over all that
country's laws and liberties and a deter.
mination that they shall neither be brok.
en-. nor condemned with impuniiy by home
traitors or alien nloloontents. Believing
that the american born naturally feel most
attached TO their native land, we there
fore consider that, while working hand
in hand with that class of foreigners who
believe in free education and the free
principles of our Government, We do not
e0ncei6e their admission to orr order ether
aecessasy or advisable, particularly as
there are ether kindred organisations in
| which they cando good in their own way.
We are proscriPtiye, not for prescription !
sake, but to preserve harmony IN our
ranks, and to preserve the character of
the order as instituted by its wise and
thoughtful originators. We have
no partisan political claims, olaiga.
lions, or infe0ti0ns. Our constitution i
plain and easily understood, contradictine
none, but sustaining all Of the constitu-
tional laws of our country. The reeaIia.
q sash ofIed. white and blue. studded
with starr, like our country's banner, i
simple, beautiful, and appropriate. The
ceremonies are all founded on the histo.
~ Of our beloved native land. In name.
in deed, and in all or objects, We strive
to be purely and tFuIy-Hatriotic Sons q
America. - ,xas
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