Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1880-09-13


The BrattleborO correspondent OF the SPRING
field Republican gives some facts respecting
Gen. Phelps, the anti-Masonic candidate for
President of the United States. The "Amer-
tcan' party, which named him for President at
Chicago, on June II, demands prohibition, ar
bitration instead Of war, the use of the Bible as
public school text book and justice to the
Indians. But its most prominent principle, and
the one Of which Gen. Phelps stands as the
most marked exponent, is opposition to all Sc
cret societies, the fight centerlng on Masonry as
the most prominent. 1t was during his service
In the south, ''under MormoniSm ana slavery"
as lie termed it, that General Phelps first saw
a connection between Masonry and politics, )"
and so convinced was he OF sits baieful In.
history OF secret societies, published by Lippin-
colt in 1856. But he was brought into most
general notice by harboring fugitive slaves
curing the war at Ship Island, against the
TO justify his course, General Phelps set forth
the 1mpossibility Of at pnce putting down the
r. belion and upholdine ets parent-slavery-and
In reply to his requsition for arms for three
regiments and his declaration that the enlist
ment OF colored troops would end the war sooner
him to employ his cOntrabands as laborerS in
making defences, which he peremptorily refused
to do, saying, 81 am not willing TO become the
catons that apd fhroWing 70 his
tion, he retired to his present home, where for
eighteen years he has devoted himself to anti
Mase To Masonry he traces the cause Of
every political evil that can be named. 1t is at
the basis, he thinks, OF the heightened civil war
which Masonic manufacturers in New England
wished to last as long as possible 1t is opposed
to civil service REFORM because the Offices are
monopolized by Masons. The church is mere
mask covering In Masonry, an 1ntidel con-
spiracy against the christian religion. IF Ma
SONY uses the Scriptures at all, said he to the
heathen1sm. l believe" he continued, THAT
there are but two active parties In the country
the kuklux lodge Of the south and the Masonic
of the north-the first marshalling the forces Of
the democracy, the second the republicans"
The warfare is partisan, not national "Yes,"
he exclaimed, starting up With sudden energy,
fettered by secret obligations In its struggle
for power that neither is free to meet the
future wants Of the country" General Phelps
regards Masonry as an English institution Il and
Garfield or Hancock, members OF such an order,
are elected, Americans will discredit their own
institutions. He charges the republican gov
eminent with violating the constitution, which
prohibits the establishment Of any religion.
when 1t chartered lodge at Washington, D. C.
and In lending the Knights Templar camp
eq9dlp , at Chicago But he sees nothing good
The general as he leans forward in his chair
IN earnest talk and rapid gesticulation, I'm
presses one that he believes himself sincere in
every word. Masonry has become to him the
one mystery which represents all that Is not
Gear Gaa and oren as the day and all things hid
ueH no tuiIho UuSt De VIE lie Is nlieu WIN
an Idea, and OF that idea Is willing to be the
representatfve. He has no hope Of convincing
New England OF the truth of his views fettered
as ne thinks 1t Is tn the bonds Of the Ioige, bui
looks to the west for the growth of his parry.
SO little does he know OF what the managers OF
his candidacy are doiDg-if it has any man
agers-tbat he is uncertain whether an electO
raj ticket Will be named In his own state
Rrattl6 borO Itself he considers surrendered to
the mystic apron, and the First National bank
whose condition was kept SO long in the dark
he thinks Jailed Indirectly because most OF It's
officers were MaSOnS.