New-York tribune. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1866-1924, 1888-04-07
A SECRET POLITICAL ORDER.
PLEDGED TO VOTE FOR JUDGE GRESHAM
CLAIMING FIVE HUNDRED THOUSAND MEMBERS
ORGANIZED ON A MILITARY SYSTEM

CLAIMING 1--WE HUNDRED THOUSAND MEMBERS
ORGANIZED ON MILITARY SYSTEM.
rBr TELEGRAPH rRrsuNE1
CHICAGO, April GA short time ago tho existence
was hinted at OF secrct, oath bound organization,
whose chief object tho election Of Judge Gresham
TO the Presidency of tho United States At that tmo
Judge Gresham said that he had knowledge Of such
an organization, and 1t Is known now that he spoke
without reservation The fact remains, however, that
the organization Is not only In existence, but Is actively
at work 1t Is known the "National Order OF
videttos' A local paper, which claims to have the
positive information the subject says that the
organization has councils, companies" Is they arc
called In three ourths Of the important towns, has
twelve branches of the organization in Chicago, and
more than q hundred the State Of Illinois. The con-
stution Of the body docs not explicitly declare the
nomination and election of Judge Gresham to be The
leading motive Of the organization, but the movement
started in Grcshsm's interest sooly because the
founders Of 1t thought him to DO tho
fttest man for the position. His name was not
Incorporated In the constitution, because some I'M
foreseen event might render 1t impossible for
him to be nominated, to accept the honor IL ten
derod to him The following extract from tho consti
tuition outlines tho principles of the organizaton'
"Objects Of the order: To maintain the Declaration
of Independence as the foundation Of our principles
the preservation OF country from foreign inter-
ference in our monetary and land systems no men,
bershp with those who hold allegiance to fore On
power claiming citizenship, but aliens at heart; op-
position to contract pauper immigration for tho pur-
pose of destroying America workmcn our own Indus
tries first last and always our public school system
shall DO maintained and improved, no sectanan inter
ference from any source division OF public FUNDS
for sectarian schools special privileges for any
class but Just and equitable laws for all tho cultl-
walton Of the homo principle by the ownership OF
homes-homes for the homeless land for the landess
a complete and perfect union, government, one
flag and equal rights for all equality, liberty frater-
nifty the climax Of our hopes, the END sought 10 De
obtained ., a.,
State organizations being known as brgades, which arc
divided into regiments and companies. The greatest
exercised In the selection OF members OF the or
ganization No one may become o member by appllca-
tion because outsiders have not hitherto known mat
such organization existed and even now VIII not
order. The method Of obtaining members is this In
the company meeting some officer or private suggests
the name Of some one who would his opinion hn make
pointed to investigate the recruits reputa-
lion, social standing and political affiliations
committee be satisfactory, the desired member Is
elected on probation and another committee Is
appointe1 whose duty II Is to interview the uncon-
scions candidate ard learn his views and opinions as
to Judge Gresham's availability as Pre- Denial can,
dida'e, and on the principles Of The order. ehond
his expressions be IN harmony with the objects Of the
ORDER the ACCESSIBILITY of having some organlzalon OF
Of his views is suggested, and-1f ne con1esses 70
desire to help organize such body. ne Is nIore nee
that such organization is already In existence win
a membership of 100000 picked men, anu that no
has been elected comradeship in IT, -,
tioanp regarding the organization In which he SAYS
"Our platform Is one on which the antmonoponsI
the Henry George man, the lsnd-reformer inc Laopr
Grand Army men and all Republicans except the
ultra protectionsts stand and work togethe t
limited States and the order of Vdetes will be proud
TO say that they helped to place him there"