Pittsburg dispatch. [volume] (Pittsburg [Pa.]) 1880-1923, 1890-01-05
A PATRIOTIC LEAGUE.
Branches of the New Organization
Now Exist Here.
COHESIVE MOYEMENTINPROGRBSS
Objects of the New Political Party Clearly
Outlined.
THE REQUIREMENTS FOR MEMBERSHIP

The American Patriotic League is pro
crossing rapidly, and satisfactorily to thu
promoters of the scheme. The work of or
ganizing leagues in Allegheny county hal
begun, and sympathy for the movement il
spreading into various counties of Western
Pennsylvania.
As explained in THE DISPATCH short
time since, the movement is the result of g
meeting held in New York City by the
representatives of the different American
orders, acting as individuals.
Cards are now being sent out to persons
known to be in sympathy with the league
These are supposed to distribute the cards
judiciously for signatures. On the face oi
these cards appears the following address:
OBJECTS OF THE LEAGUE.
"The object of the American Patriotic
League is to combine the members of all ex.
listing American orders, or societies, together
with other citizens having similar views,
for the purpose of enforcing by legislation
the principles expressed in its platform,
which contains in brief the leading points in
all purely American orders.
Though some of these objects have been
bu6 VI luC ACdOAhS
political parties, the purpose has been, ap-
parently, only to catch votes. We propose
to press their adoption by Congress, and by
State Legislatures, until they become laws.
every thinking American citizen ap-
precIates the dangers which menace our
American institutions, but it is necessary
to consolidate public sentiment to obtain
united and effective action, and for that
purpose local leagues will be organized in
every city, town and village in the Union.
The American Patriotic League will not
conflict with any existing American order,
but will be the active political agency
whereby all can combine for the
furtherance of their principles, while still
maintaining their individual organizations.
A NATIONAL CONVENTION.
''It will not be ritualistic or beneficial, and
entrance fee and dues will be merely nomi-
nal. When enough States have been or
ganized, a national convention will be
called, to be composed Of delegates from
every association in sympathy with the
movement, and the influence of the COM
bined forces will be used with telling effect
These are our purposes, and we welcome to
our ranks every reputable citizen, native or
naturalized, who believes in the principles
we advocate, regardless OF his creed or color.
The names Of members and all correspond
ence will be strictly secret. Address all
communications to box 874, Pittsburg."
The reverse side of the card contains the
following platform of principles adopted at
the New York meeting:
First-Restriction of immigration.
Second-Extension of the time required for
naturalization.
Third-An educational qualification for
Fourth-one general non-sectarian free
school system.
Fifth-Public funds and public property not
to be used for sectarian purposes.
SiXth-American lands for American settlers.
Any American citizen of good moral charac-
ter is eligible to membership in the proposed
organization. When sufficient names are Sc
cured for league. preliminary meeting will
be called and an organization will be formed.
An entrance fee of 81 will be collected, and the
or quarterly dues will be nominal
HEADQUARTERS IN NEW YORK.
The parent league is located in New York,
and charters will be obtained from it for
State leagues The headquarters of the
State League will be in Pitts
burg. League No. 1 will probably be insti-
tuted the latter part of this week There
will be no rituals, regalias, benefits or para
phernalia. 1t is to be a simple business
auxiliary to the various American orders
for accomplishing their purposes.
AN EXPLICIT STATEMENT.
A member of the National Executive
Committee located in this city, in speaking
Of the league and its objects, yesterday after
noon said:
sit is the intention to bring together for
practical work members of the Jr. o. U. A.
NJ, the o. U. A. NJ, the P. o. S. Of A. and
other similar orders, also all American citi-
zens, native or naturalized, who can in
1orse our platform. Almost every Ameri-
ian can indorse these principles. Almost
everyone realizes the importance of legisla-
i've action on the subject. Organization is
Ill that is needed. The projectors of the
American Patriotic League believe it very
lnwise to attempt to start a new political
party, as it would only attract demagogues
ind sorehesd politicians.
NOT TO DISTURB AFFILIATIONS.
''They intend to work within the present
,rganized parties, and allow every member
# the league to maintain his party afilia-
ions. The names of members, their place
# meeting and their proceedings will be
lept strictly secret
MANY prominent men of all political
aiths have attached themselves already,
md the great mass of the freethinking citi- |
ems will readily join. 1t will be demon
trated that practical work can be done by !
thers than practical politicians. Dema-
,ogues, fanatics and soreheads will be ex-
luded. State leagues are now being or
,anIzed in Connecticut, Massachusetts,,
New York, New Jersey, Pennsylvania and |
illinois. Other States will be reached |
hortly."