The Bossier banner. [volume] (Bellevue, Bossier Parish, La.) 1859-1952, 1891-01-01
Circular Letter.
Officers and Members of Sub-Unions in Bos-
sier Parish

y
of Cottage Grove Union the subject
of keeping all acts and proceedings
of the Unions strictly private within
the ranks of the Order was freely
discussed, and a resolution finally
prevailed to the effect that the Pres
ident of the Parish Union be asked
to write circular letter to the sew
eral sub Unions in the Parish, and
try to impress all members with the
vital Importance of observing per-
feet secrecy with regard to outsiders
concerning the workings of the Or
der inside. 1t has been thought by
some that We did not keep our acts
last summer closely enough guarded
from the outside world, aud hence
the want, or partial want, of entire
harmony in our own ranks, and a
partial interference with our own
affairs by outsiders in the late elec-
ton campaign.
Now, Brothers, let US look the
pressing issues that confront us
squarely in the face and meet them
with our sleeves rolled mp, as it were,
and meet them as a Unit, aud keep
our own counsel. It may truly be
said that we have made a move in a
given direction, and made it all
along the line, aud burnt the bridges
behind us, and there is no turning
back. We know our cause is just,
and our aims are high, and We must
continue to push our claims until
We are accorded that recognition by
the law making powers that we have
so long failed to receive. To do this
will take time and patience and per-
severance and working in the most
effective way that we can command,
and in all this let US continually
bear in mind to keep our 0acn secrets
No matter how trivial a matter may
seem to those within the walls at our
little sub-meetings, as well as al
meetings of the larger and higher
bodies, ii we do anything that is
strictly a Union affair, and not con-
nected with every day outside mat
tiers, we should by all means keeI
our own counsel.
This is thrown at us in depre
q eating way by outsiders, and they
n try to make game of as for onr sc
O crecy, but let me say TO you that il
q this lies our main strength, Will
q the business of our canse for grOun'
o work. Every interest in the land i
O organized, or organizing, and al
= require the necessity of secresy i
~ endeavoring to cOnsumate thei
aims and purposes.
~ True, all are not called secret sc
cieties, and holding to secret grips
~ passwords and signs, but all wor
= in secret just the same and waite
outsiders. Look at the Boards {
J. Trade and the Commercial e.
Is changes IN towns aud cities, an
n. other bodies banded together fl
r their mutual interests! Are the
y not secret societies Most certainl
N they arel Could a farmer or LAHORE
70 learn from one of their member
m anything about what business the
i'd transacted last night7 You kno
- you could not. They understan
90 each other, and they all work
harmony and unity and they keC
. their oacm counsel. They put Il
~ price on their own goods and ware
at and they put the price on your CO
y ton, peas, potatoes, hides, wool, 81
On and you are at their mercy, if yC
go sell or buy.
,so | do not allude to what is gene
lis ally called the 'secret work" of Il
Order-that by which membe
know one another wherever tn,
mt may meet-for take it for granite
Ire that no member would ever so
lg- forget himself as TO diyulgc that.