The morning call., 1894-10-08
BROAD IN VIEW.
American Liberal League
Is Started.
ORGANIZATION IS EFFECTED.
Declaration of Principles Is
Promulgated.
ORGANIZATION IS EFFECTED
RELIGIOUS LIBERTY ITS OBJECT.
A Society Whose Basic Principle
Is the Constitution of the
United States.

society styled the American Liberal
League has been organized in this city,
and, although scarce week ola, yet it has
already spread through every Assembly
District in San Francisco and even into
the precincts, where little clubs are
formed as branches of the main body.
The preliminary proceedings were trans
acted very quietly. though not in execu-
tive sessions. and few nights since per-
manent organization was effected.
The first decisive action was taken
when document known as the declara-
ton of principles was promulgated
Without anything further in the way OF
constitution or bylaws the league accepted
this declaration as iis motto and the senti-
ments expressed therein as its principles.
The accomplishment Of demands set forth
to the effect that no religious test shall be
required as qualification to any office of
public trust in the United States will be
the chief aim of this organize ton.
At meeting held Friday night in the
Flood building the declaration of princi-
pies was distributed through members of
the league. Each recipient of the docu-
ment took it with the understanding that
he would canvass his precinct and secure
signatures from citizens regardless of
creed, party or color. Committees of one
were thus formed throughout the city for
the purpose of organizing. The declara-
lion of principles which each member re-
ceived is as follows;
We declare that liberty of conscience is not
only privilege but sacred right In these
United States, and that freedom of religious
worship has been guaranteed TO all its citizens
by Its constitution and its laws.
We assert that over 100 years of religious
freedom IN this republic has taught the world
that The best civilization Is incompatible with
religious intolerance. and that persecution or
prescription OF any class of citizens on account
OF either race, color or creed is a menace to the
country's welfare and TO the cOuntry's good.
We denOuuce as uD-AmericaD, unTepubican,
unrghteous and unjust any attempt TO array
one class Of citizens against another on the
score OF creed, race or color, and we appeal to
all fairminded Americans 10 put upon any such
attempt The stamp of disapproval and eondem-
nation.
We condemn as voaters OF the organic law
OF the nation aud al recreant TO the cOnstitu-
tion of the State. those who seek openly. or in
secret, 10 make religions test qualification
for any office OF public trust.
We proclaim as unworthy of the peoples
confidence those who, behind closed doors. have
sworn to discriminate against a fellow-citIZen
by reason OF his faith, bui who in public
nounce their Willingness to assume official
duties under the oath required by law 10 sup.
port the constitution of the United States ana
the constitution OF the State of California:
We demand that religious, race and color
prejudiees be kept without the confines of this
broad land of ours, aud that no organization
be permitted 10 lngraft Its sentiments of lntOl-
erance OH the institutions OF the United States;
aud 10 the end that mo religious test shall ever
be required as a qualification TO any office
public trust under he United States"
ana that Congress snail make no law respect
ing an est9 biisbment OF religion or prohibiting
The free exercise thereof and that
the free exercise and enjoyment Of religious
profession and worship without discrimination
or preference shall forever be guaranteed in
this State" we mutually pledge our fortunes
aud our sacred honor.
In vii m q mo
| hereto as members of the American Liberal
League this 5tn day of October, 1894.
Name. Address. District. Precinct.
| Next day many names were secured. and
in some instances precinct clubs were or
| gained. In the evening IA systematic can
vass of the city began with results that
| pleased the Orlglnators, who are lot ALLOW
| ing time 10 slip idly by before election.
Meetings were held yesterday afternoon
| in many of the Assembly districts where
| district organization was effected, and nu-
merouS signatures were appended to the
doe umen, the signers becoming members
of the league thereby. In some of the
| Catholic churches the declaration was
| Read, though without official authorization,
as the movement is not supposed to be
sectarian IN its character, the members
already including men OF the Protestant,
| Jewish and Catholic faiths.
This week is expected to see remarkable
| strides in organization, and, indeed, it is
expected that the bulk of the enrolment
| will be over before next Saturday night
| For thief present James T. Smith is chair
| man and ex-Judge Stafford honorary secre-
| taTy.
| The finances are intrusted to committee
of wealthy and prominent men. and the
| management to an executive committee but
! when the organization Is complete the be-
| lief is that new board of officers will be
elected from the men who sign the declaIa-