The Mason County journal. [volume] (Shelton, W.T.) 1886-1927, 1894-07-13
The True Objects Of the A. p. A.

The True Objects Of the A. p. A.
| We have no desire to enter into any
newspaper discussion upon the objects
of the American Protective Associa-
ton, but simply wish to correct some
erroneous impressions which have been
given out by a few political schemes
Following are the true objects of the
order:
LIST. This Society is organized for
the purpose of purifying politics, is a
non-seCtarian and non-partizan orga-
nization composed only of TRUE
American citizens, without regard to
nationality or place of birth.
I'd. While we unite to protect our
country and its free institutions we
attack no mans religion so long as he
does not attempt to make it an e1e-
,nent in political power.
Sd. Our aim is to preserve and
maintain the government of the
United States, and the principles of
the Declaration of Independence as
set forth by the founders, against the
encroachments of ALI. foreign i'll
fluences.
4th. We regard all re1igio-politica
organizations as the enemies of civil
and religious liberties.
5th. It is, in Our opinion, unsafe
and unwise to appoint or elect to civil
Or military offices in this country men
who owe Supreme allegiance to any
foreign king, potentate or ecc1esiasti-
cal power, or who are sworn to obey
suc!l power.
9th. We are in favor of maintain
ing one general, unsectarian free
school system, and will oppose all at
empts TO supplant it by any sectarian
institution. We are opposed to the
use Of public funds for any sectarian
purpose.
9Th. We are N favor of changing
! orr Immigration laws in such a man
ner that they viii protect our citizen
laborers from the influences of pat
per and criminal labor, which through
the instrumentaiity of European pro-
pagandlSt societies, are rapidly SUP
planting American citizens in every
line of industry; but, we do not OPP
pose honest immigrants, who come
for the purpose of becoming Ameri-
can citizens, and who will forswear
allegiance to ali foreign potent ates
and powers.
9th. We are in favor of putting
into Office honest and true patriots,
who are qualified end who owe allie
glance only to the Stars and Stripes.
Its membership is not composed of
Protestants alone, but of all creeds,
faiths and beliefs, free from any for
eign ecclesiastical influence None
are barred, excepting professional poll
ticians, agitatOrs, and office seekers,
ward-heelers and the lower element
really unfit for suffrage. 1t is not a
political organization, and does not in
any way restrict the political inclina-
lions Of It's members, but hopes, by
organized work among the old parties,
to prevent and upset the Vaccinations
of rings and combinations of men,
whose sole aim is to manipulate the
Offices and control public interests, for
their own ends. 1t is composed of tax
payers, working for their own interests,
men who are not generally "promi-
nent'' in their political parties, but
who see the necessity OF prompt and
united action for the public protec-
ton
SO far from being bigoted the order
is broad and liberal enough to recog
nize the good in all men, regardless O
religious belief, so long as the elements
of honesty, principle and loyalty are
present. Ones religious belief, or dis
belief, is the last consideration, pro
viding it is not used for political ends.
In short the A. P. A. in Mason
County is for the permanent setting
aside OF hungry office seekers, the
breaking up of their schemes and
placing the county government in the
hands OF new men, regardless of VIII ether
members of this order so long as they
are qualified and Trustworthy. Such
men surely can be found in this county
and many of them to choose from.
} Without some organized methods
the better element of the political
, parties have found themselves unable
to successfully cope with the rings
general influence.
The taxpayers are bound for a
change, and arrogance. incompetence
and corruption will receive a severe
setback, wherever it may be found.
w. G. REX.