The National tribune., 1895-02-28
A New Order which is Growing Rapidly in
Numbers and Influence

A New Order which is Growing Rapidly In
Numbers and Influence.
The American Knights of Protection is the
name of new patriotic Order, which is weekly
gaining immense accessions Of strength. Its
President lie Gen. Cyrus Bussey, Of Washington,
ID. C., lately Assistant Secretary of the Interior
aud Chas l.. Wilson. Fidelity Building. Balti.
more is the National Secretary. The following
is an official declaration of its principles:
The purposes of this Order comprise Fra
ternity, National Patriotism and adherence to
the doctrine of Protection to American indus
tries through tariff and foreign immigration
restrictions, and to the home and family,
through cooperative beneficial system.
The American knights of Protection unites
in National, fraternal organization, male white
persons, from 16 years upwards, who subscribe
to these principles and who reverence the Con-
sfitution, pledge themselves to support the
Public School system, TO defend the purity of
the ballot, by demanding absolute honesty in
elections, and the prosection Of all fraudulent
practices therein, and 10 cooperation In the
revival and maintenance Of a spirit of loyalty
and devotion to American interests and institu-
tions.
Holding that the first duty of citizen to the
State and TO his family demands the conserva-
tion of their mutual interests, by rendering to
each the ost efficient service, and that he alone
is a good citizen who seeks to defend both the
interests Of the State and the home. this Order
combines these interests, and will advance its
members morally. socially and intellectually,
and teach the value of co operation, in works
OF Protection, charity, benevolence pu blic duty,
and political reformation.
Asserting that the high privileges of Ameri-
can citizenship demand, as a consideration
therefor, devotion TO the State, obedience to the
laws defense of American interests aud institu-
tons and intelligent exercise Of the right of
franchise, we shall seek to educate our m lem ber-
shin and the American people to a higher ap-
probation of their most favored condition by
comparisons and contrasts with other nations,
and 10 confirm and convince as to the causes of
our prosperity, through our literature public
lectures. historical inquiry, and the study Of
American history, both practical and constitu-
tonal.
Convinced that our National prosperity has
been secured by nd that its tinuap &c depends
upon adherence to the policy of Protection"
we demand that this be adhered to as a National
policy. and that il be so extended as to include
the restriction of foreign immigration, so that
American industry shall be protected, as we'll
against the pauper labor OF foreign lands as
against the products OF such labor, TO the end
that our industrial and commercial interests
may for all time be so protected as 10 guarantee
10 honest labor its full measure of reward. and
thereby assure the State of contented and
loyal people.
Recognizing that the greatest safeguard of a
republican form of Government lies In the
integrity of it's electoral system we pledge our
membership TO defend the sanctity of the bal
lot-box and TO cooperate in the prosecution of
all attempts at the corruption thereof so that
neither the money power, the political machine,
nor the vicious elements of society sh; II at any
time subvert tho viii of the people by the per-
version OF the constitutional right Of franchise.