Sec. 3. The President.-It shall be the duty of the president of each subordinate council, to preside in the council, and enforce a due observance of the constitution and rules of the order, and a proper respect for the state council and the national council; to have sole and exclusive charge of the charter and the constitution and ritual of the order, which he must always have with him when his council is in session, to see that all officers perform their respective duties; to announce all ballotings to the council; to decide all questions of order; to give the casting vote in all cases of a tie; to convene special meetings when deemed expedient; to draw warrants on the treasurer for all sums, the payment of which is ordered by the council; and to perform such other duties as are demanded of him by the constitutions and ritual of the order. admit no person, unless he can prove himself a member of this order, and of the same degree in which the council is opened, or by order of the president, or is satisfac torily vouched for. Sec. 10. The outside sentinel shall have charge of the outer door, and act in accordance with the orders of the president. He shall permit no person to enter the outer door unless he give the password of the degree in which the council is at work, or is properly vouched for. Sec. 11. The secretary, treasurer, and sentinels, shall receive such compensation as the subordinate councils may each conclude to allow. Sec. 12. Each subordinate council may levy its own fees for initiation, to raise a fund to pay its dues to the state council, and to defray its own expenses. Each council may, also, at its discretion, initiate Sec 4. The vice-president of each sub-without charging the usual fec, those it ordinate council shall assist the president in the discharge of his duties, whilst his council is in session; and, in his absence, shall perform all the duties of the president. See 5. The instructor shall perform the duties of the president in the absence of the president and vice-president, and shall, under the direction of the president, perform such duties as may be assigned to him by the ritual. Sec. 6. The secretary shall keep an accurate record of the proceedings of the council. He shall write all communications, fill all notices, attest all warrants drawn by the president for the payment of money; he shall keep a correct roll of all the members of the council, together with their age, residence, and occupation, in the order in which they have been admitted; he shall, at the expiration of every three months, make out a report of all work done during that time, which report he shall forward to the secretary of the state council; and when superseded in his office shall deliver all books, papers, &c., in his hands to his successor. Sec. 7 The treasurer shall hold all moneys raised exclusively for the use of the state council, which he shall pay over to the secretary of the state council at its regular sessions, or whenever called upon by the president of the state council. He shall receive all moneys for the use of the subordinate council, and pay all amounts drawn for on him, by the president of the subordinate council, if attested by the secretary. Sec. 8. The marshal shall perform such duties, under the direction of the president, as may be required of him by the ritual. Sec. 9. The inside sentinel shall have charge of the inner door, and act under the directions of the president. He shall considers unable to pay the same. Sec. 13. The president shall keep in his possession the constitution and ritual of the order. He shall not suffer the same to go out of his possession under any pretence whatever, unless in case of absence, when he may put them in the hands of the vice-president or instructor, or whilst the council is in session, for the information of a member wishing to see it, for the purpose of initiation, or conferring of degrees. Art. IV Each subordinate council shall have power to adopt such by-laws, rules, and regulations, for its own government, as it may think proper, not inconsistent with the constitutions of the national and state councils. FORM OF APPLICATION FOR A CHARTER To county, Date FORM OF DISMISSION FROM ONE COUNCIL said TO ANOTHER. a This is to certify that Brother member of Council, No., having made an application to change his membership from this council to that of Council, No. at- , in the county of, I do hereby declare, that said brother has received an honorable dismission from this council, and is hereby recommended for membership in Council, No. in the county of- N C.; provided, however, that until Brotherhas been admitted to membership in said council, he is to be considered subject to the discipline of this council, to be dealt with by the same for any violation of the requirements of the order. This the day of 185-, and the American Independence. - Secretary year of President, Council, No. is about is by livelihood a Secretary. years of age, and day of year of our national President o. FIRST DEGREE COUNCIL. To be admitted to membership in this order, the applicant shall be 1st. Proposed and found acceptable. 2nd. Introduced and examined under the guarantee of secrecy 3rd. Placed under the obligation which the order imposes. 4th. Required to enrol his name and place of residence. 5th. Instructed in the forms and usages and ceremonies of the order. 6th. Solemnly charged as to the objects to be obtained, and his duties. [A recommendation of a candidate to FORM OF CERTIFICATE FOR DELEGATES TO this order shall be received only from a THE STATE COUNCIL. Council, No. This is to certify that and were at the regular meeting of this council, held on the, 185, duly elected delegates to represent this council in the next annual meeting of the state council, to be heid in on the 3d Monday in November next. And by virtue of the authority in me reposed, I do hereby declare the and to be invested with all the rights, powers, and privileges of the delegates as aforesaid. This being the day of 185—, and the year said of our national independence. Secretary President of FORM OF NOTICE From the Subordinate Council to the State Council, whenever any Member of a Subordinate Council is expelled. Council, No. county of N. C. brother of approved integrity It shall be accompanied by minute particulars as to name, age, calling, and residence, and by an explicit voucher for his qualifications, and a personal pledge for his fidelity These particulars shall be recorded by the secretary in a book kept for that purpose. The recommendation may be referred, and the ballot taken at such time and in such a manner as the state council may prescribe; but no communication shall be made to the candidate until the ballot has been declared in his favor. Candidates shall be received in the ante-room by the marshal and secretary] OUTSIDE. Marshal.-Do you believe in a Supreme Being, the Creator and Preserver of the universe? Ans.-I do. Marshal.-Before proceeding further, we require a solemn obligation of secrecy and truth. If you will take such an obligation, you will lay your right hand upon the Holy To the President of the State Council of Bible and cross. North Carolina: Sir: This is to inform you that at a meeting of this council, held on the day of, 185-, was duly expelled from membership in said council, and thus deprived of all the privileges, rights, and benefits of this organization. In accordance with the provisions of the constitution of the state council, you are hereby duly notified of the same, that you may officially notify all the subordinate councils of the state to be upon their guard against the said, as one unworthy to associate with patriotic and good men, (if expelled for violating his obligation) as a perjurer to God and his country. The (If born out of the jurisdiction of the United States, the answer shall be written, the candidate dismissed with an admonition of secrecy, and the brother vouching for him suspended from all the privileges of the order, unless upon satisfactory proof that he has been misinformed.) Marshal.—Are you twenty-one years of age? Ans." I am." Marshal.-Were you born of Protestant parents, or were you reared under Protestant influence? Ans." Yes." Marshal.—If married, is your wife a Roman Catholic? ("No" or "Yes"-the answer to be valued as the Constitution of the State Council shall provide.) Marshal.-Are you willing to use your influence and vote only for native-born American citizens for all offices of honor, trust, or profit in the gift of the people, to the exclusion of all foreigners and aliens, and Roman Catholics in particular, and without regard to party predilections? Ans.-"I am." INSIDE. (The marshal shall then repair to the council in session, and present the written list of names, vouchers, and answers to the president, who shall cause them to be read aloud, and a vote of the council to be taken on each name, in such manner as prescribed by its by-laws. If doubts arise in the ante-room, they shall be referred to the council. If a candidate be dismissed, he shall be admonished to secrecy. The candidates declared elected shall be conducted to seats within the council, apart from the brethren. When all are present the president by one blow of the gavel, shall call to order and say :) President.-Brother marshal, introduce the candidates to the vice-president. Marshal.—Worthy Vice-President, I present to you these candidates, who have duly answered all questions. Vice-President, rising in his place.-Gentlemen, it is my office to welcome you as friends. When you shall have assumed the patriotic vow by which we are all bound, we will embrace you as brothers. I am authorized to declare that our obligations enjoin nothing which is inconsistent with the duty which every good man owes to his Creator, his country, his family, or himself. We do not compel you, against your convictions, to act with us in our good work; but should you at any time wish to withdraw, it will be our duty to grant you a dismissal in good faith. If satisfied with this assurance, you will rise upon your feet (pausing till they do so), place the left hand upon the breast, and raise the right hand towards heaven. (The brethren to remain seated till called up.) OBLIGATION. In the presence of Almighty God and these witnesses, you do solemnly promise and swear, that you will never betray any of the secrets of this society, nor communicate them even to proper candidates, except within a lawful council of the order; that you never will permit any of the secrets of this society to be written, or in any other manner made legible, except for the purpose of official instruction; that you will not vote, nor give your influence for any man for any office in the gift of the people, unless he be an American born citizen, in favor of Americans ruling America, nor if he be a Roman Catholic; that you will in all political matters, so far as this order is concerned, comply with the will of the majority, though it may conflict with your personal preference, so long as it does not conflict with the Constitution of the United States of America, or that of the state in which you reside; that you will not, under any circumstances whatever, knowingly recommend an unworthy person for initiation, nor suffer it to be done, if in your power to prevent it; that you will not, under any circumstances, expose the name of any member of this order, nor reveal the existence of such an association; that you will answer an imperative notice issued by the proper authority; obey the command of the state council, president, or his deputy, while assembled by such notice, and respond to the claim of a sign or cry of the order, unless it be physically impossible; and that you will acknowledge the State Council of as the legislative head, the ruling authority, and the supreme tribunal of the order in the state of acting under the jurisdiction of the National Council of the United States of North America. Binding yourself in the penalty of excommunication from the order, the forfeiture of all intercourse with its members, and being denounced in all the societies of the same, as a wilful traitor to your God and your country. (The president shall call up every person present, by three blows of the gavel, when the candidates shall all repeat after the vice-president in concert:) All this I voluntarily and sincerely promise, with a full understanding of the solemn sanctions and penalties. Vice-President.-You have now taken solemn oaths, and made as sacred promises as man can make, that you will keep all our secrets inviolate; and we wish you distinctly to understand that he that takes these oaths and makes these promises, and then violates them, leaves the foul, the deep and blighting stain of perjury resting on his soul. President.-(Having seated all by one | blow of the gavel.)-Brother Instructor, these new brothers having complied with the demand of the order, are entitled to the secrets and privileges of the same. You will, therefore, invest them with everything appertaining to the first degree. Instructor-Brothers: the practices and proceedings in our order are as follows: President of the National Council of the United States, and is to be made and used only when the brother is traveling beyond the jurisdiction of his own state, district, or territory. It and all other pass-words must be communicated in a whisper, and no brother is entitled to communicate them to another, without authority from the presiding officer.) We have pass-words necessary to be used The sign of recognition" is (grasping to obtain admission to our councils; forms the right lappel of the coat with the right for our conduct while there; means of re-hand, the fore finger being extended incognizing each other when abroad; means of mutual protection; and methods for giving notices to members. At the outer door you will* (make any ordinary alarm to attract the attention of the outside sentinel). When the wicket is opened you will pronounce the (words-what's the pass), in a whisper. The outside sentinel will reply (Give it), when you will give the term pass-word and be admitted to the anteroom. You will then proceed to the inner door and give (one rap). When the wicket is opened, give your name, the number of, and location of your council, the explanation of the term pass, and the degree pass-word. If these be found correct, you will be admitted; if not, your name will be reported to the vice president, and must be properly vouched for before you can gain admission to the council. You will then proceed to the centre of the room and address the (President) with the countersign, which is performed thus (placing the right hand diagonally across the mouth). When this salutation is recognized, you will quietly take your seat. This sign is peculiar to this degree, and is never to be used outside the council room, nor during the conferring of this degree. When retiring, you will address the (Vice President) in the same manner, and also give the degree pass-word to the inside sentinel. The "term pass-word" is (We are). (The pass-word and explanation is to be established by each State Council for its respective subordinates.) The "explanation" of the " term-pass," to be used at the inner door, is (our country's hope.) The "degree pass-word" is (Native). The "traveling pass-word" is (The memory of our pilgrim fathers). (This word is changed annually by the * In the Ritual the words in parentheses are omitted. In the key to the Ritual, they are written in figuresthe alphabet used being the same as printed below. So throughout. Key to Unlock Communications. A B C D E F G H I J K L M wards.) The answer is given by (a similar action with the left hand.) The "grip" is given by (an ordinary shake of the hand). The person challenging shall (then draw the fore finger along the palm of the hand). The answer will be given by (a similar action forming a link by hooking together the ends of the fore finger); when the following conversation ensues-the challenging party first saying (is that yours?) The answer, (it is.) Then the response (how did you get it?), followed by the rejoinder (it is my birth-right). Public notice for a meeting is given by means of a (piece of white paper the shape of a heart). (In cities the *** of the *** where the meeting is to be held, will be written legibly upon the notice; and upon the election day said *** will denote the *** where your presence is needed. This notice will never be passed, but will be *** or thrown upon the sidewalk with a *** in the centre.) If information is wanting of the object of the gathering, or of the place, &c., the inquirer will ask of an undoubted brother (where's when?) The brother will give the information if possessed of it; if not it will be yours and his duty to continue the inquiry, and thus disseminate the call throughout the brotherhood. If the color of the paper (be red), it will denote actual trouble, which requires that you come prepared to meet it. The "cry of distress"-to be used only in time of danger, or where the American interest requires an immediate assemblage of the brethren-is (oh, oh, oh.) The response is (hio, hio, h-i-o.) The "sign of caution"-to be given when a brother is speaking unguardedly before a stranger-is (drawing the fore finger and thumb together across the eyes, the rest of the hand being closed), which signifies "keep dark." Brothers, you are now initiated into and made acquainted with the work and organization of a council of this degree of the order; and the marshal will present * Concerning what is said of cities, the key to the Ritual says: "Considered unnecessary to decipher what is said in regard to cities.' you to the worthy president for admonition. of this or any other council to which you may be attached, so long as they do not President.-It has no doubt, been long conflict with the Constitution of the United apparent to you, brothers, that foreign in- States, nor that of the State in which you fluence and Roman Catholicism have been reside; that you will under all circummaking steady and alarming progress in stances, if in your power so to do, attend our country. You cannot have failed to to all regular signs or summons that may observe the significant transition of the be thrown or sent to you by a brother of foreigner and Romanist from a character this or any other degree of this order; that quiet, retiring, and even abject, to one you will support in all political matters, for bold, threatening. turbulent, and despotic all political offices, members of this order in its appearance and assumptions. You in preference to other persons; that if it must have become alarmed at the syste- may be done legally, you will, when electmatic and rapidly augmenting power of ed or appointed to any official station conthese dangerous and unnatural elements of ferring on you the power to do so remove our national condition. So it is, brothers, all foreigners, aliens, or Roman Catholics with others beside yourselves in every from office or place, and that you will in state of the Union. A sense of danger has no case appoint such to any office or place struck the great heart of the nation. In in your gift. You do also promise and every city, town, and hamlet, the danger swear that this and all other obligations has been seen and the alarm sounded. which you have previously taken in this And hence true men have devised this or-order shall ever be kept through life sacred der as a means of disseminating patriotic principles. of keeping alive the fire of national virtue, of fostering the national intelligence, and of advancing America and the American interest on the one side, and on the other of checking the strides of the foreigner or alien, or thwarting the machinations and subverting the deadly plans of the papist and Jesuit. and inviolate. All this you promise and declare, as Americans, to sustain and abide by, without any hesitation or mental reservation whatever. So help you God and keep you steadfast. (Each will answer “I do.” President.-Brother Marshal, you will now present the brothers to the instructor for instructions in the second degree of the Note. The President shall impress up-order. on the initiates the importance of secrecy, Marshal.-Brother Instructor, by direc the manner of proceeding in recommend- tion of our worthy president, I present ing candidates for initiation, and the re-these brothers before you that you may insponsibility of the duties which they have struct them in the secrets and mysteries of Assumed. the second degree of the order. Instructor-Brothers, in this degree we SECOND DEGREE COUNCIL. have an entering sign and a countersign. Marshal.-Worthy President: These At the outer door proceed (as in the first brothers have been duly elected to the sec-degree). At the inner door you will make ond degree of this order. I present them to you for obligation. President.-Brothers: You will place your left hand upon your right breast, and extend your right hand towards the flag of our country, preparatory to obligation. (Each council room should have a neat American flag festooned over the platform of the President.) OBLIGATION. (two raps), and proceed as in the first degree, giving the second degree pass-word, which is American, instead of that of the first degree. If found to be correct, you will then be admitted, and proceed (to the centre of the room), giving the countersign, which is made thus (extending the right arm to the national flag over the president, the palm of the hand being upwards). Marshal, you will now present the brothers to the worthy president for admonition. Marshal.-Worthy President, I now present these candidates to you for admonition. The sign of recognition in this degree is the same as in the first degree, with the You, and each of you, of your own free addition of (the middle finger), and the rewill and accord, in the presence of Al-sponse to be made in a (similar manner.) mighty God and these witnesses, your left hand resting upon your right breast, and your right hand extended to the flag of your country, do solemnly and sincerely swear, that you will not under any circumstances disclose in any manner, nor suffer it to be done by others, if in your power to prevent it, the name, signs, passwords, or other secrets of this degree, except in open council for the purpose of instruction; that you will in all things conform to all the rules and regulations of this order, and to the constitution and by-laws President.-Brothers, you are now duly initiated into the second degree of this order. Renewing the congratulations which we extended to you upon your admission to the first degree, we admonish you by every tie that may nerve patriots, to aid us in our efforts to restore the political institutions of our country to their original |
