THE WAR OF INDEPENDENCE. I/I Revolution to their own sad condition, a union which was created to prepare the way for political revolution. The first step of these united patriots was toward promotion of public instruction and education. Rhigas, handed over by the Austrian police to the Turks, was executed by the latter in 1798, but the elements of his society remained, and it was reorganized and received new life during the years of 18 14-17. Every member had the right, with the consent of another, to receive any Greek whom he believed to possess the required quali- ties. The new member knew only the one who had admitted him. Before admission his life's conduct, his principles, his financial circumstances were strictly examined, and on admission the candidate had to swear an oath which gave evi- dence of his piety, love of liberty, and patriotism. The next object was to secure contributions, which every new member, through the one who had admitted him, had to make to the national treasury. The whole was governed by a central head which had possession of the funds. To gain new members and for other purposes apostles were sent out, and in many places of the Turkish Empire, especially in Constanti- nople, the society had its agents and ephores.
