ern States were untiring in the organization of the secret leagues before mentioned as the “Knights of the Golden Circle” and the “Sons of Liberty.” These secret gatherings enabled the disloyal to disseminate their doctrines with safety, and this work went on unchecked until in August, 1864, when, as we have seen, Governor Stone stated that the membership of these lodges numbered more than 30,000 in Iowa. These organizations extended throughout the States not engaged in the Rebellion. Their influence was widespread and becoming a serious menace to the Government. In order to counteract their treasonable conspiracies the loyal people devised the “Union League,” a secret organization, which rapidly spread throughout the loyal and border States. The purposes of this league will be best understood by quoting a few passages from the ritual:
“In times of peril to our Government and the Union it becomes the sacred duty of all true patriots to unite in the preservation of constitutional freedom and in thwarting the designs traitors. It is a strange and sad necessity which compels American citizens to band themselves together in this manner to sustain the Constitution and the Union; but the Government under which we live is threatened with destruction. We claim in no way to interfere with your religious or political opinions, save that you shall at all times and places seek to protect, preserve and defend the Government of the United States. An oath was administered to each member in which he swore “to support, protect and defend the Constitution and Government of the United States and the flag thereof, and aid in maintaining the laws of the United States, and to defend the State of Iowa (or whatever State the member lived in) against invasion, insurrection or rebellion, to the best of my ability. Furthermore, I will aid and assist in electing true and reliable Union men, and none others, to all offices of profit or trust, from the lowest to the highest; and should I ever be called to fill any office, I will there and then faithfully carry out the objects and principles of this League. To defend and perpetuate Freedom and the Union, I pledge my life, my fortune and my sacred honor.”
As the time approached for the assembling of the National conventions to nominate candidates for President, there were found to be among Democrats and Republicans,
