exposition of the

CHAPTER II.

Increase of Anti-Slater? Sentiment at the North, and its effect upon Southrons   General George C. Bickley's advent in 1855   the first to Systematize the Order of the K. G. C.    Details of the Organization   its Objects, Solemn Oaths, and Forms of Initiation   its secret influence upon the Politics of the Country   Speech in Castle of a Knight   General William Walker and Filibustering.

In 1855, it was noticed that the anti-slavery sentiment in the North was growing still stronger, and it was, in fact, generally thought by Southrons that the Democratic party was becoming almost extinct there, from the large numbers that had deserted it in consequence of their Free-soil proclivities. It was about this time that a certain George C. Bickley, who was a native of Boone county, Indiana, but, at the period alluded to, resided in Cincinnati, went South, and, having espoused the cause of the S. R. C.'s, took it in hand to reduce them to a more perfect state of organization. Having framed a constitution, by-laws, and ritual, and having effected thereby all the, to him, necessary changes and modifications in the Order, he christened it with the highly " chivalrous " name of Knights of the Golden Circle. The several divisions of the K. G. C, according to the new constitution, were called Castles. As in the case of most other secret orders, there were subordinate castles, and a Grand Castle, State Castle, or Legion.* The officers of the subordinate castle consisted of a captain, lieutenant, secretary, treasurer, guard, (for the inner door,) sentinel, (for the outer door,) a corresponding secretary, and conductor. Tho officers of the Grand Castle were the same as those of the subordinates, with the addition of the prefix Grand. Their new constitution set forth, in its first article, as ono of the principal objects of the order, the acquisition of Cuba, Mexico, and Nicaragua. In another article, the members arc pledged to stand united in the promotion of Southern interests, and opposition to the encroachments of abolitionism; and still, in another, they are pledged, in case of any encroachment on the part of the United States Government, to do all within their power to estab-

* All tho State Legions, or Grand State Castles, aro represented by delegates in what is termed the Grand United States or American Legion. From this body all the laws governing state and subordinate castles emanate, as also do tho military laws, or, as they are generally termed, "Articles ot" War." These "Articles of War" require regular military drill, especially in the use of tho bayonet and sword. Knights greatly pride themselves on their swordsmanship.