Democratic societies.
In imitation of the Jacobin clubs in
Paris, members of
|
The contrast. |
the Republican party, at about the time when
Genet arrived from
France, formed secret associations, which they called “Democratic societies.”
Their ideas and feelings were almost wholly
French, and a large proportion of their membership consisted of French people.
They were disloyal to the government of the
United States, and sought to control the politics of the
Union.
They seem to have been inspired with the fanaticism which at that time controlled
France.
They vigorously denounced and opposed
Washington's proclamation of neutrality.
The societies existed in various States, and first introduced the word “Democrat” into American politics.
Many of the Republican party would not adopt the word, preferring the old name, until the combined opposition became known as the Democratic Republican party.
The Democratic societies flourished for a while with great vigor.
Their members were pledged to secrecy.
Each society had a distinct seal of its own, which was attached to the certificate of every member, in which he was commended to the good offices of every similar society in the
Union.
The informed and thoughtful citizens saw scarcely any resemblance between French and American democracy.
The former assumed the aspect of violence in every form, while the latter was calm, just, and peaceful.
A pamphlet was published in 1796 in which the difference is delineated by an engraving called
The contrast.
It was soon after that these societies began to dwindle in numbers and soon disappeared.
The certificate of membership in these societies read as follows: “To all other societies established on principles of liberty equality, Union, patriotic virtue, and perseverance: We, the members of the Republican Society of Baltimore, certify and declare to all Republican or Democratic societies, and to all Republicans individually, that citizen——hath been admitted, and now is a member of our society, and that, from his known zeal
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Seal. |
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to promote Republican principles and the rights of humanity, we have granted him this our certificate (which he has signed in the margin), and do recommend
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Sieur De Monts. |
him to all Republicans, that they may receive him with fraternity, which we offer to all those who may come to us with similar credentials.
In witness whereof, etc.
Alexander McKinn, president;
George Sears, secretary.”
The seal of the Baltimore Society, which issued the above certificate, is composed of a figure of Liberty, with pileus, Phrygian cap, and fasces, with the name of the society.