"To defend and perpetuate freedom and the Constitution, the supremacy of law and the inherent rights of civil and religious freedom, and to accomplish the objects of the organisation, I pledge my life, my fortune and my sacred honour." This was the oath in part. Members were sworn to vote only for candidates endorsed by the league. The ritual appealed to the negro's superstition. The catechism inculcated opposition to the Democratic Party, fealty to the Radical Republican, condemnation of Southern whites as traitors. Candidates for membership were conducted to the Council Chamber; here, the Marshal rapped the league alarm, the Sentinel called, "Who comes under our signal?" Answer given, the door opens cautiously, countersign is demanded, and given in the "Four Ls"--the right hand pointing upward with the word, "Liberty," sinking to shoulder level with "Lincoln," dropping to the side with "Loyal," folding to the breast with "League." The Council receives the novitiates standing, as they march in arm in arm, singing, "John Brown's Body" and take positions around the altar before which the President stands in regalia. The altar is draped with the flag, on which lies an open Bible, the Declaration of Independence, a sword, ballot-box, sickle, and anvil or other toy emblems of industry. At first the room may be in darkness with sounds of groans and clanking chains issuing from corners. The chaplain calls the league to prayer, invoking Divine vengeance on traitors. From a censer (sometimes an old stove vase) upon the altar blue flames, "fires of liberty," leap upward. The Council opens ranks to receive novitiates; joining hands, all circle round the altar, singing, "The Star-Spangled Banner" or other patriotic air. Novitiates lay hands upon the flag, kiss the Bible and swear: "I will do all in my power to elect true and loyal men to all offices of trust and profit." Instructions in pass-words, signals, etc., are given. Secret business is transacted. Negroes were drilled, armed and marched about. Into League rooms social features were introduced, League literature was read aloud, feminine branches were formed. Leagues furnished a secret service bureau. Coloured servants told what happened in white houses. "My cook and I were children together," a friend tells me. "As we grew up, she made me read and write her letters. One day, after freedom, she said, 'Miss, put 'tin dar fuh Jeems tuh write me suppin funny nex' time he do write. We has to have all our letters read out in church an' when dere's anything funny, de folks laugh.' Soon she ceased asking my services. Through this plan of having letters read out in church leagues and bureaus collected information of happenings in private homes from far and wide. Such gleanings might be useful in revealing political or self-protective movements among whites, in hunting a man down; or serving his political or social enemy, or would-be robber."