Anti-Masonic Party
a political organization in opposition to Freemasonry. In 1826 William Morgan, a Freemason, living in Batavia, N. Y., was suspected of being in league with other Masons in preparing a revelation of Masonic secrets. The report that Morgan, who had disappeared suddenly, had been abducted and drowned, caused much excitement, which finally gave rise to a political party. By 1832 the party had spread to other States and William Wirt was nominated for President, and Amos Ellmaker for Vice-President. This ticket was carried in Vermont only. In 1832 the party nearly elected Joseph Ritner Governor of Pennsylvania, and, in 1835, through a split in the Democratic Party, did elect him. From then on it disappeared as suddenly as it had come into existence.
ANTI-MILITARISM. See MILITARISM.