Those who have investigated the Klan are convinced that its principal promoters are not inspired by a zeal for the welfare of the United States, but on the other hand they are certain that the promoters are in the Ku Klux Klan business to make money out of it; that they have profited by millions of dollars and that for this filthy money they have spread loose seeds of discontent and disorder that must be raked out of the body politic by the united action of all patriotic organizations and individuals. As far as its chief protagonists are concerned the Ku Klux is a huge money-making hoax—a gold mine. The poor dupes who have been "soaked" for regalia and dues will wake up some time and discover how they have been deluded and misled. In the meantime, however, it is the duty of every true American to inform himself about the Klan so that in whatever way may come to his lot he may counteract the terrible consequences of its teachings and practices.
Something about those who sit in judgment on the affairs of the "Invisible Empire"; their troubles in court.
Something about those who sit in judgment on the affairs of the "Invisible Empire"; their troubles in court.
William J. Simmons (who carries a bogus title as "colonel") is the "Imperial Wizard" of the "Invisible Empire, Knights of the Ku Klux Klan." He organized the masked men on Thanksgiving night in 1915. Some of the organizers associated with him had belonged to the original Ku Klux Klan which rampaged in the southern states after the Civil War, killing hundreds of negroes and whites, and which was put out of business by President U.S. Grant after the states had failed to do so.
Simmons and thirty-four others secured a charter from the state of Georgia on December 4, 1915. It is signed by Philip Cook, who was then secretary of state of that commonwealth. Later, on July 1, 1916, a special charter was issued by the Supreme court of Fulton county, Ga. The granting of the charters followed the organization of the Klan which occurred with midnight ceremonies on the top of Stone mountain, near Atlanta, Thanksgiving night.
In referring to the first ceremonies, Simmons has written as follows in the official records of the Ku Klux:
"On Thanksgiving night, 1915, men were seen emerging from the shadows and gathering round the spring at the base of Stone mountain, the world's greatest rock, nearAtlanta, Ga., and from thence repaired to the mountain top, and there under a blazing fiery cross they took the oath of allegiance to the Invisible Empire, Knights of the Ku Klux Klan.
"And thus on the mountain top that night at the midnight hour, while men braved the surging blasts of wild wintry mountain winds and endured a temperature far below freezing, bathed in the sacred glow of the fiery cross, the Invisible Empire was called from its slumber of half a century to take up a new task and fulfill a new mission for humanity's good, and to call back to mortal habitation the good angel of practical fraternity among men."
It will be noticed that Simmons refers to "a temperature far below freezing." The official weather reports of the region for that night show that the temperature was thirty degrees above the freezing point.
Simmons had a fraternal order in mind when he organized the Ku Klux. He had been an itinerant Methodist preacher and organizer for the Modern Woodmen of the World and had not met with success in either capacity. He was a good talker but lacked the "punch" to put things over. The Ku Klux Klan did not prosper under his direction. Then he met Edward Y. Clarke and Mrs. Elizabeth Tyler. Clarke and Mrs. Tyler were the owners of the Southern Publicity Association of Atlanta. During the war they had been publicity agents for various "drives," managed for the Y.M.C.A., such Y.W.C.A., the Salvation Army and such enterprises. Clarke saw the value of the publicity that could be coined from the old name of the Ku Klux Klan and entered into an arrangement with Simmons to promote the Klan. He agreed to give Simmons $100 a week if Simmons would follow his directions. Simmons was to brush up on delivering speeches and writing articles forThe Searchlight, a magazine which Clarke founded as the official organ of the Ku Klux.
From this joining of forces Simmons, Clarke and Mrs. Tyler have become rich. The Klan has extended its membership to all except three states and it claims that 500,000 to 700,000 Klansmen are in its ranks. Clarke is the"Imperial Kleagle," or boss salesman of memberships. Mrs. Tyler is Grand Chief of Staff in charge of the woman's division of the Klan.
Investigation of the police and court records of Atlanta disclosed that Clarke and Mrs. Tyler were arrested in their night clothes in a house that Mrs. Tyler owned at No. 185 South Pryor street, Atlanta. This occurred in October, 1919. Clarke gave the name of "Jim Slaton" and Mrs. Tyler gave the name of "Mrs. Elizabeth Carroll."
The cases were on the book of the Recorder's court as City of Atlanta versus E.Y. Clarke and City of Atlanta versus Mrs. Elizabeth Tyler, page 305 of the docket of 1919, case numbers 17,005 and 17,006. The police were put on the trail of Clarke and Mrs. Tyler by Clarke's wife.
In addition to the charge of disorderly conduct, a charge of possessing whisky illegally was placed against Mrs. Tyler and Clarke. This was an amazing charge against Clarke because he had been known as one of the leaders of the anti-saloon movement in Georgia. The whisky charge was dropped when J.Q. Jett, son-in-law of Mrs. Tyler, claimed ownership of the whisky and was fined $25.
The Klan is supposed to stand for respect of women and children. The records of the Atlanta courts still contain charges against Clarke that he deserted and abandoned his wife and child. He never has denied the charges. Mrs. Clarke went to work to support herself and her little son. A suit for divorce was filed in October, 1919, by Mrs. Clarke, who charged that her husband had deserted her three years previously. After his arrest with Mrs. Tyler Clarke agreed to pay his wife $75 a month. Since Clarke has become prosperous in the Ku Klux Klan he has bought his wife a $10,000 house.
When newspaper men began to investigate Mrs. Tyler and Clarke, they discovered that the official records of the Atlanta police department and the Recorder's office had been mutilated. Somebody had stolen the pages from the books containing the records of the cases. Members of the Ku Klux Klan are numbered among the police and official attaches of the city and newspaper comment indicates that they helped smother the case in behalf of their leaders.
Another leader of the Ku Klux Klan is "Rev." Caleb A. Ridley, who is the "Imperial Chaplain" of the order. He is a right-hand assistant of Mrs. Tyler and helps her to editThe Searchlight.
Ridley also has had an experience in the recorder's court. He was arrested on complaint of the husband of Mrs. J.B. Hamilton, who lives on Cooper street, Atlanta, not a great distance from the Central Baptist church, where Ridley preaches. Recorder Johnson dismissed the case against Ridley.
Mrs. Hamilton testified that Ridley used to walk past her house when she sat on the porch and smile up at her. One day, without being invited and with no encouragement from her, he walked up on the porch and sat next to her on a swing. She said he chatted with her about church questions, although she was not a member of his church. Then he placed his arm around her, tried to embrace her and said something that she thought was not proper.
One witness testified that he had seen Ridley go on the porch and sit on the swing. He had seen Mrs. Hamilton push Ridley away from her.
Ridley was supported by his flock. Several women testified in behalf of his character. He said he visited Mrs. Hamilton because she looked lonely.
First Approached by Mysterious Notes, the Candidate is Soaked for a "Donation" and Money for His Robes.
First Approached by Mysterious Notes, the Candidate is Soaked for a "Donation" and Money for His Robes.
The man who is invited to join the Ku Klux Klan is kidded into the belief that he is one of the chosen of God's beings and that he is being honored because his presence in the ranks is an honor to himself as well as to the Klan. A kleagle is a common salesman. He has charge of a small district. He works under a king kleagle, who has charge of a state. He is the state salesmanager. A cyclops is in charge of the king kleagles and the kleagles in several states.
Here is the way one group of kleagles work. They are given the name of a person who is eligible. One kleagle is assigned to catch him. The kleagle sends the sucker the following message:
"Sir (or Brother)—Six thousand men who are preparing for eventualities have their eyes on you. You are being weighed in the balance!"The Call is coming! Are you able and qualified to respond?"Discuss this matter with no one.""Yu-Bu-Tu"
"Sir (or Brother)—Six thousand men who are preparing for eventualities have their eyes on you. You are being weighed in the balance!
"The Call is coming! Are you able and qualified to respond?
"Discuss this matter with no one."
"Yu-Bu-Tu"
A few days later this card is sent:
"Sir—You have heard from us because we believe in you. We are for you and Need you!"The impenetrable Veil of Mystery is drawing aside. Soon you will appear exactly as you are."Are you a Real Man?"Lift your eyes to the Fiery Cross and falter not, but go forward to the Light."Discuss this matter with no one."Yu-Bu-Tu"
"Sir—You have heard from us because we believe in you. We are for you and Need you!
"The impenetrable Veil of Mystery is drawing aside. Soon you will appear exactly as you are.
"Are you a Real Man?
"Lift your eyes to the Fiery Cross and falter not, but go forward to the Light.
"Discuss this matter with no one.
"Yu-Bu-Tu"
After another short wait this third message is sent:
"Sir:"You have been weighed in the balance and found Not wanting!"Strong Men—Brave Men—R-e-a-l Men. We need such Men. We know you are one."The Goblins of the Invisible Empire will shortly issue their Call. Be discreet, preserve silence and bide its coming."Discuss this matter with no one."Yu-Bu-Tu"
"Sir:
"You have been weighed in the balance and found Not wanting!
"Strong Men—Brave Men—R-e-a-l Men. We need such Men. We know you are one.
"The Goblins of the Invisible Empire will shortly issue their Call. Be discreet, preserve silence and bide its coming.
"Discuss this matter with no one.
"Yu-Bu-Tu"
By this time the candidate is supposed to be in a mood to fall, and the kleagle calls on him personally.
The kleagle presents the prospective initiate with the following list of questions to be answered:
(Note the questions marked with stars. They are used to bar out Jews, Catholics, negroes and foreign born.)
1.Is the motive prompting your inquiry serious?2.What is you age?3.What is your occupation?4.Where where you born?5.How long have you resided in your present locality?6.Are you married, single or widower?*7.Were your parents born in the United States of America?*8.Are you a gentile or Jew?*9.Are you of the white race or of a colored race?10.What educational advantages have you?11.Color of eyes? Hair? Weight? Height?*12.Do you believe in the principles of Pure Americanism?*13.Do you believe in white supremacy?14.What is your politics?*15.What is your religious faith?*16.Of what church are you a member (if any)?*17.Of what religious faith are your parents?18.What secret, fraternal orders are you a member of (if any)?19.Do you honestly believe in the practice of Real fraternity?*20.Do you owe any kind of allegiance to any foreign nation, government, institution, sect, people, ruler or person?I most solemnly assert and affirm that each question above is truthfully answered by me and in my own handwriting and that below is my real signature.Signed .....................Inquirer.Business Address ......................Telephone No. .........................Date ............................. 19..Residence Address .....................Telephone No. .........................N.B.—If space above is not sufficient to answer questions, then make your answer on the other side of this sheet. Number the answer to correspond with the question.
I most solemnly assert and affirm that each question above is truthfully answered by me and in my own handwriting and that below is my real signature.
N.B.—If space above is not sufficient to answer questions, then make your answer on the other side of this sheet. Number the answer to correspond with the question.
If the candidate answers the question satisfactorily, he must pay his initiation fees, called "donation" and provide money to pay for his mask, robe, etc. This will be explained later. With his money affairs settled, he is ready for the initiation, together with whatever other candidates there are in the vicinity. The initiation services are held at midnight, with a flaming cross, an American flag, a sword or dagger, and a Bible as the chief outward signs of the order. There is also a bottle of water on the "altar."
Those who join the order must pledge blind allegiance to Constitution. They do not see.
Those who join the order must pledge blind allegiance to Constitution. They do not see.
Blind and unconditional obedience to the "constitution, laws, regulations usages and requirements" of the Ku Klux Klan, even to the extent of indorsing the principle of secret mob violence, is accepted by every person who takes the oath of Grand Wizard Simmons' Invisible Empire.
That every Klansman, under penalty of death, also agrees to carry out the mandates, degrees, edicts, rulings and "instructions" of Emperor Simmons also is shown in a reproduction of the oath as supplied by Klan organizers and officials.
The first section of this oath that carries veiled hints of violence to back it binds the members to unconditional obedience to a constitution he has never seen. Not only that but it binds him to obey any laws that may be enacted in the future, whether or not he approves of them. When he takes this obligation he gives a lease on his life to Simmons.
Absolute secrecy even in the face of death is his second obligation and he promises that he "will pay promptly all just and legal demands made upon me to defray the expenses of my Klan when same are due or called for."
Then, with his left hand over his heart and his right hand raised to heaven and with the promise that "this oath I will seal with my blood," the candidate takes oath that he"will most zealously and valiantly shield and preserve by any and all JUSTIFIABLE means and methods (not legal means and methods) the sacred constitutional rights and privileges of free public schools, free speech, free press, separation of church and state, liberty, white supremacy, just laws and the pursuit of happiness, against any encroachment of any nature by any person or persons, political party or parties, religious sect or people, native, naturalized or foreign, of any race, color, creed, lineage or tongue whatsoever."
Who defines the permissible limits of zeal and valor is not stated. Neither is it stated who decides when schools are free, speech and press free, nor when church and state are sufficiently separated. It is not stated whether it is the individual Klansman, the local Klan, the supreme council or the Imperial Wizard.
It has been revealed, however, that this phase of the Klan movement has been much fathered by the sales crew selling subscriptions at $10 each under the direction of Wizard Simmons and Imperial Kleagle Clarke.
The exact text of the oath of allegiance administered to new members of the Ku Klux Klan is given herewith. The asterisks are printed to take place of the Ku Klux Klan and also the officers of the order. These places are left blank in the printed oath because it is carried by Klan officials and might be lost, revealing their secret.
The oath:
You will place your left hand over your heart and raise your right hand to heaven.
(You will say) "I" —— (Pronounce your full name —— and repeat after me) "In the presence of God and Man —— most solemnly pledge, promise andswear —— unconditionally —— that I will faithfully obey —— the constitution and laws —— and will willingly conform to —— all regulations, usages and requirements —— of the * * * * —— which do now exist —— or which may be hereafter enacted —— and will render at all times —— loyal respect and steadfast support —— to the Imperial Authority of same —— and will heartily heed —— all official mandates —— decrees —— edicts —— rulings and instructions —— of the I* W* thereof. —— I will yield prompt response —— to all summonses —— I having knowledge of same —— Providence alone preventing.
"I most solemnly swear —— that I will forever —— keep sacredly secret —— the signs, words and grip —— and any and all other —— matters and knowledge —— of the * * * * —— regarding which a most rigid secrecy —— must be maintained —— which may at any time —— be communicated to me —— and will never divulge same —— nor even cause the same to be divulged —— to any person in the whole world —— unless I know positively —— that such person is a member of this Order —— in good and regular standing —— and not even then —— unless it be —— for the best interest of this Order.
"I most sacredly vow —— and most positively swear —— that I will not yield to bribe —— flattery —— threats —— passion —— punishment —— persecution —— persuasion —— nor any enticements whatever —— coming from or offered by —— any person or persons —— male or female —— for the purpose of —— obtaining from me —— a secret or secret information —— of the * * * * —— I will die rather than divulge same —— so help me God ——
AMEN!"
You will drop your hands.
GENTLEMEN (or SIR):
You will wait in patience and peace until you areinformed of the decision of the E* C* and his * in klonklave assembled
You will place your left hand over your heart and raise your right hand to heaven.
(You will say) "I" —— (pronounce your full name —— and repeat after me) "Before God —— and in the presence of —— these mysterious *smen —— on my sacred honor —— do most solemnly and sincerely pledge —— promise and swear —— that I will diligently guard and faithfully foster —— every interest of the * * * * —— and will maintain —— its social cast and dignity.
"I swear that I will not recommend —— any person for membership in this Order —— whose mind is unsound —— or whose reputation I know to be bad —— or whose character is doubtful —— or whose loyalty to our country —— is in any way questionable.
"I swear that I will pay promptly —— all just and legal demands —— made upon me to defray the expenses —— of my * and this Order —— when same are due or called for.
"I swear that I will protect the property —— of the * * * * —— of any nature whatsoever —— and if any should be intrusted to my keeping —— I will properly keep —— or rightly use same —— and will freely and promptly surrender same —— on official demand —— or if ever I am banished from —— or voluntarily discontinue —— my membership in this Order.
"I swear that I will most determinedly —— maintain peace and harmony —— in all the deliberations —— of the gatherings or assemblies —— of the I* E* —— and of any subordinate jurisdiction —— or * thereof.
"I swear that I will most strenuously —— discourage selfishness —— and selfish political ambition —— on the part of myself or any *sman.
"I swear that I will never allow —— personal friendship —— blood or family relationship —— nor personal —— political —— or professional prejudice —— malice nor ill-will —— to influence me in casting my vote —— for the election or rejection —— of an applicant —— for membership in this Order —— God being my helper ——
AMEN!"
You will drop your hands.
You will place your left hand over your heart and raise your right hand to heaven.
(You will say) "I" —— (Pronounce your full name —— and repeat after me) "Most solemnly pledge, promise and swear —— that I will never slander —— defraud —— receive —— or in any manner wrong —— the * * * * —— a *sman —— nor a *sman's family —— nor will I suffer the same to be done —— if I can prevent it.
"I swear that I will be faithful —— in defending and protecting —— the home —— reputation —— and physical and business interest —— of a *sman —— and that of a *sman's family.
"I swear that I will at any time —— without hesitating —— go to the assistance or rescue —— of a *sman in any way —— at his call I will answer —— I will be truly *ish toward *smen —— in all things honorable.
"I swear that I will not allow —— any animosity —— friction nor ill-will —— to arise and remain —— between myself and a *sman —— but will be constant in my efforts —— to promote real *ishness —— among the members of this Order.
"I swear that I will keep secure to myself —— a secret of a *sman —— when same is committed to me —— in the sacred bond of *smanship —— the crime of violating THIS solemn oath —— treason against the United States of America —— rape —— and malicious murder —— alone excepted.
"I most solemnly assert and affirm —— that to the Government of the United States of America —— and anyState thereof —— of which I may become a resident —— I sacredly swear —— an unqualified allegiance —— above any other and every kind of government —— in the whole world —— I here and now —— pledge my life —— my property —— my vote —— and my sacred honor —— to uphold its flag —— its Constitution —— and Constitutional laws —— and will protect —— defend —— and enforce same unto death.
"I swear that I will most zealously —— and valiantly —— shield and preserve —— by any and all —— justifiable means and methods —— the sacred constitutional rights —— and privileges of —— free public schools —— free speech —— free press —— separation of church and state —— liberty —— white supremacy —— just laws —— and the pursuit of happiness —— against any encroachment —— of any nature —— by any person or persons —— political party or parties —— religious sect or people —— native, naturalized or foreign —— of any race —— color —— creed —— lineage or tongue whatsoever.
"All to which I have sworn by THIS oath —— I will seal with my blood —— be Thou my witness —— Almighty God —— AMEN!"
You will drop your hands.
APPELLATIONThis Organization shall be styled and denominated, The Order of the (then follows three stars; no other name given).CREEDWe, the Order of the * * *, reverentially acknowledge the majesty and supremacy of the Divine Being, and recognize the goodness and providence of the same. And we recognize our relation to the United States Government, the supremacy of the Constitution, the Constitutional Laws thereof, and the Union of States thereunder.OBJECTS OF THE ORDERThis is an institution of Chivalry, Humanity, Mercy, and Patriotism; embodying in its genius and its principles all that is chivalric in conduct, noble in sentiment, generous in manhood, and patriotic in purpose; its peculiar object being,First: To protect the weak, the innocent, and the defenseless, from the indignities, wrongs, and outrages, of the lawless, the violent, and the brutal; to relieve the injured and oppressed; to succor the suffering and unfortunate, and especially the widows and orphans of Confederate soldiers.Second: To protect and defend the Constitution of the United States, and all laws passed in conformity thereto, and to protect the States and the people thereof from all invasion from any source whatever.Third: To aid and assist in the execution of all constitutional laws, and to protect the people from unlawful seizure, and from trial except by their peers in conformity to the laws of the land.
This Organization shall be styled and denominated, The Order of the (then follows three stars; no other name given).
We, the Order of the * * *, reverentially acknowledge the majesty and supremacy of the Divine Being, and recognize the goodness and providence of the same. And we recognize our relation to the United States Government, the supremacy of the Constitution, the Constitutional Laws thereof, and the Union of States thereunder.
This is an institution of Chivalry, Humanity, Mercy, and Patriotism; embodying in its genius and its principles all that is chivalric in conduct, noble in sentiment, generous in manhood, and patriotic in purpose; its peculiar object being,
First: To protect the weak, the innocent, and the defenseless, from the indignities, wrongs, and outrages, of the lawless, the violent, and the brutal; to relieve the injured and oppressed; to succor the suffering and unfortunate, and especially the widows and orphans of Confederate soldiers.
Second: To protect and defend the Constitution of the United States, and all laws passed in conformity thereto, and to protect the States and the people thereof from all invasion from any source whatever.
Third: To aid and assist in the execution of all constitutional laws, and to protect the people from unlawful seizure, and from trial except by their peers in conformity to the laws of the land.
Note the vast difference between this and the following page. One, the pledge to all that is right and uplifting—the other to a single autocrat. The above was formed for the protection and enforcement of law—the Kleagle's pledge, merely a vow to do anything that the Imperial Wizard Simmons might see fit.
Note the vast difference between this and the following page. One, the pledge to all that is right and uplifting—the other to a single autocrat. The above was formed for the protection and enforcement of law—the Kleagle's pledge, merely a vow to do anything that the Imperial Wizard Simmons might see fit.
MODERN KLEAGLE'S PLEDGE OF LOYALTYI, the undersigned, in order to be a regular appointed KlEagle of the Invisible Empire, Knights of the Ku Klux Klan (Incorporated), do freely and voluntarily promise, pledge and fully guarantee a lofty respect, whole-hearted loyalty and an unwavering devotion at all times and under any and all circumstances and conditions from this day and date forward to William Joseph Simmons as Imperial Wizard and Emperor of the Invisible Empire, Knights of the Ku Klux Klan (Incorporated). I shall work in all respects in perfect harmony with him and under his authority and directions, in all his plans for the extension and government of the Society, and under his directions, with any and all of my officially superior officers duly appointed by him.I shall at any and all times be faithful and true in all things, and most especially in preventing and suppressing any factions, cisms or conspiracies against him or his plans and purposes or the peace and harmony of the Society which may arise or attempt to arise. I shall discourage and strenuously oppose any degree of disloyalty or disrespect on the part of myself or any klansman, any where and at any time or place, towards him as the founder and as the supreme chief governing head of the Society above named.This pledge, promise and guarantee I make is a condition precedent to my appointment stated above, and the continuity of my appointment as a KlEagle, and it is fully agreed that any deviation by me from this pledge will instantly automatically cancel and completely void my appointment together with all its prerogatives, my membership in the Society, and I shall forfeit all remunerations which may be then due me.I make this solemn pledge on my Oath of Allegiance and on my integrity and honor as a man and as a klansman, with serious purpose to keep same inviolate.Done in the city of ...................., State of........................... on this the ..........day of .................... A.D. 19...Signed ..............................Address .............................Witness: .........................................Address ..........................................
I, the undersigned, in order to be a regular appointed KlEagle of the Invisible Empire, Knights of the Ku Klux Klan (Incorporated), do freely and voluntarily promise, pledge and fully guarantee a lofty respect, whole-hearted loyalty and an unwavering devotion at all times and under any and all circumstances and conditions from this day and date forward to William Joseph Simmons as Imperial Wizard and Emperor of the Invisible Empire, Knights of the Ku Klux Klan (Incorporated). I shall work in all respects in perfect harmony with him and under his authority and directions, in all his plans for the extension and government of the Society, and under his directions, with any and all of my officially superior officers duly appointed by him.
I shall at any and all times be faithful and true in all things, and most especially in preventing and suppressing any factions, cisms or conspiracies against him or his plans and purposes or the peace and harmony of the Society which may arise or attempt to arise. I shall discourage and strenuously oppose any degree of disloyalty or disrespect on the part of myself or any klansman, any where and at any time or place, towards him as the founder and as the supreme chief governing head of the Society above named.
This pledge, promise and guarantee I make is a condition precedent to my appointment stated above, and the continuity of my appointment as a KlEagle, and it is fully agreed that any deviation by me from this pledge will instantly automatically cancel and completely void my appointment together with all its prerogatives, my membership in the Society, and I shall forfeit all remunerations which may be then due me.
I make this solemn pledge on my Oath of Allegiance and on my integrity and honor as a man and as a klansman, with serious purpose to keep same inviolate.
Done in the city of ...................., State of........................... on this the ..........day of .................... A.D. 19...Signed ..............................Address .............................Witness: .........................................Address ..........................................
This is the oath taken by Kleagles in the Ku Klux Klan. It binds the Kleagle to "Imperial Wizard" Simmons personally in an almost slavish fashion. The oath is taken as a pledge of loyalty to Simmons and not to the order.
This is the oath taken by Kleagles in the Ku Klux Klan. It binds the Kleagle to "Imperial Wizard" Simmons personally in an almost slavish fashion. The oath is taken as a pledge of loyalty to Simmons and not to the order.
The Klan Claims to Have 500,000 to 700,000 Members. Plan to get College Boys.
The Klan Claims to Have 500,000 to 700,000 Members. Plan to get College Boys.
The Ku Klux Klan claims to have 500,000 to 700,000 members. As a matter of fact it is generally believed that that number is a hot air figure. It offers a basis for some interesting figures on the money that has changed hands, however.
Every person initiated must pay $10 as an initiation fee. Kleagles who have left the order say that the "initiation" fee is called a "donation" so that the Klan can escape paying income tax to the government, because dues in clubs and societies are taxable.
Of the $10, the kleagle who enrolls the member gets $4. The king kleagle, or state salesmanager, gets $1. The cyclops, or division manager, gets 50 cents. Clarke, the Imperial Kleagle, gets $3 and the office of Imperial Wizard Simmons gets $1.50. On this basis of 700,000 members, Clarke has collected more than $2,000,000. So far as known no public accounting ever has been made.
In addition the person initiated pays $6.50 for a mask, or helmet, and a robe. This he must purchase from the Gate City Manufacturing Company of Atlanta, owned by Clarke. Clarke's fortune grows every time a new member is taken in. If the Klansman rides a horse in ceremonies he must buy a robe for $14—also from Clarke's company.
Another source of revenue to Clarke is the water used in initiations. It comes from the Chattahoochee river (Indian for "muddy water") near Atlanta. It is sentaround the country as special Ku Klux Klan liquid without which an initiation cannot be held. It costs $10 a quart, money to be paid to Clarke.
Simmons and Clarke live in costly houses on Peachtree road, outside of Atlanta. It is explained that their homes were presented to them by the Klan. It also is explained that some of the money of the Klan goes to Lanier university, near Atlanta, where young students are to be trained to spread the Ku Klux Klan to every village of the country.
In addition to the general membership, Simmons started a plan to get college boys into the Ku Klux Klan at $1 a head and with a charge of $5 for masks and regalia. The watchword for the college boys was to be "Kuno." Simmons, according to kleagles who deserted him, explained that he got the college idea from the German militarism system, which started to train boys for the army when they were in school. Simmons wrote this inspiration to attract college boys:
"Klannishners is your creed and faith; therefore, let no angel, man or devil break you from its glorious anchorage. Then when the end of your initiation shall have been reached in this life and you have been summoned to take your place as an inhabitant of the Invisible Empire, as you pass through the veil you can say to the world in tones of truth triumphant: "I have kept the Faith!" Thus preserving your honor by a faithful allegiance your life shall not have been lived in vain."
The ceremony of initiation is contained in a copyrighted book called the Kloran written by Imperial Wizard Simmons. The Bible is opened at the 12th Chapter of Romans.
These songs are sung:
We meet in cordial greetingsIn this our sacred caveTo pledge anew our compactWith hearts sincere and brave;A band of faithful KlansmenKnights of the K.K.K.We all will stand togetherForever and for aye.Chorus:Home, home, country and home;Klansmen, we'll live and dieFor our country and home.Her honor, love and justiceMust actuate us all,Before our sturdy phalanxAll hate and strife shall fall.In union we'll laborWherever we may roam,To shield a Klansman's welfare,His country, name and home.
We meet in cordial greetingsIn this our sacred caveTo pledge anew our compactWith hearts sincere and brave;A band of faithful KlansmenKnights of the K.K.K.We all will stand togetherForever and for aye.
Chorus:Home, home, country and home;Klansmen, we'll live and dieFor our country and home.
Her honor, love and justiceMust actuate us all,Before our sturdy phalanxAll hate and strife shall fall.In union we'll laborWherever we may roam,To shield a Klansman's welfare,His country, name and home.
KLEXOLOGY
(Tune—America)
"God of Eternity,Guide, guard our great country,Our homes and store.Keep our great state to Thee;Its people right and freeIn us Thy glory beForevermore."
"God of Eternity,Guide, guard our great country,Our homes and store.Keep our great state to Thee;Its people right and freeIn us Thy glory beForevermore."
"Drive them out of the United States" are the words that are used to enlist Jew-haters into the ranks.
"Drive them out of the United States" are the words that are used to enlist Jew-haters into the ranks.
In spite of the fact that ever since the beginning of the American colonies, in the war of the revolution and in other national crises, great Jews have helped to make the United States what it is today, the Ku Klux Klan recruits misguided members on the representation that it has found a scheme to drive the Jews out of the country. Anti-Jewish propaganda is used particularly in large cities and in smaller communities where racial and religious flames may be fanned in order to win members and money for the Ku Klux.
The Searchlight, the official paper of the Klan, teems with anti-Jewish literature. Secret documents and stories are passed around privately among the organizers and used in gaining recruits.
"Chaplain" Ridley is one of the most rabid of the campaigners against the Jews. He never lets an opportunity go by to ridicule Jews and stir up prejudice.
In the first place, Jews are barred from the Ku Klux Klan. In a questionnaire that must be filled in by those who are initiated these questions are asked:
"Are you a gentile or a jew? What is your religious faith? Of what church are you a member (if any)? Of what religious faith are your parents?"
"Chaplain" Ridley inThe Searchlight, writes:
"I cannot help being what I am racially. I am not a Jew,nor a negro nor a foreigner. I am an Anglo-Saxon white man, so ordained by the hand and will of God, and so constituted and trained that I cannot conscientiously take either my politics or my religion from some secluded ass on the other side of the world.
"Now, if somebody else happens to be a Jew, I can't help it any more than he can. Or if he happens to be black, I can't help that, either. If he were born under a foreign flag, I couldn't help it—but there is one thing I can do. I can object to his un-American propaganda being preached in my home or practiced in the solemn assembly of real Americans."
The Searchlightconstantly mixes Jews and negroes in ridiculous "movements." For instance, one writer in the issue of July 30, 1921, declares that his investigations have demonstrated that Jewish plotters are stirring up the negroes to make a race war so that the government will be destroyed.
The writer goes on:
"For the same reason, the Jew is interested in overthrowing Christian Russia. But remember, he does not intend to stop at Russia. Through his Third Internationale of Moscow he is working to overthrow all the Gentile Governments of the world. I am enclosing an editorial clipped from The New YorkWorldof Saturday, July 23. You will keep in mind thatThe Worldis Jew-owned, as is every other newspaper in New York City except the Tribune. * * * In all my twenty-five years traveling about over this continent I have never met a disloyal American who failed to be either foreign-born or a Semite. With the best wishes for the success of the Ku Klux Klan."
In the instructions to kleagles, who sell memberships in the Klan, the anti-Jewish feeling in some communities is appealed to in this manner:
"The Jew patronizes only the Jew unless it is impossible to do so. Therefore, we klansmen, the only realAmericans, must, by the same methods, protect ourselves, and practice by actual application the teachings of klannishness. With this policy faithfully adhered to, it will not be long before the Jew will be forced out of business by our practice of his own business methods, for when the time comes when klansmen trade only with klansmen then the days of the Jews' success in business will be numbered and the Invisible Empire can drive them from the shores of our own America."
Another favorite way to create interest in the anti-Jewish movement is to represent that Imperial Kleagle Clarke has in hand the organization of a nation-wide Jewish society to oppose the Sons of Israel. This society is to be created by Jews who are in the pay of Kleagle Clarke and who are really traitors to their own co-religionists. Spies working in the ranks of the Sons of Israel will keep the Ku Klux Klan informed of what the Sons of Israel are doing and finally a clash between the two organizations is to be engineered, to the destruction of both. Of course this is the wildest sort of propaganda, but it demonstrates how the agents play with fire in order to get members.