NEW U.S.A. JUDGE.

Auckland Star, Volume LXVIII, Issue 235, 4 October 1937, Page 7

NEW U.S.A. JUDGE.

WAS K.K.K. MEMBER. Candid Admission in Radio Broadcast. STRONG NATIONAL REACTION. United Press Association. —Copyright. WASHINGTON", October 3. The recently appointed Supreme Court judge, Senator H. L. Black, in a wireless broadcast, admitted that 15 years ago he joined the Ku Klux Klan and later resigned. He said he had never rejoined. He called the campaign against him an attempt to "reinfect our social and business life with the poison of religious bigotry."

Mr. Black insisted that his record of the past seven years in the Senate showed him to be free from all racial and religious intolerance. He said he numbered among his most valued friends Roman Catholics and He concluded by intimating his intention to remain on the Supreme Court Bench.

Comment from various parts of the country, principally by members of Congress, indicates that the address has not appreciably changed the opinions of opponents and proponents of the appointment, save that the opposition is even more condemnatory. The New York "Herald-Tribune" calls Mr. Black a humbug and coward, and asks what action President Roosevelt is going to take. The "New York Times" says: "ft is a deplorable thing that a man who has ever taken the oath of allegiance to a sinister and destructive organisation should now take his place in the highest Court of Justice." Reactions to Mr. Black's admission dominate the front pages of the newspapers. Editorial articles almost unanimously are condemnatory. They consider the explanation inadequate and disappointing, but do not suggest that a means exists to prevent him from taking his seat. However, unofficial canvasses indicate that Mr. Black has won the sympathy of many listeners owing to his candour. Antagonistic demonstrations are expected to accompany his appearance in the Supreme Court on Monday. One organisation intends to distribute outside the Court black-bordered handbills proclaiming October 4 the "Blackest day in the history of American Justice."

Mr. Albert Levitt, formerly assistant Attorney-General, intends on Monday to ask the Supreme Court for permission to file a suit for the purpose of unseating Mr. Black, on the grounds of a legal technicality not related to his former connection with the Ku Klux Klan.