Black Legion's 50 Murders

Manawatu Times, Volume 61, Issue 190, 13 August 1936, Page 8

Black Legion's 50 Murders

G-MEN TO UNMASK TERROP. SOCIETY f

NEW YORK. Police at Detroit have been listening to tales of horror concerning the activities of the night-riding Black Legion. The Legion is now believed to be responsible for fifty murders in Michigan, while its membership in that State alone is estimated at 135,000. Revelations of tremendous political power and cruelty of this nation-wide organisation have caused a sensation throughout tho country. Department of Justice officials were called to their offices at Washington to inaugurate a campaign against its activities. Special use is to be made of G-men (tho Federal police), whose assistance is expected to unmask the Black Legion and kindred organisations and cause a national political scandal —for the Legion is fighting for political power. “It wa& lucky we found out in time,” was the comment at Washington. “Heaven only knows what the growth of this dreadfud group would have led to.”

Appeals for Protection

Dozens of frightened witnesses gave testimony at Detroit of beatings and many murders made to appear as suicides. Trembling lest the wrath of the Legion should bring revenge, they begged police protection. Murder warrants are to be issued against seven men who were present when Charles Poole was “executed.” Poole was said to havo been slain by members of the Black Legion because he beat his young wife, now in hospital with a new-born baby. Actually, the police declare, Poole was taken into the country and shot down becauso it was feared ho would diseloso several Black Legion secrets. Modelled upon the Ku Klux Klan, and being connected with it, the Legion is said to havo been divided into five brigades of sixteen regiments each in Michigan, with membership at least 135,000 after threo years. Every member in tho organisation was supplied with eerie black robes adorned with skull and crossbones and all were supplied with pistols. At Jackson, Michigan, a member of the prison guard is to be charged with carrying concealed weapons. Police say ho was linked with the Black Legion and other prison officials are suspected. Prosecutor McCrea says he has information that tho Legion “includes people of high and low degreee in every State in the Union.”