KU KLUX KLAN METHODS.

New Zealand Herald, Volume LXI, Issue 18709, 15 May 1924, Page 7

KU KLUX KLAN METHODS.

TERRIBLE STORIES TOLD.

TORTURE AND CRUELTY.

INDIGNATION IN AMERICA.

By Telegraph— Association— Copyright-

(Received 8.10 p.m.) A. and N.Z. NEW YORK, May 13.

The committee of. the Senate which is inquiring into the alleged fraudulent election of Senator Mayfield, has involved Congress in' an investigation of the Ku Klux Klan for the first time since the Klan's modern revival. The proceedings before the committee reached a serious stage when women were ordered to leave the committee room.

One witness told terrible stories of torture, cruelty and invisible government by the Klan, especially in Texas. A former Klan official described its espionage system, by means of which neighbour spied upon neighbour.. He said that a few malignant persons wreaked personal vengeance on whites and blacks alike. The latter were subjected to unrelenting persecution and intimidation. This witness also described the intricate but effective political organisation main tained by the Klan, w*iich through military discipline destroyed or made candidates for various offices.

Attempts are being made to widen the Senate inquiry into a national investigation of the Klan's methods. There is an agitation also aiming at both political parties adopting an anti-Klan policy at the conventions.