KU KLUX.

Wanganui Chronicle, Volume LXXXI, Issue 19029, 3 June 1924, Page 10

KU KLUX.

THE “IMPERIAL WIZARD.” Mr Edward Price Bell tells in the April Landmark, the magazine of the English-speaking I nion, of a conversation that recently took place at the Hotel Lincoln, Indianapolis, between himself and Dr. H. W. Evans, the “Imperial Wizard" of the Ku Klux Klan. “Will you explain the dress and the strange-sounding names of the Klan?” “What Government, what Church what secret order, what fraternity of any kind, is without its characterising forms? Surely pomp and circumstance, ceremonial, ritual, formulary, were not unknown in the world prior to the organisation of native-born white American Protestants, bent upon salving American traditions from the mongrelised and criminalised foreign deluge? Our mask, about which so many persons appear to vex their wits barrenly, has two substantial functions; it protects scores of thousands of our members from intimidation, sabotage, and worse; and it screens our leaders from the temptation to forget the general interest in the pursuit of particular whims or ambitions. When our speakers face their audiences, they arc masked. Self-esteem is eliminated. There is no lure of personal vanity, nor of demagogy. Out of the speakers’ mouths issue only those things which in their hearts they feel are true, unselfish, and patriotic. How many of the popular statesmen of the day would like to pour forth their messages from behind masks? It is labour, with only one reward—though, as true values go, the best reward — the solace of duty done.” •What is the answer to the argu ment that the nation cannot exist half Klan and half anti-Klan?”

“It is never going to be half Klan and half anti-Klan. It will be either predominantly Klan, or the victim of those heterogeneous un-American elements which neither understand nor are able to execute the characteristic political and social inspiration of the founders of this country. Ku Kluxism, by whatever name it is called, is the sine qua non of the fruition of the American principle of organised society."

“Do jou mind explaining the oath?”

“Certainly not. It is as categoric and solemn as the English language, can make it. It enjoins obedience to the order's constitution, laws, regulations, usages, and requirements; and prescribes the strictest secrecy regarding its internal affairs Each member swears he ‘never will recom mend for membership any person whose mind is unsound, whoso reputation is bad, whose ' character is doubtful, or whose loyalty to the United states of America is in any way questionable. Selfishness of every form is interdicted. Social loyalty is elevated above personal friendship, blood relationship, family interest, and every other relatively narrow tie. Klansmansbip is stringently enjoined, but only ‘in all things honourable. ’ To the Government of the United States, and to the Govern ments of the States of the Union, vic ‘sacredly swear unqualified allegiance’ pledging our property, our votes, our honour, and our lives. Free education, free speech, free press, separation of Church and State, white supremacy, just laws, the pursuit of happiness—all these each Klansman swears to seal with his blood,, ‘be Thou my witness, Almighty God.’ ”

“Then the Klan is oath-bound to refrain from, and to oppose, mob violence?”

“Yes. Every Klansman who coin mits a lawless act, or who withholds his influence against such an act, at the same time commits perjury. Uninformed and malicious critics have accused us of being a whipping organisation. Many crimes and cruelties abhorrent to our every feeling, conviction, and purpose have been charged against our order caluminiously. If we were a whipping organisation, with our hundreds of thousands of ardent members spread throughout the country, and with insolent breakers of every law, human and divine, abounding, we should be whipping thousands of culprits every night. They deserve it. But that is not the Klan way. Our way is to put the right men into office, and to build up a public sentiment that will not only encourage, but compel, them to do their duty in conformity with their oaths. Far from instigating mob violence the klan is reducing it. Lynchings are much fewer than they were before the Klan became powerful. Statistics this year will prove this, and will show the areas of great Klan strength as freest from anarchic outbreaks of every kind. Klan power means power of law enforcement. I invite you to point out a single bootlegger, hi jacker, blackleg, gambler, den-keeper,, roue, crook, Bolshevist, anarchist, demagogue, political hypocrite, or scoundrel who likes the Klan. All this mottled horde is against us, and will be against us to the finish. Is it not about time out decent critics began to love us for some of the enemies we have made?”

“Your Christianity has been impugned because of your exclusivism.” “Klansmen stand on the Holy Bible. Upon the Holy Bible rest the American Constitution and American civilisation. Klansmen are wholeheartedly Christian, implacably opposed to atheistic intellectualism, and to all the amatory and erotic tendencies of modern degeneracy. We are Christian, but we have no monopoly of Christianity. God is love. Would that all men knew Him! In the whole structure of its thought and policy, Klan quality is Christian quality. Its opposition, wherever it opposes, is for the purpose,, not of injuring, but of helping.”

“What is your idea of American foreign policy?” ‘‘lt should be, in my judgment, a policy of the greatest energy, sympathy, and courage—a Christian policy, sagacious and self-respecting, but not too self-regarding, and certainly not sordid. What the world needs above all else, is the measureless boon of peace. Physical courage will not bring peace. Peace will come only through a resolute exercise of mental and moral force—through clear thinking and vigorous pleading. Our voice should be heard in the council rooms of humanity.”