The New York herald. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1840-1920, 1871-07-22
KU KLUX IN KENTUCKY.
A Full Exposure of the Kentucky
Ku KIuxes.
Outrsges in Estille County-Attack on Negro
Cabin-One Ku Klux Killed-A Member
Turns States Evidencs-A State sena-
tor Implicated 0aths, Signs and
Passwords Of the Order

LOUISVILLE, KY, July q, 1871.
Nine men were brought before United States Com.
missioner Beatty to-day, charged with being con.
cerued in recent Ku Kux outrages near Fitchburg
Estllle county, KY, In which mau was killed
and several wounded, all OF the Ku Klux party.
Barry Vaughan, ono OF the negroes Ku Kluxed
testified 10 an attack on his house, In which o.
the Ku Klux was killed, and recognized one OF the
prisoners as engaged In IL.
Thomas Payne, one OF the Ku Elux party, gave
States evidence. He said he belonged to Kr
Klux gang, and had joined 1t to escape thel
persecutiohs. he was with the party who at
tackled vaughan's house, and pointed out SIX
OF the prisoners whom he recognized
IN the party, and mentioned the names OF a number
of others not present. tie had been warned Dy
them TO leave the State aud his house had been
searched for him. He had joined the band TO
escape injury and learn oil about them so that he
could Inform Oh them and get sail action Tor MS
wrongs. He told or several bands or Ku Klux In
Estile county organized ana under orders OF their
leaders. He repeated several Instances OF 0utrages
by them when he was forced TO be present.
II appears that the cause o; their organization,
when Is known TO exist only Ia the mining district
OF Est.lle and POWELL counrcs was the entrance Of
an ONO company into the district, who employed o
ami Ill feeling among the whites in that Vicinity.
haynes evidence. true III most important. us II Is
his organization and companions.
It IS stated that Cocker. a member OF the Ken
lucky STATE Senate Is at the bottom OF the organl-
Zatl0n. lie was frequently referred To by the nom.
bers their leader, and 1t seemed TO lie generally
understood among them that nc was prominent
mover III their afaIrs. The prisoners we're held in
$1,000 bail each to answer at the october term VI
OF the federal Court.
Payne was interviewed this evening and gave an
account Of the secrets Of the Khan, rs iollows:-I
first signlncd my Ill entiOn OF joining the band to
Henry Adams, working in the same DRIFT with me-
lie took me to the middle OF tie driit. ana I'm the
presence OF John Parickng, alter asking me to
put my LETT hand ON my neart and hold up my right,
ne administered the following oath
You do soemnly you will sign or pass
wora 81 ths secret Organization to which you now attach
difficulty In which may nvovcd you viii sup.
n cast s sUS your the
you Will reveal sign or password Of this
There was also something about negroes In II.
Adams also gave me signs and passwords to rccog-
nize brother at distance. We raise the hat win
the right nand pull the Orlm down The right
eye. The answer Is tho same with the left hand
both then draw their lett hans across heir mouths
right The grips are made by grasping hands In
me usual manner, with the thumb pressing
saying, 81 am all right; how are you - He answers
II am an right" | reply, GLOW may | know you
ier Il ask Which DO YOU pre M u He OF may nay
cal for either: nc asks Tor r. !, letter tell him
%s sSsss Pso %
sire 70 xnow in my sSt 5roSer 'I prcse"i.
lock arms across my breast rs II cold, aaying
wish knew II any OF ST. Mary's children were
about. II any brother Is about nc will come to my
aid. II my opponent be q member OF the band he
will Immediately desist. When travelling night,
on meeting person and desiring to know II he Is
brother, say "halt !" and give o loud slap with
two s'aps. When 1t is desired by the
captain to call o meeting ne sends the
Marshal to notify each member. The place Of meet
ing Ia always In some dense wood, without fire
light of any kind. No man must leave home for the
place Of meeting before DARK. When the meeting Is
assembled and the roll called the absenees are sent
for aud compelled to come under guard. No raid Is
ever made unless every member Or the band Is
along.