Semi-weekly Louisianian. [volume] (New Orleans, La.) 1871-1872, 1872-01-25
ORDER OF AMERICAN CRUSADERS.
CAPTURE OF THE BYLAWS OF THU ORDER
OF szvENrY-sIx-A SUCCESSOR 70 THE
KU-KLUx-KLAN--THR OBJECT OF THE
ORDER BEING TO DEBAR NEGROES FROM
VOTING, CRUSH OUT CARPET BA0GRRS,
AND WHIP AND HANG THOSE WHO RE-
FUSE 70 BE CRUSHED, ETC.


A copy Of the bylaws Of a Lodge
of the Order of American Crusaders
has been captured by the United
States autherities, but as far as re-
vealing any Of the work of the order
is concerned, it is entirely useless.
It. however, does show to q GER
tainty that there is q widespread
organization in the South, Under
the name of Crusaders, which fol-
lows in the tracks of the Ku-Klux-
Khan, and may, in the end, prove
more dangerous than that midnight
combination.
The pamphlet containing the by
laws of the Crusaders, consists Of
eight pages, indicating, as usual,
the name and number of the Lodge,
the designation of the nights when
their meetings shall be held, etc.
Article III, says: The officers of
the Lodge shall be Governor, Vice
Governor, Secretary, Treasurer and
Sergeant-at-Arms.
Article ~ regulates elections,
which are to be held annually on
the first Wednesday in July.
Article V gives the duties Of Off
GERS They do not differ from those
in Lodges Of Odd Fellows, Or other
societies, excepting that the Gov
srnor "shall enforce q due observ-
ance Of the Bylaw, rites and core
monies Of the order. The Secretary,
in addition to ether duties, shall
make such reports as shall be called
fol to the grand LoDaH OF THE
STATE OF MISSISSIPPI. and for his
services receives FIVE dollars q month
The Sergeant-at-Arms shall guard
securely the entrance to the Lodge
Rooms and conform with great
strictness to the rites ceremonies
and usages pertaining to his office.
He can have one or more deputies
to aid him."
Article vi calls for an examining
committee of three discreet men,
bers who shall decide upon the
qualifications Of persons nominated
to become members. They cannot
approach q candidate on the subject
of his becoming a member until
their report has been handed in,
and approved by the Lodge.
Article VII provides for a COM
mittee on complaints, who shall
decide differences between brothers.
and report on all matters tending
to the injury of the Order. They
shall also act as a court-martial in
trying members for conduct unbe-
coming a CRUSADER Any neglect
or refusal to ACT on the part of this
committee, shall subject the men,
bers thereof to such punishment as
The Lodge may deem just.
Article VIII is on membership.
Section l states that any WHITE male
citizen of the United States of GOOD
MORAL CHARACTER and properly
souched for by a Crusader, may be
by unanimous vote. No
member shall solicit any one to be-
some a member or EVEN MENTION
The existence of the Lodge to him
until duly proposed and elected.
Article IN gives the usual order
If business. Order No. 8 reads: |
Special instructions by the Gov I
,rnor on matters of interest to the l
lodge or Order"
Article X supplies the rules of de-
'ate. Every member present is
to give his vote on ques-
ions unless excused by the Lodge.
Article XII is on department.
'rothers must not depart from the l
lodge without permission, and the
Usual salute to the Governor.
Brethren are to keep their places, /
i've strict attention to business, {
no avoid all unnecessary moving t
bout. d
Article XII treats of offences. L
my brother who shall disclose any
+ the business of the Lodge, or of '
be order, to any one not member {,
hall suffer such punishment as the "