New-York tribune., 1921-01-28
500 More Enter
empire Invisible''
In Birmingham
Ku-Klux Klan Stages Great
est Ceremonial in It's His
tory; Observation-Disclosures
Appear Mysteriously y
Special Dispatch to The Tribune


BIRMINGHAM, Jan. 27.-- Birming-
| ham was the scene of the greatest Ku-
Klux Klan ceremonial in the history of
the organization tonight, when up
ward of five hundred candidates, sur
rounded by hooded horde Of thou
sands, were initiated into the myster-
les of the order at the Alabama State
Fair Grounds.
Klansmen were here from all Sec
tions Of the South for the ceremonial.
The novices were registered early in
the evening. Then preparations were
made for their passage into the inner
square, where the initiation took place.
The square was composed of white
robed, hooded figures. In each corner,
just inside the square, was flaming
cross. The outer walls of the square
were guarded by white-draped horse
men. The 500 candidates were ad
mitted, the veil of mystic philosophy
was lifted and they found themselves
ushered into the "empire invisible"
After the admission of the new
members banquet was rendered them,
together with the officers of the Klan,
at a downtown hotel.
The ritualism of the Ku-Klux Klan
is declared to be vastly different from
that of any other secret organization.
1t is described as original, weird, mys-
tical and leading up through four de-
grees. 1t unfolds spiritual philosophy
that has to do with the fundamentals
Of life and living, here and hereafter.
With the brightly cleaning crosses
in the mystic square to-night--for the
Ku-Klux Klan says it does everything
on the square-and the searchights
playing on the candidates, the mystic
cave presented anything but a dismal
appearance.
The A B of the Klan is America
first, benevolence, clannishness. The
original order was organized in 1856
and was disbanded in 1870 by order of
the imperial wizard, General Nathan
Bedford Forrest.
A few survivors of the old Klan are
among the charter members of the
present organization, which was incor-
porated in 1916.
The initial purpose of the Klan is.
described as can enduring monument
to the valor and patriotic achievement
Of the KuKlux Klan."
The creed Of the order follows:
owe, the order Of the knights of the
KuKlux Klan, reverently acknowledge
the majesty and supremacy o the di-
vine beng, and recognize the goodness
and providence Of the same.
"Wc recognize our relation to the
government of the United States of
America, the supremacy of the Con-
stitution, the Union of the States
Hereunder, and the constitutional. laws
thereof, and we shall be ever devoted
to the sublime principles of a pure
Americansm and valiant in the de-
fense of its ideals and institutions.
eve avow the distinction between
the races of mankind as same has been
decreed by the Creator, and shall ever
be true in the maintenance of white
supremacy and will strenuously oppose
any compromise thereof in any and all
things.
owe appreciate the intrinsic value
of real practical fratcrnal relation
ship among men Of kindred thought,
purpose and ideals and the infinite
benefits accruable therefrom, and shall
faithfully devote ourselves to the prac-
tice of an, honorable clannishness. that
the life and living of each may be
constant blessing to others"