The Hartford herald. [volume] (Hartford, Ky.) 1875-1926, 1921-08-24
MAYOR SAYS KukLux CHAP
1ERNOTNEEOEOI IN LOUISVILLE
Statement Shows Danger Of
Snch Movement; Asks Citi.
zens to Oppose Scheme


Louisville, Aug. 23.-Mayor Geo.
w. Smith in formal state
ment has denounced efforts to or
ganize chapter of the Kuklux Klan
I'm Louisville. When the Mayors
attention was called to an advertise
ment for recruits here he character
lied .he Klan as being promoted
by paid organizers and not patriotic
citizens"
mayor Smith is kicking before
he is spurred," said one of the or
.ganizers of the modern Kuklux Klan
to a reporter for The Times today.
"Our organization in Louisville is
well under way and has already
5000 members, which we expect to
increase to 5000 in few weeks. 1t
would be impolitic for the organi-
zers, as well as the membership, to
disclose our identity right nOw,"
said the organizer. "Col. J.. W.
Simmons, Atlanta, Ca, will be in
Louisville shorty to make pubic
address as to the plans and pur-
poses of the organization, and May
or Smith can get all the informa-
tion he wants outlined to him IL he
comes out to hear Colonel Simmons.
"The Mayor in his statement says
we are the so-called Kuklux Klan.
He will learn before long that we
are legally incorporated and are do
ing business in thirty-seven States,
with 500 lodges and membership
of more than 10000" said the
organizer.
Mayor Smiths statement follows:
For several months past there
have been rumors OF attempts to or
ganize branch of the order known
as the Knights of the Kuklux Klan
in Louisville. These efforts have
--hesn sdiscan.aesds.~ ~Auna( rs .&.and.
private citizens. An advertisement
has recently appeared in Louisville
newspapers announcing the propos-
ed organization of such branch.
From newspaper accounts of the
workings of this order in Southern
cities recently, all thoughtful men
must be convinced that such an or
ganization would be a menace to
the peace and good understanding
between the people of Louisville.
The alleged purpOrt is to back up
law enforcement; it's real purpose is
to arouse the old race prejudice of
reconstruction days. 1t is promot-
ed by paid organizers and is not
patriotic organization.
Needs No Outside Aid
"The order advertises for 100 per
cent Americans but in its actual
workings it violates the principles
of Constitutional government by
taking into it's own hands the pow
ers of courts and executives. In the
disguise of law supporter 1t coun-
tenances crimes as horrible as those
1t seeks to punish.
''The good. citizens of Louisville
are able and willing to back up the
constituted agencies of law enforce
ment-peace officers and the courts,
and do not need the doubtful assist
-ance of an order, the very name of
which recalls bitterness and blood
shed.
1.-THE colored people of Louisville
are in the main law-abiding citi-
zens. They have been quick to con-
denim even those of their own race
who have not respected law and they
have assisted the police in appre-
hending offenders and have helped
violate the law just as white men
in their prosecution. Negroes who
do SO. can be controlled by the
peace officers. as always has been
done in Louisville without clash or
race prejudice.
Because believe this organiza-
tion to be menace, shall use ev-
cry lawful means to prevent and
suppress it's growth in our communi-
ty. As long as I am Mayor there
will be no Kuklux Klan in Louis
vile.
GEO. wEIssINGER SMITH.
Mayor"