Richmond times-dispatch. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1914-current, 1921-08-26

uually Moreover that heavy handicap
upon invested capital which has paralyzed
the general industrial activity. the excess
profits tax. has been repealed.
Here's hoping that after 4 months rest
and reflection the lawmakers will return
TO their duties renewed in mental and physi-
cal vigor and with clearer visions as To the
obligations they owe their constituents.
The American Peoples business
It HERE is no room within the borders OF
1 this free republic for an invisible
empire Our laws and institutions
stand in no need OF n sustaining hand from
organizations that walk in stealth and seek
their detectives under cover of darkness
Sonnd-thinking. 100 per cent Americans
resent the covert activities of any order.
band or clan-cGll them what one will
whose members hide their faces from their
fellows rs ii the mere withholding OF ones
identity could inspire either respect or fear
II this nation has sunk TO the level where
its continued welfare is dependent upon
niEhr-creep;ng bands which fear to expose
their faces To the full light of day. then
il would better sink AZ once beneath the
waters Of oblivion Thank God. il has not
sunk to such level. and il never will
long as its people are inspired To rule with
law and order and refuse 10 be led astray
by those who would substitute the tencts Of
lawlessness and disorder
There is sound logic i'll the reasoning OF
mat Southern Representative who purposes
20 ask OF Congress an investigation of the
organization and operations OF the ku
kiuX Khan in the South" although ii is not
obvious why he confines il To the South.
inasnuch as the order has spread into the
Northern States whore il is reputcd 10 he
growing rapidly |, also may be Qucs-
y " N hal
dertakc an investigation OF this secret or
Canization which trades upon the name of
body OF men who did a glorious work for
the South in tho years Immediately follow
ing the Civil War and then diSbanded for
ever. Blu, ii is pointed out. reasonably il
seems, that inasmuch as many things
have been done i'll the name OF the Khan.
for most OF which i, discaims responsible
lily. so much unrest has been engcndcrcd
among certain classes by the resumption OF
the Khan name, and its possible effects on
our social structure are so portentous. that
the Congress. having in view the protection
Of the national welfare. might we'll look into
its activities al least TO the extent OF in
curing as TO its right OF using the United
States mails 10 promote its growth and dis
sominatc its propaganda
u may be doubted If il would be within
the province OF the Congress 10 forbid the
public rccalia which conceals their identity
THAT would better I've left 10 the police
powers of the States or communities but it
is certain that such an inhibition whatever
ills source, would destroy the mystery which
Il, one" attracts the crcdulous and terror
ICES the ignorant. Tear away the I'M
American sham and disguise and the evil
effects will vanish.
There is no cause TO cavil with any secret
organization so long its operations are
legitimate and il constitutes no menace 10
society. II Is no ones business hut their
own what the members of any society wear
in their halls and lodgerooms or in public
either. so long they worn to cloak
no Interior purpose But il is the business
oi the American people when crimes against
society are committed in the name OF any
secret order. ana if the order in who's" name
such oiicnsc are done dvcn if /, be innocent
Of participation. is 100 per cen, American
it Will cleanse itself OF its Objectionable
features Ii it does not so cleanse itself
then society itself must take hand in
its renovation.