The Rock Island Argus and daily union. (Rock Island, Ill.) 1920-1923, 1921-09-15
SEEK TOFORM
kLUKLUxKLAN
IN TRI-CITIES
Representatives of Imperial Body
in City Organizing Clans
ZOO Have Applied.

Knights OF the Ku Klux Khan, ma
tional secret organization with
headquarters in Atltnta, Ga, are
organizing clans in each of the tri-
cities, it became definitely known
today.
F. S. Webster of Chicago, repre-
sentative of the imperial body, ar
rived in Rock Island this morning,
and. assisted by field men, is en-
deavoring to form local bodies in
Rock Island, Moline and Daven-
port.
More than zoo inquiries have
been received in the Atlanta Office, :"
Mr.. Webster stated to a represen-
tative of The Argus this morning,
when he was interviewed at local
hotel. "a thorough investigation
has been made of each inquirer,
and those meeting the requirements
have been given an opportunity to
join the order. Membership is not
being solicited, but those who are
recommended by their friends,
when found eligible. will be given
an opportunity to join"
Separate clans will be organized
in each of the three cities, Mr.. Web
ster declared. Davenport is not in
cluded in Mr.. Webster's jurisdic-
ton, but he predicted that clans of
900 membership each would be
formed in Rock Island and Moline.
Local organization has not been
completed, he stated, but many ap-
plications have been signed and &C
cepted. and the Rock Island clan
will be installed within a short
time.
Khan is Attacked.
The Ku Klux Khan is the subject
of investigation in various sections
of the country, being characterized
as an un-American and dangerous
organization. 1t is claimed that It
unduly discriminates against Jews
and Catholics, and in addition TO
several private Investigations, the
Khan has been under investigation
of authorities in several cities.
Among the principles for which
this organization stands" Mr.. WEB
ster stated. "are the prevention Of
mob violence and .lynchings; pre-
vention of unwarranted strikes by
foreign agitators; sensible and
patriotic immigration laws; SOW
ereignty of state rights under the
constitution; separation of church
and state and freedom of speech
and of the press.
I'VE are uniting under the BAN
ner of the Klu Klux K1an, red
blooded American citizens, born
within the boundaries of the Unit
ed States, owing no allegiance OF
any kind whatsoever to any foreign
nation, government, institution OF
sect"
Asked as to who are considered
eligible, Mr.. Webster pointed OUT
the printed words in a prospectus
of the order which has been ratner
generally circulated
"This order is founded upon oe-
pendable character. 1t is not an
ultra-exclusive institution, but ITS
membership is composed OF 'plcKeo
men,
NO man Is wanted in this order
who hasn't manhood enough to as
sume a real oath with serious pur-
nose to keep the same inv1olate-
s4No man is wanted in this order
pvbo will not or cannot swear an
unouaIified allegiance to the gov
eminent of the United States or
America, its flag and its constltu-
ton.
mo man is wanted IN THIS oroer
who does not esteem the govern
ment of the United States above any
otter government, civil. political or
ecclesiastical, in the whole world
"No man is wanted in this order
who cannot practice real fraternity
towards each and every one OF MS
oath-bound associates
"Only native-born American citi-
gems who believe in the tenets OF
the Christian religion and owe no
aIlexiance of any degree or nature
10 any foreign government, nation
nolitical institution. sect, people or
uerson, are eligible.