The Washington times., 1921-10-14
PNEUMONIA
THREATENS
WIZARD Of
TRIPLE K
Cong. Upshaw Says Simmons
Triss to Attend Hearing, But
Doctor Orders Him to Bed.

Col. william Joseuh Simmons inn
perial wizard Of the Ku Klux Klan.
was III today; and notice was given
ths House Rules Committee by his
friends he could not appear 10 re-
sums his testimony.
The investigation Of the Khan BY
the committee was halted abruptly
by the illness of the Ku Klux en-
peror. There were no other wit
nesses to testify before the commit
tee as to activities Of the klan.
Threatened With PneumOnis.
Chairman Campbell and members
Of the committee have many questions
concerning the organization they de-
sire to have Colonel Simmons answer.
Until he is able to appear and be ex-
amined the committee will not end It's
whether a special probe OF the order
by Congress 10 necessary.
Colonel Simmons was taken Ill 1T
the close of his testimony yesterday.
He desired to 60 on and conclude his
hearing, but was unable to do so.
Chairman Campbell announced that
the physician In charge Of Colonel
Simmons, DR.. w. J. Manning. had no.
titled him this morning that the i'm
perial wizard was too iii to appear. He
said the physician announced that
Monday was the earliest date prob
ably that Colonel Simmons could aD-
pear. He is suffering from acute
bronchitis, with pneumonia threat
ened. s.s-
Campbell said that IL Simmons
could appear tomorrow Il would be
arranged that the committee should
meet.
He's Game, Says Upshaw.
Congressman Upshaw, who has been
with Colonel Simmons since the lat
| ter's arrival in Washington, was the
| first to notify Chairman Campbell OF
| the condition of Colonel Simmons. He
| brought alarming rumors OF the
"Colonel's" illness, stating that he had
fever and was coughing blood.
"The colonel Is as game as he can
be-" said Upshaw, land pleaded to be
allowed to appear before the commit
tee and complete his evidence. He is
anxious to get through and away, but
| the doctor said II was impossible for
him to leave the house. The colonel
| is confined to his bed, and will remain
there throughout the day."
Simmons Ia at the home Of a friend,
but who that friend is Upshaw would
not state. DIR. Manning, who is at
tending Colonel Simmons, issued a
| bulletin showing that his patient was
unable to attend the committee ses-
sion, and personally made report to
Chairman Campbell.
Asks Klux Critics BE Forgiven.
Simmons staged a dramatic climax
to his testimony before the Rules Com
mittee yesterday afternoon.
Just before 4 o'clock Simmons, after
about eight continuous hours of de-
fense of the khan. concluded with
| spread eagle peroration, In which he
beseeched forgiveness for those who
had "maligned' the Ku Klux Klan.
| Striking an attitude. and pitching
his voice to a high key, he roared:
Father, forgive them, for they
know not what they do"
Az the last word left the lips Of the
wizard, he fell to his knees, spread
his arms across the committee table.
buried his face in them. and wept
aloud.
For a moment hush fell over the
multitude that crowded the room.
Then Congressman Upshaw. of the
Atlanta district, followed by Simmons
retinue of attorneys. rushed to his side
and tried to lift him TO his feet.
Chairman Campbell, OF the commit.
tee, shouted sternly TO Simmons:
| please refrain from any such
| demonstration as that"
By this time the crowd was In a
hubbub. Upshaw's voice was heard
4 above the din:
"Is there a doctor In 'h, rnorr7"
L 0x.x...onss frtoudn TRIAL a. li. .A1x.