The Topeka state journal. [volume] (Topeka, Kansas) 1892-1980, 1921-07-23
KU KLUx in STATE.
Khan Organizations Becoming
Active in Kansas.
Governor Allen Notified OF
Visits of Organizer.
NO RACE TROUBLES FORECAST
Combat LawIessness Seems To
Be Only Motives.
State VIII Defeat Interference
With Law Enforcement.
NO RACE TROUBLES FORECAST

Efforts are being made to form Ku
Klux Klan organizations in Kansas.
Information to the effect that an or
ganizer for the Klan recently sought
to organize in southern counties was
received today by Governor Allen.
The governor declared the power of
the state would be used to defeat any
effort at interference with law en-
forcement thru regularly constituted
bodies.
Plans to perfect a Ku Klux Klan
force in this state were revealed in
letters which came to the governor
today from counties in the southern
and southwestern sections of the state.
The Klan proposed to work. it was
stated, thru carefully formed vigi-
lance committees. Activities would be
directed along such lines as the Klan
leadership might determine.
Governor Allen today refused to be
quoted regarding plans of the state.
He admitted, tho, that information
had come to him regarding efforts
of the Klan to enter Kansas.
No Race Trouble Here.
It is believed that a number of or
ganizers may be sent to Kansas later
in the summer from southern and
southwestern states where the Wig
ilance bodies have recently been ac-
tive. Governor Allen does not believe
that the organization in Kansas is in
spired because of race conditions. He
is of the opinion that any success in
forming Klan bodies in the state would
be upon a theory of general vigilance
work.
It is probable that the governor will
place his information in the hands of
members of the attorney generals
staff later in the day. So far as the
today was concerned, there has been
but one organizer in Kansas. The
name of the organizer was not re-
vealed, altho the state is in possession
of evidence regarding individuals and
organizations thru which plans were
being developed.
No Law Against 1t.
There is no law in Kansas against
organization of the Ku Klux Klan In
this state. Activities of the organiza.
ton, tho, would be limited by statute
Governor Allen stated that as governor
he would not permit activities or as.
sumption of power or authority by the
Khan beyond authority bestowed BY
statutes upon an individual.
Efforts are now being made by the
state to determine localities in which
the Klan organizer has worked. Phert
is sufficient information in the hand,
OF the governor, tho, to mako certain
that he has visited several counties
Working in Wichita.
Wichita, Kan, July 23.-Organizer,
for the Ku Klux Klan were working
here during the late winter and early
spring, according to information from
| responsible men who were approached
on the subject of joining the organiza.
tons. Klans were formed in Augusta
Ell Dorado. and in other oil field towns
1t is said, and are now in existence
The object of the organization, ac.
cording to the organizers, was to com.
bat lawlessne ess.
Oil Driller at Pittsburg.
Pittsburg, Kan, July 2s.-D. B.
Stover, who says he is an oil well
driller of Wichita, has been working
in Pittsburg for three weeks, organ
izing a chapter of the Ku Klux Khan.
1t was understood that be had OBJ
tanned several members here.
AT Salina, Also.
Salina, Kan, July 23.-Members of
/ the Salina city commission declared
today that an organizer of the Ku
Klux Klan had been working in Salina
for two weeks in an effort to organize
a chapter. City officials declared the
work of the organizer would be
watched carefully, altho they knew
of no law that would prevent the
organization of a chapter.