New Britain herald., 1921-10-12
MYTHS EXPLODED
 IN k.k K. INQUIRY
Postal Inspector Says Member
 ship Is But S5,00O

washington, D. C., Oct 12.-Many interesting myths concerning the Ku hIux klan were exploded at the open 1nes Of hearings before the ] house rules committee to determine whether there should be a congressional in- vestigation of the Klan.
 Instead of the enormous rapidly growing organization of SOC, 900 mem- bers as frequently claimed by friends and foes of the Klan, the total mem- bership of the order is about 85,000 persons, according to the testimony of O. B. Williamson, postal inspector detailed to investigate.
 He found nothing to sustain asser ttons that the klan has collected $8,- 000,000 in membership dues. His ex. animation showed collections of only $1,148,00O, he testified.
 Chicago is the klan's stronghold in for amounting purposes. Williamson He said it had not been quite so suc- cessful in New York
 The committee showed much curi- osity regarding statements that sew eral senators and representatives are members. The only light Williamson was able to shed on this point was a statement in the Searchlight, official organ of the klan, stating that "sev- eral members of the United States senate and several members of the house had been naturalized," that is, initiated into the klan.
 Representative Royal Johnson (S. D. wanted to know about sacred Chattahoochie river water, alleged to be sold at $10 a quart, by the klan for 'annointing purposes. Williamson said he was unable to find evidence to support that statement.
 Williamson found nothing to indi- cate that the klan contributed money for charitable purposes. He discov- cred, on the contrary. that $8 of every $10 goes to pay salaries of the wiz ards, kleagles. Richards and other of- dcials.
 Was none of their money con- tributed to charity?" asked Represen- tative Campbell, (Kan.), chairman of the committee.
 'If you call Col Simmons, the inn peria1 wizard, a needy person, yes" replied the witness.
 The imperial wizards salary is $1,- 900 a week. according to William son. Imperial Kleagle Clark, second in command, and his assistant, Mrs. Elizabeth Tyler, described as pub licity agent, get their compensation from a propagation fund.-" which amounts to $57.00o. Williamson said Mrs Tyler told him she regarded her work purely as a business proposi- ton and she was only in it for the money He said the imperial kleagle and Mrs. Tyler were the real business executives of the organization.
 Then what does the imperial wiz ard dor" inquired Representative Campbell.
 "He was busy trying to get rid of a severe cold when I was in Allan ta," answered Williamson.
 A row of negro lawyers and on- lockers grinned delightfully."- while the klan was under attack. Representa- tive Jimmy Gallivan of Boston, who gained fame by calling Jack Demp- sey "a big bum'' (not to his face). was also on hand to press his resolution creating a joint congressional com mittee to conduct the inquiry.
 c. Anderson Wright formerly a king kleagle and national organizer of the Knights of the Air, an auxiliary of the klan, testified against the or ganization.
 Clark, according to Wright, plainly told him that the klan was formed to combat Jews and Catholics. Wright also charged that the klan had sent reasonable matter through the mails.