The Dallas express. [volume] (Dallas, Tex.) 1893-1970, 1921-01-29
'NIYSTERIOUS1 KHAN SEEK MEMa
BERSHIP In KNOXVILLE.

Knoxville, Tenn, Jan. 27-v-The in
famous organization (known as the
Ku Klux Klan) that terrorize the
country and inteferred with the
peace and harmony of the common
wealth during the period of recon-
struction, years ago, and that has
recently made its appearance in
many southern states has announced
through an alleged representative
who fails to disclose his name in
the announcement and advertisement
appearing in one of the local daily
papers Of last Sunday. plans for
launching a branch of the organiza-
ton in Knoxville.
The Ku Klux Khan has so thor
oughly gotten control in many states
that many of the public institutions
are operated at their command. In
one Georgia city the knights" pa
raded the street, CARRIED in their
white robes and their identity con-
cealed by masks over their heads and
formed long line as they marched
through the business section under
the glare of the lights. Suddenly
every light in the city was out for
few minutes and when they came
on again, not a sign of the long pro-
cession could be seen. 1t is stated
that although many hundreds of Ne
groes stood along the line of march
and watched the procession they were
amused at the antics of the partici-
pants and not a sign Of fear could
be noted in any direction or on the
part of any.
The following words were spoken
by Col. William J. Simmons, "im-
perial wizard" who claims he has
spent years of study in preparation
for the formation of the organization,
before a Birmingham, Ala, audience:
1.-THE Ku Klux Khan was here yes
terday, it is here today and with the
grace of God, it will be here forever
II know most of you here this
afternoon because Birmingham is ia
mihar territory for me. as lived
in the Magic City for good many
years. All of you, know have
heard of the Ku KluX Khan. That
is what we are here to discuss said
Colonel Simmons.
"The Ku Klux Khan was first or
ganized to protect our country from
people or persons who were working
for their own selfish benefit. This
organization saved the United States
from destruction during the Civil
War. For that reign of unlawful
ness which had the South in its
control for time would have spread
to every section of the entire coun-
try if 1t had not been stopped
To-day the Ku Klux Khan is keep
ing a close watch just the same as
during the Civil war. This is not
social organization, but is one that
every member has plenty of hard
work to do. More so at the pres
ent time because Of existing con-
ditions of things which this organ
ization believes they can help to
remedy.
Some physical work Is required
of the members of this organization,
but the largest part of the work
that Is required OF the members is
brain work. A man has to re good
citizen OF the city in which he lives
to be a member. He must put the
American flag above every other flag
in the whole world.
I'VE are not out to get anybody
But we are out to do all the good
we can We can still fight, though
and If you don't believe it, just start
something"
According to the line of operation
pursued by the Khan in other cities
and effort is made to take the en-.
forcement Of law into their owr
hands and to enforce rules which they
deem expedient "for the good of thC
community" and the "perpetuatior
of white supremacy" through wolen
methods. In fact, the protests L
the formation OF such an organiza
ton in many southern as well a.
northern cities have come from tn,
leading white citizens as we'll as Ne
groes, who term the activities a.
those Of a legalized mob.
Just what reception will be accord
ed the Ku Klux Khan organization
in Knoxville and East Tennessee
where there is strong sentimen
for law and order and where tn,
inhabitants hold the law and officers
superior to any self designated Khan
is not known, but 1t is believed tina
few, If any will endorse such an or
ganization which is designated t,
5tir uU i'll feeling between the races