The New York herald., 1922-10-08
KHAN WORKS IN Big
QUARRY &KLAVERN
Reporter Gets Closeup Of
New Jersey Ku Klux at
Weird Rites.
GIANT CROSS ~BLAZES|
Autos Follow Flour Trail to-
Point Where Hooded Men
Command Halt.
ADVICE OLD TO 'JINERS'
Quick Search Meets Report Of
ALIEN Foot Set in Sim
mons's Empire.
ADVICE OLD TO 'JINERS'

Peaceful penetration of the veil Of
mystery which surrounds, usually the
workings of the Invisible Empire.
knights of the Ku Klux Klan has
afforded reporter a closeup of the
weird ceremonies OF that organization
which. in spite of exposures, evidently
has grown to substantial proportions
In New Jersey.
In the ideal setting Of an abandoned
quarry in the Murray Hill section of
New Providence, not far from Summit
with full moon shining over the rim
of the "klavern," nearly 200 men,
mostly young in years. took the obli-
cations Of naturalization" while fig
'ires robed in white, and others wear
ing handkerchiefs below their eyes in
lieu of the conical shaped headpieces
of the Klansmen. stood near by and as
sisted in the ritualistic ceremonies.
.. UP to the late hour assigned for start
Ing the exercises. automobiles and buses.
laden with men from northern New
Jersey. had travelled the roads marked
by flour spilled for guidance to a dirt
road near the rendezvous. Here men
with white bands on their arms, carry
ing flashlights. challenged travellers. and
only those with the countersign or es-
corted as newspapermen by high Off
cials were permitted to pass.
About 500 Persons Assembled.
A 800 acre farm. the estate of Benja-
min Robinson. not far from the quarry,
was the parking space for the cars. The
candidates. closely guarded by the
police" of the order, awaited the sum-
mons to enter the portals of the khan.
Sheer walls, sixty feet high, opening at
one end for admittance of the party.
were gurded by scores of men with
flash lights on the summit to prevent a
surprise by enemies OF the 100 per cent.
Americans" who elected to hide their
patriotic selves under enfoldlng robes
of white, as well as the headpieces
which guarded their features.
A. huge cross thirty feet in height
stood in position. Some distance In
front of 1t was an altar, with flag, Bible
and other symbols, and to the left was
a huge pile of wood awaiting the word
to set il ablaze. AS midnight approached
the candidates were given some outside
work, the fields below the quarry re-
sounding from time to time with cries
as these ceremonies took place, while
reporters. closely guarded, stood perched
on slinder projections from the quarry
sides, awaiting the signal for the main
show to start.
Soon a man who disclosed himself as
'.Kloranic Instructor of the Domain OF
the East" taking the place of George w.
Apgar of Hoboken, king kleagle, who
was recuperating from an automobile
accident, gave the order ia start the
proceedings. The white robed figures
formed horseshoe. flanked by the men
masked In handkerchiers, ana an appeal
was made to conduct the proceedings
with dispatch, efficiency and dignity.
Reproof Given Novices.
A small cross on the altar, lighted
with acetylene gas. was set ablaze and
tho knights listened to an opening
prayer and the call for mystic signs
was given. AS the men went through
their PAGES the presiding officer was
displeased by errors of some. evidently
novices.
There seem to be some differences
OF opinion" he said sternly.
After that the work proceeded more
smoothly 1t seemed to the visitors as
the dirt and rocks occasionally shifted
under their feet, forcing them to cling
to a new perch. THE Terrors' took up
tho password and then the Might
hawk" started for the candidates.
Katydids' sharp, staccato notes broke
the silence. Men standing In the damp
quarry coughed restlessly and soon an
exchange of whistled signals on the
mountain side started the cavalcade Of
"aliens" from the world of selfishness
or their route to the empire headed by
Col. William Joseph Simmons OF At
lanta, Ga
A cider kcg. which had supplied the
only refreshments visible, was tumbled
over. The sound of a man crashing
down the quarry slope, followed by a
half dozen flashlights in the direction
%; the noise and the low calls Of the
guards, There no goes" warned the
party OF an intruder. The man was
met at the foot OF the wall and gave
the password. Evidently eome brother
had missed his footing and the mem-
bers. relieved. turned again to their
watchful vigil. The candidates then
appeared and were started on march
about the quarry from station to sta
fion.
Familiar Advice Heard.
Officers doled out verbal advice, much
os which was familiar to men of the
~jiner" type. Lofty ideals. appeals to
live lives OF patriotism. offering their
blood IL need be TO defend American
liberty and the Constitution. pledges to
promote 'lSlanlshness" among brothers.
support OF white supremacy. the Chris
tlan faith. assurance that the novices
would eschew scandal In their families
and number of other promises IA
milIar 10 those who followed the re-
cent exposes of tho organization were
uttered.
Got anything on your hip?" was a
comment. soto voce, from some one as
n resting period came. But the hip was
bare. II never had a drink before pro-
hibition came into effect" confded
brother, who was chatting under the
long period OF waiting in the dank
hole. so close 10 the stars, which shone
fecbly.
inc exercises continued. One Of the
leaders solemnly warned the men seek
ing entrance to the empire that the time
had come when any one who chose could
withdraw with the good will OF the
klan.
Does any one wish to retire?' de-
manded some ono addressing the group
YES" was the startling reply.
In moment half dozen figures in
white darted into the group and singled
out the speaker.
a.