The Washington times., 1922-02-18
K |GHTS
GATHERAT
B0NF|RES
Admit D. c. Candidates to
Membership at Convention
In Maryland.

Drawing the coolest of WASH
ington's cold weather, $50 mem
bers of the Knights of the Ku
klux Khan, clad IN robes best de-
scribed as decorated nightgowns,
with the old-fashioned night caps,
invaded Forestville. Md. last night
and initiated forty Washington
men into the secrets of the order.
Reporters Made Prisoners.
Several scores Of automobiles,
each hating at the swinging of
lanterns in the road, gave evidence
to residents of Forestville that
something unusual was going on.
The machines all turned into the
short lane which leads into the
estate Of William Ham, business
man of this city.
A party of reporters, officially
invited to witness the initiation
from a distance, found themselves
virtual prisoners after the chauf-
feur had driven them into the
grounds of Hams estate.
Surrounded on each side were
"outposts,' each carrying and
flashing periodically bright flash
lights, the reporters were barred
from exploring the grounds for
fear they might "see something
that shouldn't be seen by those not
clad in the official robes
The ceremonies were to begin at 8
o'clock, but many klansmen, some
Of whom came all the way from Hy-
attsville, Ballston, Clarendon, and
Alexandria, were delayed in their
arrival. Even the press car was
held up twice as it sped down the
road toward Forestville. Luckily,
however, a klansman was in the
car and the two outposts, each car
rying a lantern, directed the chauf-
feur. 1t was learned later that any
suspected parties were sent six miles
down the road. good distance from
Forestyille.
Dozen Fires Lighted.
Shortly before 9 o'clock, from the
press car, could be seen lights OF
nearly a dozen fires. Around the
fires stood five or six men, each
carrying a flashlight and lighting 1t
every other minute or so.
The principal part OF the cere-
monies took place about 400 yards
from the press car, and dozen or
so "outposts" were deputiZed to see
IndI LTt hSPk 49,
and didn't venture where they
hadn't ought to be-"
About $50 there came shrill
whistle from a distance. Then sew
eral lights flashed. 1t was weird
proceeding and became more so
when several nightgown-clad men
approached the press car and called
out:
We're ready for you"
The tone of the voice indicated
they were ready to either hang or
shoot the reporters chauffeur,
who gave evidences of nervousness,
despite his loud boasting "he was
ready for anything" and ANY time
they want me they can get me.
Husky Nurses" Appear.
At another signal, the same shrill
whistle, the reporters were told to
get out of the car.
Now watch EN-" came an order
from nearby. Suddenly. as if from
nowhere, some half a dozen husky
men sprang up.
They don't get away from u.s."
one responded.
"outposts" who had positive orders
not to let the newspaper men separ-
ate convinced the reporters that this
man knew what he was talking
about.
At another whistle the reporters
were ordered to proceed. They were
taken to big bonfire nearby.
Coffee and hot dog sandwiches were
served, one of the Klansmen explain
ing the proceeds from this sale would
be given to reporters who would be
Instructed to turn 1t over to some
charity.
A short wait. Just enough to get
the press crowd warm and in
good humor, and there came that
shrill whistle again. The party
proceeded about 200 yards and was
stopped at another bonfire.
Turn around, men," called out u
Klansman addressing the press
party, land you will see in your
rear the Quadrate, the strongest
fighting force known to man."
Cold Made EN- Dance.
And 10 and behold! What a
weird sight. Several hundred ghost.
ly looking figures were all dancing
about with fiery cross flaming
in the enclosure of the square. 1t