Edgefield advertiser. [volume] (Edgefield, S.C.) 1836-current, 1922-08-09
Klux Can no Longer Mask.

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Georgia, the state that gave birth
Ito the modern Ku Klux Khan, is hav-
ing trouble with the organization, If
one to to Judge by the newspaper &C
counts. Governor Hardwick has in
public addresses, called upon the
Khan as there have been many acts of
violence. In many instances the acts
of violence have been laid at the door
of the Ku Klux. The Ku Klux Khan
have devoutly denied the charge, and
say that the acts of violence have
been committed by those initiating
the Khan, wearing masks and robes
that looked like the real thing. Our
readers will recall that several
months ago we predicted that this
very thing would happen. Acts of
violence would come, and the blame
be placed upon the Ku Klux. We
stated that no matter how good the
intentions would bring it into disfa-
vor. All manner of violence and in
justice brought about by imitators
will be blamed upon the Ku Klux.
The very atmosphere of such an or
%ganization invites such a condition
and creates it. The secrecy, the act
ing under cover of night, the self ap-
pointed censorship established all
unite in giving such a turn to affairs.
The Ku Klux may, and we believe do
seek to serve in the enforcement of
the law. But the intent and the ac-
tual result are wide apart. So long
as we have officers and courts to en-
force the law, just so long will there
be no need for such an organization.
The present organization is not a
help to law enforcement, it is a
breeder OF lawlessness and encourag-
es injustices-many of them. If we
had come to a situation wherein the
machinery of government had fallen
down and a state of anarchy reigned,
there might be some excuse for such
an organization. This is just what
did happen when the original Ku
Klux organization came into exis-
tence. But with laws upon the stat
ute books that we enacted, judges
elected by us, juries chosen by us and
from among us, every courthouse in
our country, it is a bit presumptuous
for any organization clothed with
masks and acting in secrecy, to as
sumo prerogatives that are above the
courts and juries. Rule by night
riders is bound to be poor rule at
best and when the law is functioning
there is no need whatsoever for such
organizations.
The acting Imperial Wizard" has
ordered the unmasking of the Khan
in Georgia and we presume, the or
der applies tc, other states as well.
But he has refused to order the re-
moval of secrecy as to membership,
saying that the question will be
brought UP at the general convention
to be held six months or a year from
now. Nobody is to be informed as to
just who the Klansmen are, that is,
nobody ON the outside. It is this very
secrecy that is repulsive to sincere
and thoughtful men. There is an air
of implied cowardice in the secrecy
that refuses to divulge the names of
the members. And the trouble will
not end by ordering The unmasking
of the members. All that means is
that there will be no parades by
masked men,, Think of members of
the Masonic order hiding their men,
bership in the organization! Why, the
very opposite is true; the badge is
worn proudly, openly. So far as we
know there is not another secret or
der that hides the identity of it's
members. If the Ku Klux Khan does
not give publicity as to its members,
it will not be long before every state
in which they oprate will pass laws
compelling not only unmasking but
the publication of every name of ev-
cry man holding membership therein.
Governor Hardwick says that is ex-
actly what Georgia will do. And all
the other states will do likewise
Union Times.