Evening public ledger. [volume] (Philadelphia [Pa.]) 1914-1942, 1922-12-18
MASKED KLANSMEN
STIR WILMINGTON
Pastor Is Thre atened by "Con-
stitutionalists" Unless He
Quits Klux Activities
CITIZENS FEAR A CLASH

White robcd Klansmen created SEN
sntion in Wilmington, Del. last night
by their appearance in the heart OF the
city. Although masked, they were un.
molested by the authorities and rode
through the city in automobiles, formed
into n long procession.
Their appearance came as the climax
to day tilled with excitement because
of presence Of Ku Klax Klan in Will
mington and threatened conflict be-
tween it and the ''Const,tutionalist
League" nm anti Klan organization
which has recently sprung up there.
The first sensation came when the
Rev. Carlisle l.. Hubbard. pastor of st.
Paul's Methodist Episcopal Church. the
largcst in the city, received letter
from the "Constitutionalist League
threatening his life unless he cease his
activities in favor of the klan.
Appearance Of the kNnnsmen on the
street last night is thought to have
been meant as u defiance to the Con
stitutionalists" and warning Of
repriSnls in event the latter organiza-
ton attempts TO execute its threat.
Pastor Favors Klan
Another sensation came when the
Rev. Zack W. Wells, pastor Of Wesley
Methodist Episcopal Church, asserted
that he favors the Khan. even IL he is
put out of the church because of it.
Il may be put out Of the church for
saying So" he said, but | want to
60 on record as believing the Ku KluX
klan TO be a great organization, with
a great mission to perform"
A large congregation. composed
mostly OF men. heard Mr.. Wells preach
his sermon favoring the Klan and APP
plaudcd him vigorously at various points
in his address. The minister COM
pared the Klansmen to Crusaders and
to various characters in the Bible.
The Rev. DR.. Hubbard in announc-
ing receipt of the letter threatening his
life. said it was only one of many such
anonymous communications he has re
ceived
II usually pay no attention to them,
but because of the vicious nature Of
this one l decided to turn 1t over to
the police.
''Rut the writer's of anonymous let
tCrs don't scare me bit. Nobody bu;
n coward writes anonymously and he
hasn't the nerve to carry out his
threat
Il am not member Of the Klan,
Or. Hubbard said, 'and | have never
mentioned it or the 'Constituttonalis'
League in my church.
II think the letter was written be-
cause ! have on several occasions crit
iciZed Catholics in my sermons and re-
Gently preached on the Oregon Schoo
Law. which was passed in November
and which provides for abolition of al
parochia schools. have also attacked
gambling in several instances, and IN!
stand on that question may have causeC
the letter TO be written"
Text Of Letter
The letter, dated in Wilmington
read:
1--WE, members of the Constitutional
ist League. formed to combat the wave
Of organized bigotry and intolerance
serve warning on YOU that we VII
meet out TO you rs you advise th'
Klan to meet it out to others.
1--WE are awar" of your activitie!
among the Klan. the bigotry and in
tolerance preached in your church. j
must stop or we will get you in three
months.
If we hang for killing you we die
! in a good cause: i. O.. in preserving
their rights. The dagger. poisoned
candy or food. the Maxim silencCr ar,
the means. and we know how to use
them.
"CONSTITUTIONAL1STS.