Capital journal. (Salem, Or.) 1919-1980, 1922-05-17

Ouu yedr5-CTdVe lltJle space
Not for politics, but to answer |
couple OF statements that involy
principal in which we are al
interested.
Two articles in the Sunday Ore
gonian, e., f. l.. Clifford exalt-
ed cyclops ETC., and r. III. Saw.
yer, lecturer of the X. X. K, VS.
Governor Ben Olcott's Proclama-
tion of Saturday evening.
Mr.. Clifford claims the X. K. *.
to be law abiding. Then why not
like other societies and organiza-
tions be content with the law as
an authority, and with the peo-
ple's choice, etc.
Masked uniforms make suspic-
Ion advisable. A suspicious sub
ject should be under surveillance,
man makes himself such, by
being member OF the X. X. X.
as lessons in Georgia, California
and other states demonstrate.
The Klan assumes authority
not given 1t by the people, when
1t presumes to help the courts
etc, etc. The courts are founded
by the jeojle to dispense law and
justice. The Klan is tgnorantly
presumptive when 1t appropriates
powers not given 1t by the law any
defense deserves no consideration.
They assume much that is unwar-
rantable on account OF the disre
gard of constitutional rights OF
American citizens.
The best interests OF the COM
monwealth demanded that the
governor should take steps to sup
press any self appointed organi-
cation to dispense laws and regu-
late customs.
Mr.. Clifford might make clearer
the inky waters in which his Klan
inhabit, were he to make a coun-
ter proclamation, and tell us what
ciety, or religion which he and
his Klan have arrayed themselves |
against, and for what purpose. |
Why not come in the open; and
say whether or not 1t is Catholic
religion he opposes, and upon |
what grounds. Foreign inspira
tion, suppose would be his an
swer. II so, 1T would be a poor
reply, as our Savior was born. and
lived In foreign land Christian
Fly there, first took root; the Bib
le was written there, nearly every
religious creed was imported from
there. The ancestors of all our one
hundred per cent Americans were
foreigners not very long time
ago. 4
And again what do these gem
tlemen propose to do with the con-
stitution of the U. s. which pro-
vides for religious liberty-or why ,
slur any citizen who by adop-
tion is a citizen under the law.
1t does seem that the Klan is |
In politics and has to do with ell q
ections and the naming of candi- I
dates. A secret masked organiza- (
tion so employed, should be con- /
sidered dangerous. v
The Revolutionary War was O
caused (say hlstorlans) by the a
desire for representation, just a
taxes, and religious liberty; and C
was not fought that the X. X. X. s
should denote the sect. custom and s
rule of worship, or to gain special s
for any particular o
creed or sect v
When the Revolutionary War n
was taught Catholic or a Prot k
sstant profession OF faith was not -
when he qualified as L
/ soldier. neither has 1t been so 4
n any OF the wars since. If |
hought these gentlemen were in |
crested In statistics, ! might re-
er them to some, which would
ct them right, as to the high per L
entage of Catholics, and men Of v
oreign birth, who fought under
ur flag, rendering patriotic ser
ice, in all our wars. 81
In crlticlsing Governor Olcott
Thy not include President Grant
resident Harding. the Masonic Sc
rder, the Knight of Columbus.
he Knights of Pythias, the Amer
IAN Legion, etc.
The government of the U. S.
as made no requests or promises
Or assistance from the masked N,
Ian as an organization to main
lin the constitution, II has its
ldicial and Military departments 1
n this purpose.
! would suggest to MIR. Clifford
lat MIR, Olcott being well inform su
as to the constitutional rights st,
the American citizen, does not lar
el 1t necessary TO be enlightened -
? either he or any member of
$ Klan. l would suggest further ~, n1
at the governor should take a
ep interest in the workings of LIE
e Klan, when 1t interiors with 4
-izens rights. and usurps judi
II powers. lie,
Mr. Sawyers idea regarding his J
gh-minded desire to render in -
luable unofficial assistance to {
. courts. peace officers and
: the protection OF our homes. i'e'
:, is duty which the citizens :
Oregon have relesated to their '
icials whom they have selected TO =,
thrciu
that purpose, and who are sup
D.