New Britain herald., 1922-11-08
Prospect St. Man Tells of Large New Britain Rep resentation at Open Air Konklave at Compounce
Fred D. Nelson Explains to Herald Man That Society Has No Religious or Ra- cial Prejudices.

Activities of the Ku Klux Nac ln this city will begin shortly with the organization of local branch mem bership in which has been extended to and accepted by men In practically every walk of life including a rurs- Der of city officials, according to statements made today by Fred D. Nelson of 7s Prospect street, who admits he Is member of the Klan.
 To a Herald reported today Klans- man Nelson today defended the K K. K as a patriotic and Amer ican organization, formed to uphold law and order and without racial or religious prejudices. Asked if the Klan proposed to run down Jews. Catholics and negroes, the Klansman said this was not the primary purpose of the order. but that 1t was true that membership was restricted to white men, Gentiles and protestants.
 He also declared that 1t is not an organization of men who run about in the night, attired in sheets, pillow cases, night-dresses, etc, and said that newspapef articles 50 represent ing the order of which he Is | mem Der, are false and made of whole cloth.
 That regalia Is worn by those affiliated with the order, was admit ted by Nelson. The garments remain in the lodge rooms the same a8 do the regalia of other fraternal bodies, he asserted, and very rarely do the members appear at night ceremonies ln kT,a a-a,. otr akttrod @r kbnI~ tifying uniforms.
 Many From Here Interested.
 KlanHnan Nelson was present at a konklave In Bristol, at Lake Com pounce, week ago. He asserted today that there. were scores of other New Britainites present and many of them drove their automobiles to- the place cfH Heeting. Hs and the cthef local mo Event upon invitaAions Aeg said. Many prominent rssidGHt1 were included ins tho delegatton. Klansmap MaiQpu, aS4are6 khfk Haral4 rspoffsr, Hht n f1&t TIT it ya0g1d nsmss m of aks Sssa ia s. ssssndsses. m I % <
 Preliminary steps have alrsady been taken In the WAY. of forming ono of the strongest branches Of tho. order in New England In this ely. ir was stated. Scorss have be9n approached and after the principles of the K. K K. were outlined to them. refusals to join have been rare. those who arc furthering the organia zation claim. ..5
 Defends Restrictions. X
 Mr. Nelson was very emphatic today in his defense of the K. R. K. Discussing the restriction In member ship to those of protestant belief, gentiles and of the white race, hA pointed out that there < are many parallels in fraternal organizations throughout the country
 The Klansman berated newspapers who have informed their readers that a part of each ceremonial Is the burning of an American flag, asking If 1t was not ridiculous on the face of it that American men would stand by and see the emblem of their country so desecrated
 The Klan, he said, is the outgrowth of the old K. K. K. that was formed for the strict enforcement of law. for the maintenance of. order and to keep the freed slaves from running among the whites inhicting personal and property damage. He stated that its charter Is drafted in strict accord with the constitution of the United States and It's laws.
 Regarding the local branch, Nelson could not say at what time the or ganization meeting will be held. It Is the plan to secure a charter and elect officers, chief of which is the kleagle. corresponding to the pres!- lent of other fraternal bodies. Ail officers are elective rather than, as has been claimed in some circles, lppointive by the Imperial Wizard. Nelson said.
 According to stories concerning the <. K. Ks plans. the first meeting vii! be an open air gathering which, Nelson states. Is an impressive sight. t Is reported that there are several ,lots in the outlying sections of the ,ity being considered for the first ,onklave.