South Bend news-times. (South Bend, Ind.) 1913-1938, 1922-10-01
OCTOBER I. 1922
FOR WHAT PURPOSE?


persuasons OF the little group which Is attempting
TO organize a local Ku B1ux J<lan he should ask
himself some very serious questions.
Forget II yen wish. the discredit which this
sanzaton has brought upon itself by its acts of
outlawry in various parts of the nation.
Forget or discard untrue the various expos
OF the inner workings the Khan. the sale OF
ditch water for initiation rites the profits in robes
and other paraphernaIia
Put down TO prejudice or brush away as unim-
portant the fact that masks and cloaks are usually
the signs OF sinister purpose and its high coIored
oath and its ritual be but the hnaI expression
Of a boyish love Of tricks and romance.
And then. when you have cleared your mind Of
any OF the usual reasons in other COMMUNITIES for
bringing discredit upon this Khan which have made
thinking men protest against effort TO supplant
government by force which have made its name
very the peaceful yourself what reason
there can be for presence in this community or
in the lives OF any considerable portion men in
the community.
AZ its very best, and giving full faith and cred
TO those who pretend speak for it, the Khan
is devoted to charity. respect for law and purer
Americanism Is there any call Of charity in this
city which has not been answered the
anpea has reached the of not only organized
charities but the first faint sob of anguish
has reached the of private citizens?
The Khan, as a for further charity, is
neither necessary nor advisable.
Is there thing that the Khan might do to
create greater respect for law that be
better done by a ballot the polls?
Is there hagrant condition of lawlessness of
public officials. great a denial public rights
and such protected to demand an un-
oeHcial sponsorship for the law in this city?
Il is admitted that the present city administra-
zion the equal of any in any city and superior
that of most cities
10 charge of graft, Of privilege, of discrimIna-
ton Of arbitrary authority TO Cypress would
DC met with other than smile if any should
seriously make it.
The Laws are being enforced. The criminal has
learned that south Bend is a safe place for
him 10 operate. The standard Of equality before
the law maintained.
no one has ever charged that crime is protected
,ther for money by sinister influence.
The Khan as a successor 10 the Vigilaptes Of the
early days Of the coast or as the regulator of
public officials has field of operation this city
As for a higher standard Of Americanism. what
episode has condition existed that could
the necessity for this secret order Of masked
in this city?
South Bend has shown a loyalty to the traditions
this nation. a devotion the ideals of the land
that Is unmatched in any par; OF the nation.
all cities communities, this might
pointed to typical and the nation with pride de-
clare. Here is Americanism at it's best. This IS
America"
What purpose then. has this organization in mind
when it ries to induce 20 secretly enroll them
selves uron its lists?
IS the real aim Of those who trying
bring here an organization with an unsavory record
in other places disturb and annoy?
The Khan. IN other places is accused of fostering
religious and race prejudice Of arousins hate in
the minds OF men against other Of different
c,lor and Of dnerent religious creed.
II that be The purpose. it is a wicked aud ter
rble which these have IN mind when they try
TO persuade to enroll themselves upon secret
list ashamed to stand forth and admit participa-
lion in the very order they create
IN city which might well be a center Of re-
Igious prejudice, this community has shown
broad and rich a spirit Of federation that few know
and the religious athIiasions of any other
would these raise spirit of religious fanauoism
and intolerance 10 replace that fine sentiment Of
freedom Of conscience which permits a Protestant
20 be the head of the directors of the great Catholic
University
Would these who plead for members ask that
this condition be replaced by where suspicion
hate and anger are rampant because of different
faith2
Would they replace that community spirit which
brings osc.hcr in the great civic organizations and
Clucs ne J<W anu the teAllie upon an eQial plane
Of respect and service with which arOuses every
hateful consciousness OF race and divides a city
into armed camps OF hatiDg. vengeful men2
Would they abolish thai situation which now
gives TO the negro place in this community Of
respect ana Of opportunity. of friendship and OF
reace. with one which would send the citizens OF
darker color shrinking through alleys TO a bed Of
terror each nishte
the Is e community OF law. II IS a community
whch IS American. Tt IS community without pre-
Jucice and without that annus Of intolerance which
has held men apart f-om each other.
this Khan. secretly organizing proposes
20 tear GoEn th-s fine spirit supplant it with
~usaicion. hate and force what is their and
what do they hope TO accomplish?
thoughtful men VIII frown upon any such EFFORT
- madv.sed . 70 DO sinister and cruelty
6estructvs