The Indianapolis times. [volume] (Indianapolis [Ind.]) 1922-1965, 1923-12-04
WATSON ANSWERS
UNITY LEAGUES
QUERIES ON KHAN
Senator Has Not Determined
on His Attitude in Texas
Vote.

Denying he knows what the
principles Of the Ku-Klux Khan are,
and denying membership in either
the Khan or the Royal Order Of Lions
said to be affiliated with the Khan,
Senator James E. Watson has
answered a series Of questions by the
Marion County branch Of the Ameri-
can Unity League
In a letter to Jacob Morgan. head
of the local branch. Watson also
answered questions concerning the
seating OF Senator Mayfield Of Texas.
said to have been elected through
Khan support.
Watson's letter:
Your first question is: Knowing as you
do that Senat0r-elect Mayheld has publicly
admitted his membership in the Invisible
Empire of the Ku-Klux Khan. 40 you regard
Euch membership as consistent with Loyalty
to the laws and Constitution OF the United
TO this question. permit me TO respond
that l know nJshing whatever Of the con
stitutIon of the order u the hu-hluX Khan
Or or their purposes or plans except as a
mere matter of hearsay. and am. therefore.
not in position TO answer the question.
Your second question IL: knowing as
you do from the public prints that Senator
EJECT May6eld is publicly charged by former
vast sums Of money from the treasury Of
the Ku-Klux Khan to bring about his nomi-
man as worthy of seat In the Senate Of
No Shield for Any Guilty Man
IF Mayheld used money contrary TO law
In securing either his nomination Or election,
] shall vote to fit the penalty &c the crime
II I am convinced of the truthtulness OF the
charges No man. be he Catholic or Ku
Klux, Methodist or Mason. Presbyterian or
Pythisn. has the right to use any organiza-
TIN to sh 1bi. him nastan g Won
for the seating Of Senator-elect Msyheld when
the question comes up before the Senate Of
Replying 10 that. permit ne TO say that
1 do not know at this time how | shall
vote, because 1 am not familiar with the
case and know nothing whatever of the evil
dence- 1 shall decide th4- case when II
comes up to me 10 the Senate and not be-
fore.
your fourth question is: Are you a
member of the Invisible Empire of the
Knights of the Ku-KluX Khan, or an organi-
xstion known publicly as the Royal order OF
Of the Ku-Klux Klan:
Replying to tina. permit re to say that
Of the Royal Order of Lions. or of any or
ganizatiOn affiliated with either
Equality by Constitution
Your fifth lIestiOn l.: Do -Ou believe
IN tue OFFICIALLY announced program OF the
Knights of the Ku-Klux Khan. which openly
declares that Jews Catholics. negroes and
foreign-born citizens OF the United States
are not 100 per cent American and should be
Disseminated against on account OF race,
creed color or birthplace
ITO thai l answer hat / hold no such
views I believe that ali men are created
equal and make no exception because OF
race. color. creed. or nationality. and be
lfeve hat all of them are equally entitled
to the blessings Of religious liberty and the
freedom guaranteed by the Constitution Of
the United States.
Your asst question is: Finally. are you
Tor the Constitution of the United states and
the ideals OF the American republic. OF Ior
the announced principles OF the hu-hCX
Khan and the Invisible Empiret'
7 confess that I am somewhat nettled oV
resding this query Eight times / have
taken an oath as a member of Congress tn
uphold and defend the Constitution of the
United States and this question Is but an In
direct way Of asking me whether or not
did not commit perjury when I thus swOre-
Good Faith Is Assumed
However assuming that you have asked
the question in good faith l viii answer II
BIZ SAYING that of course. | believe IN the
Constitution OF the United States and for
tnirty-slx years have made about as many
speeches defending it amt UphOiding II as
any otner man in this country
Il do not know what the principles OF
SIC Ru-Kiux are and therefore l can not
make answer to the second part OF your
question
I regret that 1 nave not been able 10
answer YOUR communication sooner. but the
pressure of business mere has been 50 great
that before today l have not had time TO
make reply"