The Omaha morning bee. [volume] (Omaha [Neb.]) 1922-1927, 1923-09-16
Mob Rule
Must Co.,
WaltonDefi
Six Thousand National Guard
Troops Called Out TO Quell
Ku Klux Activities
in State.
Press Censorship Lifted
BY Associated Prees.

Martial law for the entire state OF
Oklahoma was proclaimed at midnight
tonight by Gov. J. e. Walton.
Calling the full force Of 5000 troops
in the Oklahoma National guard TO
his command, the governor climaxed
his spectacular fight against the Ku
Klu Kan by declaring that any per-
sons who aid the organization in car
rying out It's purposes" are enemies
Of the sovereign state of Oklahoma
and shall be dealt with by the military
forces.
Due to the existence Of a sell
styled invisible empire" Governor
Walton declared a state of insurrec-
ton and rebellion is In effect against
the constitution and authorities OF
Oklahoma and that a general state
Of public alarm and fear and jeo-
pardy OF life, peace and personal
safety" has resulted.
Every County Affected.
Activities of the organization are
centered in Oklahoma City and ex-
governor charged.
The proclamation invokes absolute
martial law in Oklahoma county
oklahoma city, and Creek county,
the latter adjoining Tulsa. where nil
itary rule has been in effect since
August Il
Troops viii be placed at points in
the state where they are needed. the
proclamation says, this matter being
left to the discretion Of the governor
and adjutant general.
Move Toward Capital.
"a. Hhile 70 order has as yet gone
out for The complete mobilization cf
the state militia, each contingent viii
be held IN readiness for service. L
is reported that companies from va
rious parts OF the state already ars
moving toward Oklahoma City and
Creek county, OF which Sapulpa is
the county seat
Accepting the recent challenge Of
the grand dragon Of the Oklahoma
realm Of the Ku klux Klan that
Governor Walton never could break
the power of the KAN in Oklahoma
City" the executive declared:
The power OF this criminal organi-
zation must be destroyed and II Is
necessary to proclaim martial law
throughout the state.
Only newspapers that by editorials
and news stories ,ncite masked
marauders 70 insurrection against con-
stituted authority" will be subject 10
censorship. Governor Walton said to-
day in 4 telegram TO the Baltimore
Evening Sun.
The invisible empire OF this state
has gained control OF prosecuting at
torneys. sheriffs and Of 1uries in many
counties through khan Jury commits.
sioners so that It Is impossible in
such counties through the courts for
citizens TO be protected and to prose-
cute masked msrauders.
Il am being threatened personally
and attacked in courts for my fight
on this power and consider the very
| life OF constitutional government. per
sonal liberty and personal safety il
at stake. and I, as chief executive,
propose TO make every power of the
state 70 protect its sovereignty. Two
governments cannot exist IN this state
at the same time"
Censorship Removed.
Military censorship over the Tulsa
Tribune was lifted late tonight by
Governor Walton.
From his residence here. where he
had been confined throughout the
day with a severe cold. the governor
| transmitted in person over long dis
tance telephone his order 70 National
l,guard officials at Tulsa 10 remove
tho military censor from the office
OF the Tribune az once.
Il uphold absolutely the freedom
Of the American press and ths right
70 free speech said the governor.
Il have decided that conditions now
do not demand military interference
with the newspaper"