The call of the North. [volume] (St. Paul, Minn.) 1923-1924, 1923-09-07
III LANSMEN PARADE at ALBERT LEA
HEAVY D0WNPOUR OF rain DOES
NOT STOP K. K. K. Ceremonial S
KLANSMEN COME FROM FAR AND WIDE BUT BAD ROADS
KEPT MANY AWAY.

anyone to prove that the Ku Klux
Klan is not a sound American move
ment, seeking only that which is
good for the United States. When
the Klansman ended his address a
wild tumult Of applause burst forth.
The cheering had hardly ceased
when white--robed figures were seen
moving rapidly in the open area in
front of the grandstand. AS they
moved red-glow candles sent out
crimson rays of light. There was
heard a sharp command-two robed
horses on which were mounted
Klansnen in full regalia, appeared.
The band played "Onward, Christian
Soldiers" as white-clad figures
figures marching two abreast filed
before the assemblage to the rear of
the altar-platform which had pre-
viously been arranged. Another or
der was given, the Klansmen turned
facing the grandstand. Several white
figures mounted the altar-platform
and stood at attention. The altar
cross was now ignited. Three
ground-shaking explosions came one
after the other. Every Klansman in
robe saluted the flag with the firing
of the last>sAot. It was a beautiful
scene and most impressive-the
white-robed figures, the red-lit sky,
the fiery cross, the flag draped altar,
unfurled Old Glory waving in the
breeze.
It rained necessarily, but the
Kansmen didn't seem to mind or
even notice that they were getting
wet.
Only Two Candidates Asked to Stand
in Rain
An announcement was made to the
effect that only two Of the candidates
for initiation would be asked to stand
in the rain During the ceremony Of
naturalization.
There was a lull lasting only few
minutes.
Just as the two selected candi-
dates came into view around the
grandstand a stentorian voice start
ed repeating part of the Ku Klux
Klan ritual. "God, give US men," was
the prayerful appeal made most dra-
matically. The ceremony moved on
without a "hitch" Of any kind. When
the third section Of the Klan oath
was reached, the Klansman admins
tering the oath called for all citizens
of the Invisible Empire within the
reach of his voice to again pledge
his loyalty to God, country and flag.
There was an immediate movement
of arms and every Klansman stood
with his left hand over his heart
and his right arm raised toward
heaven In unison the Kansmen
again took the following oath:
Part of Klan Oath
81 most solemnly assert and
affirm-that to the Government of
the United States of America
and any state thereof-of which
l may become a resident-I sac
redly swear-an unqualified al
legiance-above any other and
every kind of governmental
the whole world-I hear and now
pledge my life-my property
my vOte-and my sacred honor
to uphold its fiag-its constitu-
ti0n-and constitutional laws
and will protect-defend-and en-
force same unto death. ..'.
I most solemnly promise and
swear-that I will always, at all
times and in all places-help, aid
and assist-the duly constituted
officers of the LAWN the proper
performance of their legal du-
ties. I swear that / will most
I zealously-and valiantly-shield
and preserve-by any and all
justifable means and methods
the sacred constitutional rights
i and privileges of-free public
schools-free speech-free press
separation of church and state
4 -liberty-white supremacy-just
laws-and the pursuit of happi-
ness-against any encroachment
of any nature-by any person
! or persons political party or
parties-religious sect or people
native, naturalized or foreign
| of any -color-creed-lin-
| cage or tongue whatsoever.
i All to which ! have sworn by
! THIS oath-I will seal with my
j blood-be Thou my witness-Al-
il mighty Cod
i AMEN!
] Baptismal Ceremony Given In Full
] The beautiful Klan baptismal ssr.