The Minnesota fiery cross. (St. Paul, Minn.) 1924-19??, 1924-03-07

reform 60, no alternative except to
join the Khan or be content with
conversation. 1t has done much
good, both in improving the conduct
of it's members, in influencing the
conduct of others, and in cleaning
up bad local conditions.
But when all this has been granted,
the fact remains that the Khan also
involves and intensifies great evils.
Its use of violence has been so large
ly controlled that it is inconsider-
able. Its nomenclature and regalia
are after all more ridiculous than
dangerous. Its acceptance of so many
worthless members may-perhaps-
be excused in a new and fast-growing
organization. But the terroristic
symbolism remains, and an actual use
of terrorism, even though it be only
through scientific application of that
social and economic pressure
which is customary in any exercise OF
public opinion. The meddling with
private affairs is abominable, in
spite Of some good that results. 1t i.
sure road to greater evils, and is
indefensible in principle, intolerable
in any free society. This the Khan is
trying to eliminate, to be sure, but
it is an actual and great evil.
If it should cure these things,
however, there remain and will re-
main until the very nature of the
Khan itself changes, it's fundamental
principles of secrecy, espionage and
native, white, Protestant supremacy.
These things are inconsistent with an
Americanism under a declaration
which holds that all men are created
free and equal. They are dangerous
destructive, creative of disunity and
hatred and so long as they exist will
make impossible a free and united
nation. They cannot be too strongly
condemned.
Yeti have been unable to frame
any indictment of the Khan for these
sins which does not cover other Sc
cret organizations, based also on mar
row race and religious division. No
reason has appeared why it must be
suppressed so long as they are toll
Grated. The Khan may claim, with
out possibility of 'disproof, that these
threaten Americanism directly as we'll
as indirectly, while it's menace is only
indirect and its direct action is de-
fensive of the national spirit, that
they were first in the field, chose the
weapons and gave the provocation,
and that it has no choice but to fight
them on their own ground. II that
is true, the blame for the situation
rests upon them, not on the Khan.
1t may not be true, but it cannot be
disproved.
From these facts it may be urged
that the Khan, in spite of all it's evils
and dangers, may do the country
good, like a noxious medicine or a
thunderstorm. Certainly there is
need of a better national digestion
and clearer air. 1t is, / suppose, a
matter of personal choice whether
one prefers to endure the illness a
little longer or until it gets worse,
or take such a violent and descriptive
dose, which may prove poisonous.
! should like inconcluding this Sc
ries to make few general observa-
tions about the Khan which do not
rest on definite proof and which may
be no more than personal opinions,
though / believe them more impor-
tant than that.
The first is that the Khan is no
very hideous menace. II can do much
harm, beyond doubt, and will do
some. The prejudices it has re-
leased, the turmoil it has aroused,
its wrong principles and wrong
methods are all dangerous and might
be serious indeed. Perhaps / am a
little weary of many menaces, but in
spite of these things / cannot see that
II is likely to do any great or irrep-
arabic harm.
For one thing, we can depend very
largely on the general good sense and
fairness of the members. They are
not a mob, nor naturally cruel or I'M
just. The flare of prejudice will die
quickly unless fed from outside. One
correspondent declares that II the
Khan Is not suppressed il wi II be
burning converts in New York, rs
was done by a mob in the thirties.
IL this Is possible, then the decidedly
alien government Of New York needs
oyerhauling, even rs the Khan says,
Rut I cannnt belieVo IA pOssible ayen