The call of the North. [volume] (St. Paul, Minn.) 1923-1924, 1924-02-01
THREAT NOTE SAYS NO
MORE kLAN PICTURES
XXX
Important Part of Machine Found
Missing in Theatre At Deca-
tur, Indiana.
XXX
Un-American Act Causes Great In
flux to Klan Ranks-Indignation
Rampant in Adams County.
u II

Rampant IN Adams County.
XXX
DECATUR, Ind.-No arrests has
followed the theft of portions of a
moving picture machine from the
Mecca threatre in this city when
thieves are said to have entered the
playhouse and stolen certain parts of
the projecting machine which made
impossible the showing of a Klan
photoplay entitled "The Traitor With
in" and which was scheduled to be
shown here on last Thursday and
Friday nights. A note left by the
vandals givs evidence that the act was
that of aliens and the act was in keep
ing with the tactics being employed
by enemies of the Ku Klux Klan.
Threats that serious damage would
be done if the management permitted
any more TX. X. X. pictures" was
contained in the missive which read:
"These parts will be returned by
Saturday provided no more X. X. X.
pictures are shown in Decatur, but
next time it will be more serious"
No Attempt to Prosecute
The parts taken are valued at
about $4,000, and, according to local
newspapers, the management as
serted that no attempt would be
made to prosecute the person who
took the parts if they were returned.
The parts, it is understood were re-
turned to the Crystal theatre on
Saturday night and it is said that
the management of the Mecca theatre
"has a good idea who took them"
At the time of theft the persons
who had leased the theatre at
tempted to persuade the manage
ment to let them use a portable ma
chine. This was refused it is un-
derstood, because of certain fire
regulations. The picture was then
taken to Bluffton, Indiana, and
shown at playhouse in that city.
The reels were recently completed
and have been shown at other cities
in the state. Part of the picture was
filmed at Fort Wayne during the big
armistice celebration held by the
Klan there. A great part of the mag
nifcient parade at that place is
shown in the film.
The un-American act has created
great excitement here which has re-
bounded greatly to the benefit of the
Klan and as result it is understood
that a great influx of members had
resulted. The proof brought home to
the many staunch Americans in
Adams county, that the rights of
Americans are being infringed upon
and that an organization such as is
the Klan is needed in America at
this time, has caused a rush to the
ranks of the Klan.
Many Hundreds Disappointed
Many hundreds of persons were
disappointed when it was found that
a performance was not possible and
this added to the resentment felt by
many persons. That the act of the
aliens who perpetuated the deed act
ed as a boomerang is conceded here
by many who formerly were not
friendly to the Klan. The great num-
Der of applications which have been
received at Klan headquarters since
the act of un-Americanism plainly
shows, it is said, the temper Of Amer
leans at this time.
While the theft has reacted great
ly to the benefit Of the Klan organ
ization in Adams county, Klansmen
regret very much that such an Incl
dent should occur in this county.
It could not be learned today
whether or not a further attempt
would be made to show the picture
] in this city.