Atlanta tri-weekly journal. [volume] (Atlanta, Ga.) 1920-19??, 1924-02-14
S145,5OO IN CASH IS
PAID To EMPEROR |
BY EVANS FACTION
Palace Officials Asto1nded
to Learn Of Simmons Or
ganizing knights of Flanl-
ing Sword in Florida

William Joseph Simmons, emperor
and founder of the ku klux Khan,
has disposed of all his interests in
the invisible empire for a considera-
ton of $145, 500 in cash, has resign
ed as emperor and as a klansman,
and, according TO information receiv-
ed by imperial khan officials here
has placed himself at the head Of a
new organization known as the
knights of the Flaming Sword "
The transaction by which Colonel
Simmons disposed Of all his copy
rights and royalties in the khan, and (
also renowned his annuity of $1,000
per month, was concluded last Sat
urday, according to official announces
ment. Under the terms of the con.
tract on which the deal was based,
he agreed to cease all opposition to
the Ku Klux Khan and the regime OF
DR.. Hiram w. Evans, and pledged
movement or organization the pur-
pose of which is to disorganize, dis
rupt or in any way interfere with
or cause dissatisfaction among the
members of the khan.
Colonel Simmons. receiving the
cash payment of $145, 500 in lieu Of
all future payments of annuities,
retains 'Klankrest," the home which
the khan gave him many. months
ago, on Peachtree road
New Order Established
Concluding the transaction on Sat,
urday. Colonel Simmons left At
lanta for Florida on Sunday, and,
according to imperial khan officials
was present Monday at a meeting
of klansmen in Jacksonville, at
which, it is said, there was severe
criticism of the Evans regime, and
the knights OF the Flaming Sword"
formally organized with Colonel
Simmons at its head.
Formal announcement of the con-
summation of the transaction, and or
the meeting in Jacksonville at which
tho new organization was formed,
was made by Paul S. Etheridge, Of
fetal counsel for the khan and chief
of staff under DIR. Evans
Khan officials at the imperial
palace said they were astounded
Tuesday when news of the Jackson
vile. meeting reached them from
private sources.
Under the terms of the contract
between Colonel Simmons and the
khan, which was approved by the
imperial kloncilium and signed by
Colonel Simmons, his wife and DIR.
Evans as imperial wizard, all pend
ing litigation between the Simmons
and Evans factions is to be dismiss
ed There are several suits pending
involving receivership petitions and
legal proceedings to Gust the Evans
regime.
l. is understood that the amount
paid Colonel Simmons, $145,500, was
uIIlf Gl DIT ny d1 dCludTy VIII cOID-
puted Colonel Simmons expectancy
OF life, and figured the total amount
Of annuities he would receive If he
and his wife lived out their full exs
pectaneies.
Allowed to Keep Home
IT is also understood that Colonel
Simmons offered to return to the
Khan his home on Peachtree road,
bat this was declined.
Amos W. Braselton, president OF
the Braselton Mortgage company.
handled the transaction Throughout
its course, dealing with all parties
involved purely on a business basis,
and acting as q broker for Colonei
Simmons, Dr. Evans and the ka
KluX Khan Inc.
Friends OF Edward Young Clarke.
former acting imperial wizard of the
khan, who, with Colonel Simmons,
has headed the opposition TO the
Evans regime in the invisible eni
pire, were undecided Tuesday as to
the effect of Colonel Simmons re-
Lirement on the movement to GUST
DR.. Evans. A congress Of klansmen,
called by Mr. Clarke to meet in Al
anta on February &c, was expected
by them to result in some definite ac-
ton against the Evans faction, bnt
IN view of the present situation, it
is not known what the outcome
may be.
For many months there has been
friction, recently developing into
open warfare, between the Evans
ind Simmons factions of the khan.
Not long after the retirement OF
Colonel Simmons as imperial wizard
and the election of DR.. Evans to
hat post, differences began to arise
between the two leaders, finally re-
'ulting in litigation to Dust DIR.
Evans from control of the order.
This opposition was headed by Col
)nel Simmons and E. Y. Ctarke
whose contract with the khan was
evoked by DR.. Evans not long after
la became imperial wizard. I.
Several months ago a compromise
agreement was effected in the E'tfl-
on superior court, whereby Colonel
simmons was to receive $1,000 per
month during his lifetime. and the
kioncilium was to be made
~ Of representatives named by him
md by DIR. Evans thus preserving
he balance of power.
COburn Staying Recalled
Subsequently, however, efforts We're
made by klansmen in Philadelphia
MEMBERS of the Simmons faction. 10
brow the Khan into the hands OF
receiver on the ground that the
Continued on Pare z CoIu,,,x. q