The Birmingham age-herald., 1924-08-23
DAVIS CONDEMNS EFFORTS TO STIR
 RACIAL STRIFE
Denounces Hooded Order By Name In New
 Jersey Speech
(Continued From Page One. )

(Continued From Page One.) who believe, as l do, in American ideals"
 When Davis and his entourage left Friday night to return to New York, they were pleased over what they considered a shrewd political move and one which has brought satisfy ing response from the people who heard the address. In another part of : his address, Davis had attacked the republicans on half a dozen scores charges of scandal in the oil leases, the veteran bureau and the enforce ment of prohibition, condemnation of the tariff and an attack on repubIi- can policy. 1t was the Klan pro- nouncement, however, section of the speech not contained in advance copies given the press, which caught the imagination of the crowd and started motion in the sea of straw hats that topped the audience.
 It is understood that before leaving New York Davis decided to speak with out qualification in excorciating the Klan-the body which threw the demo- cratic convention into prolonged dis sension and had contributed in great de- gree to the deadlock which led to Davis nomination. This decision was reached after the nominee had conferred with Thomas J. Spellacy, his eastern mana ger, Governor Silzer, Frank Hague and Joseph Tumulty. Not only was it urged that the democrats should outlaw the Klan, as such, but is was pointed out that here was an opportunity to put the issue up to President Coolidge and force him to act.
 Asked Views
 Since my arrival in Seagirt," Davis explained in leading up to his climax, T have been asked by more than one person what views I entertained con corning the organization known as the Ku Klux Klan.
 T am constrained to think that those who ask this question did not hear nor have done me the honor to read the speech of acceptance which I delivered at Clarksburg on the eleventh day of this month.
 Tn that speech I took occasion to de- clare that nothing would so utterly de- Stroy our happiness and security at home and our dignity and influence abroad as the separation of the citizen ship of this country into discordant l affirm my personal belief in the great guarantee of religious freedom and re- ng1ous tolerance which has made this country what it is, and I assert it to be the solemn duty of every believer in American interests to oppose and chal- lenge, organized or unorganized, of this sacred doctrine, under whatever name or In whatever character it might ap- pear.
 It was my purpose to state these truths in language plain enough to leave no room for doubt or misunder- standing of my personal views; in terms sufficiently broad to include any and Al forms of bigotry, prejudice and in- tolerance.
 "On that declaration I stand.
 Whenever any organization, no matter what 1t chooses to be called whether Ku Klux Klan or by any other neme-raises the standard of racial or religious prejudice or at- tcmpts to make racial origin or reIigi- pus belief test of fitness for public office, 1t does violence to the spirit of American interests and must be condemned by all those who believe, as I do, in American ideals.
 Il repeat that these matters must not be permitted to divert attention of the public from vital questions now be- Tore them. venture, therefore, to ex- press the hope that the nominee of the republican party will see fit by some explicit declaration to join in entirely removing this topci from the field of po- Htical debate"