The Indianapolis times. [volume] (Indianapolis [Ind.]) 1922-1965, 1928-04-09


Opposing counsel fought bit
terly over the question of
whether members of the
"rebel" faction had been le-
gally banished from the Penn
sylvania realm of the order.
The suit in equity brought by the
State organization to prevent five
rebel" members from interfering
with the operation of the organiza-
ton. and the counter suit brought
by the defendants to have the Klan
banished in Pennsylvania, is being
tried before Judge H. S. Thompson.
Four Witnesses Called
Four witnesses had been called by
the plaintiff organization when
court recessed at noon,
The administration forces of I'M
perial Wizard Hiram w. Evans con-
tended that Attorney Van A. Bar
rickman and four co-defendants no
longer members of the order.
They attempted to establish this
through testimony of the Rev. Her
bert Shaw, grand dragon OF the
realm of Pennsylvania.
Barrickman, who also is defense
counsel, attempted to show that he
and members Of his faction had
never been properly expelled.
The hearing today is on the suit
brought by the Klan against five
rebellious members, including Bar
rickman. They are being sued for
100000 each and an injunction is
asked to restrain them'from inter
fleming with the organization in the
State.
The counter suit of the five de-
PENDANTS to have the Klan ban
ished in Pennsylvania and an ac-
counting Of money made will fol-
low.
Connaughton of Washington, M
]. Hosack of Pittsburgh and j. H.
Sullivan appeared as attorneys for
the Klan.
Lews J. Watkinshaw of Green's
burg, Pa. and Van A. Barrickman
of Pittsburgh appeared as attorneys
for the rebel" group of klansmen.
Shaw testified Barrickman had
been banished by the imperial wiz
ard. Connaughton requested that
Barrickman bring into court the
paper ordering his banishment.
Banishment Is Denied
81 have a paper in my Office, but
It is no banishment," Barrickman
said.
Barrickman questioned Shaw con-
cerning a meeting at which 1t was
alleged Shaw had revoked the
charter of the William Penn Klan
No. 1876 of Pittsburgh, when the
khan had assembled to hear the case
of Barrickman.
Barrickman attempted to show
that some of the men had not been
expelled until after the present
suits had been filed.
Shaw claimed he had revoked the
charter Of the lodge in question be-
cause its attitude was "a defiance to
the imperial wizard"
Charge Many Crimes
The defendants named in the
original suit brought by the Klan
are the Rev. John F. Strayer of
Latrobe, Pa; DR.. Charles F. Hunter
of North BeSsemer, Ra. William G.
Davis of Manor, Pa; Charles F. Oyer
of Williamsburg, Pa, and Barrick-
man.
Murders, lynchings, riots and
other crimes we're laid at the door
of the Klan in the answer and cross
bill of the rebels.
These charges were supported by
dispositions obtained from Col Will
liam j. Simmons, founder and
former imperial wizard, and D. G.
Stephenson, former grand dragon of
Indiana, who is serving a life sem
tence for murder.
The Stephenson deposition was
secured by Barrickman, chief coun-
sci for the rebels, who went to the
Indiana State penitentiary in
Michigan City. An attorney for the
Klan was present when the deposi-
ton was taken.
Simmons is expected to be the
star witness for the rebels. He is
said to, have been in seclusion in
Pittsburgh for several days, con-
terring with rebel Klansmen.