Fiery Cross, Volume 2, Number 53, Indianapolis, Marion County, 2 November 1923 — Page 1

ERY CM INDIANA STATE EDITION INDIANA STATE EDITION "THERE IS NO FAILURE EXCEPT FAILURE TO SERF E THE PURPOSE" VOLUME II, NUMBER 53 INDIANAPOLIS, IND., FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 2, 1923 PRICE FIVE CENTS

THE

Yens of Thousands Prepare for Meet WOULD TAKE CITY HALL

Suit :--A&iinst : K1an "Fading bANG IKIO STATE HOUSE

vim .

FORT WAYNE

IS READY

GIANT THRONG

KLANSMKN F It 0 M JIICslKJAN. KKMICKV, OHIO AMI 1LLIMUN WILL ATTENH MEKT

lt;:lls for Magnificent Parade Practically Complete Cars Iire:l to llie Park

Are

REND AWAY

I

ORI

I)E( li)KI) ( hax;i: BY WlilTF.liS TOWAIM)

r EEN

EAST FUN KLAN

HARVARD KLAN GROWS IN POPULARITY, SAYS UNIVERSITY PAPER

"The Crimson" Declares That Growth Has Been Steady for Past Two Years

VOICED IN EDITORIALS

(By Staff ( orrpsi;iidiit)

FOKT WAYNii, Iml., (XI. 29. Indiana jiibl can't have a big celebration by itself. Klansinen from other states see to that. When the big meet war. planed at Kokomo, tens of thousands of Klansmen journeyed there from other states, anil now with the big demonstration and celebration in this city on November 10 drawing near, word conns from Michigan,

Ohio, Kentucky and Illinois that Klansmen in those states are preparing to attend. However, Indiana Klansmen arc anything but selfish and will welcome the visitors from out of state with open arms and do everything possible to make them have a wonderful time. To date, Michigan shows the greatest activity among the states named and thousands of Klansmen urr planning to make the trip to Fort Wayne one week front next Saturday. It now appears that Michigan will be- represented by Klansmen from every community, in the Wolverine state. Airplane From Mu'liltjnii One of, the features pftjmi'fed by

the Michigan Klansmen is in air plane which- will fly to. Port Wayne with Colors streaming from McComb county. Plans are now under way in Detroit to make up special trains. Reports from Kalamazoo. Coldwater, Flint, Saginaw, Bay City and many other places declare Klansmen in those towns ready to make the trip. From points in Kentucky comes news of Klansmen planning for the trip and in Illinois, Klansmen have long ago announced their Intention of being present at what is expected to be one of the biggest meetings ever held by Klansmen. Ohio, which is much closer than the last two sautes named, will most probably have

large numbers there. Local committees have almost I perfected all details for the gigantic I Klonklave and th r i: o the parade has been annouiu . d. The precession : is to be a most gorgeous affair and much woik is being done to perfect the details on this alone. The parade will be repute with bands and floats and will have many features. Women of the Ku Klux Klan have volunteered their service in preparing many of the t'o -its." It has been announced that the Women of tne Ku Klux Klan will hold an initiation in this city on that day. They w ill uKo have speakers of national note at their meeting. Cars Direct to Park As has been previously announced arrangements haw been made to run interurban cars carrying Klansmen direct to the park in which the meeting is t i be held. At that piace ample dressing room.; have been provided for visiting Klansmen and

parking space f'r niloists has been arranged for the convenience of the thousand! who will come by anfo. Imperial Wizard Evans, the Grand Iragon of Indiana, national and Ktate officials of the Klan will be present. Nationally-known speakers will deliver addresses and all the prominent Klansinen of the country will be present at the mammoth gathering. Committees composed of local Klansmen have w'orked unceasingly since the first announcement of the magnificent event of Klandom and each day sees the effect of their work.

Quest ion Arises as to Whether America:! Legion Condemned the Eti Klux Klan

"Non-Discrimination" Policy Has Aided Organizations, Says College Publication

JACK WALTON

ARRIVES AT LAST DITCH

"FOrOIEIT GOVERNOR OF OKLAHOMA QUAILS BEFORE 1MPEACH MENT THURSDAY IS BAY SET

MOTION TO DISMISS UNDER ADVISEMENT BY JUDGE ANDERSON

(Special to Fiery Cross)

NEW YORK, Oct. 29. The steady! trend away from the scathing editorials against the Knights of the Ku Klux Klan, by New York news

papers as well as newspapers in the

east, is becoming most noticeable. In

many- cases the editorials are of a pro-Klan nature, although there are, of course, exceptions to this rule where the owners of papers are known to be most bitter opponents of the Klan organization. One of the most outstanding editorials in this connection is one that appeared in the New York Sun of October 19 in regard to the resolution passed by the American Legion and which was taken as a condemnation

ot tna Klan although no name was mentioned. The Sun points out that an un

equivocal dnii relation cf the Klan was voted down by a ballot of 815 to 142 and that after a "mild '.'enunciation" was voted tb.vou.gi.', the Legion went on record as favoring one of the issues which the Klan is fighting for, namely, that of stopping

foreign immigration. AVr.s the Klan Condemned I In fact, the question, "Did the Legion condemn the Klan?" hasarisen. It has been pointed out that the resolution could have more aptly referred to other organizations than

to tire" Klan

(Special to The Fiery Cross)

CAMBRIDGE, Mass., Oct. 29. That the Klan has gained great strength within the precincts of Harvard University is no longer to be doubted. According to The Crimson, the undergraduate daily, the Klan has been organized in Harvard for the past two years and it is known that it has grown steadily since that time. "Like all organizations," says The Crimson, "the Klan has sought for a representative membership. While

few prominent undergraduates have

openly declared their allegiance, yet, from-the very nature of the organization, it is impossible to tell what man's friend or acquaintances may belong or may be aspiring for membership." Professors Reported as Members According to the article carried in

The Crimson the Klan has grown more powerful each month. Last year the university decreed that no disci tLainaiion should be shown against students who were members of the jC'.fin. At about that time it was reported that a number of pro-

i fesscrs in the university had become

members of the Klan organization, and from many reports received from time to time it would seem that the Klan has been very strong within the college for some length of time. From what is taken to be an authentic source comes information

! that a drive for membership among

the students who have entered the

school this fall is about to be put

Wild Ex-Engineer Mnst Go Before Committee and Explain Act That Disgraced State

New York World Correspondent Bitterly Disappointed at Not "Getting a Story"

Plaintiffs Withdraw Plea for Temporary Receiver for Ku Klux Klan Organization

Horse -Trading Burlesque Performer and World's Premier Clown Exhibits Usual Arrogance and Would Turn Over Capitol Building to Bill Armitage Fred Cline of Riley Hospital Fame Takes a Straw Vote Stupidity Amazing.

"Whereas," the first paragraph of i under way. It can no longer be

the resolution reads, "the funda- doubted that the Klan membership -p,.ai)p was placed at the head of the

(By Staff Correspondent) OKLAHOMA" CITY, Okla., Oct. 29. Thursday is the day set on which Jack Walton, "former" governor of this state, must face the committee that is asking many questions that Walton is finding hard to answer. Walton stands accused of incompetency, conuption and moral turpitude. He must face twenty-two

counts and explain, if possible, why he threw the state of Oklahoma into a turmoil and brought disgrace to its fair name. These things, however, are but a few of the many things which the arrogant executive must explain. Hearings before the impeachment

committee are now under way. To

this date luembe-s of the committee have refused to divulge any of the findings. Has Reached Last Ditch Walton is 'Ightins to the last ditch but it now appears that that par

ticular ditch h's been reached. Bluffing has been one of the chief characteristics of the ex-engineer and his moves now are considered only bluffing and little attention is being paid . to his remarks. There is no move made by those who would rid the state of a grandstanding governor, that is not "protested" by Walton, regardless cf the absurdity of the protest. He pro

tested when Lieutenant-Governor

mental law oi our country guarantees to all the peoples equal rights and equal opportunities and the right1 to worship their Cod as they see fit." i In view of the fact that each Klansman takes an oath to uphold i the constitution, which guarantees the right of each citizen to worship ;

God as be so -desires, it can hardly

be said that the first paragraph could (Continued on Page S)

KLAN PARADES AND INITIATES AT QUINCY Large Crowd Attends Ceremony and Enthusiasm Runs High Splendid Talk

Klan Holds Rites for Robert Wittenberg TKRItK HAITI:, Ind., Oct. . 2!. Following services at the First Un'ted Hro'hren Church, a dozen Knights of the Ku Klux Klan, in regalia of the order, appeared at the grave of Robert Wittenberg in Highland Lawn cemetery last Saturday and conducted the funeral rites of (he organization. Floral tributes were most beautiful and so numer

ous that three touring cars wore used to carry them to th-e place of Interment. Among these offerings was an Immense pillow bearing K. K. K. in red letters. This was placed upon the grave by the robed Knights during the ritual. The deceased died from Injuries received in an automobile accident here last week.

Ql'IXCY. Ind., Oct. 27. A crowd estimated at from two to three thousand perr.oiii;, attended a meeting of the Knights of the Ku Klux Klan at the picnic grounds near here last Saturday night and witnessed the naturalization of a large class of candidates who took the oath of Americanism in the light of a large fiery cross. A good sized parade was also held and the long lines of Klansinen in foil regalia were cheered al

most continuously by the enthusias

tic crowd that surged along the side lines. The music was furnished by the 15th infantry band ot New Richmond which is composed of 38 pieces ami renders a musical program that is hard to excel. Crowd Hears Address After the parade a well-known speaker addressed the crowd with a stirring talk on the principles of the Ku Klux Klan and was heartily and enthusiastically received. After the address, which was interrupted many times with applause, the speaker waa surrounded by an admiring group and was heartily congratulated for his splendid dis

course, it was said uy many that It was by far the best lecture that

had been heard in Owen county this year. The Klan is growing rapidly here, and sentiment of those who are not yet affiliated is leaning strongly toward it. It is agreed that the recent meeting will cause a large swell in membership, as applications are coming in daily since that time.

in Harvard has reached amazing

figures. In a dispatch to the New York Tribune it is stated that the Women of the Ku Klux Klan is becoming active at Radcliffe. In regard to this The Crimson says: "Co-education may not appear as a plank of the platform, as published by the Klan. yet it has lately looked with no aversion on the founding of a branch of the women's organization at Radcliffe." Harvard 'o Exception Harvard is no exception among

the colleges throughout the country, as from all of them comes news of Klan activities among the students. Harvard, however, is believed to have more members than any of the colleges or universities east of Indiana. In that state it is understood that all the leading colleges, as well as the smaller ones, have active Klans in fact, newspaper stories have appeared telling of active participation in Klan parades by the students,

!lThere are indications,'' says The Crimson, "that the next few weeks will see the largest drive yet for

Klan membership at Harvard. As yet the branch has worked under considerable secrecy, but, coupled with this drive, the Cambridge public may expect the Klan to pursue a more open policy, leading probably to a formal statement of its aims and platform. Appeals to All

"The platform," continues the article, "to which the Harvard branch subscribes appeals at once

to men of the most advanced and most conservative political opinions." The Harvard daily declares that "the Klan, as such, has not interfered with the social or religious organizations," and says that it is still growing in popularity.

state government when he (Walton)

was "relieved" of his duties as chief executive, but the protest was of no avail. Walton has proven to the world that there was no "fight with the

Klan" in Oklahoma and that he merely used this subterfuge to stave

off investigations into his official

acts. It is believed that Walton

feels that he will never again sit in the governor's chair and if one small part cf the charges are true that have been placed against him, he

knows tnat he is facing an extremity. His wild career is now being checked and re-checked and investigators are digging deep into the mass of evidence now before them. Many Accusations Walton has been charged with misuse of the state's money and this in itself presents a most serious charge. This, however, is but one of the many accusations hurled at Walton. The method chosen by

(Continued on Page 8)

The suit which was filed in Federal court praying for a receivership and injunction against the Klan, by "six residents of South Bend," with a blare of trumpets by "Mad" Pat O'Donnell and Joe Roach, assassin has finally dropped from the newspapers and is slowly sinking into oblivion. One of the saddest results is the bitter disappointment suffered by the special writers of The New York World, who journeyed here to "cov

er" the trial. . As sad as it may seem, j The New York World is now forced !

to flounder about without the story. As the case now stands, Judge Anderson has under advisement the dismissal of the entire suit. The first step in the case after it came

before Judge Anderson was his denial to the plaintiffs of their request that he order the Klan to turn over its records before the date set for the hearing on October 24. The second step was the withdrawal by the "six residents of South Bend," of that part of the claim seeking a temporary receivership. Motion Filed by Klan Then came the petition to the

court by attorneys for the Klan that the entire suit be dismissed. The motion presented by the Klan listed

nine reasons for dismissing the complaint.

L. Ert Slack, Klan attorney, in his

motion for dismissal alleged that the suit and matter alleged in the bill

of complaint did "not" really and substantially involve a dispute or

controversy properly within the jurisdiction of the court; that neither the rights, privileges nor immunities of either of the complainants have been interfered with or impaired or in any manner affected by defendant; that the suit was not brought where the defendant resides, to wit, the state of Georgia, where the defendant was incorporated and has its domicile; that the bill of complaint was multifarious; that the

plaintiffs were not entitled to relief prayed for; that the complaint docs not state facts sufficient to warrant

court granting eouitable relief as

prayed for; that the sum or value of the matter in controversy does not exceed f 3,000; that the bill of com

plaint is a nonjoinder of defendants; and that the bill of complaint was "deficient in certainty." This motion is now under advisement. The 'Federal court docket is now crowded to excess and by the time the case finally comes up, should not Judge Anderson dismiss it, so much time will have passeu that the Klan will have proved beyond all peradventure of a doubt (Continued on Page 8)

Auctioneer and Alleged Mayor Thinks Voters Will Forget Czar Rikhoff and His Gang of Protestant Haters, Mike Glenn, Joe Roach, "Hate Prophet" O'Brien and Pat O'Donnell Talks of Equality in

Face ot Acts of Mad Police Department Klansmen Welcome Opportunity to Cross Swords With Professional Gambler's Underling

(By Wingfoot) Limber Lunged Lew, horse trader, burlesque performer, auctioneer, member of the un-American Unity League and the world's premier clown, has tossed his hat into the ring, and Bill

Armitage, with his long police record, has arisen from the station of a professional gambler to that of a ringmaster. Evi

dently believing that Barnum was right when he said a fool

was born every minute, Limber Lunged Lew declares that he

will run tor governor of Indiana, figuring that Barnum's ration will elect him governor of this state. Not satisfied with the insult flung at the intelligence of the voters of Indiana by declaring himself a candidate for governor, Limber Lunged Lew further insults the citizens by telling them he will take "the city hall force with him."

RENSSELAER RILLS AN 'ANTf ORDINANCE

Council Repeals Law That Cast Odium on Town Klan Has Steady Growth

Terre Haute Klan Glee Club at Greencastle GREENCASTLE, . '., Oct. 29.

After a successful tour in which they played to capacity houses for the last few months, the American Glee Club Minstrels of the Terre Haute Klan played here to a large audience on the night of October 25.

The show waa full of peppy song

and witty jokes, and was thoroughly

enjoyed by those present who were

liberal with their applause.

The membership of the club Is

composed of about sixty persons.

Five Hundred Dollars for the Big Idea

RENSSELAER, Ind., Oct. 27. At a

meeting of the common council Mon

day evening the ordinance providing

for the repeal of the "Mask Ordinance" was adopted under suspen

sion of the rules and immediately signed by Mayor Stockton.

Rensselaer has achieved considerable unenviable notoriety by reason

of the enactment of the original or

dinance last January and all trae Americans are highly gratified at the

action of the council and the mayor

in .wiping out the obnoxious ordinance which has been holding this city in the same class as Lafayette and a few other towns in which alien

influences are still in control.

Would "Remain Neutral" One member of the council, an exsaloon keeper, who is charged with posing as a petty boss on numerous occasions, clearly revealed the sinister control behind his acts when he

refused to vote on the repealing ordinance and is quoted as saying that he had been instructed by the priest

to remain neutral." The other four

members of the council voted in the affirmative.

Jasper county is well organized

and the Klan is making a steady growth. It is expected that a demon

stration will be held here in the near future which will inculde a parade that will open the eyes of a few pusillanimous Protestants and their alien dictators.

It seems to be the "open season" for that type of long-

necked birds who announce themselves as candidates for office on an "anti-Klan ticket."

As the Klan is not in politics, never has been in politics, never will be in politics, and does not now and never will have political candidates in the field, the question naturally arises why the "anti-Klan" issue becomes a political issue in the minds of so many "would-be" politicians. The Fiery Cross, "full of the faith of its readers," would really like to know and is looking for an answer. Five hundred dollars in cash will be paid to the Salvation Army Summer Camp for Crippled Children when Limber Lunged Lew Shank gives seven specific political reasons to the Fiery Cross why he is an "anti-Klan" candidate and why he himself makes it an issue in his alleged race for governor. The people of Indiana and Fiery Cross readers are entitled to know just why the big idea for an "anti-Klan ticket." Where are we to secure the answer if not from Limber Lunged Lew himself? He best knows the reason and intends to make political capital out of this issue and should be glad to secure the widest publicity by giving his reasons. Come now -let's be frank; we hope Limber Lunged Lew :an give the seven specific political reasons and in turn we expect to give the five hundred dollars to a worthy cause. It is certainly worth it if Limber Lunged Lew for once in his life will clearly define his political position and give an intelligent answer.

PRINCETON MAYOR

LAUDS KLAN IN TALK

Delivers Address Before Big Meeting All-Day Picnic and Parade Is Held

PRINCETON, Ind., Oct. 29. De

claring that the Ku Klux Klan has

aided the peace officers in law en

forcement, in Gibson county, Mayor

A. Niemeier, of this city, on last

Thursday delivered an address be

fore thousands of Klansmen at the county fair grounds at which an allday picnic and celebration was held by the Klan. "Here in Gibson county," said Mayor Niemeier, "this organization has on many occasions assisted our peace officers in bringing law violators to swift justice, and I know of only one case in Indiana in which a

great parade of the Ku Klux Klan has been marred by any disorder and in this instance I do know that the

next day Klan investigators, co-op-

(Continned on Page 8)

Can any resident of Indiana (esne-

cialiy of Indianapolis) imagine the city hall bunch in the state house? It would be fine, however, for the park board because cf the fact that from the dome each dav

could view the Riley hospital grounds, a peculiar piece of property amid the river dumps that jumped in value approximately $48,000 just previous to being purchased hv that

body for $78,500 and in which purchase Fred Cline played such a prominent part the same Fred Cline who has just returned with a straw vote showing "the people want Limber Lunged Lew for governor." His accomplishment is to be rivaled only by that of Captain Pope who took pictures of the missing link in the East while working on "the water works case." Klansmen Delighted Klansmen of Indiana are indeed

delighted at the opportunity to cross swords with Limber Lunged Lew in his challenge to the honest men of the state of Indiana. They are delighted to know that he has taken -the philosophical view expressed in

his statement, "I may be beat, but it won't make a durned bit of difference to me." This will indeed give the titular mayor of Indianapolis an opportunity to retire behind his grease-covered front lawn and indulge in all the profanity he wishes to put before the youth of the state, because he is scheduled to take the path blazed by Lawrence Lyons, re

opened by Governor Allen of Kansas, trailed by Governor Parker of Louisiana and paved by former Governor Walton of Oklahoma. It is amusing to read the rantings of Limber Lunged Lew, who i sstaggering through a burlesque political career like Nero fleeing before the verdict of the Roman Senate. Lew says. "I

have got a lot of good friends who are supposed to belong to the Klan but I am a candidate for governor and I am not going to ask any of them to vote for me because I am straight out against the Kluxers." "He'll Be Surprised" Lew, the race track frequenter, says he "will find out how many Kluxers there are in Indiana." If he is really anxious to find out, he has chosen the proper way. When the votes are counted "he'll be surprised."

In another paragraph EeTT Is

quoted by the Sunday Star, newspaper espouscr of Lew's race, as saying, "I am not going to pussyfoot about It. If there are more Kluxers in this state then we will have a

Kluxer governor and I will live under him but I believe the constitution gives every man the rieht to

live as he believes, and I do not believe there are more Kluxers In Indiana than folks who want visible government." The words "visible government," of course, are stolen

thunder which Lew took from the recent spectacular Jack Walton ot Oklahoma where the Klan made itself so visible that an honest man who believes, in a government founded upon the eternal principle of the consent of the governed nw Continued on Page 8) .