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J. C. Lester and D. L. Wilson and Walter L. Fleming
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Title: Ku Klux Klan
Its Origin, Growth and Disbandment
Author: J. C. Lester
D. L. Wilson
Walter L. Fleming
Release Date: March 29, 2010 [EBook #31819]
Language: English
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* * * * *
KU KLUX KLAN
ITS ORIGIN, GROWTH AND
DISBANDMENT
BY
J.C. LESTER AND D.L. WILSON
WITH
APPENDICES CONTAINING THE PRESCRIPTS
OF THE KU KLUX KLAN, SPECIMEN
ORDERS AND WARNINGS
WITH
INTRODUCTION AND NOTES
BY
WALTER L. FLEMING, PH. D.
_Professor of History in West Virginia University; Author
of "Civil War and Reconstruction in Alabama."_
NOTE OF ACKNOWLEDGMENT.
Assistance was given to me while searching for information in regard
to Ku Klux Klan, by many former members of the order, and by their
friends and relatives. Of especial value were the details given to me
by Major James R. Crowe, of Sheffield, Alabama; the late Ryland
Randolph, Esq., and his son, Ryland Randolph, Jr., of Birmingham,
Alabama; Judge Z.T. Ewing, of Pulaski, Tennessee; Miss Cora R. Jones,
of Birmingham, Alabama, niece of one of the founders of the Klan; Mr.
Lacy H. Wilson, of Bristol, Tennessee, the son of one of the authors
of the History printed within, Major S.A. Cunningham and Mr. A.V.
Goodpasture, of Nashville, and Dr. John A. Wyeth, of New York City.
There is still much that is obscure about Ku Klux Klan and I shall be
glad to obtain additional information in regard to the order, and also
to receive notice of mistakes and errors in this account.
W.L.F.
CONTENTS
PAGE
INTRODUCTION.
BY WALTER L. FLEMING. 13
KU KLUX KLAN.
BY J.C. LESTER AND D.L. WILSON.
PAGE
Chapter I. The Origin 47
Chapter II. The Spread of the Klan 68
Chapter III. The Transformation 83
Chapter IV. The Decline 100
Chapter V. Disbandment 125
APPENDICES.
PAGE
Appendix I. Prescript of Ku Klux Klan 133
Appendix II. Revised and Amended Prescript of Ku Klux Klan 151
Appendix III. Constitution of a Local Order 177
Appendix IV. Ku Klux Orders, Warnings, and Oaths 187
Index 199
ILLUSTRATIONS
1. Badge worn by high officials of the Klan. See outside cover.
PAGE
2. Some Klansmen 19
3. General Nathan Bedford Forrest, Grand Wizard 28
4. General John B. Gordon 33
5. Room in which the Klan was organized 53
6. Costumes worn in Mississippi and West Alabama 58
7. Costumes worn in Tennessee and North Alabama 97
8. Carpetbaggers Listening to a Ku Klux Report, (Cartoon) 113
9. The Fate of the Carpetbagger and the Scalawag, (Cartoon) 192
10. A Specimen Warning sent by the Klan 196
"When laws become lawless contrivances to defeat
the ends of justice, it is not surprising that
the people resort to lawless expedients for
securing their rights."--_S.S. Cox, in "Three
Decades," p. 558._
INTRODUCTION
BY
WALTER L. FLEMING
INTRODUCTION.
By WALTER L. FLEMING, Ph. D.,
Professor of History in West Virginia University.
Twenty-one years ago there was privately printed in Nashville,
Tennessee, a little book by J.C. Lester and D.L. Wilson, that
purported to be an account, from inside information, of the great
secret order of Reconstruction days, known to the public as Ku Klux
Klan. It attracted little notice then; and since that time it has not
been given the attention it deserved as a historical document.[1] At
the time of writing, sectional feeling was still inflamed; the
Northern people were not ready to hear anything favorable about the Ku
Klux Klan, which they considered a band of outlaws and murderers; and
the Southern people were not desirous of being reminded of the
dreadful Reconstruction period. Many of the members of the Klan who
had been hunted for their lives, and who were still technically
outlawed, were unwilling to make known their connection with the order
and some even considered their oaths still binding. But since the book
was printed, the Prescripts or Constitutions of the order have come to
light, and the ex-members are now generally willing to tell all they
know about the organization. As yet, no other member has written an
account of the Klan, though several have been projected, and Lester
and Wilson's History seems likely to remain the only one written
altogether from inside sources.
The authors, Capt. John C. Lester and Rev. D.L. Wilson, were in 1884,
when the booklet was written, residents in Pulaski, Tennessee, where
the first Den of the Klan was founded. Major Lester was one of the six
original members of the Pulaski Den or Circle. He made a fine record
as a soldier in the Civil War in the Third Tennessee (Confederate)
Infantry, and afterwards became a lawyer and an official in the
Methodist Church, and was a member of the Tennessee legislature at the
time of writing the book. Rev. D.L. Wilson, who put the account into
its present form, was born in 1849, in Augusta County, Virginia. He
went to school to Jed Hotchkiss and was graduated as valedictorian of
his class from Washington and Lee University, in 1873, and a year
later from the Union Theological Seminary, near Hampden-Sidney,
Virginia. From 1874 to 1880 he was pastor of a Presbyterian church at
Broadway, Virginia, and from 1880 to 1902 he served a church in
Pulaski, Tennessee. He died in 1902 after a six months' residence in
Bristol, Tennessee, as pastor of the First Presbyterian Church. He was
not a member of the Klan, but was acquainted with the founders and
with many other former members, and had access to all the records of
the order that had not been destroyed. In addition to information
received from other members, Wilson was assisted by Captain Lester,
who furnished most of the facts used, revised the manuscript and the
book was printed with both names on the title page.
As a general account of the Ku Klux movement Lester and Wilson's
History leaves something to be desired. It is colored too much by
conditions in Tennessee. No knowledge is shown of other organizations
similar to Ku Klux Klan, when in fact there were several other very
important ones, such as the White Brotherhood, the White League, the
Pale Faces, the Constitutional Union Guards, and one, the Knights of
the White Camelia,[2] that was larger than the Klan and covered a
wider territory. Then, too, in an attempt to make a moderate statement
that would be generally accepted, the authors failed to portray
clearly the chaotic social, economic and political conditions that
caused the rise of such orders, and in endeavoring to condemn the acts
of violence committed under cloak of the order they went too far in
the direction of apologetic explanation. Consequently, the causes seem
somewhat trivial and the results not very important.[3] It would seem
from their account that after a partial success, the movement failed
in its attempt to regulate society, and degenerated into general
disorder. This is a superficial conclusion and is not concurred in by
the survivors of the period and those who understand the conditions of
that time. The remnants of such a secret, illegal order were certain
to degenerate finally into violence, but before it reached this stage
it had accomplished much good in reducing to order the social
chaos.[4]
[Illustration: SOME KLANSMEN
1. D.L. Wilson, one of the authors of "Ku Klux Klan." 2. Major
J.R. Crowe, one of the founders. 3. Captain John C. Lester, one
of the founders. 4. General Albert Pike, chief judicial officer.
5. General W.J. Hardee. 6. Calvin Jones, one of the founders. 7.
Ryland Randolph.]
In view of the fact that the Lester and Wilson account does not
mention names it will be of interest to examine the _personnel_ of the
original Pulaski Circle, out of which the Klan developed. (See p. 52).
There were six young men in the party that first began to meet in the
fall and winter of 1865: (1) Captain John C. Lester, of whom something
has been said. (2) Major James Richard Crowe, now of Sheffield,
Alabama, who was a native of Pulaski and was educated at Waterbury
Academy and Giles College. When the Civil War began he was studying
law in Marion, Alabama, and enlisted at once in the Marion Rifles,
Company "G," Fourth Alabama Infantry. Later he was transferred to the
35th Tennessee Infantry. He was in the battles of Manassas, Fort
Donelson, Shiloh, Shelton's Hill, White Farm, Richmond, Perrysville,
and others of less importance. Three times he was severely wounded and
twice discharged for disability. He was captured with Sam Davis and
both were tried as spies; Crowe was acquitted and Davis was hanged. He
has held high rank in the Masonic order and has been an official in
the Cumberland Presbyterian Church. (3) John Kennedy, the only
survivor of the original six except Major Crowe. He was a soldier in
the 3rd Tennessee Infantry during the Civil War, is a Presbyterian,
and an honored citizen of Lawrenceburg, Tennessee. (4) Calvin Jones,
son of Judge Thomas M. Jones, was a lawyer, and a member of the
Episcopal Church. He was Adjutant of the 32nd Tennessee Infantry
during the Civil War. (5) Richard R. Reed was a lawyer, a
Presbyterian, and during the war had served in the 3rd Tennessee
Infantry. (6) Frank O. McCord was editor of the _Pulaski Citizen_, a
Methodist, and had been a private soldier in the Confederate service.
Two others came in at the second or third meeting--Capt. J.L. Pearcy,
later of Nashville, now of Washington, D.C., and James McCallum.[5]
The founders were all of Scotch-Irish descent and most of them were
Presbyterians.
In regard to the founding of the Pulaski Circle, Major J.R. Crowe
says: "Frank O. McCord was elected Grand Cyclops, and James R. Crowe,
Grand Turk. A committee composed of Richard R. Reed and Calvin
Jones[6] was appointed to select a name for the organization. The
Greek for _circle_ was chosen. We called it Kuklos, which was changed
to Ku Klux afterward when the name was proposed to the Circle. John
Kennedy suggested that we add another _K_, and the order was then
called Ku Klux Klan.... The mysterious lights seen floating about the
ruins (See p. 61) presented a weird and uncanny appearance and filled
the superstitious with dread of the place; so we were never disturbed,
and it only required a quaint garb and a few mysterious sounds to
convince the uninitiated that we were spirits from the other world. We
were quick to catch on to this idea and we governed ourselves
accordingly.... During our parades or appearances in public the
darkies either hid out or remained close in their houses.... The
origin of the order had no political significance. It was at first
purely social and for our amusement. It proved a great blessing to the
entire South and did what the State and Federal officials could not
do--it brought order out of chaos and peace and happiness to our
beloved South.... The order was careful in the admission of members
and I have never known of a betrayal of the secrets of the order. I am
proud to say that I never knew of one single act done by the genuine
Ku Klux Klan that I am ashamed of or do not now endorse."
Major Crowe and other members repeatedly mention the fact that the
membership of the Klan was largely of Scotch-Irish descent. This was
bound to be the case since in the territory covered by the Klan proper
the great majority of the Scotch-Irish of the South were settled. The
Ku Klux Klan extended from Virginia to Mississippi through the white
county section--the Piedmont and mountain region. It seldom extended
into the Black Belt, though it was founded on its borders. There
another similar order--the Knights of the White Camelia--held sway. In
the Piedmont region before the spread of the Klan, there were numerous
secret protective societies among the whites, and these were later
absorbed into the Klan. The Klan led a more strenuous existence than
the Black Belt orders. In most of its territory, social conditions
were worse than in the black counties. It is a mistake to consider
that in 1865-1870, the whites in the densest black districts were in
the place of greatest danger. There the blacks were usually the best
behaved; there the whites were never divided and never lost their grip
on society; there the negro still respected the white people as
beings almost superhuman. But race relations were worse in the white
districts where there was a lower class of whites, some of whom
mistreated the negro and others encouraged him to violence. Here the
negro had never had the great respect for _all_ whites that the Black
Belt negro had, and here the whites were somewhat divided among
themselves. During the war the "tories," so called, or those who
claimed to be Union sympathizers and the Confederates, alternately
mistreated one another, and the close of the war brought no peace to
such communities. To this region escaped the outlaws, deserters, etc.,
of both armies during the war, and here the wreckage of war was worst.
Such was the nature of the country where the Klan flourished. It was a
kind of ex-Confederate protest against the doings of the "tories,"
Unionists and outlaws, and the negroes banded in the Union League. For
several years neither the Federal Government nor the State Government
gave protection to the ex-Confederates of this region, and naturally
secret associations were formed for self-defense. This method of
self-defense is as old as history.[7]
The members of Ku Klux Klan are nowadays inclined to consider that
their order comprehended all that took shape in resistance to the
Africanization of society and government during the Reconstruction
period. As one ex-member said: "Nearly all prominent
men--ex-Confederates--in all the Southern states were connected in
some way with the Klan." This is true only indirectly. Nearly all
white men, it may be said, took part in the movement now called the
"Ku Klux Movement." But more of them belonged to other organizations
than were members of the Klan. The Klan had the most striking name and
it was later applied to the whole movement. The more prominent
politicians, it is said, had no direct connection with any such
orders. Such connection would have embarrassed and hampered them in
their work, but most of them were in full sympathy with the objects of
the Ku Klux movement, and profited by its successes. Many of the
genuine Unionists later joined in the movement, and there were some
few negro members, I have been told. Some prominent men were honorary
members, so to speak, of the order. They sympathized with its objects,
and gave advice and encouragement, but were not initiated and did not
take active part. General John B. Gordon, of Georgia, and General W.J.
Hardee, of Alabama, were such members. The active members were, as a
rule, young men. In this respect the Klan differed from the order of
White Camelia, which discouraged the initiation of very young men.
Some well-known members of the Klan were General John C. Brown, of
Pulaski, Tennessee; Captain John W. Morton, now Secretary of State of
Tennessee; Ryland Randolph, of Tuscaloosa, Alabama, editor of the
_Independent Monitor_, the official organ of the Klan in Alabama;
General N.B. Forrest and General George W. Gordon, of Memphis,
Tennessee; Generals John B. Gordon, A.H. Colquitt, G.T. Anderson and
A.R. Lawton, of Georgia; General W.J. Hardee, of Alabama; Colonel
Joseph Fussell, of Columbia, Tennessee. General Albert Pike, who stood
high in the Masonic order, was the chief judicial officer of the Klan.
General Forrest heard of the order after it began to spread, and after
investigation consented to become its head as Grand Wizard. He was
initiated by Captain John W. Morton, who had formerly been his chief
of artillery. Under him the order, which was becoming demoralized, was
reorganized. As soon as it had done its work he disbanded it. An
enterprising newspaper reporter interviewed General Forrest, in 1868,
on the subject of Ku Klux Klan and extracted much information;[8] but
when before the Ku Klux Committee of Congress, in 1871, the General
would make only general statements and he evaded some of the
interrogatories. To the committee he appeared to be wonderfully
familiar with the principles of the order, but very ignorant as to
details. The average member of Congress, ignorant of Southern
conditions, did not understand that the members of the order
considered themselves bound by the supreme oath of the Klan and that
other oaths, if in conflict with it, were not binding. That is, the
ex-Confederates under the command of Forrest, Grand Wizard of the
Invisible Empire, were obeying the first law of nature and were bound
to reveal nothing to injure the cause, just as when Confederates under
Forrest, Lieutenant-General of the Confederate Army, they were bound
not to reveal military information to the hostile forces. The
government, in their view, had not only failed to protect them, but
was being used to oppress them. Consequently they were disregarding
its claim to obedience.
[Illustration: GENERAL N.B. FORREST
Grand Wizard of Ku Klux Klan
FACING PAGE 28]
Now that General Forrest's connection with the Klan is known it is
amusing to read the testimony he gave before the Ku Klux Committee of
Congress in 1871.[9] Though evading questions aimed to elicit definite
information, yet he was willing to speak of the general conditions
that caused the development of the organization in Tennessee. He
stated that it was meant as a defensive organization among the
Southern whites to offset the work of the Union League, which had
organized, armed and drilled the negroes, and had committed numerous
outrages on the whites; to protect ex-Confederates from extermination
by Brownlow's "loyal" militia, to prevent the burning by negroes of
gins, mills, dwellings, and villages, which was becoming common; to
protect white women from criminal negro men; in short to make life and
property safe and keep the South from becoming a second San Domingo.
He stated that about the time the order arose he was getting as many
as fifty letters a day from his old soldiers who were suffering under
the disordered conditions that followed the war, whose friends and
relatives were being murdered, whose wives and daughters were being
insulted, etc. They wanted advice and assistance from him. Not being
able to write himself, on account of a wounded shoulder, he kept a
secretary busy answering such letters. Most of the defensive bodies,
Forrest stated, had no names and had no connection with one another.
He admitted that he had belonged to the Pale Faces, and that he fully
approved of the objects of the Klan. A copy of the original Prescript
was shown to him and he was able to say that he had never seen it
before. In his day, the Revised and Amended Prescript was used, which
was never discovered by any investigating committee. He maintained
that the order was careful in admitting new members, only sober,
mature, discreet gentlemen being allowed to join. At one time, Forrest
estimated, so a newspaper reporter stated, that the Klan had 40,000
members in Tennessee and 550,000 in the entire South. This estimate
was probably not exaggerated if the entire membership of all the
orders similar to the Klan be counted in. Forrest refused to give the
names of members. It is likely, from several bits of evidence, that he
had much to do with consolidating the order, giving it a military
organization, and making its work effective.
General John B. Gordon, the most prominent military man, next to
Forrest, who was connected with the Klan, gave a clear account of the
conditions in Georgia that led to the organization of the defensive
societies of whites.[10] In Georgia the state of affairs where General
Gordon lived was in some respects unlike conditions in Tennessee. In
Tennessee the whites were somewhat divided among themselves and there
were not so many blacks. In Georgia, according to Gordon, the
principal danger was from blacks, incited to hostility and violence by
alien whites of low character. The latter organized the negroes into
armed Union Leagues, taught them that the whites were hostile to all
their rights, and that the lands of the whites were to be, or ought to
be, divided among the blacks. Under such influences the negroes who
had not made trouble began to show signs of restlessness; some of them
banded together to plunder the whites, and serious crimes became
frequent, especially that of rape, and men were afraid to leave their
families in order to attend to their business. The whites feared a
general insurrection of the blacks, and as Gordon stated, "if the sort
of teachings given [to the negroes] in Georgia had been carried out to
its logical results the negroes would have slaughtered whole
neighborhoods." That they did not do so, was, in his opinion, due to
the forbearance and self-control of the whites, and to the natural
kindness and good disposition of the negroes and their remembrance of
former pleasant relations with the whites. There was no great danger,
as one can see today, of the negro uprisings, but the whites thought
then that there was. The religious frenzy of the blacks during the
year after the war also alarmed the whites. The black troops stationed
in Georgia were frequently guilty of gross outrages against white
citizens and were a constant incitement to violence on the part of
their fellow blacks. The carpetbag government pardoned and turned
loose upon society the worst criminals. There was no law for several
years. The whites were subject to arbitrary arrest and trials by
drumhead courts-martial; military prisoners were badly mistreated. In
general, society and government were in a condition of anarchy; the
white race was disorganized, and the blacks organized, but not for
good purposes.
[Illustration: GENERAL JOHN B. GORDON
Head of Klan in Georgia
FACING PAGE 33]
General Gordon spoke of another matter often mentioned by the best
class of ex-Confederate soldiers: the Southern soldier believed
that the "Appomattox Program" had not been carried out. At Appomattox
the magnanimity of General Grant and the victorious soldiers had
impressed very favorably the defeated Confederates. The latter
believed that if Grant and the soldiers who had defeated them had been
allowed to settle matters, there would have been no more trouble.
Instead, the politicians had taken charge and had stirred up endless
strife. No effort at conciliation had been made; and the magnanimity
of Grant gave way to the vindictive policies of politicians.[11] The
whites believed that the "understanding of Appomattox" had been
violated and that they had been deliberately humiliated by the
Washington government.
Such were some of the influences, in General Gordon's opinion, that
caused the spread of the Klan in Georgia. He says that he heartily
approved the objects of the order, that it was purely for
self-protection, an organization for police purposes, a peace police,
which kept the peace, prevented riots, and restrained the passionate
whites as well as the violent blacks. Its membership was, he said, of
the best citizens, mostly ex-Confederates, led by the instinct of
self-preservation to band together. It was secret because the leaders
were sure that the sympathy of the Federal Government would be against
them and would consider a public organization a fresh rebellion. It
took no part in politics and died out when the whites were able to
obtain protection from the police and the courts.
These were the explanations of men who were high in the order but who
never attended a meeting and were never in actual contact with its
workings. Private members--Ghouls they were called--could have told
more thrilling stories. But deficient as the accounts of Gordon and
Forrest are in detail they supplement the history of Lester and Wilson
in explaining the causes that lay at the bottom of the secret
revolution generally called the Ku Klux Movement.
As to the success or failure of the movement, Lester and Wilson,
condemning the violence that naturally resulted from the movement,
cause the impression (Ch. 4) that the main result was disorder. Such
was not the case, nor was it the intention of the writers to create
such an impression. The important work of the Klan was accomplished in
regaining for the whites control over the social order and in putting
them in a fair way to regain political control. In some States this
occurred sooner than in others. When the order accomplished its work
it passed away. It was formally disbanded before the evil results of
carpet bag governments could be seen. When it went out of existence in
1869, there had been few outrages, but its name and prestige lived
after it and served to hide the evil deeds of all sorts and conditions
of outlaws. But these could be crushed by the government, State or
Federal. In a wider and truer sense the phrase "Ku Klux Movement"
means the attitude of Southern whites toward the various measures of
Reconstruction lasting from 1865 until 1876, and, in some respects,
almost to the present day.
* * * * *
Two elaborate Prescripts or Constitutions were adopted by the Ku Klux
Klan--the original Prescript (See Appendix I) and the Revised and
Amended Prescript (See Appendix II). The ritual and initiatory
ceremonies and obligations were never printed. The by-laws and the
ritual of the Pulaski Circle or Den were elaborate but were in
manuscript only. They were quite absurd and were intended only to
furnish amusement to the members at the expense of the candidates for
initiation. No oaths were prescribed--only a pledge of secrecy. As the
Klan spread among neighboring towns, the Pulaski by-laws and ritual
were modified for the use of new Dens. After the Klan had changed
character and become a body of regulators, and it was decided that the
administration should be centralized, a convention of delegates from
the Dens met in Nashville, in April, 1867, and adopted the original
Prescript already referred to. Lester and Wilson are mistaken in
saying (Ch. 3) that the Revised and Amended Prescript was adopted at
this convention. Where and how this Prescript was printed no one now
knows. A copy was sent, without notice or explanation, from Memphis to
the Grand Cyclops of each Den. It must have been printed in a small
printing office since in the last pages the supply of *'s and +'s ran
out and other characters were substituted. Many Dens used only this
Prescript, and most of the members have never heard of more than one
Prescript.
In some respects this first Constitution was found defective and in
1868 the Revised and Amended Prescript was adopted. Who framed it we
do not know, but it is known how it was printed. Frank O. McCord, one
of the founders of the Pulaski Circle, was editor of the _Pulaski
Citizen_. A relative of his who worked in the printing office of the
_Citizen_, made the following statement some years ago in reference to
a copy of the Revised and Amended Prescript.[12]
"This is an exact copy of the original Prescript printed in the office
of the Pulaski (Tennessee) _Citizen_, L.W. McCord, proprietor, in
1868. I was a printer boy, and with John H. Kirk, the father of the
Rev. Harry Kirk, recently of Nashville, set the type. My brother, L.W.
McCord, received a communication one day, delivered to him by means of
a hole in the wall near the door, in which the Ku Klux deposited all
their communications for the paper, asking for an estimate for
printing this pamphlet, describing it. He delivered his reply in the
same hole, and the following morning the copy in full, the money, and
minute directions as to the disposition of the books when completed,
were in the hole. We did it all under seal of secrecy and concealment,
hid the galleys of type as they were set up, stitched them with our
own hands in a back room over Shapard's store, and trimmed them with a
shoe knife on the floor. When finished they were tied into a bundle
and deposited late at night just outside the office door, whence they
were immediately taken by unseen hands. I knew personally all the
originators of the Ku Klux Klan, and the history of its origin, its
deeds, purposes and accomplishments.
"LAPS D. MCCORD."[13]
It will be noticed on comparing the two Prescripts that there are some
considerable differences between the two. The Revised and Amended
Prescript is eight pages longer than the other; the name of the order
is longer; the poetical selections that introduce the first are
omitted from the second; the second has Latin quotations only at the
top of the page; and the second Prescript throws much more light on
the character and objects of the order; the register is changed, and
important changes in the administration are provided for.
The imperfect Prescript printed in Appendix III was used in the
Carolinas and was evidently written out from memory by some person who
had belonged to the genuine Klan. The members were widely scattered
and to many of them the entire contents of the Prescript were never
known.
When the Klan was disbanded strict orders were issued that all
documents relating to the order should be destroyed and few
Prescripts escaped. At present only one copy of the original copy is
known to be in existence. That one was used by Ryland Randolph, of
Tuscaloosa, Alabama, formerly Grand Giant of a province of the order,
and was given to me by him. It is a little brown pamphlet of sixteen
pages, and is reprinted in Appendix I. Randolph stated that he never
saw the Revised Prescript. There are two copies of the Revised and
Amended Prescript, one in the library of the Southern Society of New
York, which is now deposited with the Columbia University Library; the
other belongs to Mr. J.L. Pearcy, formerly of Nashville, now of
Washington, D.C. From the latter copy the late Dr. W.R. Garrett, of
Nashville, had the plates made that are now used in reproducing the
Revised and Amended Prescript in Appendix II.
* * * * *
The curious orders and warnings printed in Appendix IV had several
purposes. They were meant to warn and frighten evil-doers, to mystify
the public, and to give notice to members. Parts of the orders were
written in cypher which could be interpreted by the initiated. The
rest was gloomy sounding nonsense calculated to alarm some obnoxious
person or persons. The cypher used is found in the Register of the
Prescript. All orders that I have seen were written according to the
Register of the first Prescript. This may be accounted for by the fact
that in 1868 it was generally forbidden by law or by military order to
print or distribute notices from the Ku Klux Klan. About all that the
cypher was used for, I have been told, was to fix dates, etc. There
are thirty-one adjectives in the Register, one for each day of the
month, the first twelve for the morning hours, the last twelve for the
evening hours, and the seven in the middle for the days of the week.
The last word--"Cumberland"--is said to have been a general password.
At first the orders were printed in the newspapers, and during the
winter of 1867-1868 and the spring of 1868 many of them appeared. As
to the significance of the orders printed in Appendix IV, Ryland
Randolph wrote: "I well remember those notices you saw in _The
Monitor_ for they were concocted and posted by my own hand, disguised,
of course." ... "You ask if any of the notices you saw in _The
Monitor_ had any real meaning. Well, they had this much meaning: the
very night of the day on which these notices made their appearances,
three notably offensive negro men were dragged out of their beds,
escorted to the old bone-yard (¾ mile from Tuscaloosa) and thrashed in
the regular ante-bellum style until their unnatural nigger pride had a
tumble, and humbleness to the white man reigned supreme."
* * * * *
Some of the illustrations used are of historical interest. The cartoon
opposite p. 192 is taken from the _Independent Monitor_ of Tuscaloosa,
Alabama, a Ku Klux newspaper. The hanging carpetbagger was Rev. A.S.
Lakin, of Ohio, a Northern Methodist missionary to the negroes, who
had succeeded in getting himself elected President of the University
of Alabama. The other hanging figure represents Dr. N.B. Cloud, the
scalawag superintendent of public instruction who was assisting Lakin
to get his position. They were both driven from Tuscaloosa by the
Klan. The wood-cut from which this picture was printed was fashioned
by Randolph himself in _The Monitor_ office. The picture was eagerly
welcomed by the Reconstructionists as an evidence of the state of
affairs in Alabama, and it was reproduced far and wide during the
Presidential campaign of 1868. Randolph's brother Democrats were
furious because he had furnished such excellent campaign material to
the other side. In one of Randolph's letters he states: "The name of
the Ohio newspaper that republished my famous wood-cut was the
_Cincinnati Commercial_. I have good authority for stating that said
paper issued 500,000 copies for distribution throughout Ohio during
the Seymour-Grant campaign. Not only this, but a Columbus, Ohio, paper
also issued a large edition."
The cartoon opposite p. 113 is reproduced from "The Loil Legislature,"
a pamphlet by Capt. B.H. Screws, of Montgomery. The Alabama
Reconstruction Legislature was the first to make an investigation of
Ku Klux Klan and _Sibley_ and _Coon_ were two carpetbaggers active in
the investigation.
Opposite p. 196 is a typical warning sent to persons obnoxious to the
Klan. It is taken from the Ku Klux Report, Alabama Testimony.
The costumes represented opposite p. 58 were captured in Mississippi
and were worn both in Mississippi and in Western Alabama. The
costumes represented opposite p. 97 were captured after the famous Ku
Klux parade in Huntsville, Alabama, in 1868. Federal soldiers donned
the captured disguises and were photographed. During the campaign of
1868 the pictures were reproduced in the Reconstructionist newspapers.
Miss Cora R. Jones kindly furnished a drawing (see outside cover) of
the badge worn by the higher officials of the Klan, and a sketch of
the room (see p. 53) in which the Klan was founded. Her uncle, Calvin
Jones, was one of the founders, the father, Charles P. Jones, was also
a member and the badge mentioned belonged to him.
The text of the Lester and Wilson History is reprinted without change.
_West Virginia University,
October, 1905._
FOOTNOTES:
[1] Cutler, in his "Lynch Law," p. 139, is the first writer outside of
the South who has paid serious attention to this history of Ku Klux
Klan.
[2] The Constitution and Ritual of the Knights of the White Camelia
have been printed in West Virginia University Documents relating to
Reconstruction, No. 1.
[3] Tourgee's "Invisible Empire" gives the carpetbagger's view of the
Ku Klux movement, and, though filled with worthless testimony from the
Ku Klux Report, it shows a very clear conception of the real meaning
of the movement and a correct appreciation of its results. The best
later interpretation is that of Mr. William Garrott Brown in "The
Lower South," Ch. 4.
[4] For a full account of its work in Alabama see Fleming's "Civil War
and Reconstruction in Alabama," Ch. 21.
[5] Other well-known members of the Pulaski Den were: Captain Robert
Mitchell, Captain Thomas McCoy, Dr. M.S. Waters, Dr. James Bowers,
Milton Voorheis, C.P. Jones, Robert Martin, Dr. C.C. Abernathy, I.L.
Shappard, Robert Shappard, J.L. Nelson, John Moore, F.M. Crawford,
Alexander McKissick, W.H. Rose.
[6] Charles P. Jones, brother of Calvin Jones, joined later. He now
lives in Birmingham, Alabama.
[7] Examples in European history are the Carbonari of Italy, the
Tugenbund and the Vehmgericht of Germany, the Klephts of Greece, Young
Italy, the Nihilists of Russia, the Masonic order in most Catholic
countries during the first half of the Nineteenth Century, Beati Paoli
of Sicily, the Illuminati, etc. The "Confréries" of Medieval France
were similar illegal societies formed "pour dèfendre les innocentes et
reprimer les violences iniques."--Lavisse et Rambaud, Histoire
Generale, Vol. 2, p. 466.
[8] See Ku Klux Report, Vol. 13, p. 32.
[9] Ku Klux Report, Vol. 13, Florida and Miscellaneous, p. 3.
[10] See Ku Klux Report, Georgia Testimony, p. 304.
[11] General Clanton, of Alabama, complained that the Southern people
had passed "out of the hands of warriors into the hands of squaws."
General Edmund W. Pettus, now U.S. Senator from Alabama, said that the
entire Reconstruction was in violation of the understanding made at
the surrender of the Confederate armies. The Confederate soldier
surrendered with arms in hand and in return a certain contract was
made in his parole according to which, as long as he was law-abiding,
he was not to be disturbed. This contract had been violated. The
government of the United States had made a promise to men with arms in
their hands and had violated this promise by passing the
Reconstruction measures, which amounted to punishment of individuals
for alleged crime without trial by law. See Ku Klux Report, Alabama
Testimony, pp. 224, 377, 383.
[12] It is the copy he refers to that is reproduced in Appendix II.
[13] _American Historical Magazine_, Vol. 5, p. 4.
KU KLUX KLAN
ITS ORIGIN, GROWTH AND DISBANDMENT
BY
J.C. LESTER AND D.L. WILSON
KU KLUX KLAN
CHAPTER I.
THE ORIGIN.
There is no stranger chapter in American history than the one which
bears for a title "Ku Klux Klan." The organization which bore this
name went out of life as it came into it, shrouded in deepest mystery.
Its members would not disclose its secrets; others could not. Even the
investigation committee, appointed by Congress, were baffled. The
voluminous reports containing the results of that committee's tedious
and diligent inquiry do not tell when and where and how the Ku Klux
Klan originated. The veil of secrecy still hangs over its grave. We
propose to lift it.
The time has now arrived when the history of the origin, growth and
final decay of "The Invisible Empire" may be given to the public.
Circumstances not necessary to detail have put it in the power of the
writer to compile such a history. For obvious reasons the names of
individuals are withheld. But the reader may feel assured that this
narrative is drawn from sources which are accurate and authentic.
The writer does not profess to be able to disclose the secret signs,
grips and pass-words of the order.[14] These have never been disclosed
and probably never will be. But we claim to narrate facts relating to
the order, which have a historic and philosophic value. It is due to
the truth of history; to the student of human nature; to the
statesmen, and to the men who were engaged in this movement, that the
facts connected with this remarkable episode in our nation's history
be frankly and fairly told.
A wave of excitement, spreading by contagions till the minds of a
whole people are in a ferment, is an event of frequent occurrent. The
Ku Klux movement was peculiar by reason of the causes which produced
and fed the excitement. It illustrates the weird and irresistible
power of the unknown and mysterious over the minds of men of all
classes and conditions in life. And it illustrates how men, by
circumstances and conditions, in part of their own creation, may be
carried away from their moorings and drifted along in a course against
which reason and judgment protest.
The popular idea supposes the Ku Klux movement to have been conceived
in malice, and nursed by prejudice and hate, for lawlessness, rapine
and murder. The circumstances which brought the Klan into notice and
notoriety were of a character to favor such conclusions. No other
seemed possible. The report of the Congressional Investigating
Committee confirmed it.[15] Even if that report be true, like
everything else which is known of the Ku Klux, it is fragmentary
truth. The whole story has never been told. And the impression
prevails that the Ku Klux Klan was conceived and carried out in pure
and unmixed deviltry. The reader who follows this narrative to its end
will decide, with the facts before him, whether this impression is
just and true.
The Ku Klux Klan was the outgrowth of peculiar conditions, social,
civil and political, which prevailed at the South from 1865 to 1869.
It was as much a product of those conditions as malaria is of a swamp
and sun heat.
Its birthplace was Pulaski, the capital of Giles, one of the southern
tier of counties in Middle Tennessee. Pulaski is a town of about three
thousand inhabitants. Previous to the war its citizens possessed
wealth and culture--they retain the second--the first was lost in the
general wreck. The most intimate association with them fails to
disclose a trace of the diabolism which, according to the popular
idea, one would expect to find characterizing the people among whom
the Ku Klux Klan originated. A male college and a female seminary are
located at Pulaski, and receive liberal patronage. It is a town of
churches.
There, in 1866, the name Ku Klux first fell from human lips. There
began a movement which in a short time spread as far north as
Virginia[16] and as far south as Texas, and which for a period
convulsed the country and attracted the attention of the civilized
world. Proclamations were fulminated against the Klan by the President
and by the Governors of States; and hostile statutes were enacted both
by State and National Legislatures.
It was finally quieted, but not until there had become associated with
the name Ku Klux gross mistakes and lawless deeds of violence. To this
day there are localities where the utterance of it awakens awe and
fear.
During the entire period of the Klan's organized existence, Pulaski
continued to be its central seat of authority. Some of its highest
officers resided there. This narrative, therefore, will relate
principally to the growth of the Klan and the measures taken to
suppress it in Tennessee. It is necessary to a clear understanding of
the movement to observe that the history of the Klan is marked by two
distinct and well defined periods. The first period covers the time
from its organization, in 1866, to the summer of 1867. The second from
the summer of 1867 to the date of its disbandment in the early part of
the year 1869.[17]
The first period contains but little of general interest, but it is
necessary to describe it somewhat minutely, because of its bearing on
subsequent events. When the war ended, the young men of Pulaski, who
had escaped death on the battlefield, returned home and passed through
a period of enforced inactivity. In some respects it was more trying
than the ordeal of war which lay behind them. The reaction which
followed the excitement of army scenes and service was intense. There
was nothing to relieve it. They could not engage at once in business
or professional pursuits. In the case of many, business habits were
broken up. Few had capital to enter mercantile or agricultural
enterprises. There was a total lack of the amusements and social
diversions which prevail wherever society is in a normal condition.
[Illustration: ROOM IN WHICH THE KLAN WAS FOUNDED
Law office of Judge Thomas M. Jones, Pulaski, Tennessee. From
sketch by Miss Cora R. Jones
FACING PAGE 53]
One evening in May, 1866,[18] a few of these young men met in the
office of one of the most prominent members of the Pulaski bar.[19] In
the course of the conversation one of the number said: "Boys, let us
get up a club or society of some description." The suggestion was
discussed with enthusiasm. Before they separated it was agreed to
invite others, whose names were mentioned, to join them, and to meet
again the next evening at the same place. At the appointed time eight
or[20] ten young men had assembled.
A temporary organization was effected by the election of a chairman
and a secretary. There was entire unanimity among the members in
regard to the end in view, which was diversion and amusement. The
evening was spent in discussing the best means of attaining the object
for which they were seeking. Two committees were appointed, one to
select a name,[21] the other[22] to prepare a set of rules for the
government of the society, and a ritual for the initiation of new
members. The club adjourned to meet the following week to hear and act
upon the reports of these committees. Before the arrival of the
appointed time for the next meeting, one of the wealthiest and most
prominent citizens of Pulaski went on a business trip to Columbus,
Miss., taking his family with him. Before leaving he invited one of
the leading spirits of the new society to take charge of and sleep at
his house during his absence. This young man invited his comrades to
join him there. And so the place of meeting was changed from the law
office to this residence. The owner of it outlived the Ku Klux Klan
and died ignorant of the fact that his house was the place where its
organization was fully effected.
This residence afterwards came into the possession of Judge H.M.
Spofford, of Spofford-Kellogg fame.[23] It was his home at the time
of his death, and is still owned by his widow.
The committee appointed to select a name reported that they had found
the task difficult, and had not made a selection. They explained that
they had been trying to discover or invent a name which would be, to
some extent, suggestive of the character and objects of the society.
They mentioned several which they had been considering. In this number
was the name "Kukloi" from the Greek word _Kuklos_ (Kuklos), meaning a
band or circle. At mention of this some one cried out: "Call it Ku
Klux." "Klan" at once suggested itself, and was added to complete the
alliteration. So instead of adopting a name, as was the first
intention, which had a definite meaning, they chose one which to the
proposer of it, and to every one else, was absolutely meaningless.
This trivial and apparently accidental incident had a most important
bearing on the future of the organization so singularly named.
Looking back over the history of the Klan, and at the causes under
which it developed, it is difficult to resist the conclusion that the
order would never have grown to the proportions which it afterwards
assumed, or wielded the power it did, had it not borne this name or
some other equally as meaningless and mysterious--mysterious because
meaningless.
Had they called themselves the "Jolly Jokers" or the "Adelphi," or by
some similar appellation, the organization would doubtless have had no
more than the mere local and ephemeral existence which those who
organized it contemplated for it. Hundreds of societies have
originated just as this one did, and after a brief existence have
passed away. But in this case there was a weird potency in the very
name Ku Klux Klan. Let the reader pronounce it aloud. The sound of it
is suggestive of bones rattling together! The potency of the name was
not wholly in the impression made by it on the general public. It is a
singular fact that the members of the Klan were themselves the first
to feel its weird influence; they had adopted a mysterious name.
Thereupon the original plan was modified so as to make everything
connected with the order harmonize with the name.
Amusement was still the end in view. But now the method by which they
propose to win it were those of secrecy and mystery. So when the
report of the committee on rules and ritual came up for consideration,
the recommendations were modified to adapt them to the new idea. The
report as finally adopted, provided for the following officers: a
Grand Cyclops, or President; a Grand Magi, or Vice-President; a Grand
Turk, or Marshal; a Grand Exchequer, or Treasurer; and two Lictors.
These were the outer and inner guards of the "Den," as the place of
meeting was designated.
The one obligation exacted from members was to maintain profound and
absolute secrecy with reference to the order and everything pertaining
to it. This obligation prohibited those who assumed it from disclosing
that they were Ku Klux, or the name of any other member, and from
soliciting any one to become a member. The last requirement was a
singular one. It was enacted for two reasons. First, it was in keeping
with the determination to appear as mysterious as possible, and thus
play upon the curiosity of the public. Secondly, and mainly, it was
designed to prevent unpleasantness following initiations. They wished
to be able to say to novices: "You are here on your own solicitation,
and not by invitation from us." They desired accessions; to have them
was indispensable; but they knew human nature well enough to know that
if they made the impression that they wished to be exclusive and
select, then applications for membership would be numerous. The result
showed that they reasoned correctly.
Each member was required to provide himself with the following outfit:
A white mask for the face, with orifices for the eyes and nose; a
tall, fantastic cardboard hat, so constructed as to increase the
wearer's apparent height; a gown, or robe, of sufficient length to
cover the entire person. No particular color or material were
prescribed. These were left to the individual's taste and fancy, and
each selected what in his judgment would be the most hideous and
fantastic, with the aim of inspiring the greatest amount of curiosity
in the novice. These robes, of different colors, often of the most
flashy patterns of "Dolly Varden" calicos, added vastly to the
grotesque appearance of the assembled Klan.[24]
[Illustration: COSTUMES WORN IN MISSISSIPPI AND WEST ALABAMA
FACING PAGE 58]
Each member carried also a small whistle, with which, by means of a
code of signals agreed upon, they held communications with one
another. The only utility of this device was to awaken inquiry.[25]
And the object of all this was amusement--"only this, and nothing
more." A few young men debarred for the time by circumstances from
entering any active business or professional pursuits, and deprived of
the ordinary diversions of social life, were seeking in this way to
amuse and employ themselves. The organization of this Klan was to them
both diversion and occupation. But where, it may be asked, did the fun
come in? Partly in exciting the curiosity of the public, and then in
baffling it; but mainly in the initiation of new members.
The ritual used in the initiation was elaborate, but not worthy of
reproduction. It is enough to say that it was modeled on and embraced
the leading features of the ritual of an order which has long been
popular in colleges and universities under various names.[26] In one
place it is the "Sons of Confucius;" in another, the "Guiasticutus;"
but everywhere, the "Ancient and the Honorable," and the
"Mirth-Provoking."
The initiations were at first conducted in the law office, where the
suggestion for the formation of the Klan had been made. But it was not
a suitable place. The room was small. It was near the business portion
of the town, and while in session there, they never felt entirely free
from apprehensions of interruption.[27]
They soon found a place in every respect better adapted to their
purposes. On the brow of a ridge, that runs along the western
outskirts of the town, there used to stand a handsome and commodious
residence. The front, or main building, was of brick, the "L" of wood.
In December, 1865, the brick portion of this house was demolished by a
cyclone. The "L" remained standing, but tenantless. It consisted of
three rooms. A stairway led from one of them to a large cellar
beneath. No other house stood near. Around these ruins were the
storm-torn, limbless trunks of trees, which had once formed a
magnificent grove. Now, they stood up, grim and gaunt, like spectre
sentinels. A dreary, desolate, uncanny place it was. But it was, in
every way, most suitable for a "den," and the Klan appropriated
it.[28]
When a meeting was held, one Lictor was stationed near the house, the
other fifty yards from it on the road leading into town. These were
dressed in the fantastic regalia of the order and bore tremendous
spears as the badge of their office.
As before stated, and for the reasons assigned, the Ku Klux did not
solicit any one to join them; yet, they had applications for
membership. While members were not allowed to disclose the fact of
their membership, they were permitted to talk with others in regard to
anything that was a matter of common report with reference to the
order. If they chose, members were allowed to say to outsiders: "I am
going to join the Ku Klux." If the persons addressed expressed a
desire to do likewise, the Ku Klux would say, if the party was a
desirable one: "Well, I think I know how to get in. Meet me at such a
place, on such a night, at such an hour, and we will join together."
Other similar subterfuges were resorted to, to secure members without
direct solicitation. Usually, curiosity would predominate over every
other consideration, and the candidate would be found waiting at the
appointed place.
As the Ku Klux and the candidate approached the sentinel Lictor, they
were hailed and halted and questioned. Having received the assurance
that they desired to become Ku Klux, the Lictor blew the signal for
his companion to come and take charge of the novices. The candidate,
under the impression that his companion was similarly treated, was
blindfolded and led to the "den." The preliminaries of the initiation
consisted in leading the candidate around the rooms and down into the
cellar, now and then placing before him obstructions which added to
his discomfort, if not to his mystification. After some rough sport of
this description, he was led before the Grand Cyclops who solemnly
addressed to him numerous questions. Some of these questions were
grave, and occasionally a faulty answer resulted in the candidate's
rejection. For the most part they were absurd to the last degree. If
the answers were satisfactory, the obligation to secrecy, already
administered, was exacted a second time. Then the Grand Cyclops
commanded:
"Place him before the royal altar and adorn his head with the regal
crown."
The "royal altar" was a large looking glass. The "regal crown" was a
huge hat bedecked with two enormous donkey ears. In this headgear the
candidate was placed before the mirror and directed to repeat the
couplet:
"O wad some power the giftie gie us
To see oursel's as ithers see us."
As the last word was falling from his lips, the Grand Turk removed the
bandage from his eyes, and before the candidate was his own ludicrous
image in the mirror. To increase the discomfiture and chagrin which
any man in such a situation would naturally feel, the removal of the
bandage was the signal to the Klan for indulgence in the most
uproarious and boisterous mirth. The Grand Cyclops relaxed the rigor
of his rule, and the decorum hitherto maintained disappeared, and the
"den" rang with shouts and peals of laughter; and worse than all, as
he looked about him, he saw that he was surrounded by men dressed in
hideous garb and masked, so that he could not recognize one of them.
The character of these initiatory proceedings explains why, from the
very first, secrecy was so much insisted on. A single "tale out of
school" would have spoiled the fun. For the same reason the Klan, in
its early history, was careful in regard to the character of the men
admitted. Rash and imprudent men--such as could not be confidently
relied upon to respect their obligation to secrecy--were excluded. Nor
were those admitted who were addicted to the use of intoxicants. Later
on in the history they were not so careful, but in the earlier period
of its existence the Klan was composed of men of good habits.[29]
In some instances, persons not regarded as eligible to membership, or
not desirable, were persistent even to annoyance in their efforts to
gain admission to the order. Such persistence was occasionally rebuked
in a manner more emphatic than tender.
One young man had a consuming desire to be a Ku Klux. The sole
objection, to him was his youth. When he presented himself to the
Lictor, the latter received him kindly, and led him blindfold, "over
the hill and far away" to a secluded spot, and left him with the
admonition to "wait there till called for." After hours of weary
waiting, the young man removed the bandage from his eyes and sought
the shelter of the paternal roof.
Another of riper years, but for some reason not acceptable to the
order, made repeated efforts to join the Klan. For his special benefit
they arranged to have an initiation not provided for in the ritual. A
meeting was appointed to be held on the top of a hill that rises by a
gentle slope to a considerable height, on the northern limits of
Pulaski. The candidate, in the usual way--blindfold excepted--was led
into the presence of the Grand Cyclops. This dignitary was standing on
a stump. The tall hat, the flowing robe, and the elevated position
made him appear not less than ten feet tall. He addressed to the
candidate a few unimportant and absurd questions, and then, turning to
the Lictors, said: "Blindfold the candidate and proceed."
The "procedure" in this case was to place the would-be Ku Klux in a
barrel, provided for the purpose, and to send him whirling down the
hill! To his credit, be it said, he never revealed any of the secrets
of the Ku Klux Klan.[30]
These details have an important bearing on the subsequent history of
the Ku Klux. They show that the originators of the Klan were not
meditating treason or lawlessness in any form. Yet the Klan's later
history grew naturally out of the measures and methods which
characterized this period of it. Its projectors did not expect it to
spread. They thought it would "have its little day and die." It lived;
it grew to vast proportions.
FOOTNOTES:
[14] The writer, D.L. Wilson, was not a member. The secrets of the
Klan were not printed or written, but were communicated orally. In
Appendix IV, p. 197, will be found versions of the oath taken by the
members.--_Editor._
[15] In 1871-1872 a Committee of Congress made an investigation of
affairs in the South. Its report, with the testimony collected, was
published in 13 volumes, and is usually called the Ku Klux Report. See
Fleming, Civil War and Reconstruction in Alabama, p. 701; Garner,
Reconstruction in Mississippi, p. 344.--_Editor._
[16] See above, p. 23.
[17] General Forrest said that the order was disbanded in the fall of
1868. See Ku Klux Report, Vol. XIII., pp. 3-35.--_Editor._
[18] Wilson's account in the _Century Magazine_, July, 1884, says that
the order was founded in June, 1866.--_Editor._
[19] This was the law office of Judge Thomas M. Jones, father of one
of the originators.--_Editor._
[20] Survivors say that six men organized the club and that others
joined soon after.--_Editor._
[21] This committee was composed of Calvin Jones and R.R.
Reed.--_Editor._
[22] In this committee were J.R. Crowe, J.C. Lester and John
Kennedy.--_Editor._
[23] Spofford was a brother of A.R. Spofford, Librarian of Congress.
He was a native of New Hampshire, who removed to Louisiana and held
high judicial office there before the Civil War. After 1870 he spent
much of his time in Pulaski. In 1877 he was elected to the United
States Senate from Louisiana, but the Senate seated W.P. Kellogg, a
carpetbagger from Illinois, who had been voted for by the "Packard
Legislature."--_Editor._
[24] "Their robes used in these nocturnal campaigns consisted simply
of sheets wrapped around their bodies and belted around the waist. The
lower portion reached to the heels, whilst the upper had eye-holes
through which to see and mouth-holes through which to breathe. Of
course, every man so caparisoned had one or more pistols in holsters
buckled to his waist."--_Ryland Randolph._
[25] It is said that the members of the Pulaski Den wore small metal
badges.--_Editor._
[26] In the Southern colleges of today the peculiar Greek letter
fraternity known as Alpha Sigma Sigma, and the institution of "snipe
hunting" most nearly resemble the Klan in its early stages.--_Editor._
[27] After leaving the law office of Judge Jones the Klan met for a
while in a room of the _Pulaski Citizen_ building. The editor of the
_Citizen_ was a member of the Klan and his paper published the orders,
proclamations and warnings sent out by the officials.--_Miss Cora R.
Jones._
[28] This building was the property of Dr. Benjamin Carter,
grandfather of the present postmaster of Birmingham, Alabama.--_Miss
Cora R. Jones._
[29] "My information was that they admitted no man who was not a
gentleman and a man who could be relied upon to act discreetly; not
men who were in the habit of drinking, boisterous men, or men liable
to commit error or wrong."--General _Forrest in Ku Klux Report, Vol.
XIII, p. 22._
[30] Later, when Brownlow's Administration was endeavoring to crush
out the Ku Klux Klan, one of his detectives sought to gain admission
to the order. His purposes became known and the Nashville Den, which
he was trying to join, put him into a barrel and rolled it into the
Cumberland River, drowning the detective.--_Washington Post_, _August
13, 1905._
CHAPTER II.
THE SPREAD OF THE KLAN.
The devices for attracting attention were eminently successful. During
the months of July and August, 1866, the Klan was much talked about by
the citizens of Pulaski. Its mysteriousness was the sensation of the
hour. Every issue of the local paper contained some notice of the
strange order. These notices were copied into other papers, and in
this manner the way was prepared for the rapid growth and spread of
the Klan which soon followed.
Six weeks or less from the date of the organization the sensation in
Pulaski had reached its height and was waning. Curiosity in regard to
it had abated to such a degree that the Klan would have certainly
fallen to pieces but for the following circumstances:
By the time the eligible material in the town had been used up, the
young men from the country, whose curiosity had been inflamed by the
newspaper notices, began to come in and apply for admission to the
Klan. Some of these applications were accepted. In a little while the
members from the country asked permission to establish "dens" at
various points in the county. No provision had been made for such a
contingency, but the permission was granted; had it not been, the
result in all probability would have been the same.
As the ritual followed by the Pulaski Klan could not be conveniently
carried out in the country, various modifications and changes were
permitted. But the strictest injunctions were laid on these new
lodges, or dens, in regard to secrecy, mystery and the character of
the men admitted. The growth in the rural districts was more rapid
than it had been in the town. Applications for permission to establish
"dens" multiplied rapidly.
The news that the Ku Klux were spreading to the country excited the
attention of the country people more generally than the existence of
the Klan in town had done. The same cause rekindled the waning
interest of the town people. Every issue of the local papers in the
"infected regions" bristled with highly mysterious and exciting
accounts of the doings of the "fantastic gentry."
During the fall and winter of 1866 the growth of the Klan was rapid.
It spread over a wide extent of territory. Sometimes, by a sudden
leap, it appeared in localities far distant from any existing "dens."
A stranger from West Tennessee, Mississippi, Alabama or Texas,
visiting in a neighborhood where the order prevailed, would be
initiated, and on his departure carry with him permission to establish
a "den" at home. In fact, it was often done without such permission.
The connecting link between these "dens" was very fragile. By a sort
of tacit agreement the Pulaski Klan was regarded as the source of
power and authority. The Grand Cyclops of this "den" was virtually the
ruler of the order, but as he had no method of communicating with
subjects or subordinates, and no way in which to enforce his mandates,
his authority was more fancy than fact. But so far there had appeared
no need for compact organization, rigid rules and close supervision.
The leading spirits of the Ku Klux Klan were contemplating nothing
more serious than amusement. They enjoyed the baffled curiosity and
wild speculations of a mystified public even more than the rude sport
afforded by the ludicrous initiations.
Such is the account of the Ku Klux Klan in the first period of its
history from June, 1866 to April, 1867;[31] yet all this time it was
gradually, in a very natural way, taking on new features not at first
remotely contemplated by the originators of the order; features which
finally transformed the Ku Klux Klan into a band of "Regulators."
The transformation was effected by the combined operation of several
causes: (1) The impressions made by the order upon the minds of those
who united with it; (2) The impressions upon the public by its weird
and mysterious methods; (3) The anomalous and peculiar condition of
affairs in the South at this time.
The mystery and secrecy with which the Klan veiled itself made a
singular impression on the minds of many who united with it.
The prevalent idea was that the Klan contemplated some great and
important mission. This idea aided in its rapid growth. And on the
other hand the rapid extensions of the Klan confirmed this idea of its
purposes. When admitted to membership this conclusion, in the case of
many, was deepened rather than removed by what they saw and heard.
There was not a word in the ritual or in the obligation or in any part
of the ceremony to favor such a conclusion; but the impression still
remained that this mysteriousness and secrecy, the high-sounding
titles of the officers, the grotesque dress of the members, and the
formidable obligation, all meant more than real sport. This impression
was ineradicable, and the attitude of many of the members continued to
be that of expecting great developments. Each had his own speculations
as to what was to be the character of the serious work which the Klan
had to do. But they were satisfied that there was such work. It was an
unhealthy and dangerous state of mind for men to be in; bad results in
some cases very naturally followed from it.
The impression made by the Klan on the public was the second cause
which contributed to its transformation into a band of Regulators.
When the meetings first began to be held in the dilapidated house on
the hill, passers-by were frequent. Most of them passed the grim and
ghostly sentinel on the roadside in silence, but always with a
quickened step. Occasionally one would stop and ask: "Who are you?" In
awfully sepulchral tones the invariable answer was: "A spirit from the
other world. I was killed at Chickamauga."
Such an answer, especially when given to a superstitious negro, was
extremely terrifying, and if, in addition, he heard the uproarous
noises issuing from the "den" at the moment of a candidate's
investiture with the "regal crown," he had the foundation for a most
awe-inspiring story. There came from the country similar stories. The
belated laborer, passing after nightfall, some lonely and secluded
spot, heard horrible noises and saw fearful sights. These stories were
repeated with such embellishments as the imagination of the narrator
suggested, till the feeling of the negroes and of many of the white
people, at mention of the Ku Klux, was one of awe and terror.
In a short time the Lictor of the Pulaski "den" reported that travel
along the road on which he had his post had almost entirely stopped.
In the country it was noticed that the nocturnal perambulation of the
colored population diminished, or entirely ceased, wherever the Ku
Klux appeared. In many ways there was a noticeable improvement in the
habits of a large class who had hitherto been causing great annoyance.
In this way the Klan gradually realized that the most powerful devices
ever constructed for controlling the ignorant and superstitious were
in their hands. Even the most highly cultured were not able wholly to
resist the weird and peculiar feeling which pervaded every community
where the Ku Klux appeared. Each week some new incident occurred to
illustrate the amazing power of the unknown over the minds of men of
all classes.
Circumstances made it evident that the measures and methods employed
for sport might be effectually used to subserve the public welfare--to
suppress lawlessness and protect property. When propositions to this
effect began to be urged, there were many who hesitated, fearing
danger. The majority regarded such fears as groundless. They pointed
to the good results which had already been produced. The argument was
forcible--almost unanswerable. And the question was decided without
formal action. The very force of circumstances had carried the Klan
away from its original purpose. So that in the beginning of the summer
of 1867 it was virtually, though not yet professedly, a band of
regulators, honestly, but in an injudicious and dangerous way, trying
to protect property and preserve peace and order.[32]
After all, the most powerful agency in effecting this transformation,
the agency which supplied the conditions under which the two causes
just mentioned became operative, was the peculiar state of affairs
existing at the South at that time.
As every one knows, the condition of things was wholly anomalous, but
no one can fully appreciate the circumstances by which the people of
the South were surrounded except by personal observation and
experience; and no one who is not fully acquainted with all the facts
in the case is competent to pronounce a just judgment on their
behavior. On this account, not only the Ku Klux, but the mass of the
Southern people, have been tried, convicted and condemned at the bar
of public opinion, and have been denied the equity of having the
sentence modified by mitigating circumstances, which in justice, they
have a right to plead.
At that time the throes of the great revolution were settling down to
quiet. The almost universal disposition of the better class of the
people was to accept the arbitrament which the sword had accorded
them. On this point there was practical unanimity. Those who had
opportunity and facilities to do so, engaged at once in agricultural,
professional or business pursuits. There was but little disposition to
take part in politics.
But there were two causes of vexation and exasperation which the
people were in no good mood to bear. One of these causes related to
that class of men who, like scum, had been thrown to the surface in
the great upheaval.[33]
It was not simply that they were Union men from conviction. That would
have been readily forgiven then, as can be shown by pointing to
hundreds of cases. But the majority of the class referred to had
played traitor to both sides, and were Union men now only because that
was the successful side. And worse than all, they were now engaged in
keeping alive discord and strife between the sections, as the only
means of preventing themselves from sinking back into the obscurity
from which they had been upheaved. Their conduct was malicious in the
extreme and exceedingly exasperating. These men were a "thorn in the
flesh" of the body, politic and social; and the effort to expel it set
up an inflammation which for a time awakened the gravest apprehensions
as to the result.
The second disturbing element was the negroes. Their transition from
slavery to citizenship was sudden. They were not only not fitted for
the cares of self-control, and maintenance so suddenly thrust upon
them, but many of them entered their new role in life under the
delusion that freedom meant license. They regarded themselves as
freedmen, not only from bondage to former masters, but from the common
and ordinary obligations of citizenship. Many of them looked upon
obedience to the laws of the state--which had been framed by their
former owners--as in some measure a compromise of the rights with
which they had been invested. The administration of civil law was only
partially re-established. On that account, and for other reasons,
there was an amount of disorder and violence prevailing over the
country which has never been equaled at any period of its history. If
the officers of the law had had the disposition and ability to arrest
all law-breakers, a jail and court-house in every civil district would
have been required.
The depredations on property by theft and by wanton destruction for
the gratification of petty revenge, were to the last degree annoying.
A large part of these depredations was the work of bad white men, who
expected that their lawless deeds would be credited to the negroes.
But perhaps the most potent of all causes which brought about this
transformation was the existence in the South of a spurious and
perverted form of the "Union League."[34]
It would be as unfair to this organization as it existed at the North,
to charge it with the outrages committed under cover of its name, as
it is to hold the Ku Klux Klan responsible for all the lawlessness and
violence with which it is credited.
But it is a part of the history of those times that there was a
widespread and desperately active organization called the "Union
League." It was composed of the disorderly element of the negro
population and was led and controlled by white men of the basest and
meanest type just now referred to. They met frequently, went armed to
the teeth, and literally "breathed out threatening and slaughter."
They not only uttered, but in many instances executed the most
violent threats against the persons, families and property of men,
whose sole crime was that they had been in the Confederate army. It
cannot be truthfully denied that the Ku Klux committed excesses and
were charged with wrongdoing. But they were never guilty of the
disorderly and unprovoked deeds of deviltry which mark the history of
the Southern "Union League." It was partly, I may say chiefly, to
resist this aggressive and belligerent organization that the Ku Klux
transformed themselves into a protective organization.[35]
Whatever may be the judgment of history, those who know the facts will
ever remain firm in the conviction that the Ku Klux Klan was of
immense service at this period of Southern history. Without it, in
many sections of the South, life to decent people would not have been
tolerable. It served a good purpose. Wherever the Ku Klux appeared
the effect was salutary. For a while the robberies ceased. The
lawless class assumed the habits of good behavior.
The "Union League" relaxed its desperate severity and became more
moderate. Under their fear of the dreaded Ku Klux, the negroes made
more progress, in a few months, in the needed lessons of self-control,
industry, and respect for the rights of property and general good
behavior, than they would have done in as many years, but for this or
some equally powerful impulse.
It was a rough and a dangerous way to teach such lessons, but under
all the circumstances it seemed the only possible way.
Of course, these men were trying a dangerous experiment. Many of them
knew it at the time, and did not expect it on the whole to turn out
more successfully than others of a similar character. But there seemed
to be no other alternative at the time. Events soon occurred which
showed that the fears of those who apprehended danger were not
groundless, and it became evident, unless the Klan should be brought
under better control than its leaders at this time exercised over it,
that while it suppressed some evils, it would give rise to others
almost, if not fully, as great.[36]
FOOTNOTES:
[31] It will be remembered that in March, 1867, the Reconstruction
Acts were passed and that in April, 1867, the Reconstruction was
beginning.--_Editor._
[32] "It originated with returned soldiers for the purpose of
punishing those negroes who had become notoriously and offensively
insolent to white people, and, in some cases, to chastise those white
skinned men who, at that particular time, showed a disposition to
affiliate socially with negroes. The impression sought to be made upon
these latter was that these white-robed night prowlers were the ghosts
of the Confederate dead, who had arisen from their graves in order to
wreak vengeance on an undesirable class of both white and black
men."--_Ryland Randolph._
[33] The class called "tories" during the Civil War. They should not
be confused with the genuine Unionists.--_Editor._
[34] Sometimes called "Loyal League." See in regard to this secret
society--Fleming, Civil War and Reconstruction in Alabama, Ch. 16, and
(West Virginia University) Documents relating to Reconstruction, No.
3.--_Editor._
[35] On this point the testimony of Generals Forrest, John B. Gordon
and E.W. Pettus, and J.A. Minnis, in the Ku Klux Report, is
instructive.--_Editor._
[36] Pease, "In the Wake of War," (fiction) gives a very good
description of affairs in Tennessee by one who was thoroughly familiar
with conditions there.
CHAPTER III.
THE TRANSFORMATION.
Until the beginning of the year 1867, the movements of the Klan had,
in the main, been characterized by prudence and discretion; but there
were some exceptions. In some cases there had been a liberal
construction of orders and of what was by common consent the law of
the Klan. In some, the limits, which tacitly it had been agreed upon
not to pass, had been overstepped.
Attempts had been made to correct by positive means evils which
menaces had not been sufficient to remove. Rash, imprudent and bad men
had gotten into the order. The danger which the more prudent and
thoughtful had apprehended as possible was now a reality. Had it been
possible to do so, some of the leaders would have been in favor of
disbanding. That could not well be done, because at that time the
organization was so loose and imperfect. So to speak, the tie that
bound them together was too shadowy to be cut or untied. They had
evoked a spirit from "the vasty deep." It would not down at their
bidding.
And, besides, the Klan was needed. The only course which seemed to
promise any satisfactory solution of the difficulty was this: To
reorganize the Klan on a plan corresponding to its size and present
purposes; to bind the isolated dens together; to secure unity of
purpose and concert of action; to hedge the members up by such
limitations and regulations as were best adapted to restrain them
within proper limits; to distribute the authority among prudent men at
local centres, and exact from them a close supervision of those under
their charge.
In this way it was hoped the impending dangers would be effectually
guarded against. With these objects in view the Grand Cyclops of the
Pulaski Den sent out a request to all the dens of which he had
knowledge, to appoint delegates to meet in convention at Nashville,
Tenn., in the early summer of 1867.[37] At the time appointed this
convention was held. Delegates were present from Tennessee, Alabama,
and a number of other States. A plan of reorganization, previously
prepared, was submitted to this convention and adopted. After the
transaction of some further business, the convention adjourned, and
the delegates returned home without having attracted any attention.
At this convention the territory covered by the Klan was designated as
the "Invisible Empire." This was subdivided into "realms" coterminous
with the boundaries of States. The "realms" were divided into
"dominions," corresponding to Congressional districts; the "dominions"
into "provinces" coterminous with counties; and the "provinces" into
"dens."
To each of these departments officers were assigned.
Except in the case of the supreme officer, the duties of each were
minutely specified.
These officers were:
The Grand Wizard of the Invisible Empire and his ten Genii. The powers
of this officer were almost autocratic.
The Grand Dragon of the Realm and his eight Hydras.
The Grand Titan of the Dominion and his six Furies.
The Grand Cyclops of the Den and his two Night Hawks.
A Grand Monk.
A Grand Scribe.
A Grand Exchequer.
A Grand Turk.
A Grand Sentinel.
The Genii, Hydras, Furies, Goblins and Night Hawks were staff
officers. The gradation and distribution of authority was perfect. But
for one source of weakness, the Klan, under this new organization, was
one of the most perfectly organized orders that ever existed in the
world.
As we shall see presently, it was vulnerable and failed because of the
character of its methods. Secrecy was at first its strength. It
afterwards became its greatest weakness. As long as mystery was
conjoined with it, it was strength. When masks and disguises ceased to
be mysterious, secrecy was weakness.
One of the most important things done by this Nashville convention was
to make a positive and emphatic declaration of the principles of the
order. It was in the following terms:
"We recognize our relations to the United States Government; the
supremacy of the Constitution; the constitutional laws thereof; and
the union of States thereunder."
If these men were plotting treason, it puzzles us to know why they
should make such a statement as that in setting forth the principles
of the order. The statement above quoted was not intended for general
circulation and popular effect. So far as is known, it is now given to
the public for the first time. We must regard it, therefore, as
accurately describing the political attitude which the Ku Klux
proposed and desired to maintain. Every man who became a member of the
Klan really took an oath to support the Constitution of the United
States.
This Nashville convention also defined and set forth the peculiar
objects of the order, as follows:[38]
(1.) "To protect the weak, the innocent, and the defenceless, from the
indignities, wrongs and outrages of the lawless, the violent and the
brutal; to relieve the injured and the oppressed; to succor the
suffering, and especially the widows and orphans of Confederate
soldiers.
(2.) "To protect and defend the Constitution of the United States, and
all laws passed in conformity thereto, and to protect the States and
people thereof from all invasion from any source whatever.
(3.) "To aid and assist in the execution of all constitutional laws,
and to protect the people from unlawful seizure, and from trial except
by their peers in conformity to the laws of the land."
This last clause was the result of the infamous and barbarous
legislation of that day. On the 3rd of June, 1865, the Thirty-fourth
General Assembly of Tennessee revived the sedition law and restricted
the right of suffrage.[39] A negro militia, ignorant and brutal, were
afterwards put over the State, and spread terror throughout its
borders. Men felt that they had no security for life, liberty, or
property. They were persecuted if they dared to complain. It was no
strange thing if they resorted to desperate measures for protection.
The emergency was desperate. Taking all the circumstances and
aggravations into consideration one cannot but be surprised that men
so persecuted and oppressed remained so moderate and forbearing.
The legislation of the Nashville Convention of Ku Klux bears internal
evidence of what we know from other sources to be true. Whilst
devising measures for protection to life and property, and for the
resistance of lawlessness and oppression, whether from irresponsible
parties or from those who professed to be acting legally and under
cover of authority, they were anxious also to control the Klan itself
and to keep it within what they conceived to be safe limits.
Up to this time the majority had shown a fair appreciation of the
responsibilities of their self-imposed task of preserving social
order. But under any circumstances the natural tendency of an
organization such as this is to violence and crime--much more under
such circumstances as those then prevailing.
Excesses had been committed. Whether justly so or not, they were
credited to the Klan. And it was foreseen and feared that if such
things continued or increased the hostility of State and Federal
Governments would be kindled against the Klan and active measures
taken to suppress it. The hope was entertained that the legislations
taken by the convention and the reorganization would not only enable
the Klan to enact its _role_ as Regulators with greater success, but
would keep its members within the prescribed limits, and so guard
against the contingencies referred to. They desired on the one hand,
to restrain and control their own members; on the other to correct
evils and promote order in society; and to do the latter _solely_ by
utilizing for this purpose the means and methods originally employed
for amusement. In each direction the success was but partial, as will
be told presently.
By the reorganization no material change was made in the methods of
the Klan's operations. Some of the old methods were slightly modified;
a few new features were added. The essential features of mystery,
secrecy and grotesqueness were retained, and steps were taken with a
view to deepening and intensifying the impressions already made upon
the public mind. They attempted to push to the extreme limits of
illustration the power of the mysterious over the minds of men.
Henceforth they courted publicity as assiduously as they had formerly
seemed to shun it. They appeared at different points at the same time,
and always when and where they were the least expected. Devices were
multiplied to deceive people in regard to their numbers and everything
else, and to play upon the fears of the superstitious.
As it was now the policy of the Klan to appear in public, an order was
issued by the Grand Dragon of the Realm of Tennessee to the Grand
Giants of the Provinces for a general parade in the capital town of
each Province on the night of the 4th of July, 1867. It will be
sufficient for this narrative to describe that parade as witnessed by
the citizens of Pulaski. Similar scenes were enacted at many other
places.
On the morning of the 4th of July, 1867, the citizens of Pulaski found
the sidewalks thickly strewn with slips of paper bearing the printed
words:[40] "The Ku Klux will parade the streets to-night." This
announcement created great excitement. The people supposed that their
curiosity, so long baffled, would now be gratified. They were
confident that this parade would at least afford them the opportunity
to find out who were the Ku Klux.
Soon after nightfall the streets were lined with an expectant and
excited throng of people. Many came from the surrounding country. The
members of the Klan in the county left their homes in the afternoon
and traveled alone or in squads of two or three, with their
paraphernalia carefully concealed. If questioned, they answered that
they were going to Pulaski to see the Ku Klux parade. After nightfall
they assembled at designated points near the four main roads leading
into town. Here they donned their robes and disguises and put covers
of gaudy materials on their horses. A skyrocket sent up from some
point in the town was the signal to mount and move. The different
companies met and passed each other on the public square in perfect
silence; the discipline appeared to be admirable.[41] Not a word was
spoken. Necessary orders were given by means of the whistles. In
single file, in death-like stillness, with funeral slowness, they
marched and counter-marched throughout the town. While the column was
headed North on one street it was going South on another. By crossing
over in opposite directions the lines were kept up in almost unbroken
continuity. The effect was to create the impression of vast numbers.
This marching and counter-marching was kept up for about two hours,
and the Klan departed as noiselessly as they came. The public were
more than ever mystified. Curiosity had not been satisfied, as it was
expected it would be. The efforts of the most curious and cunning to
find out who were Ku Klux failed. One gentleman from the country, a
great lover of horses, who claimed to know every horse in the county,
was confident that he would be able to identify the riders by the
horses. With this purpose in view, he remained in town to witness the
parade. But, as we have said, the horses were disguised as well as the
riders. Determined not to be baffled, during a halt of the column he
lifted the cover of a horse that was near him--the rider offering no
objection--and recognized his own steed and saddle upon which he had
ridden into town. The town people were on the alert also to see who of
the young men of the town would be with the Ku Klux. All of them,
almost without exception, were marked, mingling freely and
conspicuously with the spectators. Those of them who were members of
the Klan did not go into the parade.
This demonstration had the effect for which it was designed. Perhaps
the greatest illusion produced by it was in regard to the numbers
participating in it. Reputable citizens--men of cool and accurate
judgment--were confident that the number was not less than three
thousand. Others, whose imaginations were more easily wrought upon,
were quite certain there were ten thousand. The truth is, that the
number of Ku Klux in the parade did not exceed four hundred. This
delusion in regard to numbers prevailed wherever the Ku Klux appeared.
It illustrates how little the testimony of even an eye-witness is
worth in regard to anything which makes a deep impression on him by
reason of its mysteriousness.
The Klan had a large membership; it exerted a vast, terrifying and
wholesome power; but its influence was never at any time dependent on,
or proportioned to, its membership. It was in the mystery in which the
comparatively few enshrouded themselves. Gen. Forrest, before the
Investigating Committee, placed the number of Ku Klux in Tennessee at
40,000,[42] and in the entire South at 550,000. This was with him only
a guessing estimate.[43] Careful investigation leads to the
conclusion that he overshoots the mark in both cases. It is an error
to suppose that the entire male population of the South were Ku Klux,
or that even a majority of them were privy to its secrets and in
sympathy with its extremest measures. To many of them, perhaps to a
majority, the Ku Klux Klan was as vague, impersonal and mysterious as
to the people of the North, or of England. They did attribute to it
great good and to this day remember with gratitude the protection it
afforded them in the most trying and perilous period of their history,
when there was no other earthly source to which to appeal.[44]
[Illustration: COSTUMES WORN IN TENNESSEE AND NORTH ALABAMA
FACING PAGE 97]
One or two illustrations may here be given of the methods resorted to
to play upon the superstitious fears of the negroes and others.[45] At
the parade in Pulaski, while the procession was passing a corner on
which a negro man was standing, a tall horseman in hideous garb turned
aside from the line, dismounted, and stretched out his bridle rein
toward the negro, as if he desired him to hold his horse. Not daring
to refuse, the frightened African extended his hand to grasp the rein.
As he did so, the Ku Klux took his own head from his shoulders and
offered to place that also in the outstretched hand. The negro stood
not upon the order of his going, but departed with a yell of terror.
To this day he will tell you: "He done it, suah, boss. I seed him do
it." The gown was fastened by a draw-string over the top of the
wearer's head. Over this was worn an artificial skull made of a large
gourd or of pasteboard. This with the hat could be readily removed,
and the man would then appear to be headless. Such tricks gave rise
to the belief--still prevalent among the negroes--that the Ku Klux
could take themselves all to pieces whenever they wanted to.
Some of the Ku Klux carried skeleton hands. These were made of bone or
wood with a handle long enough to be held in the hand, which was
concealed by the gown sleeve. The possessor of one of these was
invariably of a friendly turn and offered to shake hands with all he
met, with what effect may be readily imagined.
A trick of frequent perpetration in the country was for a horseman,
spectral and ghostly looking, to stop before the cabin of some negro
needing a wholesome impression and call for a bucket of water. If a
dipper or gourd was brought it was declined, and the bucket full of
water demanded. As if consumed by raging thirst the horseman grasped
it and pressed it to his lips. He held it there till every drop of the
water was poured into a gum or oiled sack concealed beneath the Ku
Klux robe. Then the empty bucket was returned to the amazed negro with
the remark: "That's good. It is the first drink of water I have had
since I was killed at Shiloh." Then a few words of counsel as to
future behavior made an impression not easily forgotten or likely to
be disregarded.
Under ordinary circumstances such devices are unjustifiable. But in
the peculiar state of things then existing they served a good purpose.
It was not only better to deter the negroes from theft and other
lawlessness in this way than to put them in the penitentiary; but it
was the only way, at this time, by which they could be controlled. The
jails would not contain them. The courts could not or would not try
them. The policy of the Klan all the while was to deter men from
wrongdoing. It was only in rare, exceptional cases, and these the most
aggravated, that it undertook to punish.[46]
FOOTNOTES:
[37] "In the spring of 1867," says Wilson in the _Century Magazine_,
July, 1884. May was the month of meeting. This was just after the
Reconstruction Acts had been passed.--_Editor._
[38] I am convinced that the authors are mistaken in saying that the
first convention adopted the Prescript containing these declarations.
The Prescript adopted was the one reproduced in Appendix I. The other
one, reproduced in Appendix II, was adopted, it is believed, in
1868.--_Editor._
[39] Ex-Confederates were practically all excluded from the
suffrage.--_Editor._
[40] Notices were posted in every public place, and even pasted on the
backs of hogs and cows running loose in the streets.--_Miss Cora R.
Jones._
[41] Most members of the Klan had been Confederate soldiers and were
familiar with military drill and discipline.--_Editor._
[42] A later estimate places the membership of Ku Klux Klan at 72,000
in Tennessee alone.--_Washington Post, August 13, 1905._
[43] Forrest denied that he had made such an estimate. There were many
other orders similar to Ku Klux Klan and the total membership was
probably about half a million.--_Editor._
[44] It made the women feel safer. "And then came the reign of martial
law, and the Freedmen's Bureau. Those dark days of the Reconstruction
period rapidly followed the horrors of civil war, and the reign of the
carpetbagger began, goading the people to desperation. For their
protection the younger and more reckless men of the community now
formed a secret society, which masqueraded at night in grotesque and
grewsome character called the Ku Klux Klan. Always silent and
mysterious, mounted on horses, they swept noiselessly by in the
darkness with gleaming death's heads, skeletons and chains. It struck
terror into the heart of the evil-doer, while the peaceful citizen
knew a faithful patrol had guarded his premises while he
slept."--_Mrs. Stubbs, in "Saunders' Early Settlers of Alabama_," p.
31.
[45] A practice not mentioned here was that of sending out the
peculiar warnings and orders, specimens of which are printed in
Appendix IV.--_Editor._
[46] "We had regular meetings about once a week, at which the conduct
of certain offensive characters would be discussed, and if the
majority voted to punish such it would be accordingly done on certain
prescribed nights. Sometimes it was deemed necessary only to post
notices of warning, which, in some cases, were sufficient to alarm the
victims sufficiently to induce them to reform in their
behavior."--_Ryland Randolph._
CHAPTER IV.
THE DECLINE.
For a while after the reorganization of the Klan, those concerned for
its welfare and right conduct congratulated themselves that all was
now well. Closer organization and stricter official supervision had a
restraining influence upon the members. Many things seemed to indicate
that the future work of the Klan would be wholly good.
These hopes were rudely shattered. Ere long official supervision grew
less rigid or was less regarded. The membership was steadily
increasing. Among the new material added were some bad men who could
not be--at least were not--controlled.
In the winter and spring of 1867 and 1868 many things were done by
members, or professed members, of the Klan, which were the subject of
universal regret and condemnation. In many ways the grave censure of
those who had hitherto been friendly to it was evoked against the
Klan, and occasion, long sought for, was given its enemies to petition
the intervention of the government to suppress it. The end came
rapidly. We must now trace the causes which wrought the decay and
downfall of the "Invisible Empire."
In regard to the doings of the Ku Klux two extreme positions have been
advocated. On the one hand, it is asserted that the Ku Klux committed
no outrages. On the other, that they were the authors of all the
depredations committed by masked and disguised men in the Southern
States from 1865 to 1869. The truth lies between these two extremes.
Great outrages were committed by bands of disguised men during those
years of lawlessness and oppression. And the fact must be admitted
that some of these outrages were committed, if not by the order and
approbation of the Klan, at least by men who were members of it.[47]
The thoughtful reader will readily understand how this came about.
There was a cause which naturally and almost necessarily produced the
result. Men of the character of the majority of those who composed
the Klan do not disregard their own professed principles and violate
self-assumed obligations without cause. We have seen that the Klan was
in the main composed of the very best men in the country--peaceable,
law-loving and law-abiding men--men of good habits and character--men
of property and intelligence.
We have seen that the organization had no political significance; they
expressly and in solemn secret compact declared their allegiance to
the constitution and all constitutional laws, and pledged themselves
to aid in the administration of all such laws. To see such men defying
law and creating disorder, is a sight singular enough to awake inquiry
as to the causes which had been at work upon them. The transformation
of the Ku Klux Klan, from a band of regulators, honestly trying to
preserve peace and order, into the body of desperate men who, in 1869,
convulsed the country and set at defiance the mandates of both State
and Federal governments, is greater than the transformation which we
have already traced.
In both cases there were causes at work adequate to the results
produced; causes from which, as remarked before, the results followed
naturally and necessarily.
These have never been fully and fairly stated. They may be classed
under three general heads: (1). Unjust charges. (2). Misapprehension
of the nature and objects of the order on the part of those not
members of it. (3). Unwise and over-severe legislation.
As has already been pointed out, the order contained within itself, by
reason of the methods practiced, sources of weakness. The devices and
disguises by which the Klan deceived outsiders enabled all who were so
disposed, even its own members, to practice deception on the Klan
itself. It placed in the hands of its own members the facility to do
deeds of violence for the gratification of personal feeling, and have
them credited to the Klan. To evilly-disposed men membership in the
Klan was an inducement to wrongdoing. It presented to all men a
dangerous temptation, which, in certain contingencies at any time
likely to arise, it required a considerable amount of moral robustness
to resist. Many did not withstand it. And deeds of violence were done
by men who were Ku Klux, but who, while acting under cover of their
connection with the Klan, were not under its orders. But because these
men were Ku Klux, the Klan had to bear the odium of wrongdoing.[48]
In addition to this, the very class which the Klan proposed to hold in
check and awe into good behavior, soon became wholly unmanageable.
Those who had formerly committed depredations to be laid to the charge
of the negroes, after a brief interval of good behavior, assumed the
guise of Ku Klux and returned to their old ways, but with less
boldness and more caution, showing the salutary impression which the
Klan had made upon them. In some cases the negroes played Ku Klux.
Outrages were committed by masked men in regions far remote from any
Ku Klux organizations. The parties engaged took pains to assert that
they were Ku Klux, _which the members of the Klan never did_. This was
evidence that these parties were simply aping Ku Klux disguises. The
proof on this point is ample and clear. After the passage of the Anti
Ku Klux Statute by the State of Tennessee, several instances occurred
of parties being arrested in Ku Klux disguises; but in every instance
they proved to be either negroes or "radical" Brownlow Republicans.
This occurred so often that the statute was allowed by the party in
power to become a dead letter before its repeal. It bore too hard on
"loyal" men when enforced.
The same thing occurred in Georgia and other States. (See testimony of
General Gordon and others before the Investigating Committee.)
_No single instance occurred of the arrest of a masked man who proved
to be--when stripped of his disguises--a Ku Klux._
But it came to pass that all the disorder done in the country was
charged upon the Ku Klux, because done under disguises which they had
invented and used. The Klan had no way in which to disprove or refute
the charges. They felt that it was hard to be charged with violence of
which they were innocent. At the same time they felt that it was
natural, and, under the circumstances, not wholly unjust that this
should be the case. They had assumed the office of Regulators. It was
therefore due society, due themselves, and due the Government, which,
so far, had not molested them, that they should, at least, not afford
the lawless classes facilities for the commission of excesses greater
than any they had hitherto indulged in, and above all, that they
should restrain their own members from lawlessness.
The Klan felt all this; and in its efforts to relieve itself of the
stigma thus incurred, it acted in some cases against the offending
parties with a severity well merited, no doubt, but unjustifiable.[49]
As is frequently the case they were carried beyond the limits of
prudence and right by a hot zeal for self-vindication against unjust
aspersions.
They felt that the charge of wrong was unfairly brought against them.
To clear themselves of the charge they did worse wrong than that
alleged against them.
The Klan from the first shrouded itself in deepest mystery; out of
this fact grew trouble not at first apprehended. They wished people
not to understand. They tried to keep them profoundly ignorant. The
result was that the Klan and its objects were wholly misunderstood and
misinterpreted. Many who joined the Klan and many who did not, were
certain it contemplated something far more important than its overt
acts gave evidence of. Some were sure it meant treason and revolution.
The negroes and the whites whose consciences made them the subjects of
guilty fears, were sure it boded no good to them.
When the first impressions of awe and terror which the Klan had
inspired, to some extent, wore off, a feeling of intense hostility
towards the Ku Klux followed. This feeling was the more bitter because
founded, not on overt acts which the Ku Klux had done, but on vague
fears and surmises as to what they intended to do. Those who
entertained such fears were in some cases impelled by them to become
the aggressors. They attacked the Ku Klux before receiving from them
any provocation. The negroes formed organizations of a military
character and drilled by night, and even appeared in the day armed and
threatening. The avowed purpose of these organizations was "to make
war upon and exterminate the Ku Klux." On several occasions the Klan
was fired into. The effect of such attacks was to provoke counter
hostility from the Klan, and so there was irritation and
counter-irritation, till, in some places, the state of things was
little short of open warfare. In some respects it was worse; the
parties wholly misunderstood each other. Each party felt that its
cause was the just one. Each justified its deed by the provocation.
The Ku Klux, intending wrong, as they believed, to no one, were
aggrieved that acts which they had not done should be charged to them;
and motives which they did not entertain imputed to them and outraged
that they should be molested and assaulted. The other party satisfied
that they were acting in self-defense felt fully justified in
assaulting them, and so each goaded the other on from one degree of
exasperation to another.
The following extracts from a general order of the Grand Dragon of the
Realm of Tennessee will illustrate the operation of both these causes.
It was issued in the fall of the year 1868. It shows what were the
principles and objects which the Klan still professed, and it also
shows how it was being forced away from them:
HEADQUARTERS REALM NO. 1,}
DREADFUL ERA, BLACK EPOCH,}
DREADFUL HOUR.}
_General Order No. 1._
WHEREAS, Information of an authentic character has reached these
headquarters that the blacks in the counties of Marshall, Maury,
Giles and Lawrence are organized into military companies, with
the avowed purpose to make war upon and exterminate the Ku Klux
Klan, said blacks are hereby solemnly warned and ordered to
desist from further action in such organizations, if they exist.
The G. D. [Grand Dragon] regrets the necessity of such an order.
But this Klan shall not be outraged and interfered with by
lawless negroes and meaner white men, who do not and never have
understood our purposes.
In the first place this Klan is not an institution of violence,
lawlessness and cruelty; it is not lawless; it is not
aggressive; it is not military; it is not revolutionary.
It is, essentially, originally and inherently a protective
organization. It proposes to execute law instead of resisting
it; and to protect all good men, whether white or black, from
the outrages and atrocities of bad men of both colors, who have
been for the past three years a terror to society, and an injury
to us all.
The blacks seem to be impressed with the belief that this Klan
is especially their enemy. We are not the enemy of the blacks,
as long as they behave themselves, make no threats upon us, and
do not attack or interfere with us.
But if they make war upon us they must abide the awful
retribution that will follow.
This Klan, while in its peaceful movements, and disturbing no
one, has been fired into three times. This will not be endured
any longer; and if it occurs again, and the parties be
discovered, a remorseless vengeance will be wreaked upon them.
We reiterate that we are for peace and law and order. No man,
white or black, shall be molested for his political sentiments.
This Klan is not a political party; it is not a military party;
it is a protective organization, and will never use violence
except in resisting violence.
Outrages have been perpetrated by irresponsible parties in the
name of this Klan. Should such parties be apprehended, they will
be dealt with in a manner to insure us future exemption from
such imposition. These impostors have, in some instances,
whipped negroes. This is wrong! wrong! It is denounced by this
Klan as it must be by all good and humane men.
The Klan now, as in the past, is prohibited from doing such
things. We are striving to protect all good, peaceful,
well-disposed and law-abiding men, whether white or black.
The G. D. deems this order due to the public, due to the Klan,
and due to those who are misguided and misinformed. We,
therefore, request that all newspapers who are friendly to law,
and peace, and the public welfare, will publish the same.
By order of the G. D., Realm No. 1.
By the Grand Scribe.
This order doubtless expresses the principles which the Klan, as a
body, was honestly trying to maintain. It also illustrates how they
were driven to violate them by the very earnestness and vehemence
with which they attempted to maintain them.
The question naturally arises, Why, under the embarrassing
circumstances, did not the Klan disband and close its operations?[50]
The answer is, that the members felt that there was now more reasons
than ever for the Klan's existence. They felt that they ought not to
abandon their important and needful work because they encountered
unforeseen difficulties in accomplishing it. It is an illustration of
the fatuity which sometimes marks the lives of men that they did not
perceive what seems perfectly clear and plain to others. Nothing is
more certain than that a part of the evils which the Klan was
combating at this period of its history grew out of their own methods,
and might be expected to continue as long as the Klan existed. Men are
not always wise. But even in cases where their conduct does not permit
of vindication and excuse, justice requires that a fair and truthful
statement be made of the temptations and embarrassments which
surrounded them. Placing all the circumstances before us fully, who of
us is prepared to say that we would have acted with more wisdom and
discretion than these men?
[Illustration: CARPETBAGGERS LISTENING TO A KU KLUX REPORT
Coon and Sibly of the Alabama Legislature. Cartoon from Screw's
"Lost Legislature."
FACING PAGE 113]
Matters grew worse and worse, till it was imperatively necessary that
there should be interference on the part of the Government. In
September, 1868, the Legislature of Tennessee, in obedience to the
call of Governor Brownlow, assembled in extra session and passed a
most stringent and bloody anti-Ku Klux statute.[51] This was the
culmination of a long series of the most infamous legislations which
ever disgraced a statute book.
It began in 1865, as we have seen, in the passage of the alien and
sedition act, and grew worse and worse till the passage of the anti-Ku
Klux statute in 1868. Sixteen years have passed since then, and many
into whose hands this book will come have never seen the "Anti-Ku
Klux Law." We quote it entire, to show the character of the
legislation of those times as well as for the sake of its bearing on
the matter in hand:
SEC. 1. _Be it enacted, by the General Assembly of Tennessee_,
That if any person or persons shall unite with, associate with,
promote or encourage any secret organization of persons who
shall prowl through the country or towns of this State, by day
or by night, disguised or otherwise, for the purpose of
disturbing the peace, or alarming the peaceable citizens of any
portion of this State, on conviction by any tribunal of this
State, shall be fined not less than five hundred dollars,
imprisoned in the penitentiary not less than five years, and
shall be rendered infamous.
SEC. 2. _Be it further enacted_, That it shall be the duty of
all the courts in this State, before the impaneling of any grand
jury or petit jury in any cause whatever, to inquire of the
juror, on oath, whether he shall be associated in any way
obnoxious to the first section of this act; and if such juror
shall decline to give a voluntary answer, or shall answer
affirmatively, such persons shall be disqualified as a juror in
any case in any court in this State.
SEC. 3. _Be it further enacted_, That, for the purpose of
facilitating the execution of the provisions of this act, it
shall be the duty of the Prosecuting Attorneys of this State or
grand jurors, or either of them, to summons or cause to be
summoned, any persons he shall have a well-grounded belief has
any knowledge of such organization as described by the first
section of this act, and if any person shall fail or refuse to
obey such summons, or shall appear and refuse to testify, such
persons so summoned shall suffer the penalty imposed by the
first section of this act; and if such witness shall avoid the
service of said subpoena or summons, the sheriff, or other
officer, shall return such fact on said process, when the court
shall order a copy of said process to be left at the last place
of residence of such persons sought to be summoned; and if such
person shall fail to appear according to the command of said
process, said court shall enter a judgment _nisi_ against such
person for the sum of five hundred dollars, for which _sci. fa._
shall issue, as in other cases of forfeiture of subpoena.
SEC. 4. _Be it further enacted_, That no prosecutor shall be
required on any indictment under the provisions of this act; and
all the courts of the State shall give a remedial construction
to the same; and that no presentment or indictment shall be
quashed, or declared insufficient for want of form.
SEC. 5. _Be it further enacted_, That it shall be the duty of
all the courts of this State, at every term, for two years from
and after the passage of this act, to call before it all the
officers thereof, who shall be sworn, and have this act read or
explained to them; and the court shall ask said officers if they
shall have any knowledge of any person of the State, or out of
it, that shall be guilty of any of the offenses contained in
this act, and that, if at any time they shall come to such
knowledge, or shall have a well-grounded belief that any person
or persons shall be guilty of a violation of this act or any of
its provisions, that they will immediately, inform the
Prosecuting Attorney for the State thereof; and if such
Prosecuting Attorney, upon being so informed, shall fail,
refuse, or neglect to prosecute such person or persons so
informed on, he shall be subject to the same penalties imposed
by the first section of this act, and shall be stricken from the
roll of attorneys in said court.
SEC. 6. _Be it further enacted_, That if any officer, or other
person, shall inform any other person that he or she is to be
summoned as a witness under any of the provisions of this act,
or any other statute or law of this State, with the intent and
for the purpose of defeating any of the provisions of this act,
or any criminal law of this State; or if any officer, clerk,
sheriff or constable shall refuse or fail to perform any of the
duties imposed by this act, upon conviction, shall suffer the
penalties by the first section of this act, and shall be
disqualified from holding office in this State for two years.
SEC. 7. _Be it further enacted_, That if any person shall
voluntarily inform on any person guilty of any of the provisions
of this act, upon conviction such informant shall be entitled
and receive one-half of the fine imposed; and if any officer,
three-fourths.
SEC. 8. _Be it further enacted_, That if any person, guilty of
any of the provisions or offenses enumerated in this act, that
shall appear before any jury or prosecuting officer of the
State, and shall inform him or them of any offense committed by
any person or persons against the criminal laws of this State,
such person or witness shall not be bound to answer to any
charge for the violation of any provisions of any law about
which such person or witness shall be examined; and the court
shall protect such witness from any prosecution whatever.
SEC. 9. _Be it further enacted_, That where any process shall be
issued against the person of any citizen in any county of this
State, for any violation of the provisions of this act, and such
shall be returned not executed, for any cause whatever, by the
sheriff or other officer, to the court from which it was issued,
with an affidavit appended thereto, plainly setting forth the
reason for the non-execution of such process, then it shall be
the duty of the clerk, without delay, to issue an _alias capias_
to the same county, if the home of the defendant shall be in
said county, either in part or in whole, when said sheriff or
other officer shall give notice to the inhabitants of said
county by posting such notice at the court-house of said county,
of the existence of said capias; and if the inhabitants of such
county shall permit such defendant to be or to live in said
county, in part or in whole, the inhabitants shall be subject to
an assessment of not less than five hundred dollars, nor more
than five thousand dollars, at the discretion of the court,
which said assessment shall be made in the following manner,
to-wit: When the sheriff or other officer shall return his
_alias capias_, showing that said defendant is an inhabitant of
said county, in part or in whole, and that the citizens thereof
have failed or refused to arrest said defendant, which every
citizen is hereby authorized to do or perform. Said court shall
order _sci. fa._ to issue to the proper officer to make known to
the chairman, judge, or other presiding officer of the County
Court, to appear and show cause why final judgment should not
have been entered up accordingly; which, if any County Court
fails or refuses to do and perform, any judge, in vacation,
shall grant a _mandamus_ to compel said County Court to assess
and collect said assessment, to be paid into the State treasury
for the benefit of the school fund; provided, said assessment
shall not be made of the sheriff or other officer, upon the
return of the original, or _alias_ writs, show cause why the
same cannot be executed, which may be done by his affidavit and
two respectable witnesses known to the court as such.
SEC. 10. _Be it further enacted_, That all the inhabitants in
this State shall be authorized to arrest any person defendant,
under the provisions of this act, in any county in this State
without process.
SEC. 11. _Be it further enacted_, That if any person or persons
shall write, publish, advise, entreat or persuade, privately or
publicly, any class of persons, or any individual, to resist any
of the laws of this State calculated to molest or disturb the
good people and peaceable citizens of the State, such persons
shall be subject to the penalties of the first section of this
act; and if an attorney at law, he shall be stricken from the
roll of attorneys and be prevented from practicing in any court
in this State.
SEC. 12. _Be it further enacted_, That if any person shall make
threats against any elector or person authorized to exercise the
elective franchise, with the intention of intimidating or
preventing such person or persons from attending any election in
this State, they shall be subject to the penalties inflicted by
the first section of this act.
SEC. 13. _Be it further enacted_, That if any person or persons
shall attempt to break up any election in this State, or advise
the same to be done, with a view of preventing the lawful or
qualified citizens of this State from voting, they shall be
subject to the penalties prescribed by the first section of this
act; and the attorney of the State in all convictions under the
provisions of this act, shall be entitled to a tax fee of one
hundred dollars, to be taxed in the bill of costs, and to be
paid by the defendant. And the attorney prosecuting for the
State shall keep all information given him a secret, unless it
shall be necessary, in the opinion of the court, that the same
should be made public.
SEC. 14. _Be it further enacted_, That it shall be the duty of
all the judges in this State to read this act to the grand
juries, and give it especially in charge to said juries.
SEC. 15. _Be it further enacted_, That the treasurer of this
State shall not be authorized to pay any judge in this State any
salary, or to any clerk, sheriff, or attorney, any fee or bill
of costs that may accrue to such parties under the provisions of
this act, until such judge or other officer shall have filed
with the comptroller or treasurer an affidavit plainly setting
forth that he has fully complied with the provisions of this
act.
SEC. 16. _Be it further enacted_, That if any person or citizen
of this State shall voluntarily feed, or lodge, or entertain, or
conceal in the woods, or elsewhere, any offender known to such
person to be charged with any criminal offense under this act,
such person shall suffer the penalty prescribed by the first
section of this act; provided, that this section shall not apply
to persons who, under the ancient law, might feed or conceal the
party charged.
SEC. 17. _Be it further enacted_, That if any person, guilty of
any of the offenses enumerated in this act, shall have, own or
possess any real estate held by deed, or grant, or entry, or by
fee, or entail in law, or equity, the same shall be bound for
costs, fines or penalties imposed by any of the provisions of
this act; and a lien is hereby declared to attach to all estates
in law or equity, as above, dating from the day or night of the
commission of the offense, which fact may be found by the jury
trying the cause, or any other jury impaneled for that purpose;
and if in the opinion of the court the defendant has evaded the
law, the jury shall find such fact, and the estate of the
defendant shall be made liable for the costs of the State; and
there shall be no limitation to the recovery of the same.
SEC. 18. _Be it further enacted_, That if any person or persons
shall be guilty of a violation of any of the provisions of this
act, to the prejudice or injury of any individual, the jury
trying the defendant shall, or may find such fact with the
amount of injury sustained, which shall be paid to the injured
party or person entitled to the same, by the laws of descent of
this State, with all costs, and who shall have the same lien on
the property of the defendant that is possessed or given to the
State by this act.
SEC. 19. _Be it further enacted_, That if any person shall
knowingly make or cause to be made, any uniform or regalia, in
part or in whole, by day or night, or shall be found in
possession of the same, he, she or they shall be fined at the
discretion of the court, and shall be rendered infamous.
SEC. 20. _Be it further enacted_, That in addition to the oath
prescribed by the constitution and oath of office, every public
officer shall swear that he has never been a member of the
organization known as the Ku Klux Klan, or other disguised body
of men contrary to the laws of the State, and that he has
neither directly nor indirectly aided, encouraged, supported, or
in any manner countenanced said organization.
SEC. 21. _Be it further enacted_, That the attorneys or
prosecuting officers for the State, shall be entitled to and
receive five per cent, on all forfeitures or assessments made by
this act, on compensations to be paid by the defendant.
SEC. 22. _Be it further enacted_, That the standard of damages
for injuries to individuals shall be as follows: For disturbing
any of the officers of the State or other person, by entering
the house or houses, or place of residence of any such
individual in the night, in a hostile manner, or against his
will, the sum of ten thousand dollars; and it shall be lawful
for the person so assailed to kill the assailant. For killing
any individual in the night twenty thousand dollars; provided,
such person killed was peaceable at that time. That all other
injuries shall be assessed by the court and jury in proportion;
and the court trying said causes may grant as many new trials as
may, in his opinion, be necessary to attain the end of justice.
SEC. 23. _Be it further enacted_, That all persons present, and
not giving immediate information on the offenders, shall be
regarded as guilty of a misdemeanor against the law, and shall
be punished accordingly.
SEC. 24. _Be it further enacted_, That it shall not be lawful
for any persons to publish any proffered or pretended order of
said secret, unlawful clans; and any person convicted under any
of the provisions of this act, shall not claim, hold, or possess
any property, real or personal, exempt from execution, fine,
penalty or costs, under this act; provided, that nothing herein
contained shall be so construed as to prevent or exempt any
person heretofore guilty of any of the offenses herein contained
from prosecution under the law as it now stands. This act to
take effect from after its passage.[52]
The same legislature passed a bill authorizing the Governor to
organize, equip and call into active service, at his discretion, a
volunteer force, to be known as the Tennessee State Guards; to be
composed of one or more regiments from each congressional district of
the State; provided always that said Tennessee State Guards shall be
composed of loyal men.
And it was further provided by the "Militia Law," that upon the
representation of "ten Union men, or three Justices of the Peace in
any county in the State," that the presence of these troops were
needed, that the Governor might declare martial law in such counties,
and send thither troops in such numbers as, in his judgment, were
necessary for the preservation of peace and order. And it was provided
that the expense of these troops to the State should be collected from
the counties where they were quartered.
The reader has now some insight into the character of the legislation
direct against the Ku Klux. He will not only note the general severity
and harshness of it, but the following features in particular:
(1). The anti-Ku Klux statute was _ex post facto_, as expressly
declared by Section 24 of it. (2). It presented no way in which a man
could relieve himself from liability to it, except by turning
informer, and as an inducement to do this a large bribe was offered.
(3). It encouraged strife, by making every inhabitant of the State an
officer extraordinary with power "to arrest without process" when he
had ground to suspect. (4). It must be remembered that in those days
in Tennessee "to be loyal" had a very limited meaning. It meant simply
to be a subservient tool and supporter of Governor Brownlow. If a man
was not that, no matter what his past record, or what his political
opinion, he was not "loyal." (5). While the law professed to be aimed
at the suppression of all lawlessness, it was not so construed and
enforced by the party in power. The "Union" or "Loyal" League was
never molested, though this organization met frequently, and its
members appeared by day and by night, armed, threatening and molesting
the life and property of as peaceable and quiet citizens as any in the
State. No attempt was ever made to arrest men except in Ku Klux
disguises. But as before remarked there is no instance on record of a
Ku Klux being arrested, tried and convicted. Invariably the party
arrested while depredating as Ku Klux turned out to be, when stripped
of their disguises, "loyal" men.
In some sections of the State a perfect reign of terror followed this
anti-Ku Klux statute. The members of the Klan were now in the attitude
of men fighting for life and liberty. Hundreds, perhaps thousands, of
them were not lawbreakers, and did not desire to be. There had been no
law against association with the Klan; they had conceived and done no
wrong during their connection with it. They had had no participation
in or knowledge of the excesses in which some of the Klan had indulged
or were charged with having indulged in. But now their previous
connection with the Klan was made a penal offense; and they had no
hope except on terms which to men of honor and right principle were
more odious than death.
These men were made infamous, made liable to fine and imprisonment,
exposed to arrest without process by any malicious negro or mean white
man; and even their wives and children were outlawed and exposed to
the same indignities; and it is no strange thing if they were driven
to the very verge of desperation. It is not denied that they did many
things for which the world has been exceedingly slow to accept apology
or excuse. But history is challenged to furnish an instance of a
people bearing gross wrong and brutal outrage perpetrated in the name
of law and loyalty with patience, forbearance or forgiveness,
comparable to that exhibited by the people of the Southern States,
and especially of Tennessee, during what is called the "Reconstruction
period," and since.
There may be in their conduct some things to regret, and some to
condemn; but he who gets a full understanding of their surroundings,
social, civil and political, if he is not incapable of noble
sentiment, will also find many things to awaken his sympathy and call
forth his admiration.
FOOTNOTES:
[47] See Major Crowe's statement on p. 22.
[48] "At this late day (1901) I am gratified to be able to say that my
company did much good service to Tuscaloosa county. Had these
organizations confined their operations to their legitimate object,
viz: Punishing impudent negroes and negro-loving whites, then their
performances would have effected only good. Unfortunately, the Klan
began to degenerate into a vile means of wreaking revenge for personal
dislikes or personal animosities, and in this way many outrages were
perpetrated, ultimately resulting in casting so much well-deserved
odium on the whole concern that about the year 1870 there was almost a
universal collapse; all the good and brave men abandoning it in
disgust. Many outrages were committed in the name of Ku Klux that
really were done by irresponsible parties who never belonged to the
Klan."--_Ryland Randolph._
[49] I have been told that in Tennessee several members of the Klan
were executed by its orders for committing evil deeds under name of
the Klan.--_Editor._
[50] Some of the "Dens" disbanded in 1868. "As soon as our object was
effected, viz., got the negroes to behave themselves, we
disbanded."--_Ryland Randolph._
[51] Most of the carpetbag and negro legislatures of the other
Southern States passed similar laws, and Congress enacted a series of
three "Force Laws" in 1870-1871. See Burgess' "Reconstruction and the
Constitution," pp. 253, 262; Fleming's "Civil War and Reconstruction
in Alabama," p. 695.--_Editor._
[52] This is a good specimen of the "Force Laws" which were meant to
uphold the Radical governments in the South against popular
disaffection.--_Editor._
CHAPTER V.
DISBANDMENT.
On the 20th day of February, 1869, Governor Brownlow resigned his
position as Governor to take the seat in the United States Senate, to
which he had been elected. The last paper to which he affixed his
signature as Governor of Tennessee, proclaimed martial law in certain
counties, and ordered troops to be sent thither. This proclamation was
dated February 20, 1869. In a short while it was followed by a
proclamation from the "Grand Wizard of the Invisible Empire" to his
subjects.
This proclamation recited the legislation directed against the Klan,
and stated that the order had now, in large measure, accomplished the
objects of its existence. At a time when the civil law afforded
inadequate protection to life and property, when robbery and
lawlessness of every description were unrebuked, when all the better
elements of society were in constant dread for the safety of their
property, persons and families, the Klan had afforded protection and
security to many firesides, and, in many ways contributed to the
public welfare. But greatly to the regret of all good citizens, some
members of the Klan had violated positive orders; others, under the
name and disguises of the organization, had assumed to do acts of
violence, for which the Klan was held responsible. The Grand Wizard
had been invested with the power to determine questions of paramount
importance to the interests of the order. Therefore, in the exercise
of that power, the Grand Wizard declared that the organization
heretofore known as the Ku Klux Klan was dissolved and disbanded.
Members were directed to burn all regalia and paraphernalia of every
description, and to desist from any further assemblies or acts as Ku
Klux.[53] The members of the Klan were counseled in the future as
heretofore, to assist all good people of the land in maintaining and
upholding the civil laws, and in putting down lawlessness. This
proclamation was directed to all Realms, Dominions, Provinces and
"Dens" in "the Empire." It is reasonably certain that there were
portions of the Empire never reached by it. The Klan was widely
scattered and the facilities for communication exceedingly poor. The
Grand Wizard was a citizen of Tennessee. Under the statute just now
quoted newspapers were forbidden to publish anything emanating from
the Klan. So that there was no way in which this proclamation could be
generally disseminated.
Where it was promulgated, obedience to it was prompt and implicit.
Whether obeyed or not, this proclamation terminated the Klan's
organized existence as decisively and completely as General Lee's last
general order, on the morning of the 10th of April, 1865, disbanded
the army of Northern Virginia.
When the office of Grand Wizard was created and its duties defined, it
was explicitly provided that he should have "the power to determine
questions of paramount importance, and his decision shall be final."
To continue the organization or to disband it was such a question. He
decided in favor of disbanding, and so ordered. Therefore the Ku Klux
Klan had no organized existence after March, 1869.[54]
The report of the Congressional Investigating Committee contains some
disreputable history, which belongs to a later date, and is attributed
to the Klan, but not justly so. For several years, after March, 1869,
the papers reported and commented on "Ku Klux outrages" committed at
various points. The authors of these outrages may have acted in the
name of the Klan, and under its disguises; it may be that in some
cases they were men who had been Ku Klux. But it cannot be charged
that they were acting by the authority of an order which had formally
disbanded. They were acting on their own responsibility.
Thus lived, so died, this strange order. Its birth was an accident;
its growth was a comedy; its death a tragedy. It owed its existence
wholly to the anomalous condition of social and civil affairs in the
South during the years immediately succeeding the unfortunate contest
in which so many brave men in blue and gray fell, martyrs to their
convictions.
There never was, before or since, a period of our history when such an
order could have lived. May there never be again!
FOOTNOTES:
[53] In the copy of the Revised and Amended Prescript owned by
Columbia University Library is bound a letter in which is mentioned
this order of destruction.--_Editor._
[54] The local "Dens" were not affected by this order. Many had
already disbanded; many more remained active as long as the
Reconstruction régime lasted.--_Editor._
APPENDIX I.
PRESCRIPT OF KU KLUX KLAN
ADOPTED AT A CONVENTION OF THE ORDER
HELD IN NASHVILLE, APRIL, 1867
Copied from the Original Prescript, line for line and page
for page. The type used here is slightly larger than
in the original document.
[Page header: Damnant quod non intelligunt. 1]
PRESCRIPT
OF THE
* *
What may this mean,
That thou, dead corse, again, in complete steel,
Revisit'st thus the glimpses of the moon,
Making night hideous; and we fools of nature,
So horridly to shake our disposition,
With thoughts beyond the reaches of our souls?
An' now auld Cloots, I ken ye're thinkin',
A certain _Ghoul_ is rantin', drinkin',
Some luckless night will send him linkin',
To your black pit;
But, faith! he'll turn a corner jinkin',
And cheat you yet.
[Header: Amici humani generis. 2]
CREED.
We the * * reverently acknowledge
the Majesty and Supremacy of the Divine being,
and recognize the Goodness and Providence of the
Same.
PREAMBLE.
We recognize our relations to the United States
Government and acknowledge the supremacy of
its laws.
APPELLATION.
ARTICLE I. This organization shall be styled and
denominated the * *
TITLES.
ART. II. The officers of this * shall consist of
a Grand Wizard of the Empire and his ten Genii;
a Grand Dragon of the Realm and his eight Hy-
dras; a Grand Titan of the Dominion and his six
Furies; a Grand Giant of the Province and his four
Goblins; a Grand Cyclops of the Den and his two
Night Hawks; a Grand Magi, a Grand Monk, a
Grand Exchequer, a Grand Turk, a Grand Scribe,
a Grand Sentinel, and a Grand Ensign.
SEC. 2. The body politic of this * shall be des-
ignated and known as "Ghouls."
DIVISIONS.
ART. III. This * shall be divided into five de-
partments, all combined, constituting the Grand
* of the Empire. The second department to be
called the Grand * of the Realm. The third, the
Grand * of the Dominion. The fourth, the Grand
* of the Province. The fifth, the * of the Den.
DUTIES OF OFFICERS.
GRAND WIZARD.
ART. IV. SEC. I. It shall be the duty of the Grand
Wizard, who is the Supreme Officer of the Empire
to communicate with and receive reports from the
[Footer: Magna est veritas, et prevalebit.]
[Header: Nec scire fas est omnia. 3]
Grand Dragons of Realms, as to the condition,
strength, efficiency and progress of the *s
within their respective Realms. And he shall com-
municate from time to time, to all subordinates *s,
through the Grand Dragon, the condition, strength,
efficiency, and progress of the *s throughout his vast
Empire; and such other information as he may deem
expedient to impart. And it shall further be his du-
ty to keep by his G Scribe a list of the names (without
any caption or explanation whatever) of the Grand
Dragons of the different Realms of his Empire, and
shall number such Realms with the Arabic nume-
rals, 1, 2, 3, &c., _ad finem_. And he shall instruct
his Grand Exchequer as to the appropriation and
disbursement which he shall make of the revenue
of the * that comes to his hands. He shall have
the sole power to issue copies of this Prescript,
through his Subalterns and Deputies, for the organ-
ization and establishment of subordinate *s. And
he shall have the further power to appoint his Ge-
nii; also, a Grand Scribe and a Grand Exchequer
for his Department, and to appoint and ordain
Special Deputy Grand Wizards to assist him in the
more rapid and effectual dissemination and estab-
lishment of the * throughout his Empire. He is
further empowered to appoint and instruct Depu-
ties, to organize and control Realms, Dominions,
Provinces, and Dens, until the same shall elect a
Grand Dragon, a Grand Titan, a Grand Giant, and
a Grand Cyclops, in the manner hereinafter provid-
ded. And when a question of paramount impor-
tance to the interest or prosperity of the * arises,
not provided for in this Prescript, he shall have
power to determine such question, and his decision
shall be final, until the same shall be provided for
by amendment as hereinafter provided.
[Footer: Ne vile fano.]
[Header: Ars est celare artem. 4]
GRAND DRAGON.
Sec. 2. It shall be the duty of the Grand Dragon
who is the Chief Officer of the Realm, to report to
the Grand Wizard when required by that officer,
the condition, strength, efficiency, and progress of
the * within his Realm, and to transmit through
the Grand Titan to the subordinate *s of his Realm,
all information or intelligence conveyed to him by
the Grand Wizard for that purpose, and all such oth-
er information or instruction as he may think will
promote the interests of the *. He shall keep by his
G. Scribe a list of the names (without any caption)
of the Grand Titans of the different Dominions of
his Realm, and shall report the same to the Grand
Wizard when required; and shall number the Do-
minions of his Realm with the Arabic numerals, 1,
2, 3, &c, _ad finem_. He shall instruct his Grand
Exchequer as to the appropriation and disburse-
ment of the revenue of the * that comes to his
hands. He shall have the power to appoint his
Hydras; also, a Grand Scribe and a Grand Exche-
quer for his Department, and to appoint and ordain
Special Deputy Grand Dragons to assist him in the
more rapid and effectual dissemination and estab-
lishment of the * throughout his Realm. He is
further empowered to appoint and instruct Depu-
ties to organize and control Dominions, Provinces
and Dens, until the same shall elect a Grand Titan,
a Grand Giant, and Grand Cyclops, in the manner
hereinafter provided.
GRAND TITAN.
Sec. 3. It shall be the duty of the Grand Titan
who is the Chief Officer of the Dominion, to report
to the Grand Dragon when required by that officer,
the condition, strength, efficiency, and progress
of the * within his Dominion, and to transmit
through the Grand Giants to the subordinate *s
[Footer: Nusquam tuta fides.]
[Header: Quid faciendum? 5]
of his Dominion, all information or intelligence con-
veyed to him by the Grand Dragon for that pur
pose, and all such other information or instruction
as he may think will enhance the interests of the *.
He shall keep, by his G. Scribe, a list of the names
(without caption) of the Grand Giants of the differ-
ent Provinces of his Dominion, and shall report the
same to the Grand Dragon when required; and he
shall number the Provinces of his Dominion with
the Arabic Numerals, 1, 2, 3, &c., _ad finem_. And he
shall instruct and direct his Grand Exchequer as to
the appropriation and disbursement of the revenue
of the * that comes to his hands. He shall have
power to appoint his Furies; also to appoint a Grand
Scribe and a Grand Exchequer for his department,
and appoint and ordain Special Deputy Grand Ti-
tans to assist him in the more rapid and effectual
dissemination and establishment of the * throughout
his Dominion. He shall have further power to
appoint and instruct Deputies to organize and con-
trol Provinces and Dens, until the same shall elect
a Grand Giant and a Grand Cyclops, in the man-
ner hereinafter provided.
GRAND GIANT.
Sec. 4. It shall be the duty of the Grand Giant,
who is the Chief Officer of the Province, to super-
vise and administer general and special in-
struction in the formation and establishment of
*s within his Province, and to report to the Grand
Titan, when required by that officer, the condition,
strength, progress and efficiency of the * through-
out his Province, and to transmit, through the
Grand Cyclops, to the subordinate *s of his Pro-
vince, all information or intelligence conveyed to
him by the Grand Titan for that purpose, and such
other information and instruction as he may think
[Footer: Fide non armis.]
[Header: Fiat justia. 6]
will advance the interests of the *. He shall keep by
his G. Scribe a list of the names (without caption) of
the Grand Cyclops of the various Dens of his Prov-
ince, and shall report the same to the Grand Titan
when required; and shall number the Dens of his
Province with the Arabic numerals, 1, 2, 3, &c., _ad
finem._ And shall determine and limit the number
of Dens to be organized in his Province. And he
shall instruct and direct his Grand Exchequer as to
what appropriation and disbursement he shall make
of the revenue of the * that comes to his hands.
He shall have power to appoint his Goblins; also,
a Grand Scribe and a Grand Exchequer for his de-
partment, and to appoint and ordain Special Depu-
ty Grand Giants to assist him in the more rapid
and effectual dissemination and establishment of
the * throughout his Province. He shall have
the further power to appoint and instruct Deputies
to organize and control Dens, until the same shall
elect a Grand Cyclops in the manner hereinafter
provided. And in all cases, he shall preside at and
conduct the Grand Council of Yahoos.
GRAND CYCLOPS.
Sec. 5. It shall be the duty of the Grand Cyclops
to take charge of the * of his Den after his election,
under the direction and with the assistance (when
practicable) of the Grand Giant, and in accordance
with, and in conformity to the provisions of this
Prescript, a copy of which shall in all cases be obtain-
ed before the formation of a * begins. It shall fur-
ther be his duty to appoint all regular meetings of
his * and to preside at the same--to appoint irregu-
lar meetings when he deems it expedient, to preserve
order in his Den, and to impose fines for irregularities
or disobedience of orders, and to receive and initiate
candidates for admission into the * after the
same shall have been pronounced competent and wor-
[Footer: Hic manent vestigia morientis libertatis.]
[Header: Curae leves loquntur, ingentes stupent. 7]
thy become members by the Investigating Com-
mittee. He shall make a quarterly report to the
Grand Giant, of the condition, strength and ef-
ficiency of the * of his Den, and shall convey to
the Ghouls of his Den, all information or intelli-
gence conveyed to him by the Grand Giant for that
purpose, and all other such information or instruc-
tion as he may think will conduce to the interests
and welfare of the *. He shall preside at and con-
duct the Grand Council of Centaurs. He shall have
power to appoint his Night Hawks, his Grand
Scribe, his Grand Turk, his Grand Sentinel, and
his Grand Ensign. And he shall instruct and di-
rect the Grand Exchequer of his Den, as to what
appropriation and disbursement he shall make of
the revenue of the * that comes to his hands.
And for any small offense he may punish any mem-
ber by fine, and may reprimand him for the same:
And he may admonish and reprimand the * of
his Den for any imprudence, irregularity or trans-
gression, when he is convinced or advised that the
interests, welfare and safety of the * demand it.
GRAND MAGI.
Sec. 6. It shall be the duty of the Grand Magi,
who is the Second Officer, in Authority, of the Den,
to assist the Grand Cyclops and to obey all the
proper orders of that officer. To preside at all
meetings in the Den in the absence of the Grand
Cyclops; and to exercise during his absence all the
powers and authority conferred upon that officer.
GRAND MONK.
Sec. 7. It shall be the duty of the Grand Monk,
who is the third officer, in authority, of the Den, to
assist and obey all the proper orders of the Grand
Cyclops and the Grand Magi. And in the absence
of both of these officers, he shall preside at and con-
duct the meetings in the Den, and shall exercise all
[Footer: Dat Deus his quoque finem.]
[Header: Cessante causa, cessat effectus. 8]
the powers and authority conferred upon the Grand
Cyclops.
GRAND EXCHEQUER.
Sec. 8. It shall be the duty of the Grand Exche-
quers of the different Departments of the * to keep
a correct account of all the revenue of the * that
shall come to their hands, and shall make no appro-
priation or disbursement of the same except under
the orders and direction of the chief officer of their
respective departments. And it shall further be
the duty of the Grand Exchequer of Dens to collect
the initiation fees, and all fines imposed by the
Grand Cyclops.
GRAND TURK.
Sec. 9. It shall be the duty of the Grand Turk,
who is the Executive Officer of the Grand Cyclops,
to notify the ghouls of the Den of all informal or
irregular meetings appointed by the Grand Cyclops
and to obey and execute all the lawful orders of that
officer in the control and government of his Den.
It shall further be his duty to receive and question
at the Out Posts, all candidates for admission into
the *, and shall _there_ administer the preliminary
obligation required, and then to conduct such can-
didate or candidates to the Grand Cyclops at his
Den, and to assist him in the initiation of the same.
And it shall further be his duty to act as the ex-
ecutive officer of the Grand Council of Centaurs.
GRAND SCRIBE.
Sec. 10. It shall be the duty of the Grand Scribes
of the different departments to conduct the corres-
pondence and write the orders of the chiefs of their
departments, when required. And it shall further
be the duty of the Grand Scribes of the Den to keep
a list of the names (without caption) of the ghouls
of the Den--to call the Roll at all regular meetings
and to make the quarterly report under the direc-
tion of the Grand Cyclops.
[Footer: Droit et avant.]
[Header: Cave quid dicis, quando, et cui. 9]
GRAND SENTINEL.
Sec. 11. It shall be the duty of the Grand Senti-
nel to detail, take charge of, post and instruct the
Grand Guard under the direction and orders of the
Grand Cyclops, and to relieve and dismiss the same
when directed by that officer.
GRAND ENSIGN.
Sec. 12. It shall be the duty of the Grand Ensign
to take charge of the Grand Banner of the *, to
preserve it sacredly, and protect it carefully, and to
bear it on all occasions of parade or ceremony, and
on such other occasions as the Grand Cyclops may
direct it to be flung to the night breeze.
ELECTION OF OFFICERS.
ART. V. Sec. 1. The Grand Cyclops, the Grand
Magi, the Grand Monk, and the Grand Exchequer
of Dens, shall be elected semi-annually by the
ghouls of Dens. And the first election for these
officers may take place as soon as seven ghouls have
been initiated for that purpose.
Sec. 2. The Grand Wizard of the Empire, the
Grand Dragons of Realms, the Grand Titans of Do-
minions, and the Grand Giants of Provinces, shall
be elected biennially, and in the following man-
ner, to wit: The Grand Wizard by a majority vote
of the Grand Dragons of his Empire, the Grand
Dragons by a like vote of the Grand Titans of his
Realm; the Grand Titans by a like vote of the
Grand Giants of his Dominion, and the Grand Gi-
ant by a like vote of the Grand Cyclops of his Pro-
vince.
The first election for Grand Dragon may take
place as soon as three Dominions have been organ-
ized in a Realm, but all subsequent elections shall
be by a majority vote of the Grand Titans, through-
out the Realm, and biennially as aforesaid.
The first election for Grand Titan may take place
[Footer: Dormitur aliquando jus, moritur nunquam.]
[Header: Deo adjuvante, non timendum. 10]
as soon as three Provinces have been organized in a
Dominion, but all subsequent elections shall be by a
majority vote of all the Grand Giants throughout
the Dominion and biennially as aforesaid.
The first election for Grand Giant may take place
as soon as three Dens have been organized in a
Province, but all subsequent elections shall be by a
majority vote of all the Grand Cyclops throughout
the Province, and biennially as aforesaid.
The Grand Wizard of the Empire is hereby cre-
ated, to serve three years from the First Monday
in May, 1867, after the expiration of which time,
biennial elections shall be held for that office as
aforesaid. And the incumbent Grand Wizard shall
notify the Grand Dragons, at least six months be-
fore said election, at what time and place the same
will be held.
JUDICIARY.
ART. VI. Sec. 1. The Tribunal of Justice of this
* shall consist of a Grand Council of Yahoos, and
a Grand Council of Centaurs.
Sec. 2. The Grand Council of Yahoos, shall be
the Tribunal for the trial of all elected officers, and
shall be composed of officers of equal rank with the
accused, and shall be appointed and presided over
by an officer of the next rank above, and sworn by
him to administer even handed justice. The Tribu-
nal for the trial of the Grand Wizard, shall be com-
posed of all the Grand Dragons of the Empire, and
shall be presided over and sworn by the senior
Grand Dragon. They shall have power to summon
the accused, and witnesses for and against him, and
if found guilty they shall prescribe the penalty and
execute the same. And they shall have power to
appoint an executive officer to attend said Council
while in session.
[Footer: Spectemur agendo.]
[Header: Nemo nos impune lacessit. 11]
Sec. 3. The Grand Council of Centaurs shall be
the Tribunal for the trial of Ghouls and non-elective
officers, and shall be composed of six judges appoint-
ed by the Grand Cyclops from the Ghouls of his Den,
presided over and sworn by him to give the ac-
cused a fair and impartial trial. They shall
have power to summon the accused, and
witnesses for and against him, and if found guilty
they shall prescribe the penalty and execute the
same. Said Judges shall be selected by the Grand
Cyclops with reference to their intelligence, integri-
ty and fair-mindedness, and shall render their ver-
dict without prejudice or partiality.
REVENUE.
ART. VII. Sec. 1. The revenue of this * shall
be derived as follows: For every copy of this Pre-
script issued to the *s of Dens, Ten Dollars will
be required. Two dollars of which shall go into
the hands of the Grand Exchequer of the Grand Gi-
ant; two into the hands of the Grand Exchequer of
the Grand Titan; two into the hands of the Grand
Exchequer of the Grand Dragon, and the remaining
four into the hands of the Grand Exchequer of the
Grand Wizard.
Sec. 2. A further source of revenue to the Empire
shall be ten per cent. of all the revenue of the
Realms, and a tax upon Realms, when the Grand
Wizard shall deem it necessary and indispensable
to levy the same.
Sec. 3. A further source of revenue to Realms
shall be ten per cent. of all the revenue of Domin-
ions, and a tax upon Dominions when the Grand
Dragon shall deem such tax necessary and indispen-
sable.
Sec. 4. A further source of revenue to Domin-
ions shall be ten per cent. of all the revenue of Pro-
[Footer: Patria cara, carior libertas.]
[Header: Ad unum omnes. 12]
vinces, and a tax upon Provinces when the Grand
Titan shall deem such tax necessary and indispen-
sable.
Sec. 5. A further source of revenue to Provinces
shall be ten per cent. on all the revenue of Dens,
and a tax upon the Dens, when the Grand Giant
shall deem such tax necessary and indispensable.
Sec. 6. The source of revenue to Dens, shall be
the initiation fees, fines, and a _per capita_ tax, when-
ever the Grand Cyclops shall deem such tax indis-
pensable to the interests and purposes of the *.
Sec. 7. All of the revenue obtained in the man-
ner herein aforesaid, shall be for the exclusive ben-
efit of the *. And shall be appropriated to the
dissemination of the same, and to the creation of a
fund to meet any disbursement that it may become
necessary to make to accomplish the objects of the
*, and to secure the protection of the same.
OBLIGATION.
ART. VIII. No one shall become a member of
this *, unless he shall take the following oath or
obligation:
"I, ---- of my own free will and accord, and in
the presence of Almighty God, do solemnly swear
or affirm that I will never reveal to any one, not a
member of the * * by any intimation, sign,
symbol, word or act, or in any other manner what-
ever, any of the secrets, signs, grips, pass words,
mysteries or purposes of the * * or that I am
a member of the same or that I know any one who
_is_ a member, and that I will abide by the Prescript
and Edicts of the * *. So help me God."
Sec. 2. The preliminary obligation to be adminis-
tered before the candidate for admission is taken
to the Grand Cyclops for examination, shall be as
follows:
"I do solemnly swear or affirm that I will never
[Footer: Deo duce, ferro comitante.]
[Header: Tempora mutantur, et nos mutamur in illis. 13]
reveal any thing that I may this day (or night)
learn concerning the * *. So help me God."
ADMISSION.
ART. IX. Sec. 1. No one shall be presented for
admission into this *, until he shall have been
recommended by some friend or intimate, who _is_ a
member, to the Investigating Committee, which
shall be composed of the Grand Cyclops, the Grand
Magi and the Grand Monk, and who shall investi-
gate his antecedents and his past and present stand-
ing and connections, and if after such investigation,
they pronounce him competent and worthy to become
a member, he may be admitted upon taking the ob-
ligation required and passing through the ceremo-
nies of initiation. _Provided_, That no one shall be
admitted into this * who shall have not attain-
ed the age of eighteen years.
Sec. 2. No one shall become a member of a dis-
tant * when there is a * established and in
operation in his own immediate vicinity. Nor
shall any one become a member of any * after
he shall have been rejected by any other *.
ENSIGN.
ART. X. The Grand Banner of this * shall be
in the form of an isosceles triangle, five feet long
and three wide at the staff. The material shall be
Yellow, with a Red scalloped border, about three
inches in width. There shall be painted upon it,
in black, a Dracovolans, or Flying Dragon[55] with
the following motto inscribed above the Dragon,
"QUOD SEMPER, QUOD UBIQUE, QUOD AB OMNIBUS."[56]
AMENDMENTS.
ART. XI. This Prescript or any part or Edicts
thereof, shall never be changed except by a two-
[Footer: O tempora! O mores!]
[Header: Ad utrumque paratus. 14]
thirds vote of the Grand Dragons of the Realms, in
Convention assembled, and at which Convention
the Grand Wizard shall preside and be entitled to a
vote. And upon the application of a majority of
the Grand Dragons, for that purpose, the Grand
Wizard shall appoint the time and place for said
Convention; which, when assembled, shall pro-
ceed to make such modifications and amendments as
it may think will advance the interest, enlarge the
utility and more thoroughly effectuate the purpo-
ses of the *.
INTERDICTION.
ART. XII. The origin, designs, mysteries and
ritual of this * shall never be written, but the
same shall be communicated orally.
REGISTER.
1st--Dismal. 7th--Dreadful.
2nd--Dark. 8th--Terrible.
3rd--Furious. 9th--Horrible.
4th--Portentous. 10th--Melancholy.
5th--Wonderful. 11th--Mournful.
6th--Alarming. 12th--Dying.
II.
I--White. IV--Black.
II--Green. V--Yellow.
III--Blue. VI--Crimson.
VII--Purple.
III.
1--Fearful. 7--Doleful.
2--Startling. 8--Sorrowful.
3--Awful. 9--Hideous.
4--Woeful. 10--Frightful.
5--Horrid. 11--Appalling.
6--Bloody. 12--Last.
EDICTS.
I. The Initiation Fee of this * shall be one
dollar, to be paid when the candidate is initiated
and received into the *.
II. No member shall be allowed to take any in-
toxicating spirits to any meeting of the *. Nor
shall any member be allowed to attend a meeting
when intoxicated; and for every appearance at a
meeting in such a condition, he shall be fined the
[Footer: Cavendo tutus.]
[Header: Astra castra, numen lumen. 15]
sum of not less than one nor more than five dollars,
to go into the revenue of the *.
III. Any member may be expelled from the *
by a majority vote of the officers and ghouls of the
Den to which he belongs, and if after such expulsion
such member shall assume any of the duties, rega-
lia or insignia of the * or in any way claim to be
a member of the same, he shall be severely punish-
ed. His obligation of secrecy shall be as binding
upon him after expulsion as before, and for any
revelation made by him thereafter, he shall be held
accountable in the same manner as if he were then
a member.
IV. Every Grand Cyclops shall read or cause to
be read, this Prescript and these Edicts to the *
of his Den, at least once in every three months,--
And shall read them to each new member when he
is initiated, or present the same to him for person-
al perusal.
V. Each Den may provide itself with the Grand
Banner of the *.
VI. The *s of Dens may make such addition-
al Edicts for their control and government as they
shall deem requisite and necessary. _Provided_,
No Edict shall be made to conflict with any of the pro-
visions or Edicts of this Prescript.
VII. The strictest and most rigid secrecy, con-
cerning any and everything that relates to the *
shall at all times be maintained.
VIII. Any member who shall reveal or betray the
secrets or purposes of this * shall suffer the ex-
treme penalty of the Law.
Hush, thou art not to utter what
I am. Bethink thee; it was our covenant.
I said that I would see thee once again.
[Footer: Ne quid detrimenti Respublica capiat.]
[Header: Amici usque ad aras. 16]
L' ENVOI.
To the lovers of Law and Order, Peace and Jus-
tice, we send greeting; and to the shades of
the venerated Dead, we affectionately dedicate the * *
[Footer: Nos ducit amor libertatis.]
FOOTNOTES:
[55] See Webster's Unabridged Pictorial.
[56] "What always, what every where, what by all is held to be true."
APPENDIX II.
REVISED AND AMENDED PRESCRIPT OF KU KLUX KLAN
ADOPTED IN 1868 (?)
Reprinted _in facsimile_
REVISED AND AMENDED
PRESCRIPT
OF THE
ORDER
OF THE
*
* *
_Damnant quod non intelligunt._
APPELLATION.
This Organization shall be styled and
denominated, the Order of the * * *.
CREED.
We, the Order of the * * *, rever-
entially acknowledge the majesty and
supremacy of the Divine Being, and
recognize the goodness and providence
of the same. And we recognize our
relation to the United States Govern-
ment, the supremacy of the Constitu-
tion, the Constitutional Laws thereof,
and the Union of States thereunder.
CHARACTER AND OBJECTS OF THE ORDER.
This is an institution of Chivalry, Humanity,
Mercy, and Patriotism; embodying in its genius
and its principles all that is chivalric in conduct,
noble in sentiment, generous in manhood, and
patriotic in purpose; its peculiar objects being
First: To protect the weak, the innocent, and
the defenceless, from the indignities, wrongs, and
outrages of the lawless, the violent, and the
brutal; to relieve the injured and oppressed; to
succor the suffering and unfortunate, and espe-
cially the widows and orphans of Confederate
soldiers.
Second: To protect and defend the Constitu-
tion of the United States, and all laws passed in
conformity thereto, and to protect the States and
the people thereof from all invasion from any
source whatever.
Third: To aid and assist in the execution of
all constitutional laws, and to protect the people
from unlawful seizure, and from trial except by
their peers in conformity to the laws of the land.
ARTICLE I.
TITLES.
SECTION 1. The officers of this Order shall consist
of a Grand Wizard of the Empire, and
his ten Genii; a Grand Dragon of the Realm,
[Header: _Nec scire fas est omnia._ 4]
and his eight Hydras; a Grand Titan of the Do-
minion, and his six Furies; a Grand Giant of
the Province, and his four Goblins; a Grand
Cyclops of the Den, and his two Night-hawks; a
Grand Magi, a Grand Monk, a Grand Scribe, a
Grand Exchequer, a Grand Turk, and a Grand
Sentinel.
SEC. 2. The body politic of this Order shall
be known and designated as "Ghouls."
ARTICLE II.
TERRITORY AND ITS DIVISIONS.
SECTION 1. The territory embraced within the
jurisdiction of this Order shall he coterminous
with the States of Maryland, Virginia, North
Carolina, South Carolina, Georgia, Florida, Ala-
bama, Mississippi, Louisiana, Texas, Arkansas,
Missouri, Kentucky, and Tennessee; all com-
bined constituting the Empire.
SEC. 2. The Empire shall be divided into four
departments, the first to be styled the Realm,
and coterminus with the boundaries of the
several States; the second to be styled the Do-
minion, and to be coterminous with such coun-
ties as the Grand Dragons of the several Realms
may assign to the charge of the Grand Titan.
The third to be styled the Province, and to be co-
terminous with the several counties; _provided_,
the Grand Titan may, when he deems it neces-
sary, assign two Grand Giants to one Province,
prescribing, at the same time, the jurisdiction of
[Header: _Amici humani generis._ 5]
each. The fourth department to be styled the
Den, and shall embrace such part of a Province
as the Grand Giant shall assign to the charge of
a Grand Cyclops.
ARTICLE III.
POWERS AND DUTIES OF OFFICERS.
GRAND WIZARD.
SECTION 1. The Grand Wizard, who is the
supreme officer of the Empire, shall have power,
and he shall be required to, appoint Grand
Dragons for the different Realms of the Empire;
and he shall have power to appoint his Genii,
also a Grand Scribe, and a Grand Exchequer
for his Department, and he shall have the sole
power to issue copies of this Prescript, through
his subalterns, for the organization and dissemi-
nation of the Order; and when a question of
paramount importance to the interests or pros-
perity of the Order arises, not provided for in
this Prescript, he shall have power to determine
such question, and his decision shall be final
until the same shall be provided for by amend-
ment as hereinafter provided. It shall be his
duty to communicate with, and receive reports
from, the Grand Dragons of Realms, as to the
condition, strength, efficiency, and progress of
the Order within their respective Realms. And,
it shall further be his duty to keep, by his Grand
Scribe, a list of the names (without any caption
or explanation whatever) of the Grand Dragons,
of the different Realms of the Empire, and shall
[Header: _Quemeunque miserum videris, hominem scias._ 6]
number such Realms with the Arabic numerals
1, 2, 3, etc., _ad finem_; and he shall direct and
instruct his Grand Exchequer as to the appro-
priation and disbursement he shall make of the
revenue of the Order that comes to his hands.
GRAND DRAGON.
SEC. 2. The Grand Dragon, who is the chief
officer of the Realm, shall have power, and he
shall be required, to appoint and instruct a Grand
Titan for each Dominion of his Realm, (such
Dominion not to exceed three in number for any
Congressional District) said appointments being
subject to the approval of the Grand Wizard of
the Empire. He shall have power to appoint
his Hydras; also, a Grand Scribe and a Grand
Exchequer for his Department.
It shall be his duty to report to the Grand
Wizard, when required by that officer, the con-
dition, strength, efficiency, and progress of the
Order within his Realm, and to transmit,
through the Grand Titan, or other authorized
sources, to the Order, all information, intelli-
gence, or instruction conveyed to him by the
Grand Wizard for that purpose, and all such
other information or instruction as he may think
will promote the interest and utility of the Or-
der. He shall keep by his Grand Scribe, a list
of the names (without caption) of the Grand
Titans of the different Dominions of his Realm,
and shall report the same to the Grand Wizard
when required, and shall number the Domin-
[Header: _Magna est veritas, et prevalebit._ 7]
ion of his Realm with the Arabic numerals 1, 2,
3, etc., _ad finem_. And he shall direct and in-
struct his Grand Exchequer as to the appropria-
tion and disbursement he shall make of the reve-
nue of the Order that comes to his hands.
GRAND TITAN.
SEC. 3. The Grand Titan, who is the chief
officer of the Dominion, shall have power, and he
shall be required, to appoint and instruct a Grand
Giant for each Province of his Dominion, such
appointments, however, being subject to the ap-
proval of the Grand Dragon of the Realm. He
shall have the power to appoint his Furies; also,
a Grand Scribe and a Grand Exchequer for his
Department. It shall be his duty to report to
the Grand Dragon when required by that officer,
the condition, strength, efficiency, and progress
of the Order within his Dominion, and to trans-
mit through the Grand Giant, or other author-
ized channels, to the Order, all information, in-
telligence, instruction or directions conveyed to
him by the Grand Dragon for that purpose, and
all such other information or instruction as he
may think will enhance the interest or efficiency
of the Order.
He shall keep, by his Grand Scribe, a list of
the names (without caption or explanation) of
the Grand Giants of the different Provinces of
his Dominion, and shall report the same to the
Grand Dragon when required; and shall num-
[Header: _Ne tentes aut perfice._ 8]
ber the Provinces of his Dominion with the Ar-
abic numerals 1, 2, 3, etc., _ad finem_. And he
shall direct and instruct his Grand Exchequer
as to the appropriation and disbursement he shall
make of the revenue of the Order that comes to
his hands.
GRAND GIANT.
SEC. 4. The Grand Giant, who is the chief
officer of the Province, shall have power, and he
is required, to appoint and instruct a Grand Cy-
clops for each Den of his Province, such ap-
pointments, however, being subject to the ap-
proval of the Grand Titan of the Dominion.
And he shall have the further power to appoint
his Goblins; also, a Grand Scribe and a Grand
Exchequer for his Department.
It shall be his duty to supervise and admin-
ister general and special instructions in the or-
ganization and establishment of the Order within
his Province, and to report to the Grand Titan,
when required by that officer, the condition,
strength, efficiency, and progress of the Order
within his Province, and to transmit through the
Grand Cyclops, or other legitimate sources, to the
Order, all information, intelligence, instruction,
or directions conveyed to him by the Grand
Titan or other higher authority for that purpose,
and all such other information or instruction as
he may think would advance the purposes or
prosperity of the Order. He shall keep, by his
Grand Scribe, a list of the names (without cap-
[Header: _Quid faciendum?_ 9]
tion or explanation) of the Grand Cyclops of the
various Dens of his Province, and shall report
the same to the Grand Titan when required; and
shall number the Dens of his Province with the
Arabic numerals 1, 2, 3, etc., _ad finem_. He
shall determine and limit the number of Dens
to be organized and established in his Province;
and he shall direct and instruct his Grand Ex-
chequer as to the appropriation and disburse-
ment he shall make of the revenue of the Order
that comes to his hands.
GRAND CYCLOPS.
SEC. 5. The Grand Cyclops, who is the chief
officer of the Den, shall have power to appoint
his Night-hawks, his Grand Scribe, his Grand
Turk, his Grand Exchequer, and his Grand Sen-
tinel. And for small offenses he may punish
any member by fine, and may reprimand him
for the same. And he is further empowered to
admonish and reprimand his Den, or any of the
members thereof, for any imprudence, irregu-
larity, or transgression, whenever he may think
that the interests, welfare, reputation or safety
of the Order demand it. It shall be his duty to
take charge of his Den under the instruction and
with the assistance (when practicable) of the
Grand Giant, and in accordance with and in con-
formity to the provisions of this Prescript--a
copy of which shall in all cases be obtained before
the formation of a Den begins. It shall
[Header: _Fiat justitia ruat coelum._ 10]
further be his duty to appoint all regular meet-
ings of his Den, and to preside at the same; to
appoint irregular meetings when he deems it ex-
pedient; to preserve order and enforce discipline
in his Den; to impose fines for irregularities or
disobedience of orders; and to receive and initi-
ate candidates for admission into the Order, after
the same shall have been pronounced competent
and worthy to become members, by the Investi-
gating Committee herein after provided for.
And it shall further be his duty to make a quar-
terly report to the Grand Giant of the condition,
strength, efficiency, and progress of his Den, and
shall communicate to the Officers and Ghouls of
his Den, all information, intelligence, instruction,
or direction, conveyed to him by the Grand Gi-
ant or other higher authority for that purpose;
and shall from time to time administer all such
other counsel, instruction or direction, as in his
sound discretion, will conduce to the interests,
and more effectually accomplish, the real objects
and designs of the Order.
GRAND MAGI.
SEC. 6. It shall be the duty of the Grand
Magi, who is the second officer in authority of
the Den, to assist the Grand Cyclops, and to obey
all the orders of that officer; to preside at all
meetings in the Den, in the absence of the Grand
Cyclops; and to discharge during his absence
all the duties and exercise all the powers and
authority of that officer.
[Header: _Dormitus aliquando jus, moritus nunquam._ 11]
GRAND MONK.
SEC. 7. It shall be the duty of the Grand
Monk, who is the third officer in authority of
the Den, to assist and obey all the orders of the
Grand Cyclops and the Grand Magi; and, in
the absence of both of these officers, he shall pre-
side at and conduct the meetings in the Den, and
shall discharge all the duties, and exercise all the
powers and authority of the Grand Cyclops.
GRAND EXCHEQUER.
SEC. 8. It shall be the duty of the Grand Ex-
chequers of the different Departments to keep a
correct account of all the revenue of the Order
that comes to their hands, and of all paid out by
them; and shall make no appropriation or dis-
bursement of the same except under the orders
and direction of the chief officer of their respect-
ive Departments. And it shall further be the
duty of the Exchequers of Dens to collect the
initiation fees, and all fines imposed by the Grand
Cyclops, or the officer discharging his functions.
GRAND TURK.
SEC. 9. It shall be the duty of the Grand
Turk, who is the executive officer of the Grand
Cyclops, to notify the Officers and Ghouls of the
Den, of all informal or irregular meetings ap-
pointed by the Grand Cyclops, and to obey and
execute all the orders of that officer in the con-
trol and government of his Den. It shall further
be his duty to receive and question at the out-
[Header: _Quieta non movere._ 12]
posts, all candidates for admission into the Order,
and shall _there_ administer the preliminary obli-
gation required, and then to conduct such candi-
date or candidates to the Grand Cyclops, and to
assist him in the initiation of the same.
GRAND SCRIBE.
SEC. 10. It shall be the duty of the Grand
Scribes of the different Departments to conduct
the correspondence and write the orders of the
Chiefs of their Departments, when required.
And it shall further be the duty of the Grand
Scribes of Dens, to keep a list of the names
(without any caption or explanation whatever)
of the Officers and Ghouls of the Den, to call the
roll at all meetings, and to make the quarterly
reports under the direction and instruction of the
Grand Cyclops.
GRAND SENTINEL.
SEC. 11. It shall be the duty of the Grand
Sentinel to take charge of post, and instruct the
Grand Guard, under the direction and orders of
the Grand Cyclops, and to relieve and dismiss
the same when directed by that officer.
THE STAFF.
SEC. 12. The Genii shall constitute the staff of
the Grand Wizard; the Hydras, that of the
Grand Dragon; the Furies, that of the Grand
Titan; the Goblins, that of the Grand Giant;
and the Night-hawks, that of the Grand Cyclops,
[Header: _Quid verum alque decens._ 13]
REMOVAL.
SEC. 13. For any just, reasonable and sub-
stantial cause, any appointee may be removed by
the authority that appointed him, and his place
supplied by another appointment.
ARTICLE IV
ELECTION OF OFFICERS.
SECTION 1. The Grand Wizard shall be elected
biennially by the Grand Dragons of Realms.
The first election for this office to take place on
the 1st Monday in May, 1870, (a Grand Wizard
having been created, by the original Prescript,
to serve three years from the 1st Monday in May,
1867); all subsequent elections to take place every
two years thereafter. And the incumbent Grand
Wizard shall notify the Grand Dragons of the
different Realms, at least six months before said
election, at what time and place the same will
be held; a majority vote of all the Grand
Dragons _present_ being necessary and sufficient to
elect a Grand Wizard. Such election shall be
by ballot, and shall be held by three Commis-
sioners appointed by the Grand Wizard for that
purpose; and in the event of a tie, the Grand
Wizard shall have the casting-vote.
SEC. 2. The Grand Magi and the Grand Monk
of Dens shall be elected annually by the Ghouls
of Dens; and the first election for these officers
may take place as soon as ten Ghouls have been
initiated for the formation of a Den. All subse-
[Header: _Art est colare artem._ 14]
quent elections to take place every year there-
after.
SEC. 3. In the event of a vacancy in the office
of Grand Wizard, by death, resignation, removal,
or otherwise, the senior Grand Dragon of the
Empire shall immediately assume and enter
upon the discharge of the duties of the Grand
Wizard, and shall exercise the powers and per-
form the duties of said office until the same shall
be filled by election; and the said senior Grand
Dragon, as soon as practicable after the happen-
ing of such vacancy, shall call a convention of
the Grand Dragons of Realms, to be held at
such time and place as in his discretion he may
deem most convenient and proper. _Provided_,
however, that the time for assembling such Con-
vention for the election of a Grand Wizard shall
in no case exceed six months from the time such
vacancy occurred; and in the event of a va-
cancy in any other office, the same shall imme-
diately be filled in the manner herein before
mentioned.
SEC. 4. The Officers heretofore elected or ap-
pointed may retain their offices during the time
for which they have been so elected or appointed,
at the expiration of which time said offices shall
be filled as herein-before provided.
ARTICLE V
JUDICIARY.
SECTION 1. The Tribunal of Justice of this
Order shall consist of a Court at the Head-quar-
[Header: _Nusquam tuta fides._ 15]
ters of the Empire, the Realm, the Dominion, the
Province, and the Den, to be appointed by the
Chiefs of these several Departments.
SEC. 2. The Court at the Head-quarters of
the Empire shall consist of three Judges for the
trial of Grand Dragons, and the Officers and at-
tachés belonging to the Head-quarters of the
Empire.
SEC. 3. The Court at the Head-quarters of the
Realm shall consist of three Judges for the trial
of Grand Titans, and the Officers and attachés
belonging to the Head-quarters of the Realm.
SEC. 4. The Court at the Head-quarters of the
Dominion shall consist of three Judges for the
trial of Grand Giants, and the Officers and at-
tachés belonging to the Head-quarters of the
Dominion.
SEC. 5. The Court at the Head-quarters of the
Province shall consist of five Judges for the
trial of Grand Cyclops, the Grand Magis, Grand
Monks, and the Grand Exchequers of Dens, and
the Officers and attachés belonging to the Head-
quarters of the Province.
SEC. 6. The Court at the Head-quarters of the
Den shall consist of seven Judges appointed
from the Den for the trial of Ghouls and the
officers belonging to the Head-quarters of the Den.
SEC. 7. The Tribunal for the trial of the Grand
Wizard shall be composed of at least seven Grand
Dragons, to be convened by the senior Grand
Dragon upon charges being preferred against the
[Header: _Fide non armis._ 16]
Grand Wizard; which Tribunal shall be organ-
ized and presided over by the senior Grand
Dragon _present_; and if they find the accused
guilty, they shall prescribe the penalty, and the
senior Grand Dragon of the Empire shall cause
the same to be executed.
SEC. 8. The aforesaid Courts shall summon
the accused and witnesses for and against him,
and if found guilty, they shall prescribe the pen-
alty, and the Officers convening the Court shall
cause the same to be executed. _Provided_ the ac-
cused shall always have the right of appeal to
the next Court above, whose decision shall be
final.
SEC. 9. The Judges constituting the aforesaid
Courts shall be selected with reference to their
intelligence, integrity, and fair-mindedness, and
shall render their verdict without prejudice,
favor, partiality, or affection, and shall be so
sworn, upon the organization of the Court; and
shall further be sworn to administer even-handed
justice.
SEC. 10. The several Courts herein provided
for shall be governed in their deliberations, pro-
ceedings, and judgments by the rules and regu-
lations governing the proceedings of regular
Courts-martial.
ARTICLE VI.
REVENUE.
SECTION 1. The revenue of this Order shall be
derived as follows: For every copy of this Pre-
[Header: _Dat Deus his quoque finem._ 17]
script issued to Dens, $10 will be required; $2
of which shall go into the hands of the Grand
Exchequer of the Grand Giant, $2 into the hands
of the Grand Exchequer of the Grand Titan,
$2 into the hands of the Grand Exchequer of
the Grand Dragon, and the remaining $4 into
the hands of the Grand Exchequer of the Grand
Wizard.
SEC. 2. A further source of revenue to the
Empire shall be ten per cent. of all the revenue
of the Realms, and a tax upon Realms when the
Grand Wizard shall deem it necessary and in-
dispensable to levy the same.
SEC. 3. A further source of revenue to Realms
shall be ten per cent. of all the revenue of Do-
minions, and a tax upon Dominions when the
Grand Dragon shall deem it necessary and in-
dispensable to levy the same.
SEC. 4. A further source of revenue to Domin-
ions shall be ten per cent. of all the revenue of
Provinces, and a tax upon Provinces when the
Grand Giant shall deem such tax necessary and
indispensable.
SEC. 5. A further source of revenue to Provin-
ces shall be ten per cent. of all the revenue of
Dens, and a tax upon Dens when the Grand
Giant shall deem such tax necessary and indis-
pensable.
SEC. 6. The source of revenue to Dens shall
be the initiation fees, fines, and a _per capita_ tax,
whenever the Grand Cyclops shall deem such
[Header: _Cessante causa, cessat effectus._ 18]
tax necessary and indispensable to the interests
and objects of the Order.
SEC. 7. All the revenue obtained in the man-
ner aforesaid, shall be for the _exclusive_ benefit of
the Order, and shall be appropriated to the
dissemination of the same and to the creation of
a fund to meet any disbursement that it may be-
come necessary to make to accomplish the ob-
jects of the Order and to secure the protection of
the same.
ARTICLE VII.
ELIGIBILITY FOR MEMBERSHIP.
SECTION 1. No one shall be presented for ad-
mission into the Order until he shall have first
been recommended by some friend or intimate
who _is_ a member, to the Investigating Commit-
tee, (which shall be composed of the Grand Cy-
clops, the Grand Magi, and the Grand Monk,)
and who shall have investigated his antecedents
and his past and present standing and connec-
tions; and after such investigation, shall have
pronounced him competent and worthy to become
a member. _Provided_, no one shall be presented
for admission into, or become a member of, this
Order who shall not have attained the age of
eighteen years.
SEC. 2. No one shall become a member of this
Order unless he shall _voluntarily_ take the follow-
ing oaths or obligations, and shall _satisfactorily_
answer the following interrogatories, while kneel-
[Header: _Cave quid dicis, quando, et cui._ 19]
ing, with his right hand raised to heaven, and
his left hand resting on the Bible:
PRELIMINARY OBLIGATION.
"I ---- solemnly swear or affirm that I will
never reveal any thing that I may this day (or
night) learn concerning the Order of the * * *,
and that I will true answer make to such interrog-
atories as may be put to me touching my com-
petency for admission into the same. So help
me God."
INTERROGATORIES TO BE ASKED:
1st. Have you ever been rejected, upon appli-
cation for membership in the * * *, or have you
ever been expelled from the same?
2d. Are you now, or have you ever been, a
member of the Radical Republican party, or
either of the organizations known as the "Loyal
League" and the "Grand Army of the Re-
public?".
3d. Are you opposed to the principles and
policy of the Radical party, and to the Loyal
League, and the Grand Army of the Republic,
so far as you are informed of the character and
purposes of those organizations?
4th. Did you belong to the Federal army
during the late war, and fight against the South
during the existence of the same?
5th. Are you opposed to negro equality, both
social and political?
6th. Are you in favor of a white man's gov-
ernment in this country?
[Header: _Nemo tenetur seipsum accusare._ 20]
7th. Are you in favor of Constitutional liberty,
and a Government of equitable laws instead of a
Government of violence and oppression?
8th. Are you in favor of maintaining the Con-
stitutional rights of the South?
9th. Are you in favor of the re-enfranchise-
ment and emancipation of the white men of
the South, and the restitution of the Southern
people to all their rights, alike proprietary, civil,
and political?
10th. Do you believe in the inalienable right
of self-preservation of the people against the ex-
ercise of arbitrary and unlicensed power?
If the foregoing interrogatories are satisfacto-
rily answered, and the candidate desires to go
further (after something of the character and na-
ture of the Order has thus been indicated to him)
and to be admitted to the benefits, mysteries,
secrets and purposes of the Order, he shall then
be required to take the following final oath or
obligation. But if said interrogatories are not
satisfactorily answered, or the candidate declines
to proceed further, he shall be discharged, after
being solemnly admonished by the initiating offi-
cer of the deep secresy to which the oath already
taken has bound him, and that the extreme pen-
alty of the law will follow a violation of the same.
FINAL OBLIGATION.
"I ---- of my own free will and accord,
and in the presence of Almighty God, do sol-
emnly swear or affirm, that I will never reveal to
[Header: _Deo adjuvante, non timendum._ 21]
any one not a member of the Order of the * * *,
by any intimation, sign, symbol, word or act, or
in any other manner whatever, any of the secrets,
signs, grips, pass-words, or mysteries of the Order
of the * * *, or that I am a member of the same,
or that I know any one who _is_ a member; and
that I will abide by the Prescript and Edicts of
the Order of the * * * So help me God."
The initiating officer will then proceed to ex-
plain to the new members the character and ob-
jects of the Order, and introduce him to the mys-
teries and secrets of the same; and shall read to
him this Prescript and the Edicts thereof, or
present the same to him for personal perusal.
ARTICLE VIII.
AMENDMENTS.
This Prescript or any part or Edicts thereof
shall never be changed, except by a two-thirds
vote of the Grand Dragons of the Realms, in
convention assembled, and at which convention
the Grand Wizard shall preside and be entitled
to a vote. And upon the application of a ma-
jority of the Grand Dragons for that purpose, the
Grand Wizard shall call and appoint the time
and place for said convention; which, when as-
sembled, shall proceed to make such modifica-
tions and amendments as it may think will
promote the interest, enlarge the utility, and
more thoroughly effectuate the purposes of the
Order.
[Header: _Spectemus agendo._ 22]
ARTICLE IX.
INTERDICTION.
The origin, mysteries, and Ritual of this Order
shall never be written, but the same shall be
communicated orally.
ARTICLE X.
EDICTS.
1. No one shall become a member of a distant
Den, when there is a Den established and in ope-
ration in his own immediate vicinity; nor shall
any one become a member of any Den, or of this
Order in any way after he shall have been once
rejected, upon application for membership.
2. No Den, or officer, or member, or members
thereof, shall operate beyond their prescribed
limits, unless invited or ordered by the proper
authority so to do.
3. No member shall be allowed to take any
intoxicating spirits to any meeting of the Den;
nor shall any member be allowed to attend a
meeting while intoxicated; and for every ap-
pearance at a meeting in such condition, he shall
be fined the sum of not less than one nor more
than five dollars, to go into the revenue of the
Order.
4. Any member may be expelled from the
Order by a majority vote of the Officers and
Ghouls of the Den to which he belongs; and if
after such expulsion, such member shall assume
any of the duties, regalia, or insignia of the Or-
[Header: _Nemo nos impune lacissit._ 23]
der, or in any way claim to be a member of the
same, he shall be severely punished. His obli-
gation of secrecy shall be as binding upon him
after expulsion as before, and for any revelation
made by him thereafter, he shall be held ac-
countable in the same manner as if he were then
a member.
5. Upon the expulsion of any member from
the Order, the Grand Cyclops, or the officer act-
ing in his stead, shall immediately report the
same to the Grand Giant of the Province, who
shall cause the fact to be made known and read
in each Den of his Province, and shall transmit
the same, through the proper channels, to the
Grand Dragon of the Realm, who shall cause it
to be published to every Den in his Realm, and
shall notify the Grand Dragons of contiguous
Realms of the same.
6. Every Grand Cyclops shall read, or cause
to be read, this Prescript and these Edicts to his
Den, at least once in every month; and shall read
them to each new member when he is initiated,
or present the same to him for personal perusal.
7. The initiation fee of this Order shall be one
dollar, to be paid when the candidate is initiated
and received into the Order.
8. Dens may make such additional Edicts for
their control and government as they may deem
requisite and necessary. _Provided_, no Edict
shall be made to conflict with any of the provi-
sions or Edicts of this Prescript.
[Header: _Ad unum omnes._ 24]
9. The most profound and rigid secrecy con-
cerning any and everything that relates to the
Order, shall at all times be maintained.
10. Any member who shall reveal or betray
the secrets of this Order, shall suffer the extreme
penalty of the law.
ADMONITION.
Hush! thou art not to utter what I am, be-
think thee! it was our covenant!
REGISTER.
I.
1. Dismal, 7. Painful,
2. Mystic, 8. Portentous,
3. Stormy, 9. Fading,
4. Peculiar, 10. Melancholy,
5. Blooming, 11. Glorious,
6. Brilliant, 12. Gloomy.
II.
I. White, II. Green, III. Yellow, IV. Amber,
V. Purple, VI. Crimson, VII. Emerald.
III.
1. Fearful, 7. Hideous,
2. Startling, 8. Frightful,
3. Wonderful, 9. Awful,
4. Alarming, 10. Horrible,
5. Mournful, 11. Dreadful,
6. Appalling, 12. Last.
IV.
Cumberland.
L'ENVOI.
To the lovers of law and order, peace and jus-
tice, we send greeting; and to the shades of the
venerated dead we affectionately dedicate the
Order of the * * *
_Resurgamus._
APPENDIX III.
CONSTITUTION OF A LOCAL
ORDER MODELED UPON
KU KLUX KLAN
Used in South Carolina and in North Carolina
From The Ku Klux Report, North Carolina Testimony
CONSTITUTION
ARTICLE I.
This organization shall be known as the ---- Order, No. --, of the Ku
Klux Klan of the State of South Carolina.
ARTICLE II.
The officers shall consist of a cyclops and a scribe, both of whom
shall be elected by a majority vote of the order, and to hold their
office during good behavior.
ARTICLE III.
SECTION 1. It shall be the duty of the C. to preside in the order,
enforce a due observance of the constitution and by-laws, and an exact
compliance to the rules and usages of the order; to see that all the
members perform their respective duties; to appoint all committees
before the order; inspect the arms and dress of each member on
special occasions; to call meetings when necessary; draw upon members
for all sums needed to carry on the order.
SEC. 2. The S. shall keep a record of the proceedings of the order;
write communications; notify other Klans when their assistance is
needed; give notice when any member has to suffer the penalty for
violating his oath; see that all books, papers or other property
belonging to his office, are placed beyond the reach of any one not a
member of the order. He shall perform such other duties as may be
required of him by the C.
ARTICLE IV.
SECTION 1. No person shall be initiated into this order under eighteen
years of age.
SEC. 2. No person of color shall be admitted into this order.
SEC. 3. No person shall be admitted into this order who does not
sustain a good moral character, and who is in any way incapacitated to
perform the duties of a Ku Klux.
SEC. 4. The name of a person proposed for membership must be proposed
by the committee appointed by the chief, verbally, stating age,
residence, and occupation; state if he was a soldier in the late war,
his rank, whether in the Federal or Confederate service, and his
command.
ARTICLE V.
SECTION 1. Any member who shall offend against these articles, or the
by-laws shall be subject to be fined and reprimanded by the C., as
two-thirds of the members present at any regular meeting may
determine.
SEC. 2. Every member shall be entitled to a fair trial for any offense
involving reprimand or criminal punishment.
BY-LAWS
ARTICLE I.
SECTION 1. This order shall meet at ----.
SEC. 2. Five members shall constitute a quorum, provided the C. or S.
be present.
SEC. 3. The C. shall have power to appoint such members of the order
to attend the sick, the needy, and those distressed, and those
suffering from radical misrule, as the case may require.
SEC. 4. No person shall be appointed on a committee unless the person
is present at the time of appointment. Members of committees
neglecting to report shall be fined 30 cents.
ARTICLE II.
SECTION 1. Every member, on being admitted, shall sign the
constitution and by-laws and pay the initiation fee.
SEC. 2. A brother of the Klan wishing to become a member of this
order, who shall present his application with the proper papers of
transfer from the order of which he was a member formerly, shall be
admitted to the order only by a unanimous vote of the members present.
ARTICLE III.
SECTION 1. The initiation fee shall be ----.
ARTICLE IV.
SECTION 1. Every member who shall refuse or neglect to pay his fine or
dues shall be dealt with as the chief thinks proper.
SEC. 2. Sickness or absence from the country or being engaged in any
important business shall be a valid excuse for any neglect of duty.
ARTICLE V.
SECTION 1. Each member shall provide himself with a pistol, Ku Klux
gown and signal instruments.
SEC. 2. When charges have been preferred against a member in proper
manner, or any matters of grievance between brother Ku Klux are
brought before the order, they shall be referred to a committee of
three or more members, who shall examine the parties and determine the
matters in question, reporting their decision to the order. If the
parties interested desire, two-thirds of the members present voting in
favor of the report, it shall be carried.
ARTICLE VI.
SECTION 1. It is the duty of every member who has evidence that
another has violated Article II. to prefer the charges and specify the
offense to the order.
SEC. 2. The charge for violating Article II. shall be referred to a
committee of five or more members, who shall as soon as practicable,
summon the parties and investigate the matter.
SEC. 3. If the committee agree that the charges are sustained, that
the member on trial has intentionally violated his oath, or Article
II., they shall report the fact to the order.
SEC. 4. If the committee agree that the charges are not sustained,
that the member is not guilty of violating his oath or Article II.,
they shall report to that effect to the order and the charges shall be
dismissed.
SEC. 5. When the committee report that the charges are sustained, and
the unanimous vote of the members is given thereof, the offending
person shall be sentenced to death by the chief.
SEC. 6. The person, through the cyclops of the order of which he is a
member, can make application for pardon to the Great Grand Cyclops of
Nashville, Tennessee, in which case execution of the sentence can be
stayed until pardoning power is heard from.
ARTICLE VII.
SECTION 1. Any member who shall betray or divulge any of the matters
of the order shall suffer death.
ARTICLE VIII.
SECTION 1. The following shall be the rules of any order to any matter
herein not provided for; shall be managed in strict accordance with
the Ku Klux rules.
SEC. 2. When the chief takes his position on the right, the scribe,
with the members forming a half-circle around them, and at the sound
of the signal instrument there shall be profound silence.
SEC. 3. Before proceeding to business, the scribe shall call the roll
and note the absentees.
SEC. 4. Business shall be taken up in the following order:
1. Reading the minutes.
2. Excuse of members at preceding meeting.
3. Report of committee of candidates for membership.
4. Collection of dues.
5. Are any of the order sick or suffering?
6. Report of committees.
7. New business.
APPENDIX IV.
KU KLUX ORDERS, WARNINGS
AND OATHS
KU KLUX ORDERS, WARNINGS, OATHS.
KU KLUX KLAN.
ALERT!
(Crossed muskets)
(and pistol.) (Spade ax ax.)
ALERT! ALERT!
T T T T T T T T T T T
The B. G. C. of the K. K. K. is in town. You who know the signal of
his presence and have seen it be on the _alert_. You who do not--to a
brother--_mark the nail of the finger and the_ (?) must be organized
in the future. _Traitors_ to their race _will not always flemish like
the bay. Dimity marks them. Look out. And meet at the cave where the
Greased Lightning Slumbers._
By order of the
B. G. C.
In Pro., Per.
D. W. S.
Forerunner.[57]
KU KLUX.
Serpent's Den--Death's Retreat
Hollow Tomb--Misery Cave of the
Great Ku Klux Klan, No. 1,000.
Windy Month--Bloody Moon,
Muddy Night--Twelfth Hour.
_General Orders No. 1._
Make ready! Make ready! Make ready!
The mighty hobgoblins of the Confederate dead in Hell-a-Bulloo
assembled!
Revenge, Revenge!
Be secret, be cautious, be terrible!
By special grant, Hell freezes over for your passage. Offended ghosts,
put on your skates, and cross over to mother earth!
Work! Work!! Work!!!
Double, double, toil and trouble;
Fire burn and cauldron bubble.
Ye white men who stick to black, soulless beasts! the time arrives for
you to part. Q. W. X. W. V. U., and so, from Omega to Alpha.
Cool it with a baboon's blood
Then the charm is firm and good.
Ye niggers who stick to low whites!
Begone, Begone, Begone! The world turns around--the thirteenth hour
approacheth.
S. one, two, and three--beware! White and yellow.
J. and T---- P---- and L---- begone.--The handwriting on the wall
warns you!
From the murderer's gibbet, throw
Into the flame. Come high and low.
By order of the Great
BLUFUSTIN.
G. S. K. K. K.
A true copy,
Peterloo.
P. S. K. K. K.
KU KLUX.
Hell-a-Bulloo Hole--Den of Skulls.
Bloody Bones--Headquarters of the
Great Ku Klux Klan, No. 1,000.
Windy Month--New Moon.
Cloudy Night--Thirteenth Hour.
_General Orders No. 2._
The great chief Simulacre summons you!
Be ready! Crawl slowly! Strike hard!
Fire around the pot!
Sweltered venom, sleeping got
Boil thou first i' the charmed pot!
Like a hell-broth boil and bubble!
The Great High Priest Cyclops! C. J. F. Y.
Varnish, Tar and Turpentine!
The fifth Ghost sounds his Trumpet!
The mighty Genii wants two black wethers!
Make them, make them, make them! Presto!
The Great Giantess must have a white barrow.
Make him, make him, make him! Presto!
Meet at once--the den of Snakes--the Giants jungle--the hole of Hell!
The second Hobgoblin will be there, a mighty Ghost of valor! His eyes
of fire, his voice of thunder! Clean the streets--clean the serpents'
dens.
Red hot pincers! Bastinado!! Cut Clean!!! No more to be born. Fire and
brimstone.
Leave us, leave us, leave us! One, two, three tonight! Others soon!
Hell freezes! On with skates--glide on. Twenty from Atlanta. Call the
roll. _Bene dicite!_ The Great Ogre orders it!
By order of the Great
BLUFUSTIN.
G. S. K. K. K.
A true copy,
Peterloo.
P. S. K. K. K.
KU KLUX.
Hollow Hell, Devil's Den, Horrible
Shadows. Ghostly Sepulchre.
Head Quarters of the Immortal Ate
of the K. K. K. Gloomy month. Bloody
Moon. Black Night, Last Hour.
_General Orders No. 3._
Shadowed Brotherhood! Murdered heroes!
Fling the bloody dirt that covers you to the four winds! Erect thy
Goddess on the banks of the Avernus. Mark well your foes! Strike with
the red hot spear! Prepare Charon for his task!
Enemies reform! The skies shall be blackened! A single Star shall look
down upon horrible deeds! The night owl shall hoot a requiem o'er
Ghostly Corpses!
Beware! Beware! Beware!
The Great Cyclops is angry! Hobgoblins report! Shears and lash! Tar
and Feathers! Hell and Fury!
Revenge! Revenge! Revenge!
Bad men! white, black, yellow, repent!
The hour is at hand! Be ye ready! Life is short. J. H. S. Y. W.!!!
Ghosts! Ghosts!! Ghosts!!!
Drink thy tea made of distilled hell, stirred with the lightning of
heaven, and sweetened with the gall of thine enemies!
All will be well!!!
By order of the Great
BLUFUSTIN.
G. S. K. K. K.
A true copy,
Peterloo.
P. S. K. K. K.[58]
[Illustration:
Prospective scene in the "City of Oaks," 4th of March, 1868.
"Hang, curs, hang! * * * * * _Their_ complexion is
perfect gallows. Stand fast, good fate, to _their_
hanging! * * * * * If they be not born to be hanged,
our case is miserable."
The above cut represents the fate in store for those great pests
of Southern society--the carpet-bagger and scallawag--if found
in Dixie's Land after the break of day on the 4th of March next.
The genus carpet-bagger is a man with a lank head of dry hair, a
lank stomach and long legs, club knees and splay feet, dried
legs and lank jaws with eyes like a fish and mouth like a shark.
Add to this a habit of sneaking and dodging about in unknown
places--habiting with negroes in dark dens and back streets--a
look like a hound and the smell of a polecat.
Words are wanting to do full justice to the genus scallawag. He
is a cur with a contracted head, downward look, slinking and
uneasy gait; sleeps in the woods, like old Crossland, at the
bare idea of a Ku-Klux raid.
Our scallawag is the local leper of the community. Unlike the
carpet-bagger, he is native, which is so much the worse. Once he
was respected in his circle; his head was level, and he would
look his neighbor in the face. Now, possessed of the itch of
office and the salt rheum of Radicalism, he is a mangy dog,
slinking through the alleys, haunting the Governor's office,
defiling with tobacco juice the steps of the Capitol, stretching
his lazy carcass in the sun on the Square, or the benches of the
Mayor's Court.
He waiteth for the troubling of the political waters, to the end
that he may step in and be healed of the itch by the ointment of
office. For office he 'bums' as a toper 'bums' for the
satisfying dram. For office, yet in prospective, he hath
bartered respectability; hath abandoned business, and ceased to
labor with his hands, but employs his feet kicking out
boot-heels against lamp post and corner curb, while discussing
the question of office
THE FATE OF THE CARPETBAGGER AND THE SCALAWAG
Cartoon by Ryland Randolph in _Independent Monitor_, September 1,
1868.]
TO THE PUBLIC
K. K. K.
TAKEN BY HABEAS CORPUS.
In silence and secrecy thought has been working, and the benignant
efficacies of concealment speak for themselves. Once again have we
been forced by force to use _Force_. Justice was lame, and she had to
lean upon us. Information being obtained that a "doubting Thomas," the
inferior of nothing, the superior of nothing, and of consequence the
equal of nothing, who has neither eyes to see the scars of oppression,
nor ears to hear the cause of humanity, even though he wears the
Judicial silk, had ordered some guilty prisoners from Union to the
City of Columbia, and of injustice and prejudice, for an _unfair trial
of life_; thus clutching at the wheel-spokes of destiny--then this
thing was created and projected; otherwise it would never have been.
We yield to the inevitable and inexorable, and account this the
_best_. "Let not thy right hand know what thy left hand doeth," is our
motto.
We want peace, but this cannot be till justice returns. We want and
will have justice, but this cannot be till the bleeding fight of
freedom is fought. Until then the Moloch of Iniquity will have his
victims, even if the Michael of Justice must have his martyrs.
K. K. K.[59]
ANOTHER KU KLUX PROCLAMATION.[60]
The following document was discovered on yesterday morning posted on
the "legal advertisement" board hanging at the court-house door. We
have examined the original and find it is in the same handwriting as
the one left with the jailer on the night of the late raid on the
jail:
HEADQUARTERS K. K. K, DEPARTMENT OF S. C.,
_General Orders No. 49._
_From the G. G. C., S. S._
We delight not in speech, but there is language which, when meant in
earnest, becomes desperate. We raise the voice of warning, beware!
beware! Persons there are, (_and not unknown to us_,) who, to gratify
some private grudge or selfish end, like Wheeler's men, so called, are
executing their low, paltry, and pitiful designs at the expense, not
only of the noble creed we profess and act, but also to the great
trouble and annoyance of their neighbors in various communities. We
stay our hand for once; but if such conduct is frightening away
laborers, robbery, and connivance at the secrets of our organization
is repeated, then the mockers _must_ suffer and the traitors meet
their merited doom. We dare not promise what we do not perform. We
want no substitutes or conscripts in our ranks. We can be as generous
as we are terrible; but, _stand back_. We've said it, and there can be
no interference.
By order of the Grand Chief,
A.O.,
_Grand Secretary._
KU KLUX MANIFESTO.[61]
Below we publish a document which we received through the postoffice
on Monday last, it having been dropped into the letter box the
previous night, as we are informed by the postmaster. As to whether or
not the paper is genuine, and emanates from the mysterious Ku Klux
Klan, we have no means of knowing, as the handwriting is evidently
disguised. Although it is our rule to decline the publication of all
anonymous communications, we have decided to waive the rule in this
instance, and print the document for what it is worth. Here it is in
full:
EXTRACT OF MINUTES.
ARTICLE 1. Whereas there are malicious and evil disposed persons, who
endeavor to perpetrate their malice, serve notices, and make threats
under the cover of our august name, now we warn all such bogus
organizations that we will not allow of any interference. Stop it.
ARTICLE 2. There shall be no interference with any honest, decent,
well-behaved person, whether white or black; and we cordially invite
all such to continue at their appropriate labor, and they shall be
protected therein by the whole power of this organization. But we do
intend that the honest, intelligent white people (the tax payers) of
this county shall rule it! We can no longer put up with negro rule,
black bayonets, and a miserably degraded, thievish set of lawmakers,
(God save the mark!) the scum of the earth, the scrapings of creation.
We are pledged to stop it; we are determined to end it, even if we are
"forced by force to use force."
ARTICLE 3. Our attention having been called to the letter of one Rose,
county treasurer of York, we brand it as a lie! Our lieutenant was
ordered to arrest him, that he might be tried on alleged charges of
incendiarism, (and if convicted he will be executed). But there were
no shots fired at him and no money stolen; that is not in our line,
the legislature of the State of South Carolina have a monopoly in that
line.
By command of the Chief.
Official: K. K. K., A. A. G.
K. K. K.[62]
HEADQUARTERS; NINTH DIVISION, S.C.,
_Special Orders No. 3, K. K. K._
"Ignorance is the curse of God." For this reason we are determined
that the members of the legislature, the school commissioners, and the
county commissioners of Union, shall no longer officiate. Fifteen (15)
days' notice from this date is therefore given and if they, _one and
all_, do not _at once and forever resign_ their present inhuman,
disgraceful, and outrageous rule, then retributive justice will as
surely be used as night follows day.
Also, "An honest man is the noblest work of God." For this reason, if
the clerk of the said board of county commissioners and school
commissioners does not _immediately_ renounce and relinquish his
present position, then harsher measures than these will most assuredly
and _certainly_ be used.
For confirmation, reference to the orders heretofore published in the
_Union Weekly Times_ and _Yorkville Enquirer_ will more fully and
completely show our intention.
A.O.,
_Grand Secretary._
March 9, 1871.
[Illustration:
"Dam Your Soul. The Horrible _Sepulchre_ and Bloody Moon has at
last arrived. Some live to-day to-morrow "_Die._" We the
undersigned understand through our Grand "_Cyclops_" that you
have recommended a big Black Nigger for Male agent on our nu
rode; wel, sir, Jest you understand in time if he gets on the
rode you can make up your mind to pull roape. If you have any
thing to say in regard to the Matter, meet the Grand Cyclops and
Conclave at Den No. 4 at 12 o'clock midnight, Oct. 1st, 1871.
"When you are in Calera we warn you to hold your tounge and not
speak so much with your mouth or otherwise you will be taken on
supprise and led out by the Klan and learnt to stretch hemp.
Beware. Beware. Beware. Beware.
(Signed) "PHILLIP ISENBAUM,
"_Grand Cyclops_.
"JOHN BANKSTOWN.
"ESAU DAVES.
"MARCUS THOMAS.
"BLOODY BONES.
"You know who. And all others of the Klan."
WARNING SENT BY THE KLAN
From Ku Klux Report, Alabama Testimony.]
THE OATH.[63]
I, before the great immaculate God of heaven and earth, do take and
subscribe to the following sacred binding oath and obligation: I
promise and swear that I will uphold and defend the Constitution of
the United States as it was handed down by our forefathers in its
original purity. I promise and swear that I will reject and oppose the
principles of the radical party in all its forms, and forever maintain
and contend that intelligent white men shall govern this country. I
promise and pledge myself to assist, according to my pecuniary
circumstances, all brothers in distress. Females, widows, and their
households shall ever be specially in my care and protection. I
promise and swear that I will obey all instructions given me by my
chief, and should I ever divulge or cause to be divulged any secrets,
signs or pass-words of the Invisible Empire, I must meet with the
fearful and just penalty of the traitor, which is death, death, death,
at the hands of my brethren.[64]
* * * * *
I, T. A. Hope, before the Great Immaculate Judges of Heaven and Earth,
and upon the Holy Evangelist of Almighty God, do, of my own free will
and accord, subscribe to the following sacred, binding obligation:
I. I am on the side of justice and humanity, and constitutional
liberty as bequeathed to us by our forefathers in its original purity.
II. I reject and oppose the principles of the radical party.
III. I pledge aid to a brother of the Ku Klux Klan in sickness,
distress, or pecuniary embarrassments; females, friends, and widows,
and their households shall be the special object of my care and
devoted protection.
IV. Should I ever divulge, or cause to be divulged, any of the secrets
of this order, or any of the foregoing obligations, I must meet with
the fearful punishment of death and traitor's doom, which is death,
death, death, at the hands of the brethren.[65]
* * * * *
I do solemnly swear that I will support and defend the Invisible
Circle; that I will defend our families, our wives, our children, and
brethren; that I will assist a brother in distress to the best of my
ability; that I will never reveal the secrets of this order or
anything in regard to it that may come to my knowledge, and if I do
may I meet a traitor's doom, which is death, death, death: so help me
God, and so punish me my brethren.[66]
FOOTNOTES:
[57] Montgomery Mail, March 23, 1868.
[58] This and the two preceding orders were written by Ryland Randolph
and printed in his paper _The Independent Monitor_, of Tuscaloosa,
Alabama.
[59] From the _Weekly Union Times_ of Unionville, S.C., February 17,
1871; South Carolina Testimony, pp. 1003, 1092. The negro militia of
South Carolina had killed a man who refused to sell whisky to them.
Several were arrested and imprisoned. A radical judge named Thomas, in
Columbia, 60 or 70 miles away and out of the district where the crime
was committed, directed that the prisoners be removed to Columbia for
trial. The whites believed that this was done as the first step toward
releasing the criminals. A mob came in, took the men from jail, shot
them and gave to the sheriff the above notice with instructions to
have it published in the newspapers.
[60] Weekly Union Times, Unionville, S.C., February 24, 1871; Ku Klux
Report, South Carolina Testimony, p. 1004. The Ku Klux Klan had many
imitators, and lawless conduct was often carried on under the
protection of the name and prestige of the Klan. The above warning was
meant for those who had been using the name of the order to cloak evil
deeds.
[61] _Yorkville Enquirer_, Yorkville, S.C., March 9, 1871; South
Carolina Testimony, p. 1347. Another warning to those engaged in
lawlessness and using the name of the Klan.
[62] _Union Weekly Times_, March 17, 1871; South Carolina Testimony,
p. 1096. This order illustrates one method of getting rid of obnoxious
officials.
[63] The oath of Ku Klux Klan was not printed. The three versions here
given were given from memory. The similarity is marked, however.
[64] Ku Klux Report. North Carolina Testimony. Court Proceedings, p.
422.
[65] Ku Klux Report, North Carolina Testimony, pp. 399, 400.
[66] South Carolina Testimony, p. 361.
INDEX
A.
Abernathy, Dr. C.C., a member of the Klan, 21
Admission of members, 147, 170
Admonition, 176
Alabama, Costumes worn in, 43, 58, 97;
investigation in, 43;
Klan extends to, 70
Amendment of Prescript, 147, 173
"American Historical Magazine," cited, 39
Anderson, Gen. G.T., a member of the Klan, 27
Appellation Official, of the Order, 136, 154
"Appomattox Program," not carried out, 33
B.
Badges worn by high officials, 59
(See also outside cover.)
Beati Paoli, 25
Black Belt, Ku Klux Klan mainly outside of, 23
Bowers, Dr. James, a member, 21
Brown, Gen. John C., a member, 26
Brown, W.G., "The Lower South," cited, 18
Brownlow, W.G., Governor of Tennessee, 1865-1868, 125;
his militia a cause of the Ku Klux Movement, 29;
proclaims martial law, 128;
has "Force Laws" passed, 113;
his detective drowned by the Klan, 67
Brownlow Republicans in Ku Klux disguise, 105
Burgess, J.W., "Reconstruction and the Constitution," cited, 113
C.
Carbonari, 25
Carpetbag and negro legislators pass "Force Laws", 113
Carpetbag rule a cause of the Ku Klux Movement,. 29, 31, 32, 35
Carter, Dr. Benjamin, a member, 61
Cartoon from the "Independent Monitor," 42, 192;
from the "Loil Legislature", 43, 113
Causes of the Ku Klux Movement, 24, 28, 31, 50, 75-81
(See also Ku Klux Klan.)
Centaurs, Grand Council of, 144
"Century Magazine," cited, 53, 84
Certificate of Laps D. McCord, 38
"Cincinnati Commercial," prints the Randolph cartoons, 43, 192
"Civil War and Reconstruction in Alabama," by W.L. Fleming,
cited, 49, 79, 113
Character and objects of Ku Klux Klan, 155
Clanton, Gen. James H., 33
Cloud, Dr. N.B., driven from Tuscaloosa by the Klan, 42;
see cartoon facing page, 192
Colquitt, Gen. A.H. Colquitt, a member, 27
Conditions in the South, 75, 76
Confederates disfranchised, 88
Confréries, 25
Congress investigates Ku Klux Klan, 27, 28, 30, 47, 48, 49, 131;
passes "Force Laws", 113
Constitutions, see Prescript.
Constitutional Union Guards, 18
Convention of Ku Klux Klan, 36, 37, 84, 133
Coon and Sibley, carpetbaggers, cartoon of, 43, and facing, 113
Costumes worn in the Klan, 43, 58, 59, 97
Council of Centaurs, 144; of Yahoos, 144
Cox, S.S., "Three Decades," quotation from. 11
Crawford, F.M., a member, 21
Creed of the Klan, 136, 154
Crowe, Major James R., one of the founders of the Klan, 19;
first Grand Turk, 21;
statement in regard to origin of the Pulaski Den, 22;
one of committee to prepare a constitution and a ritual, 54
Cutler, "Lynch Law," cited, 15
Cyclops, Grand, an official of the Klan, 57;
ruler of a Den, 86;
duties, 140, 161;
election of, 143;
appointment of, 160;
in a local order, 179
Cypher Code, 148, 176
(See also Register.)
D.
Decline of the Klan, 100-127;
causes of, 103
Dedication of Prescript, 150, 176
Den, the lowest division of the Order, 85, 136, 157;
at Pulaski, Tennessee, 19-21, 53
Disbandment of the Klan, 27, 52, 112, 128-130
Divisions of the Invisible Empire of Ku Klux Klan, 156
"Documents Relating to Reconstruction," cited, 18, 79
Dominions or Congressional Districts, 85, 136, 156
Dracovolans, or Flying Dragon, 147
Dragon, Grand, ruler of a Realm, 86;
duties, 138, 158;
how elected, 143;
appointed, 157
Duties of officials, 136-143, 157-165
E.
Edicts, or By-laws of the Order, 148, 174
Empire, The, 136, 156
Ensign, Grand, duties, 143
Ensign or banner of the Ku Klux Klan, 147
Exchequer, Grand, or treasurer, 57, 86;
duties, 142, 163;
how elected, 143;
appointed, 157-161
Expansion of the Klan's territory, 68-82, 156
Expulsion of members, 149, 174
F.
Fleming, W.L., "Civil War and Reconstruction in Alabama,"
cited, 49, 79, 113
Flying Dragon, 147
"Force Laws," effect on Klan, 125, 126
Forrest, Gen. Nathan Bedford, Grand Wizard, 26, 27, 28;
testimony before Ku Klux Committee of Congress, 28-30, 80;
his estimate of the number of members, 95;
his opinion of the character of members, 65;
belongs to the order of Pale Faces, 30;
disbands the Klan, 27, 52, 112, 128-130
Founders of the Klan, 19
Furies, the staff of the Grand Titan, 86, 136, 156, 159, 164
Fussell, Col. Joseph, a member, 27
G.
Garner, J.W., "Reconstruction in Mississippi," cited, 49
Garrett, Dr. W.R., makes plates used on pages 153-176 40
Genii, the staff of the Grand Wizard, 85, 136, 155, 157 164
Georgia, candidates in Georgia, 31
Ghouls, private members, 136, 156;
elect officials 143, 165
Giant, Grand, ruler of a Province, duties, 139, 160;
how elected, 143;
appointed 159
Giles County, Tennessee 50
Goblins, 136, 156, 160, 164
Gordon, Gen. John B., 26, 27, 33;
testimony before the Ku Klux Committee of Congress, 30-33, 80, 105
Grand Army of the Republic 171
Grant, Gen. U.S., magnanimity of, 33
H.
Hanging picture, cartoon by Ryland Randolph, 42, 192;
republished in the North 192
Hardee, Gen. W.J., a member, 26
"Histoire Générale," by Lavisse & Rambaud, cited 25
Huntsville, Alabama, parade of Klan in, 44
Hydras, the staff of the Grand Dragon, 86, 136, 156, 158 164
I.
"Independent Monitor," cited 26, 41, 192
Initiations into the Pulaski Den, 60, 63, 64
Interrogations to be asked candidates for admission, 171
Investigation of Ku Klux Klan, by Congress, 26, 28, 30, 47, 48, 49, 131;
by Alabama, 43
Invisible Circle 198
Invisible Empire, 47, 85, 101
J.
Jones, Calvin, one of the founders, 20, 21;
on committee to choose a name for the order, 53;
Charles P., a member, 21;
Miss Cora R., daughter of Charles P., and niece of Calvin, article
in "Advance," cited, 61, 92;
Judge Thomas M., father of Calvin and Charles P., 20, 53
Judiciary of the Klan, 27, 144, 166
K.
Kennedy, John, one of the founders of the Klan, 20, 21;
on committee to prepare constitution and ritual, 54
Kirk, John H., aided in printing the Prescript, 38
Klephts, 25
Knights of the White Camelia, 18, 23
Ku Klux Committee of Congress, 27
Ku Klux Klan, causes of, 23, 24, 28, 29, 31, 32, 35, 47-67, 75-81;
founded at Pulaski, Tennessee, 19, 21, 51, 53;
headquarters at Pulaski, 51;
initiations at Pulaski, 61-64;
original object, 59;
selection of name, 22, 53, 55;
costumes worn, 43, 58, 59, 97;
expansion, 68-82;
transformation, 71, 83-99;
reorganized, 84-99;
territorial extent, 23, 24, 85, 136, 156;
Prescripts, 37, 39, 133-150, 151-176;
officers and their duties, 85-86, 136;
oaths and obligations, 171, 172, 197, 198;
parades, 44, 91;
character and objects, 28, 31, 109-111, 155, 171-172;
creed, 136, 154;
declaration of principles, 87;
edicts, 148, 174;
admission of members, 147, 170;
character and conduct of members, 30, 34, 101, 102;
numbers, 30, 95;
secrets, 48, 148, 174;
revenue, 145, 168;
judiciary, 27, 144, 166;
convention at Nashville, 36, 37;
methods, 71-75, 91, 96-99, 183-196;
orders and warnings, 40, 130, 187-198;
disciplines its members, 106; outrages, 131;
decline and disbandment, 35, 100-127, 128-130;
regalia destroyed, 129;
investigation by Congress, 27, 28, 30, 43, 47, 48, 49, 131;
effect of "force laws;" popular idea of the Klan, 49;
results of the Ku Klux Movement, 35, 73, 80, 81;
other secret orders, 18
Ku Klux Klan, Lester and Wilson's History of, 15-19, 35, 37, 47
Ku Klux Movement, 25
Ku Klux Report, cited, 18, 27, 28, 33, 49, 52, 65, 80, 196, 197, 198
L.
Lakin, Rev. A.S., president of University of Alabama, driven away by
the Klan, 42;
see cartoon, 192
Lavisse and Rambaud, "Histoire Générale," cited, 25
Lawton, Gen. A.R., a member, 27
Lester, Capt. J. C, one of the founders of the Klan and one of the
authors of the History of Ku Klux Klan, 15, 16, 17, 19;
on committee to prepare constitution and ritual, 54
Lictor, an official title, 57
"Loil Legislature," by Capt. B.H. Screws, cartoon from, 43, 113
"Lower South," by W.G. Brown, cited, 18
Loyal League, 79, 125, 171
(See also Union League.)
"Loyalty," meaning of, 125
"Lynch Law," by Cutler, cited, 15
M.
McCallum, James, a member, 21
McCoy, Capt. Thomas, a member, 21
McCord, Frank O., one of the founders of the Klan, 20, 37;
first Grand Cyclops, 21;
Laps D., prints the Prescripts, 38;
L.W., editor of the "Pulaski Citizen," a Ku Klux newspaper, 38
McKissick, Alex., a member, 21
Magi, Grand, 57;
duties, 141, 162;
how elected, 143, 165
Martial law proclaimed in Tennessee, 128
Masonic order, 25
Members, admission of, 102, 147, 170;
expulsion, 149, 174;
none ever arrested, 106
Methods employed by the Klan, 91, 96, 97, 187-196
Militia law of Tennessee, 124
Mississippi, Klan extends to, 70;
costumes worn in, 43, 58
Minnis, J.A., testimony, 80
Mitchell, Capt. Robert, a member, 21
Monk, Grand, 86;
duties, 141, 163;
how elected, 143, 165
"Montgomery Mail," cited, 189
Moore, John A., a member, 21
Morton, Capt. John W., a member, 21, 26;
initiates General Forrest, 27
Motto, on ensign, 147
N.
Name of the order, selection of, 53, 55;
influence of name on the career of the order, 55, 56, 136, 154
Nashville Convention of the Klan, 84, 89;
adopts Prescript, 33
Nashville Den drowns a detective, 67
Negro equality, Klan opposed to, 171
Negro members of the Klan, 26
Negro troops, conduct of, 32
Negroes, 22, 23, 24, 26, 29, 31, 32;
conduct of, 77;
frightened by Klan, 97-99
Nelson, J.L., a member, 21
Newspapers forbidden to print Ku Klux notices, 41, 130
Night Hawks, the staff of a Cyclops, 86, 136, 156, 161, 164
Nihilists, 25
North Carolina, a local order in, 177-186
Number of members, 30, 95
O.
Oaths and obligations, 146, 147, 171, 172, 197, 198
Officials of the Klan, duties, 85, 86;
how elected, 143, 165
Order issued by the Grand Dragon of Tennessee, 109-111
Orders and warnings sent by the Klan, 40, 41, 187-196
Origin of Ku Klux Klan, 47-67
Outrages attributed to the Klan, 105
P.
Pale Faces, 18;
Gen. Forrest a member of, 30
Parades of the Klan, 44, 91-95
Pearcy, Capt. J.L., a member, 21;
owns a Revised and Amended Prescript, 40
Penalty for betrayal of secrets, 149, 176
Pettus, Gen. Edmund W, 33, 80
Pike, Gen. Albert, chief judicial officer, 27
Principles of the Klan, 87, 88, 171, 182
Province, or county, 85, 136, 156
Pulaski, Tennessee, description of, 50;
conditions in 1865, 52;
Ku Klux Klan founded there, 16, 53;
Ku Klux parade, 91-95
Pulaski Den, origin and membership, 19-21, 53, 57, 61
Prescripts, 16, 30, 36, 87, 88;
original, adopted at Nashville Convention, 37, 40, 133-150;
Revised and Amended, 37, 38, 40, 151-176;
an imperfect copy used by a local order, 39, 177-186;
sold by Grand Wizard, 137, 145, 157, 169;
dedication, 150, 176;
Amendment, 147, 173;
Register, 148, 176
Purpose of the original Den, 22
Q.
Quotations, poetical, in original Prescript, 135;
Latin, in the Prescripts, _passim_, 133-176
R.
Radical Republican party, 171
Radicals in Ku Klux disguise, 105
Randolph, Ryland, 26, 40;
quoted, 99, 104;
author of orders and warnings, 41, 190-192;
publishes cartoon of Coon and Sibley, 43, 113
Realm, or state, 85, 136, 156
Reconstruction Acts, 71, 84
"Reconstruction of the Constitution," by J.W. Burgess, cited, 113
"Reconstruction in Mississippi," by J.W. Garner, cited, 49
Reed, Richard R., one of the founders, 20, 21;
on committee to choose a name for the order, 53
Regalia and records of Klan destroyed, 129
Register of the Prescript, 41, 148, 176
Regulators, 71, 73, 106
Results of the Ku Klux Movement, 35
Revenue of the Klan, 145, 168
Revised and Amended Prescript, 38, 151-176
Ritual of Pulaski Den, 54, 57
Rose, W.H., a member, 21
S.
Saunders, "Early Settlers of Alabama," quoted, 96
Scotch-Irish descent of the members of the Klan, 21, 23
Screws, Capt. B.H., "Loil Legislature," cartoon from, 43, 113
Scribe, of a local order, 179
Scribe, Grand, 86;
duties, 142, 164
Secrets of the Klan, 148, 174;
penalty for betrayal of, 149, 176
Sentinel, Grand, 86;
duties, 143, 164
Shapard, I.L. and Robt., members, 21, 38
Sibley and Coon, carpetbaggers, 43, 113
South Carolina, local order in, 177-186;
warnings sent by Klan in, 193-196
Southern Society of New York, owns a Revised and Amended Prescript, 40
Spofford, Judge H.M., residence used by Klan 54
Staff officers, 86, 164
State Guards of Tennessee, 123
Stubbs, Mrs. Elizabeth, in "Early Settlers of Alabama," quoted, 96
T.
Taxes levied in Klan, 145, 169
Tennessee, conditions in, 17, 29;
the Klan in 51, 70, 95;
Confederates disfranchised, 88;
State Guards, 123; Militia law, 124;
order of a Grand Dragon, 109-111;
Anti-Ku Klux law, 113-123
Term of office, 144, 165
Texas, Klan extends to, 70
"Three Decades," by S.S. Cox, quoted, 11
Titan, Grand, ruler of a Dominion, 86;
duties, 138, 159;
how elected, 143;
appointed, 158
Titles of officials, 136, 155
Tories, 24, 77
Tourgee, "Invisible Empire," cited, 18
Transformation of the Klan, 71, 83-99
Tribunal of Justice, 166
Tugenbund, 25
Turk, Grand, 57, 86;
duties, 142, 163;
office first held by Major J.R. Crowe, 21
Tuscaloosa, Alabama, Klan at, 42
U.
"Understanding of Appomattox," violated, 34
Union League, a cause of the Ku Klux Movement, 24, 29, 31, 79-81, 125
Unionists, 24, 26, 77
University of Alabama, 42
V.
Vehmgericht, 25
Voorheis, Milton, a member, 21
W.
Warnings sent by the Klan, 40, 43, 196
"Washington Post," cited, 67, 95
Waters, Dr. M.S., a member, 21
Webster's "Unabridged Pictorial," cited, 147
"Weekly Union Times," cited, 193, 194, 196
White Brotherhood, 18
White Camelia, 18
White League, 18
"White Man's Government", 171
Wilson, Rev. D.L., one of the authors of the History of Ku Klux Klan
15, 16, 17, 19;
article in "Century Magazine" cited, 53, 84
Wizard, Grand, 85;
duties, 136, 157;
how elected, 143, 165, 166;
term of office, 144, 165;
disbands the Klan, 128-130
Y.
Yahoos, Grand Council of, 144
"Yorkville Enquirer," cited, 195
Young Italy, 25
* * * * *
Compiled versions of Appendix I and Appendix II
* * * * *
APPENDIX I.
PRESCRIPT OF KU KLUX KLAN
ADOPTED AT A CONVENTION OF THE ORDER
HELD IN NASHVILLE, APRIL, 1867
Copied from the Original Prescript, line for line and page
for page. The type used here is slightly larger than
in the original document.
PRESCRIPT
OF THE
* *
What may this mean,
That thou, dead corse, again, in complete steel,
Revisit'st thus the glimpses of the moon,
Making night hideous; and we fools of nature,
So horridly to shake our disposition,
With thoughts beyond the reaches of our souls?
An' now auld Cloots, I ken ye're thinkin',
A certain _Ghoul_ is rantin', drinkin',
Some luckless night will send him linkin',
To your black pit;
But, faith! he'll turn a corner jinkin',
And cheat you yet.
CREED.
We the * * reverently acknowledge the Majesty and Supremacy of the
Divine being, and recognize the Goodness and Providence of the Same.
PREAMBLE.
We recognize our relations to the United States Government and
acknowledge the supremacy of its laws.
APPELLATION.
ARTICLE I. This organization shall be styled and denominated the * *
TITLES.
ART. II. The officers of this * shall consist of a Grand Wizard of the
Empire and his ten Genii; a Grand Dragon of the Realm and his eight
Hydras; a Grand Titan of the Dominion and his six Furies; a Grand
Giant of the Province and his four Goblins; a Grand Cyclops of the Den
and his two Night Hawks; a Grand Magi, a Grand Monk, a Grand
Exchequer, a Grand Turk, a Grand Scribe, a Grand Sentinel, and a Grand
Ensign.
SEC. 2. The body politic of this * shall be designated and known as
"Ghouls."
DIVISIONS.
ART. III. This * shall be divided into five departments, all combined,
constituting the Grand * of the Empire. The second department to be
called the Grand * of the Realm. The third, the Grand * of the
Dominion. The fourth, the Grand * of the Province. The fifth, the * of
the Den.
DUTIES OF OFFICERS.
GRAND WIZARD.
ART. IV. SEC. I. It shall be the duty of the Grand Wizard, who is the
Supreme Officer of the Empire to communicate with and receive reports
from the Grand Dragons of Realms, as to the condition, strength,
efficiency and progress of the *s within their respective Realms. And
he shall communicate from time to time, to all subordinates *s,
through the Grand Dragon, the condition, strength, efficiency, and
progress of the *s throughout his vast Empire; and such other
information as he may deem expedient to impart. And it shall further
be his duty to keep by his G Scribe a list of the names (without any
caption or explanation whatever) of the Grand Dragons of the different
Realms of his Empire, and shall number such Realms with the Arabic
numerals, 1, 2, 3, &c., _ad finem_. And he shall instruct his Grand
Exchequer as to the appropriation and disbursement which he shall make
of the revenue of the * that comes to his hands. He shall have the
sole power to issue copies of this Prescript, through his Subalterns
and Deputies, for the organization and establishment of subordinate
*s. And he shall have the further power to appoint his Genii; also, a
Grand Scribe and a Grand Exchequer for his Department, and to appoint
and ordain Special Deputy Grand Wizards to assist him in the more
rapid and effectual dissemination and establishment of the *
throughout his Empire. He is further empowered to appoint and instruct
Deputies, to organize and control Realms, Dominions, Provinces, and
Dens, until the same shall elect a Grand Dragon, a Grand Titan, a
Grand Giant, and a Grand Cyclops, in the manner hereinafter providded.
And when a question of paramount importance to the interest or
prosperity of the * arises, not provided for in this Prescript, he
shall have power to determine such question, and his decision shall be
final, until the same shall be provided for by amendment as
hereinafter provided.
GRAND DRAGON.
Sec. 2. It shall be the duty of the Grand Dragon who is the Chief
Officer of the Realm, to report to the Grand Wizard when required by
that officer, the condition, strength, efficiency, and progress of the
* within his Realm, and to transmit through the Grand Titan to the
subordinate *s of his Realm, all information or intelligence conveyed
to him by the Grand Wizard for that purpose, and all such other
information or instruction as he may think will promote the interests
of the *. He shall keep by his G. Scribe a list of the names (without
any caption) of the Grand Titans of the different Dominions of his
Realm, and shall report the same to the Grand Wizard when required;
and shall number the Dominions of his Realm with the Arabic numerals,
1, 2, 3, &c, _ad finem_. He shall instruct his Grand Exchequer as to
the appropriation and disbursement of the revenue of the * that comes
to his hands. He shall have the power to appoint his Hydras; also, a
Grand Scribe and a Grand Exchequer for his Department, and to appoint
and ordain Special Deputy Grand Dragons to assist him in the more
rapid and effectual dissemination and establishment of the *
throughout his Realm. He is further empowered to appoint and instruct
Deputies to organize and control Dominions, Provinces and Dens, until
the same shall elect a Grand Titan, a Grand Giant, and Grand Cyclops,
in the manner hereinafter provided.
GRAND TITAN.
Sec. 3. It shall be the duty of the Grand Titan who is the Chief
Officer of the Dominion, to report to the Grand Dragon when required
by that officer, the condition, strength, efficiency, and progress of
the * within his Dominion, and to transmit through the Grand Giants to
the subordinate *s of his Dominion, all information or intelligence
conveyed to him by the Grand Dragon for that purpose, and all such
other information or instruction as he may think will enhance the
interests of the *. He shall keep, by his G. Scribe, a list of the
names (without caption) of the Grand Giants of the different Provinces
of his Dominion, and shall report the same to the Grand Dragon when
required; and he shall number the Provinces of his Dominion with the
Arabic Numerals, 1, 2, 3, &c., _ad finem_. And he shall instruct and
direct his Grand Exchequer as to the appropriation and disbursement of
the revenue of the * that comes to his hands. He shall have power to
appoint his Furies; also to appoint a Grand Scribe and a Grand
Exchequer for his department, and appoint and ordain Special Deputy
Grand Titans to assist him in the more rapid and effectual
dissemination and establishment of the * throughout his Dominion. He
shall have further power to appoint and instruct Deputies to organize
and control Provinces and Dens, until the same shall elect a Grand
Giant and a Grand Cyclops, in the manner hereinafter provided.
GRAND GIANT.
Sec. 4. It shall be the duty of the Grand Giant, who is the Chief
Officer of the Province, to supervise and administer general and
special instruction in the formation and establishment of *s within
his Province, and to report to the Grand Titan, when required by that
officer, the condition, strength, progress and efficiency of the *
throughout his Province, and to transmit, through the Grand Cyclops,
to the subordinate *s of his Province, all information or intelligence
conveyed to him by the Grand Titan for that purpose, and such other
information and instruction as he may think will advance the interests
of the *. He shall keep by his G. Scribe a list of the names (without
caption) of the Grand Cyclops of the various Dens of his Province, and
shall report the same to the Grand Titan when required; and shall
number the Dens of his Province with the Arabic numerals, 1, 2, 3,
&c., _ad finem._ And shall determine and limit the number of Dens to
be organized in his Province. And he shall instruct and direct his
Grand Exchequer as to what appropriation and disbursement he shall
make of the revenue of the * that comes to his hands. He shall have
power to appoint his Goblins; also, a Grand Scribe and a Grand
Exchequer for his department, and to appoint and ordain Special Deputy
Grand Giants to assist him in the more rapid and effectual
dissemination and establishment of the * throughout his Province. He
shall have the further power to appoint and instruct Deputies to
organize and control Dens, until the same shall elect a Grand Cyclops
in the manner hereinafter provided. And in all cases, he shall preside
at and conduct the Grand Council of Yahoos.
GRAND CYCLOPS.
Sec. 5. It shall be the duty of the Grand Cyclops to take charge of
the * of his Den after his election, under the direction and with the
assistance (when practicable) of the Grand Giant, and in accordance
with, and in conformity to the provisions of this Prescript, a copy of
which shall in all cases be obtained before the formation of a *
begins. It shall further be his duty to appoint all regular meetings
of his * and to preside at the same--to appoint irregular meetings
when he deems it expedient, to preserve order in his Den, and to
impose fines for irregularities or disobedience of orders, and to
receive and initiate candidates for admission into the * after the
same shall have been pronounced competent and worthy come members by
the Investigating Committee. He shall make a quarterly report to the
Grand Giant, of the condition, strength and efficiency of the * of his
Den, and shall convey to the Ghouls of his Den, all information or
intelligence conveyed to him by the Grand Giant for that purpose, and
all other such information or instruction as he may think will conduce
to the interests and welfare of the *. He shall preside at and conduct
the Grand Council of Centaurs. He shall have power to appoint his
Night Hawks, his Grand Scribe, his Grand Turk, his Grand Sentinel, and
his Grand Ensign. And he shall instruct and direct the Grand Exchequer
of his Den, as to what appropriation and disbursement he shall make of
the revenue of the * that comes to his hands. And for any small
offense he may punish any member by fine, and may reprimand him for
the same: And he may admonish and reprimand the * of his Den for any
imprudence, irregularity or transgression, when he is convinced or
advised that the interests, welfare and safety of the * demand it.
GRAND MAGI.
Sec. 6. It shall be the duty of the Grand Magi, who is the Second
Officer, in Authority, of the Den, to assist the Grand Cyclops and to
obey all the proper orders of that officer. To preside at all meetings
in the Den in the absence of the Grand Cyclops; and to exercise during
his absence all the powers and authority conferred upon that officer.
GRAND MONK.
Sec. 7. It shall be the duty of the Grand Monk, who is the third
officer, in authority, of the Den, to assist and obey all the proper
orders of the Grand Cyclops and the Grand Magi. And in the absence of
both of these officers, he shall preside at and conduct the meetings
in the Den, and shall exercise all the powers and authority conferred
upon the Grand Cyclops.
GRAND EXCHEQUER.
Sec. 8. It shall be the duty of the Grand Exchequers of the different
Departments of the * to keep a correct account of all the revenue of
the * that shall come to their hands, and shall make no appropriation
or disbursement of the same except under the orders and direction of
the chief officer of their respective departments. And it shall
further be the duty of the Grand Exchequer of Dens to collect the
initiation fees, and all fines imposed by the Grand Cyclops.
GRAND TURK.
Sec. 9. It shall be the duty of the Grand Turk, who is the Executive
Officer of the Grand Cyclops, to notify the ghouls of the Den of all
informal or irregular meetings appointed by the Grand Cyclops and to
obey and execute all the lawful orders of that officer in the control
and government of his Den. It shall further be his duty to receive and
question at the Out Posts, all candidates for admission into the *,
and shall _there_ administer the preliminary obligation required, and
then to conduct such candidate or candidates to the Grand Cyclops at
his Den, and to assist him in the initiation of the same. And it shall
further be his duty to act as the executive officer of the Grand
Council of Centaurs.
GRAND SCRIBE.
Sec. 10. It shall be the duty of the Grand Scribes of the different
departments to conduct the correspondence and write the orders of the
chiefs of their departments, when required. And it shall further be
the duty of the Grand Scribes of the Den to keep a list of the names
(without caption) of the ghouls of the Den--to call the Roll at all
regular meetings and to make the quarterly report under the direction
of the Grand Cyclops.
GRAND SENTINEL.
Sec. 11. It shall be the duty of the Grand Sentinel to detail, take
charge of, post and instruct the Grand Guard under the direction and
orders of the Grand Cyclops, and to relieve and dismiss the same when
directed by that officer.
GRAND ENSIGN.
Sec. 12. It shall be the duty of the Grand Ensign to take charge of
the Grand Banner of the *, to preserve it sacredly, and protect it
carefully, and to bear it on all occasions of parade or ceremony, and
on such other occasions as the Grand Cyclops may direct it to be flung
to the night breeze.
ELECTION OF OFFICERS.
ART. V. Sec. 1. The Grand Cyclops, the Grand Magi, the Grand Monk, and
the Grand Exchequer of Dens, shall be elected semi-annually by the
ghouls of Dens. And the first election for these officers may take
place as soon as seven ghouls have been initiated for that purpose.
Sec. 2. The Grand Wizard of the Empire, the Grand Dragons of Realms,
the Grand Titans of Dominions, and the Grand Giants of Provinces,
shall be elected biennially, and in the following manner, to wit: The
Grand Wizard by a majority vote of the Grand Dragons of his Empire,
the Grand Dragons by a like vote of the Grand Titans of his Realm; the
Grand Titans by a like vote of the Grand Giants of his Dominion, and
the Grand Giant by a like vote of the Grand Cyclops of his Province.
The first election for Grand Dragon may take place as soon as three
Dominions have been organized in a Realm, but all subsequent elections
shall be by a majority vote of the Grand Titans, throughout the Realm,
and biennially as aforesaid.
The first election for Grand Titan may take place as soon as three
Provinces have been organized in a Dominion, but all subsequent
elections shall be by a majority vote of all the Grand Giants
throughout the Dominion and biennially as aforesaid.
The first election for Grand Giant may take place as soon as three
Dens have been organized in a Province, but all subsequent elections
shall be by a majority vote of all the Grand Cyclops throughout the
Province, and biennially as aforesaid.
The Grand Wizard of the Empire is hereby created, to serve three years
from the First Monday in May, 1867, after the expiration of which
time, biennial elections shall be held for that office as aforesaid.
And the incumbent Grand Wizard shall notify the Grand Dragons, at
least six months before said election, at what time and place the same
will be held.
JUDICIARY.
ART. VI. Sec. 1. The Tribunal of Justice of this * shall consist of a
Grand Council of Yahoos, and a Grand Council of Centaurs.
Sec. 2. The Grand Council of Yahoos, shall be the Tribunal for the
trial of all elected officers, and shall be composed of officers of
equal rank with the accused, and shall be appointed and presided over
by an officer of the next rank above, and sworn by him to administer
even handed justice. The Tribunal for the trial of the Grand Wizard,
shall be composed of all the Grand Dragons of the Empire, and shall be
presided over and sworn by the senior Grand Dragon. They shall have
power to summon the accused, and witnesses for and against him, and if
found guilty they shall prescribe the penalty and execute the same.
And they shall have power to appoint an executive officer to attend
said Council while in session.
Sec. 3. The Grand Council of Centaurs shall be the Tribunal for the
trial of Ghouls and non-elective officers, and shall be composed of
six judges appointed by the Grand Cyclops from the Ghouls of his Den,
presided over and sworn by him to give the accused a fair and
impartial trial. They shall have power to summon the accused, and
witnesses for and against him, and if found guilty they shall
prescribe the penalty and execute the same. Said Judges shall be
selected by the Grand Cyclops with reference to their intelligence,
integrity and fair-mindedness, and shall render their verdict without
prejudice or partiality.
REVENUE.
ART. VII. Sec. 1. The revenue of this * shall be derived as follows:
For every copy of this Prescript issued to the *s of Dens, Ten Dollars
will be required. Two dollars of which shall go into the hands of the
Grand Exchequer of the Grand Giant; two into the hands of the Grand
Exchequer of the Grand Titan; two into the hands of the Grand
Exchequer of the Grand Dragon, and the remaining four into the hands
of the Grand Exchequer of the Grand Wizard.
Sec. 2. A further source of revenue to the Empire shall be ten per
cent. of all the revenue of the Realms, and a tax upon Realms, when
the Grand Wizard shall deem it necessary and indispensable to levy the
same.
Sec. 3. A further source of revenue to Realms shall be ten per cent.
of all the revenue of Dominions, and a tax upon Dominions when the
Grand Dragon shall deem such tax necessary and indispensable.
Sec. 4. A further source of revenue to Dominions shall be ten per
cent. of all the revenue of Provinces, and a tax upon Provinces when
the Grand Titan shall deem such tax necessary and indispensable.
Sec. 5. A further source of revenue to Provinces shall be ten per
cent. on all the revenue of Dens, and a tax upon the Dens, when the
Grand Giant shall deem such tax necessary and indispensable.
Sec. 6. The source of revenue to Dens, shall be the initiation fees,
fines, and a _per capita_ tax, whenever the Grand Cyclops shall deem
such tax indispensable to the interests and purposes of the *.
Sec. 7. All of the revenue obtained in the manner herein aforesaid,
shall be for the exclusive benefit of the *. And shall be appropriated
to the dissemination of the same, and to the creation of a fund to
meet any disbursement that it may become necessary to make to
accomplish the objects of the *, and to secure the protection of the
same.
OBLIGATION.
ART. VIII. No one shall become a member of this *, unless he shall
take the following oath or obligation:
"I, ---- of my own free will and accord, and in the presence of
Almighty God, do solemnly swear or affirm that I will never reveal to
any one, not a member of the * * by any intimation, sign, symbol, word
or act, or in any other manner whatever, any of the secrets, signs,
grips, pass words, mysteries or purposes of the * * or that I am a
member of the same or that I know any one who _is_ a member, and that
I will abide by the Prescript and Edicts of the * *. So help me God."
Sec. 2. The preliminary obligation to be administered before the
candidate for admission is taken to the Grand Cyclops for examination,
shall be as follows:
"I do solemnly swear or affirm that I will never reveal any thing that
I may this day (or night) learn concerning the * *. So help me God."
ADMISSION.
ART. IX. Sec. 1. No one shall be presented for admission into this *,
until he shall have been recommended by some friend or intimate, who
is a member, to the Investigating Committee, which shall be composed
of the Grand Cyclops, the Grand Magi and the Grand Monk, and who shall
investigate his antecedents and his past and present standing and
connections, and if after such investigation, they pronounce him
competent and worthy to become a member, he may be admitted upon
taking the obligation required and passing through the ceremonies of
initiation. _Provided_, That no one shall be admitted into this * who
shall have not attained the age of eighteen years.
Sec. 2. No one shall become a member of a distant * when there is a *
established and in operation in his own immediate vicinity. Nor shall
any one become a member of any * after he shall have been rejected by
any other *.
ENSIGN.
ART. X. The Grand Banner of this * shall be in the form of an
isosceles triangle, five feet long and three wide at the staff. The
material shall be Yellow, with a Red scalloped border, about three
inches in width. There shall be painted upon it, in black, a
Dracovolans, or Flying Dragon[55a] with the following motto inscribed
above the Dragon,
"QUOD SEMPER, QUOD UBIQUE, QUOD AB OMNIBUS.[56a]"
AMENDMENTS.
ART. XI. This Prescript or any part or Edicts thereof, shall never be
changed except by a two-thirds vote of the Grand Dragons of the
Realms, in Convention assembled, and at which Convention the Grand
Wizard shall preside and be entitled to a vote. And upon the
application of a majority of the Grand Dragons, for that purpose, the
Grand Wizard shall appoint the time and place for said Convention;
which, when assembled, shall proceed to make such modifications and
amendments as it may think will advance the interest, enlarge the
utility and more thoroughly effectuate the purposes of the *.
INTERDICTION.
ART. XII. The origin, designs, mysteries and ritual of this * shall
never be written, but the same shall be communicated orally.
REGISTER.
1st--Dismal. 7th--Dreadful.
2nd--Dark. 8th--Terrible.
3rd--Furious. 9th--Horrible.
4th--Portentous. 10th--Melancholy.
5th--Wonderful. 11th--Mournful.
6th--Alarming. 12th--Dying.
II.
I--White. IV--Black
II--Green. V--Yellow
III--Blue. VI--Crimson
VII--Purple
III.
1--Fearful. 7--Doleful.
2--Startling. 8--Sorrowful.
3--Awful. 9--Hideous.
4--Woeful. 10--Frightful.
5--Horrid. 11--Appalling.
6--Bloody. 12--Last.
EDICTS.
I. The Initiation Fee of this * shall be one dollar, to be paid when
the candidate is initiated and received into the *.
II. No member shall be allowed to take any intoxicating spirits to any
meeting of the *. Nor shall any member be allowed to attend a meeting
when intoxicated; and for every appearance at a meeting in such a
condition, he shall be fined the sum of not less than one nor more
than five dollars, to go into the revenue of the *.
III. Any member may be expelled from the * by a majority vote of the
officers and ghouls of the Den to which he belongs, and if after such
expulsion such member shall assume any of the duties, regalia or
insignia of the * or in any way claim to be a member of the same, he
shall be severely punished. His obligation of secrecy shall be as
binding upon him after expulsion as before, and for any revelation
made by him thereafter, he shall be held accountable in the same
manner as if he were then a member.
IV. Every Grand Cyclops shall read or cause to be read, this Prescript
and these Edicts to the * of his Den, at least once in every three
months,--And shall read them to each new member when he is initiated,
or present the same to him for personal perusal.
V. Each Den may provide itself with the Grand Banner of the *.
VI. The *s of Dens may make such additional Edicts for their control
and government as they shall deem requisite and necessary. _Provided_,
No Edict shall be made to conflict with any of the provisions or
Edicts of this Prescript.
VII. The strictest and most rigid secrecy, concerning any and
everything that relates to the * shall at all times be maintained.
VIII. Any member who shall reveal or betray the secrets or purposes of
this * shall suffer the extreme penalty of the Law.
Hush, thou art not to utter what
I am. Bethink thee; it was our covenant.
I said that I would see thee once again.
L' ENVOI.
To the lovers of Law and Order, Peace and Justice, we send greeting;
and to the shades of the venerated Dead, we affectionately dedicate
the * *
FOOTNOTES:
[55a] See Webster's Unabridged Pictorial.
[56a] "What always, what every where, what by all is held to be true."
APPENDIX II.
REVISED AND AMENDED PRESCRIPT OF KU KLUX KLAN
ADOPTED IN 1868 (?)
REVISED AND AMENDED
PRESCRIPT
OF THE
ORDER
OF THE
*
* *
_Damnant quod non intelligunt._
APPELLATION.
This Organization shall be styled and denominated, the Order of the *
* *.
CREED.
We, the Order of the * * *, reverentially acknowledge the majesty and
supremacy of the Divine Being, and recognize the goodness and
providence of the same. And we recognize our relation to the United
States Government, the supremacy of the Constitution, the
Constitutional Laws thereof, and the Union of States thereunder.
CHARACTER AND OBJECTS OF THE ORDER.
This is an institution of Chivalry, Humanity, Mercy, and Patriotism;
embodying in its genius and its principles all that is chivalric in
conduct, noble in sentiment, generous in manhood, and patriotic in
purpose; its peculiar objects being
First: To protect the weak, the innocent, and the defenceless, from
the indignities, wrongs, and outrages of the lawless, the violent, and
the brutal; to relieve the injured and oppressed; to succor the
suffering and unfortunate, and especially the widows and orphans of
Confederate soldiers.
Second: To protect and defend the Constitution of the United States,
and all laws passed in conformity thereto, and to protect the States
and the people thereof from all invasion from any source whatever.
Third: To aid and assist in the execution of all constitutional laws,
and to protect the people from unlawful seizure, and from trial except
by their peers in conformity to the laws of the land.
ARTICLE I.
TITLES.
SECTION 1. The officers of this Order shall consist of a Grand Wizard
of the Empire, and his ten Genii; a Grand Dragon of the Realm, and his
eight Hydras; a Grand Titan of the Dominion, and his six Furies; a
Grand Giant of the Province, and his four Goblins; a Grand Cyclops of
the Den, and his two Night-hawks; a Grand Magi, a Grand Monk, a Grand
Scribe, a Grand Exchequer, a Grand Turk, and a Grand Sentinel.
SEC. 2. The body politic of this Order shall be known and designated
as "Ghouls."
ARTICLE II.
TERRITORY AND ITS DIVISIONS.
SECTION 1. The territory embraced within the jurisdiction of this
Order shall he coterminous with the States of Maryland, Virginia,
North Carolina, South Carolina, Georgia, Florida, Alabama,
Mississippi, Louisiana, Texas, Arkansas, Missouri, Kentucky, and
Tennessee; all combined constituting the Empire.
SEC. 2. The Empire shall be divided into four departments, the first
to be styled the Realm, and coterminus with the boundaries of the
several States; the second to be styled the Dominion, and to be
coterminous with such counties as the Grand Dragons of the several
Realms may assign to the charge of the Grand Titan. The third to be
styled the Province, and to be coterminous with the several counties;
_provided_, the Grand Titan may, when he deems it necessary, assign
two Grand Giants to one Province, prescribing, at the same time, the
jurisdiction of each. The fourth department to be styled the Den, and
shall embrace such part of a Province as the Grand Giant shall assign
to the charge of a Grand Cyclops.
ARTICLE III.
POWERS AND DUTIES OF OFFICERS.
GRAND WIZARD.
SECTION 1. The Grand Wizard, who is the supreme officer of the Empire,
shall have power, and he shall be required to, appoint Grand Dragons
for the different Realms of the Empire; and he shall have power to
appoint his Genii, also a Grand Scribe, and a Grand Exchequer for his
Department, and he shall have the sole power to issue copies of this
Prescript, through his subalterns, for the organization and
dissemination of the Order; and when a question of paramount
importance to the interests or prosperity of the Order arises, not
provided for in this Prescript, he shall have power to determine such
question, and his decision shall be final until the same shall be
provided for by amendment as hereinafter provided. It shall be his
duty to communicate with, and receive reports from, the Grand Dragons
of Realms, as to the condition, strength, efficiency, and progress of
the Order within their respective Realms. And, it shall further be his
duty to keep, by his Grand Scribe, a list of the names (without any
caption or explanation whatever) of the Grand Dragons, of the
different Realms of the Empire, and shall number such Realms with the
Arabic numerals 1, 2, 3, etc., _ad finem_; and he shall direct and
instruct his Grand Exchequer as to the appropriation and disbursement
he shall make of the revenue of the Order that comes to his hands.
GRAND DRAGON.
SEC. 2. The Grand Dragon, who is the chief officer of the Realm, shall
have power, and he shall be required, to appoint and instruct a Grand
Titan for each Dominion of his Realm, (such Dominion not to exceed
three in number for any Congressional District) said appointments
being subject to the approval of the Grand Wizard of the Empire. He
shall have power to appoint his Hydras; also, a Grand Scribe and a
Grand Exchequer for his Department.
It shall be his duty to report to the Grand Wizard, when required by
that officer, the condition, strength, efficiency, and progress of the
Order within his Realm, and to transmit, through the Grand Titan, or
other authorized sources, to the Order, all information, intelligence,
or instruction conveyed to him by the Grand Wizard for that purpose,
and all such other information or instruction as he may think will
promote the interest and utility of the Order. He shall keep by his
Grand Scribe, a list of the names (without caption) of the Grand
Titans of the different Dominions of his Realm, and shall report the
same to the Grand Wizard when required, and shall number the Dominion
of his Realm with the Arabic numerals 1, 2, 3, etc., _ad finem_. And
he shall direct and instruct his Grand Exchequer as to the
appropriation and disbursement he shall make of the revenue of the
Order that comes to his hands.
GRAND TITAN.
SEC. 3. The Grand Titan, who is the chief officer of the Dominion,
shall have power, and he shall be required, to appoint and instruct a
Grand Giant for each Province of his Dominion, such appointments,
however, being subject to the approval of the Grand Dragon of the
Realm. He shall have the power to appoint his Furies; also, a Grand
Scribe and a Grand Exchequer for his Department. It shall be his duty
to report to the Grand Dragon when required by that officer, the
condition, strength, efficiency, and progress of the Order within his
Dominion, and to transmit through the Grand Giant, or other authorized
channels, to the Order, all information, intelligence, instruction or
directions conveyed to him by the Grand Dragon for that purpose, and
all such other information or instruction as he may think will enhance
the interest or efficiency of the Order.
He shall keep, by his Grand Scribe, a list of the names (without
caption or explanation) of the Grand Giants of the different Provinces
of his Dominion, and shall report the same to the Grand Dragon when
required; and shall number the Provinces of his Dominion with the
Arabic numerals 1, 2, 3, etc., _ad finem_. And he shall direct and
instruct his Grand Exchequer as to the appropriation and disbursement
he shall make of the revenue of the Order that comes to his hands.
GRAND GIANT.
SEC. 4. The Grand Giant, who is the chief officer of the Province,
shall have power, and he is required, to appoint and instruct a Grand
Cyclops for each Den of his Province, such ap-pointments, however,
being subject to the approval of the Grand Titan of the Dominion. And
he shall have the further power to appoint his Goblins; also, a Grand
Scribe and a Grand Exchequer for his Department.
It shall be his duty to supervise and administer general and special
instructions in the organization and establishment of the Order within
his Province, and to report to the Grand Titan, when required by that
officer, the condition, strength, efficiency, and progress of the
Order within his Province, and to transmit through the Grand Cyclops,
or other legitimate sources, to the Order, all information,
intelligence, instruction, or directions conveyed to him by the Grand
Titan or other higher authority for that purpose, and all such other
information or instruction as he may think would advance the purposes
or prosperity of the Order. He shall keep, by his Grand Scribe, a list
of the names (without caption or explanation) of the Grand Cyclops of
the various Dens of his Province, and shall report the same to the
Grand Titan when required; and shall number the Dens of his Province
with the Arabic numerals 1, 2, 3, etc., _ad finem_. He shall determine
and limit the number of Dens to be organized and established in his
Province; and he shall direct and instruct his Grand Exchequer as to
the appropriation and disbursement he shall make of the revenue of the
Order that comes to his hands.
GRAND CYCLOPS.
SEC. 5. The Grand Cyclops, who is the chief officer of the Den, shall
have power to appoint his Night-hawks, his Grand Scribe, his Grand
Turk, his Grand Exchequer, and his Grand Sentinel. And for small
offenses he may punish any member by fine, and may reprimand him for
the same. And he is further empowered to admonish and reprimand his
Den, or any of the members thereof, for any imprudence, irregularity,
or transgression, whenever he may think that the interests, welfare,
reputation or safety of the Order demand it. It shall be his duty to
take charge of his Den under the instruction and with the assistance
(when practicable) of the Grand Giant, and in accordance with and in
conformity to the provisions of this Prescript--a copy of which shall
in all cases be obtained before the formation of a Den begins. It
shall further be his duty to appoint all regular meetings of his Den,
and to preside at the same; to appoint irregular meetings when he
deems it expedient; to preserve order and enforce discipline in his
Den; to impose fines for irregularities or disobedience of orders; and
to receive and initiate candidates for admission into the Order, after
the same shall have been pronounced competent and worthy to become
members, by the Investigating Committee herein after provided for. And
it shall further be his duty to make a quarterly report to the Grand
Giant of the condition, strength, efficiency, and progress of his Den,
and shall communicate to the Officers and Ghouls of his Den, all
information, intelligence, instruction, or direction, conveyed to him
by the Grand Giant or other higher authority for that purpose; and
shall from time to time administer all such other counsel, instruction
or direction, as in his sound discretion, will conduce to the
interests, and more effectually accomplish, the real objects and
designs of the Order.
GRAND MAGI.
SEC. 6. It shall be the duty of the Grand Magi, who is the second
officer in authority of the Den, to assist the Grand Cyclops, and to
obey all the orders of that officer; to preside at all meetings in the
Den, in the absence of the Grand Cyclops; and to discharge during his
absence all the duties and exercise all the powers and authority of
that officer.
GRAND MONK.
SEC. 7. It shall be the duty of the Grand Monk, who is the third
officer in authority of the Den, to assist and obey all the orders of
the Grand Cyclops and the Grand Magi; and, in the absence of both of
these officers, he shall preside at and conduct the meetings in the
Den, and shall discharge all the duties, and exercise all the powers
and authority of the Grand Cyclops.
GRAND EXCHEQUER.
SEC. 8. It shall be the duty of the Grand Exchequers of the different
Departments to keep a correct account of all the revenue of the Order
that comes to their hands, and of all paid out by them; and shall make
no appropriation or disbursement of the same except under the orders
and direction of the chief officer of their respective Departments.
And it shall further be the duty of the Exchequers of Dens to collect
the initiation fees, and all fines imposed by the Grand Cyclops, or
the officer discharging his functions.
GRAND TURK.
SEC. 9. It shall be the duty of the Grand Turk, who is the executive
officer of the Grand Cyclops, to notify the Officers and Ghouls of the
Den, of all informal or irregular meetings appointed by the Grand
Cyclops, and to obey and execute all the orders of that officer in the
control and government of his Den. It shall further be his duty to
receive and question at the outposts, all candidates for admission
into the Order, and shall _there_ administer the preliminary
obligation required, and then to conduct such candidate or candidates
to the Grand Cyclops, and to assist him in the initiation of the same.
GRAND SCRIBE.
SEC. 10. It shall be the duty of the Grand Scribes of the different
Departments to conduct the correspondence and write the orders of the
Chiefs of their Departments, when required. And it shall further be
the duty of the Grand Scribes of Dens, to keep a list of the names
(without any caption or explanation whatever) of the Officers and
Ghouls of the Den, to call the roll at all meetings, and to make the
quarterly reports under the direction and instruction of the Grand
Cyclops.
GRAND SENTINEL.
SEC. 11. It shall be the duty of the Grand Sentinel to take charge of
post, and instruct the Grand Guard, under the direction and orders of
the Grand Cyclops, and to relieve and dismiss the same when directed
by that officer.
THE STAFF.
SEC. 12. The Genii shall constitute the staff of the Grand Wizard; the
Hydras, that of the Grand Dragon; the Furies, that of the Grand Titan;
the Goblins, that of the Grand Giant; and the Night-hawks, that of the
Grand Cyclops,
REMOVAL.
SEC. 13. For any just, reasonable and substantial cause, any appointee
may be removed by the authority that appointed him, and his place
supplied by another appointment.
ARTICLE IV
ELECTION OF OFFICERS.
SECTION 1. The Grand Wizard shall be elected biennially by the Grand
Dragons of Realms. The first election for this office to take place on
the 1st Monday in May, 1870, (a Grand Wizard having been created, by
the original Prescript, to serve three years from the 1st Monday in
May, 1867); all subsequent elections to take place every two years
thereafter. And the incumbent Grand Wizard shall notify the Grand
Dragons of the different Realms, at least six months before said
election, at what time and place the same will be held; a majority
vote of all the Grand Dragons _present_ being necessary and sufficient
to elect a Grand Wizard. Such election shall be by ballot, and shall
be held by three Commissioners appointed by the Grand Wizard for that
purpose; and in the event of a tie, the Grand Wizard shall have the
casting-vote.
SEC. 2. The Grand Magi and the Grand Monk of Dens shall be elected
annually by the Ghouls of Dens; and the first election for these
officers may take place as soon as ten Ghouls have been initiated for
the formation of a Den. All subsequent elections to take place every
year thereafter.
SEC. 3. In the event of a vacancy in the office of Grand Wizard, by
death, resignation, removal, or otherwise, the senior Grand Dragon of
the Empire shall immediately assume and enter upon the discharge of
the duties of the Grand Wizard, and shall exercise the powers and
perform the duties of said office until the same shall be filled by
election; and the said senior Grand Dragon, as soon as practicable
after the happening of such vacancy, shall call a convention of the
Grand Dragons of Realms, to be held at such time and place as in his
discretion he may deem most convenient and proper. _Provided_,
however, that the time for assembling such Convention for the election
of a Grand Wizard shall in no case exceed six months from the time
such vacancy occurred; and in the event of a vacancy in any other
office, the same shall immediately be filled in the manner herein
before mentioned.
SEC. 4. The Officers heretofore elected or appointed may retain their
offices during the time for which they have been so elected or
appointed, at the expiration of which time said offices shall be
filled as herein-before provided.
ARTICLE V
JUDICIARY.
SECTION 1. The Tribunal of Justice of this Order shall consist of a
Court at the Head-quarters of the Empire, the Realm, the Dominion, the
Province, and the Den, to be appointed by the Chiefs of these several
Departments.
SEC. 2. The Court at the Head-quarters of the Empire shall consist of
three Judges for the trial of Grand Dragons, and the Officers and
attachés belonging to the Head-quarters of the Empire.
SEC. 3. The Court at the Head-quarters of the Realm shall consist of
three Judges for the trial of Grand Titans, and the Officers and
attachés belonging to the Head-quarters of the Realm.
SEC. 4. The Court at the Head-quarters of the Dominion shall consist
of three Judges for the trial of Grand Giants, and the Officers and
attachés belonging to the Head-quarters of the Dominion.
SEC. 5. The Court at the Head-quarters of the Province shall consist
of five Judges for the trial of Grand Cyclops, the Grand Magis, Grand
Monks, and the Grand Exchequers of Dens, and the Officers and attachés
belonging to the Head-quarters of the Province.
SEC. 6. The Court at the Head-quarters of the Den shall consist of
seven Judges appointed from the Den for the trial of Ghouls and the
officers belonging to the Head-quarters of the Den.
SEC. 7. The Tribunal for the trial of the Grand Wizard shall be
composed of at least seven Grand Dragons, to be convened by the senior
Grand Dragon upon charges being preferred against the Grand Wizard;
which Tribunal shall be organized and presided over by the senior
Grand Dragon _present_; and if they find the accused guilty, they
shall prescribe the penalty, and the senior Grand Dragon of the Empire
shall cause the same to be executed.
SEC. 8. The aforesaid Courts shall summon the accused and witnesses
for and against him, and if found guilty, they shall prescribe the
penalty, and the Officers convening the Court shall cause the same to
be executed. _Provided_ the accused shall always have the right of
appeal to the next Court above, whose decision shall be final.
SEC. 9. The Judges constituting the aforesaid Courts shall be selected
with reference to their intelligence, integrity, and fair-mindedness,
and shall render their verdict without prejudice, favor, partiality,
or affection, and shall be so sworn, upon the organization of the
Court; and shall further be sworn to administer even-handed justice.
SEC. 10. The several Courts herein provided for shall be governed in
their deliberations, proceedings, and judgments by the rules and
regulations governing the proceedings of regular Courts-martial.
ARTICLE VI.
REVENUE.
SECTION 1. The revenue of this Order shall be derived as follows: For
every copy of this Prescript issued to Dens, $10 will be required; $2
of which shall go into the hands of the Grand Exchequer of the Grand
Giant, $2 into the hands of the Grand Exchequer of the Grand Titan, $2
into the hands of the Grand Exchequer of the Grand Dragon, and the
remaining $4 into the hands of the Grand Exchequer of the Grand
Wizard.
SEC. 2. A further source of revenue to the Empire shall be ten per
cent. of all the revenue of the Realms, and a tax upon Realms when the
Grand Wizard shall deem it necessary and indispensable to levy the
same.
SEC. 3. A further source of revenue to Realms shall be ten per cent.
of all the revenue of Dominions, and a tax upon Dominions when the
Grand Dragon shall deem it necessary and indispensable to levy the
same.
SEC. 4. A further source of revenue to Dominions shall be ten per
cent. of all the revenue of Provinces, and a tax upon Provinces when
the Grand Giant shall deem such tax necessary and indispensable.
SEC. 5. A further source of revenue to Provinces shall be ten per
cent. of all the revenue of Dens, and a tax upon Dens when the Grand
Giant shall deem such tax necessary and indispensable.
SEC. 6. The source of revenue to Dens shall be the initiation fees,
fines, and a _per capita_ tax, whenever the Grand Cyclops shall deem
such tax necessary and indispensable to the interests and objects of
the Order.
SEC. 7. All the revenue obtained in the manner aforesaid, shall be for
the _exclusive_ benefit of the Order, and shall be appropriated to the
dissemination of the same and to the creation of a fund to meet any
disbursement that it may become necessary to make to accomplish the
objects of the Order and to secure the protection of the same.
ARTICLE VII.
ELIGIBILITY FOR MEMBERSHIP.
SECTION 1. No one shall be presented for admission into the Order
until he shall have first been recommended by some friend or intimate
who _is_ a member, to the Investigating Committee, (which shall be
composed of the Grand Cyclops, the Grand Magi, and the Grand Monk,)
and who shall have investigated his antecedents and his past and
present standing and connections; and after such investigation, shall
have pronounced him competent and worthy to become a member.
_Provided_, no one shall be presented for admission into, or become a
member of, this Order who shall not have attained the age of eighteen
years.
SEC. 2. No one shall become a member of this Order unless he shall
_voluntarily_ take the following oaths or obligations, and shall
_satisfactorily_ answer the following interrogatories, while kneeling,
with his right hand raised to heaven, and his left hand resting on the
Bible:
PRELIMINARY OBLIGATION.
"I ---- solemnly swear or affirm that I will never reveal any thing
that I may this day (or night) learn concerning the Order of the * *
*, and that I will true answer make to such interrogatories as may be
put to me touching my competency for admission into the same. So help
me God."
INTERROGATORIES TO BE ASKED:
1st. Have you ever been rejected, upon application for membership in
the * * *, or have you ever been expelled from the same?
2d. Are you now, or have you ever been, a member of the Radical
Republican party, or either of the organizations known as the "Loyal
League" and the "Grand Army of the Republic?".
3d. Are you opposed to the principles and policy of the Radical party,
and to the Loyal League, and the Grand Army of the Republic, so far as
you are informed of the character and purposes of those organizations?
4th. Did you belong to the Federal army during the late war, and fight
against the South during the existence of the same?
5th. Are you opposed to negro equality, both social and political?
6th. Are you in favor of a white man's government in this country?
7th. Are you in favor of Constitutional liberty, and a Government of
equitable laws instead of a Government of violence and oppression?
8th. Are you in favor of maintaining the Constitutional rights of the
South?
9th. Are you in favor of the re-enfranchisement and emancipation of
the white men of the South, and the restitution of the Southern people
to all their rights, alike proprietary, civil, and political?
10th. Do you believe in the inalienable right of self-preservation of
the people against the exercise of arbitrary and unlicensed power?
If the foregoing interrogatories are satisfactorily answered, and the
candidate desires to go further (after something of the character and
nature of the Order has thus been indicated to him) and to be admitted
to the benefits, mysteries, secrets and purposes of the Order, he
shall then be required to take the following final oath or obligation.
But if said interrogatories are not satisfactorily answered, or the
candidate declines to proceed further, he shall be discharged, after
being solemnly admonished by the initiating offi-cer of the deep
secresy to which the oath already taken has bound him, and that the
extreme pen-alty of the law will follow a violation of the same.
FINAL OBLIGATION.
"I ---- of my own free will and accord, and in the presence of
Almighty God, do solemnly swear or affirm, that I will never reveal to
any one not a member of the Order of the * * *, by any intimation,
sign, symbol, word or act, or in any other manner whatever, any of the
secrets, signs, grips, pass-words, or mysteries of the Order of the *
* *, or that I am a member of the same, or that I know any one who
_is_ a member; and that I will abide by the Prescript and Edicts of
the Order of the * * * So help me God."
The initiating officer will then proceed to explain to the new members
the character and objects of the Order, and introduce him to the
mysteries and secrets of the same; and shall read to him this
Prescript and the Edicts thereof, or present the same to him for
personal perusal.
ARTICLE VIII.
AMENDMENTS.
This Prescript or any part or Edicts thereof shall never be changed,
except by a two-thirds vote of the Grand Dragons of the Realms, in
convention assembled, and at which convention the Grand Wizard shall
preside and be entitled to a vote. And upon the application of a
majority of the Grand Dragons for that purpose, the Grand Wizard shall
call and appoint the time and place for said convention; which, when
assembled, shall proceed to make such modifications and amendments as
it may think will promote the interest, enlarge the utility, and more
thoroughly effectuate the purposes of the Order.
ARTICLE IX.
INTERDICTION.
The origin, mysteries, and Ritual of this Order shall never be
written, but the same shall be communicated orally.
ARTICLE X.
EDICTS.
1. No one shall become a member of a distant Den, when there is a Den
established and in operation in his own immediate vicinity; nor shall
any one become a member of any Den, or of this Order in any way after
he shall have been once rejected, upon application for membership.
2. No Den, or officer, or member, or members thereof, shall operate
beyond their prescribed limits, unless invited or ordered by the
proper authority so to do.
3. No member shall be allowed to take any intoxicating spirits to any
meeting of the Den; nor shall any member be allowed to attend a
meeting while intoxicated; and for every appearance at a meeting in
such condition, he shall be fined the sum of not less than one nor
more than five dollars, to go into the revenue of the Order.
4. Any member may be expelled from the Order by a majority vote of the
Officers and Ghouls of the Den to which he belongs; and if after such
expulsion, such member shall assume any of the duties, regalia, or
insignia of the Order, or in any way claim to be a member of the same,
he shall be severely punished. His obligation of secrecy shall be as
binding upon him after expulsion as before, and for any revelation
made by him thereafter, he shall be held accountable in the same
manner as if he were then a member.
5. Upon the expulsion of any member from the Order, the Grand Cyclops,
or the officer acting in his stead, shall immediately report the same
to the Grand Giant of the Province, who shall cause the fact to be
made known and read in each Den of his Province, and shall transmit
the same, through the proper channels, to the Grand Dragon of the
Realm, who shall cause it to be published to every Den in his Realm,
and shall notify the Grand Dragons of contiguous Realms of the same.
6. Every Grand Cyclops shall read, or cause to be read, this Prescript
and these Edicts to his Den, at least once in every month; and shall
read them to each new member when he is initiated, or present the same
to him for personal perusal.
7. The initiation fee of this Order shall be one dollar, to be paid
when the candidate is initiated and received into the Order.
8. Dens may make such additional Edicts for their control and
government as they may deem requisite and necessary. _Provided_, no
Edict shall be made to conflict with any of the provisions or Edicts
of this Prescript.
9. The most profound and rigid secrecy concerning any and everything
that relates to the Order, shall at all times be maintained.
10. Any member who shall reveal or betray the secrets of this Order,
shall suffer the extreme penalty of the law.
ADMONITION.
Hush! thou art not to utter what I am, bethink thee! it was our
covenant!
REGISTER.
I.
1. Dismal, 7. Painful,
2. Mystic, 8. Portentous,
3. Stormy, 9. Fading,
4. Peculiar, 10. Melancholy,
5. Blooming, 11. Glorious,
6. Brilliant, 12. Gloomy.
II.
I. White, II. Green, III. Yellow, IV. Amber,
V. Purple, VI. Crimson, VII. Emerald.
III.
1. Fearful, 7. Hideous,
2. Startling, 8. Frightful,
3. Wonderful, 9. Awful,
4. Alarming, 10. Horrible,
5. Mournful, 11. Dreadful,
6. Appalling, 12. Last.
IV.
Cumberland.
L'ENVOI.
To the lovers of law and order, peace and justice, we send greeting;
and to the shades of the venerated dead we affectionately dedicate the
Order of the * * *
_Resurgamus._
* * * * *
End of the Project Gutenberg EBook of Ku Klux Klan, by
J. C. Lester and D. L. Wilson and Walter L. Fleming
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