I think this article really sends the message that the Klan was accepted in Caddo as a law-abiding, peaceful organization for a short period of time.
The Caddo Herald
July 20, 1923
Ku Klux Klan Visit Community Meeting
Thursday night during the services at the Baptist Tabernacle the immense congregation was presented with a spectacle that sent thrills of enthusiasm through everyone. It began just before the minister launched into his sermon. A tall, white-robed Klansman entered the tabernacle carrying Old Glory followed by thirty other like figures. They lined themselves before the rostrum and in the aisles and stood silent apparently awaiting a greeting. Rev. Hallum greeted them by saying that the congregation believed that they were messengers of kindness and in such belief would gladly welcome them; that if they had a speaker the congregation would gladly give him audience. In response to this greeting one of the Klansmen stepped upon the platform and began singing “My Country ‘Tis of Thee”. The congregation arose and heartily joined the Klansmen in singing the first verse of the anthem.
Then the speaker delivered their message. That he might establish a feeling of friendship and kill the impression that some people had that the Klan was masking its face for a dishonest reason, he removed his hood, giving the people an opportunity judge whether he was a gentleman or not, either by facial features or personal acquaintance. The crowd recognized him as a gentleman and cheered him heartily. Only one in the congregation claimed personal acquaintance with him, he being a stranger to Caddo .In his speech he endeavored and we feel that he met with success, to create a sentiment of kindness and loyalty to the hearts of the people toward the Ku Klux Klan. He spoke with emphasis when he said that among many of the Klan’s objectives was the one to protect women and children.
Another statement that received stress was the one declaring the Klan’s hatred of certain organizations. The speaker proved himself a good orator and he held the interest of the crowd about twenty minutes, then presented Rev. Hallum with $15.00 with the compliments and blessing of the Klan. After this one of the Klansmen offered a prayer, then they fled off.
When the visitors had departed Rev. Hallum presented Miss Juanita Rogers with a third of the money as a gift for her faithful serving as pianist during the meeting.
Caddo people have the impression that the Ku Klux Klan is a good organization and will always welcome them.
Just a short time later the mood has changed.
These articles were both on the front page of the paper.
The Caddo Herald
September 14, 1923
Governor Takes on a Very Large Order
At Madill Saturday, Governor Walton declared there would be no more masked parades in Oklahoma; that the appearance of one would be a signal for martial law in that community. He further stated that “when one of those masked bodies comes after you, shoot both barrels and I will pardon you.”
Protection of one’s life and home is a God-given right, and no one can question this. Whippings in Oklahoma or elsewhere are not defensible. But what is an outraged public to do when the governor uses his pardoning power so lavishly?
The governor said he issued a few paroles and pardons for liquor convictions. The “Story of McAlester” a companion to “The Story of Tulsa” shows that of the 258 pardons and paroles issued since Walton became governor, 29 were for murder, 126 were for robbery of some sort, and only 8 were on liquor charges.
No More Klan Parades, Order of Grand Dragon
Grand Dragon N. C. Jewett, of the Ku Klux Klan, Monday issued an order forbidding any further masked parades by Klansmen in Oklahoma, stating the Ku Klux believed in law and order first, last and all the time and at the present some trouble might result were any parades attempted.
Governor Walton had forbidden such parades, and threatened to use the militia to suppress them.
This probably is the best course the Klan could pursue. It is an orderly institution and does not desire unnecessarily to inflame the public or to do things which are forbidden by law.
Comments