Ku Klux Donate Purse
To Church
The Ku Klux Klan
made its first public appearance since the demonstration held several months
ago northeast of Newton in a pasture, so far as known, last Sunday evening,
when a group of 16 men in full regulation regalia, headed by Lyle Norton,
proprietor of the Norton Tire Store, of 614 Main, Newton, visited the Methodist
Church at Hesston.
During the evening
service the 16 robed and masked figures marched up the aisle of the Church and
formed in a semi-circle in front of the pulpit.
The leader, whose regalia was said to be slightly different from the others,
stepped forward and presented the Pastor of the Church, Rev. Tarvin, with an
envelope containing a cash offering, amounting to $25. The leader then asked permission to speak to
the congregation a few minutes, which request was granted.
Rev. Tarvin stated
to the Kansan that Mr. Norton removed his mask stating to the people that
before speaking to them he desired to reveal his identity to "prove to
them that Ku Klux Klansmen are not ashamed of our organization and have nothing
to conceal regarding our activities."
Rev. Tarvin also stated that he accepted the gift with thanks, and
indicated that he believed the organization might be doing a good work.
After revealing his
identity, Mr. Norton then told the people of the congregation that the offering
was presented to the minister because "we approve of his Christian work
and are behind every such minister and his efforts." He then briefly outlined the principles which
he stated the Klan endorses, being anti-nothing but essentially and positively
pro-American. Rev. Tarvin and others who
heard the talk and witnessed the incident seemed to be impressed more favorably
than otherwise, judging by remarks made in discussing it. It was asserted that Norton made the
statement that so long as he is leader of the Klan in this locality there will
be no "rough stuff." After the
hooded party had finished its mission, the 16 figures marched out of the Church
and the service continued.
In reply to the
inquiry as to why the Hesston Methodist Church was singled out as the object of
their visit, Mr. Norton stated that they had been observing the work of the
Churches of the county, and had learned that Rev. Tarvin was doing good work,
but was not receiving the support he deserved, and that the visit was made so
that the people of the Hesston congregation may know that their activities were
being watched, and it was desired to encourage them to more intensive effort in
the future toward their Christian privileges and duties.
Newton parties have
stated that they saw the party of men leaving the Norton store here in the
evening by motor car, but did not note the identity of any members of the
party. It was also stated that none of
the party other than the leader revealed his identity at Hesston. No explanation was offered as to why the
regalia is worn in connection with the action of Mr. Norton in removing his
mask and his statement regarding Klansmen not being ashamed of their
organization.
So far as known here
this is the first instance when a Klansman has publicly and voluntarily
revealed his identity in order to defend his organization. Norton asked the Kansan this morning to state
that his organization is "not anti-Catholic, not anti-Jew, not anti-Negro,
and not anti-anything - just pro-American." The Evening
Kansan-Republican, Newton, Kansas.
Tuesday, February 20, 1923. Page
6.
