Ku Klux Klan Secrets Exposed Part 5

Who defines the permissible limits of zeal and valor is not stated.

Neither is it stated who decides when schools are free, speech and press free, nor when church and state are sufficiently separated. It is not stated whether it is the individual Klansman, the local Klan, the supreme council or the Imperial Wizard.

It has been revealed, however, that this phase of the Klan movement has been much fathered by the sales crew selling subscriptions at $10 each under the direction of Wizard Simmons and Imperial Kleagle Clarke.

The exact text of the oath of allegiance administered to new members of the Ku Klux Klan is given herewith. The asterisks are printed to take place of the Ku Klux Klan and also the officers of the order.

These places are left blank in the printed oath because it is carried by Klan officials and might be lost, revealing their secret.

The oath:

You will place your left hand over your heart and raise your right hand to heaven.

SEC. I.--OBEDIENCE

(You will say) "I" ---- (p.r.o.nounce your full name ---- and repeat after me) "In the presence of G.o.d and Man ---- most solemnly pledge, promise and swear ---- unconditionally ---- that I will faithfully obey ---- the const.i.tution and laws ---- and will willingly conform to ---- all regulations, usages and requirements ---- of the * * * * ---- which do now exist ---- or which may be hereafter enacted ---- and will render at all times ---- loyal respect and steadfast support ---- to the Imperial Authority of same ---- and will heartily heed ---- all official mandates ---- decrees ---- edicts ---- rulings and instructions ---- of the I* W* thereof. ---- I will yield prompt response ---- to all summonses ---- I having knowledge of same ---- Providence alone preventing.

SEC. II.--SECRECY

"I most solemnly swear ---- that I will forever ---- keep sacredly secret ---- the signs, words and grip ---- and any and all other ---- matters and knowledge ---- of the * * * * ---- regarding which a most rigid secrecy ---- must be maintained ---- which may at any time ---- be communicated to me ---- and will never divulge same ---- nor even cause the same to be divulged ---- to any person in the whole world ---- unless I know positively ---- that such person is a member of this Order ---- in good and regular standing ---- and not even then ---- unless it be ---- for the best interest of this Order.

"I most sacredly vow ---- and most positively swear ---- that I will not yield to bribe ---- flattery ---- threats ---- pa.s.sion ---- punishment ---- persecution ---- persuasion ---- nor any enticements whatever ---- coming from or offered by ---- any person or persons ---- male or female ---- for the purpose of ---- obtaining from me ---- a secret or secret information ---- of the * * * * ---- I will die rather than divulge same ---- so help me G.o.d ----

AMEN!"

You will drop your hands.

GENTLEMEN (or SIR):

You will wait in patience and peace until you are informed of the decision of the E* C* and his * in klonklave a.s.sembled

You will place your left hand over your heart and raise your right hand to heaven.

SEC. III.--FIDELITY

(You will say) "I" ---- (p.r.o.nounce your full name ---- and repeat after me) "Before G.o.d ---- and in the presence of ---- these mysterious *smen ---- on my sacred honor ---- do most solemnly and sincerely pledge ---- promise and swear ---- that I will diligently guard and faithfully foster ---- every interest of the * * * * ---- and will maintain ---- its social cast and dignity.

"I swear that I will not recommend ---- any person for members.h.i.+p in this Order ---- whose mind is unsound ---- or whose reputation I know to be bad ---- or whose character is doubtful ---- or whose loyalty to our country ---- is in any way questionable.

"I swear that I will pay promptly ---- all just and legal demands ---- made upon me to defray the expenses ---- of my * and this Order ---- when same are due or called for.

"I swear that I will protect the property ---- of the * * * * ---- of any nature whatsoever ---- and if any should be intrusted to my keeping ---- I will properly keep ---- or rightly use same ---- and will freely and promptly surrender same ---- on official demand ---- or if ever I am banished from ---- or voluntarily discontinue ---- my members.h.i.+p in this Order.

"I swear that I will most determinedly ---- maintain peace and harmony ---- in all the deliberations ---- of the gatherings or a.s.semblies ---- of the I* E* ---- and of any subordinate jurisdiction ---- or *

thereof.

"I swear that I will most strenuously ---- discourage selfishness ---- and selfish political ambition ---- on the part of myself or any *sman.

"I swear that I will never allow ---- personal friends.h.i.+p ---- blood or family relations.h.i.+p ---- nor personal ---- political ---- or professional prejudice ---- malice nor ill-will ---- to influence me in casting my vote ---- for the election or rejection ---- of an applicant ---- for members.h.i.+p in this Order ---- G.o.d being my helper ----

AMEN!"

You will drop your hands.

You will place your left hand over your heart and raise your right hand to heaven.

SEC. IV.--*ISHNESS

(You will say) "I" ---- (p.r.o.nounce your full name ---- and repeat after me) "Most solemnly pledge, promise and swear ---- that I will never slander ---- defraud ---- receive ---- or in any manner wrong ---- the * * * * ---- a *sman ---- nor a *sman's family ---- nor will I suffer the same to be done ---- if I can prevent it.

"I swear that I will be faithful ---- in defending and protecting ---- the home ---- reputation ---- and physical and business interest ---- of a *sman ---- and that of a *sman's family.

"I swear that I will at any time ---- without hesitating ---- go to the a.s.sistance or rescue ---- of a *sman in any way ---- at his call I will answer ---- I will be truly *ish toward *smen ---- in all things honorable.

"I swear that I will not allow ---- any animosity ---- friction nor ill-will ---- to arise and remain ---- between myself and a *sman ---- but will be constant in my efforts ---- to promote real *ishness ---- among the members of this Order.

"I swear that I will keep secure to myself ---- a secret of a *sman ---- when same is committed to me ---- in the sacred bond of *smans.h.i.+p ---- the crime of violating THIS solemn oath ---- treason against the United States of America ---- rape ---- and malicious murder ---- alone excepted.

"I most solemnly a.s.sert and affirm ---- that to the Government of the United States of America ---- and any State thereof ---- of which I may become a resident ---- I sacredly swear ---- an unqualified allegiance ---- above any other and every kind of government ---- in the whole world ---- I here and now ---- pledge my life ---- my property ---- my vote ---- and my sacred honor ---- to uphold its flag ---- its Const.i.tution ---- and Const.i.tutional laws ---- and will protect ---- defend ---- and enforce same unto death.

"I swear that I will most zealously ---- and valiantly ---- s.h.i.+eld and preserve ---- by any and all ---- justifiable means and methods ---- the sacred const.i.tutional rights ---- and privileges of ---- free public schools ---- free speech ---- free press ---- separation of church and state ---- liberty ---- white supremacy ---- just laws ---- and the pursuit of happiness ---- against any encroachment ---- of any nature ---- by any person or persons ---- political party or parties ---- religious sect or people ---- native, naturalized or foreign ---- of any race ---- color ---- creed ---- lineage or tongue whatsoever.

"All to which I have sworn by THIS oath ---- I will seal with my blood ---- be Thou my witness ---- Almighty G.o.d ---- AMEN!"

You will drop your hands.

OLD PLEDGE OF LOYALTY

APPELLATION

This Organization shall be styled and denominated, The Order of the (then follows three stars; no other name given).

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 Const.i.tution, the Const.i.tutional Laws thereof, and the Union of States thereunder.

OBJECTS OF THE ORDER

This is an inst.i.tution of Chivalry, Humanity, Mercy, and Patriotism; embodying in its genius and its principles all that is chivalric in conduct, n.o.ble in sentiment, generous in manhood, and patriotic in purpose; its peculiar object being,