NEWS: Ku Klux Klan Branch May be Established, 1921, Bell Co. ------------------------- Submitted by Mary Lou Hudson Date: 3 Oct 2003 ------------------------- Middlesboro Daily News, Middlesboro, KY Jan. 20, 1921 Klan Branch Of Ku Klux Clan May Be Established In Middlesboro Atlanta, Jan. 20 -- In line with the policy of the Ku Klux Klan to complete its organization work in states where such organization already has been started before entering newer fields, it was announced today by Colonel William J. Simmons, imperial wizard of the Knights of the Ku Klux Klan, that steps will be taken immediately to enlarge every branch Klan in Kentucky and to establish Klans in practically every city and town in the state where none now exist. Several weeks ago it was stated by Colonel Simmons that the organization machinery of the Klan had been swamped by requests for branch Klans from every section of the country and that it was physically impossible to comply with even a small part of the these petitions until the organization machinery was greatly enlarged. In the announcement Colonel Simmons points out that this handicap is being rapidly overcome and it is possible now to proceed with the work in territory where organization already has been put under way. Prominent citizens from every section of Kentucky who are interested in the establishment of the Klan in that state, have been in communication with Colonel Simmons and have been informed that a representative of the organization will visit each city and town and confer with them regarding the formation of local Klans within the next few days. "The Ku Klux Klan is a law-abiding, patriotic, fraternal organization." says Colonel Simmons, "and its membership is composed entirely of nativeborn white American citizens who believe in the Christian religion, who owe allegiance to no foreign government or institution, religious or political; who stand for absolute loyalty to the government of the United States of America, its flag, constitution, institutions and ideals; who believe in the supremacy of the white race, but without injustice or imposition upon any man of any other race; who believe in the separation of church and state, freedom of speech and press, and who stand for the protection of woman's honor and the sanctity of the of home. ************************************************************************* USGENWEB ARCHIVES NOTICE: These electronic pages may NOT be reproduced in any format for profit or presentation by any other organization or persons. Persons or organizations desiring to use this material, must obtain the written consent of the contributor, or the legal representative of the submitter, and contact the listed USGenWeb archivist with proof of this consent. The submitter has given permission to the USGenWeb Archives to store the file permanently for free access. **************************************************************************