Their report continued:
"Our examination was made primarily to ascertain whether or not a certain alleged oath * * * which has been printed and widely circulated was in fact used by the Order and whether * * * any oath, obligation or pledge was used which was or would be offensive to Protestants or Masons. * * * We find that neither the alleged oath nor any such oath or pledge bearing the remotest resemblance thereto in matter, manner, spirit or purpose is used or forms a part of the ceremonies of any degree of the Knights of Columbus. The alleged oath is scurrilous, wicked and libelous and must be the invention of an impious and venomous mind. * * * There is no propaganda proposed or taught against Protestants or Masons or persons not of Catholic faith. * * * We can find nothing in the entire ceremonials of the Order that to our minds could be objected to by any person."
The Searchlight, official organ of the Ku Klux, contains many articles that misrepresent the Catholics. For instance, of Feb. 26, 1921, The Searchlight had an article which was captioned: "Facts Gathered by the Knights of Luther from the Washington Bureau of Statistics":
CHARGES OF "KNIGHTS OF LUTHER"
Without one word to support them, the following were printed as "facts":
"The National Democratic Committee is by majority a Roman Catholic body. It usually has a Roman Catholic President and secretary.
"Catholics influenced the national campaign which elected Wilson.
"The President's private secretary is a Roman Catholic.
"Over 70 per cent. of all appointments made by President Wilson are Catholics. Their influence is so powerful it compels the homage of those in authority.
"Five States now have Catholic Administrations.