In the printed literature of the “Invisible Empire,” it is stated that those who cannot assume a “real oath,” with serious determination to keep same inviolate, are not desired in the ranks of Ku Kluxism. There is no doubt whatever that “Emperor” Simmons, who probably wrote the oath, has produced a “real oath.”
In making a critical analysis of the oath, I shall first reproduce it in its entirety, and then take it up in sections and show my viewpoint. If this oath is not a dangerous document and likely to imbue people with the spirit of taking the law into their own hands, then a considerable portion of my contention against the Ku Klux Klan must necessarily fail. My case against Ku Kluxism rests to a large extent upon the potential danger to the country from an absolutely secret organization, bound together by this oath, under the sole domination of one man, and likely at any time to draw into its ranks men with no regard for anything but the Ku Klux law.
The oath is printed separately from the ritual, and the name “Ku Klux Klan” does not appear in it. In places where the name is spoken there are asterisks. The document consists of three printed pages bound together, and, for the convenience of the person administering it, is broken up into phrases separated by dashes. I am giving it here properly punctuated so that the reader can more easily grasp its significance. It is supposed to be administered in sections, sandwiched in between the verbose and long-winded effusions of “Emperor” Simmons as contained in the ritual. When the work is conferred by a full-degree team, it is given in “long form” and the procedure follows the order laid down in the ritual. Most of the Kleagles, however, put on the ceremony of “naturalization” alone, using the short form, in which case the oath is administered all at once. In the present mad scramble for commissions on the “donations,” the Kleagles administer the obligation at any time and place that suits the convenience of the “alien” with the ten dollars, and Ku Kluxes are manufactured on the “pay-as-you-enter” style in stores, factories, banks, physicians’ offices and any other place where there is freedom from intrusion. One enthusiastic Kleagle wrote to the home office that he had arisen from his bed one night after midnight, and clad in his pajamas had administered the obligation to a “worthy alien,” whose ten dollars burned so badly in his pocket that he could not wait until daylight to be separated from his money.
The obligation, consisting of four sections, reads as follows:
“Section I. Obedience.
“(You will say) ‘I’ (pronounce your full name—and repeat after me)—‘In the presence of God and man most solemnly pledge, promise, and swear, unconditionally, that I will faithfully obey the Constitution and laws; and will willingly conform to all regulations, usages, and requirements of the Knights of the Ku Klux Klan, 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 Imperial Wizard thereof. I will yield prompt response to all summonses, I having knowledge of same, Providence alone preventing.
“Section 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 Knights of the Ku Klux Klan, 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, passion, punishment, 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 Knights of the Ku Klux Klan. I will die rather than divulge same. So help me, God. Amen!
“Section III. Fidelity.