“Mr. Campbell. She is using the mysticism, the regalia, the paraphernalia, the masks, and all of the literature of the order for the purpose of making money out of it? Is that correct?
“Mr. Williamson. That is correct. In fact, she told me at least twice that she was in the business for the purpose of making money, just like she was in any other business for that same purpose.”
William J. Burns, Director of the Bureau of Investigation of the Department of Justice, was called as a witness, but stated that his department was still investigating the Ku Klux Klan and that he had nothing to offer at the present time.
His Majesty William Joseph Simmons, “Emperor” of the “Invisible Empire,” Knights of the Ku Klux Klan, was the last witness examined.
Having a good conception of the theatrical, he had arranged to be introduced to the committee by Congressman W. D. Upshaw, of Georgia. In spite of the remark from Chairman Campbell that Simmons did not need an introduction to the committee, the “Cracker” Congressman cleared his throat and delivered the following “spread-eagle” speech:
“Knowing his sterling character, as I do, I am prepared to underwrite his every utterance as the truth of an honest patriotic man. I do not know “what all” Colonel Simmons has been doing behind closed doors, but I do know that, as a sturdy and inspiring personality, as a heroic veteran of the Spanish-American War, as an honored Knight Templar and member of something like a dozen other honored and well-known fraternities, as a consecrated churchman, and a God-fearing citizen, he is as incapable of an unworthy, unpatriotic motive, word or deed, as the chairman of this committee, the Speaker of the House of Representatives, or the President of the United States.
“I have known this good man to use his great influence to stop an incipient race riot. I have known him to dispense benevolence to a negro educational institution. I have known him to prevent negroes from being mobbed for crime, even as they were recently mobbed for no crime by white men in Omaha, in Chicago, in Indiana and even here in the Nation’s capital.
“Not for one minute would I stand for personal or organized wrongdoing by any man or any friend. More than any other Congressman, because of my relationship to this district, I want to know the light and I want the world to know the light and I want the country to know the light concerning this organization and other secret organizations whose deeds are questioned by many and whose memberships are limited by race, creed, or color.
“I have the privilege, gentlemen of the committee, of presenting to you my long-time, personal friend and constituent, Col. William Joseph Simmons.”
Simmons, no doubt, expected great applause from the committee, but, instead, was met with the cold remark often used by the police authorities: “You are notified that whatever you may say will be used against you.”