Atlanta Daily World

Unfriendly To The Klan

Governor Fuller Warren, Florida's newly elected Chief Executive was deeply incensed over the action of the Ku Klux Klan in flaunting law and order in Tallahassee last week by motoring through the city streets in a 43-car parade. To make certain that this will not happen again, the new governor has announced his determination to ask the approaching legislature to pass two laws forbidding such parades and to outlaw completely, the Klan.

That's what happens in a state or community where the Klan is not wanted. It is unthinkable in these days of progress and mutual goodwill to have Klansmen spreading seeds of discord and dissension in and out of our communities. They do not have any official status in government. They have no official connection with the church. They have no recognition by society and make no contribution to it. Hence, they exist only as a festering sore on the body politic. Everywhere they are being pushed out of decent and orderly society. Citizens with decent instincts do not wish to have the Klan support in any endeavor. And fewer and fewer candidates for political office are ready to accept Klan support as a condition to get into office.

Thus, in states where the Klan is making headway it is doing so at the sufferance of the people who reside in it. If the ministers are solid in their opposition against the Klan the chances are strong that it will stage fewer marches into church meetings. If the politicians are solid in their opposition it will be impossible for the Klan to stage a march or to burn crosses in front of citizens homes or on school grounds, because the county Sheriff and the citizens together could stop it. And in like manner, if the atmosphere of state government is unfriendly to the klan and its support, then there is little likelihood that it can survive in a state. The Klan is flourishing in Georgia because it has found fertile soil here. In a lesser manner, it enjoys a rich field in Alabama. But mainly in Georgia and Alabama do we have any semblance of authority being exercised upon the government by the Klan. We don't think that will or can last very much longer. Public opinion, even outside of these states, will serve to uproot these groups, sooner or later.

We commend Governor Warren upon his determination. And we pray that members of his legislature will think and feel as he does. It is more than an even guess that they will follow his leadership and enact the legislation against it.