ingless.

Had they called themselves the "Jolly Jokers" or the "Adelphi," or by
some similar appellation, the organization would doubtless have had no
more than the mere local and ephemeral existence which those who
organized it contemplated for it. Hundreds of societies have
originated just as this one did, and after a brief existence have
passed away. But in this case there was a weird potency in the very
name Ku Klux Klan. Let the reader pronounce it aloud. The sound of it
is suggestive of bones rattling together! The potency of the name was
not wholly in the impression made by it on the general public. It is a
singular fact that the members of the Klan were themselves the first
to feel its weird influence; they had adopted a mysterious name.
Thereupon the original plan was modified so as to make everything
connected with the order harmonize with the name.

Amusement was still the end in view. But now the method by which they
propose to win it were those of secrecy and mystery. So when the
report of the committee on rules and ritual came up for consideration,
the recommendations were modified to adapt them to the new idea. The
report as finally adopted, provided for the following officers: a
Grand Cyclops, or President; a Grand Magi, or Vice-President; a Grand
Turk, or Marshal; a Grand Exchequer, or Treasurer; and two Lictors.
These were the outer and inner guards of the "Den," as the place of
meeting was designated.

The one obligation exacted from members was to maintain profound and
absolute secrecy with reference to the order and everything pertaining
to it. This obligation prohibited those who assumed it from disclosing
that they were Ku Klux, or the name of any other member, and from
soliciting any one to become a member. The last requirement was a
singular one. It was enacted for two reasons. First, it was in keeping
with the determination to appear as mysterious as possible, and thus
play upon the curiosity of the public. Secondly, and mainly, it was
designed to prevent unpleasantness following initiations. They wished
to be able to say to novices: "You are here on your own solicitation,
and not by invitation from us." They desired accessions; to have them
was indispensable; but they knew human nature well enough to know that
if they made the impression that they wished to be exclusive and
select, then applications for membership would be numerous. The result
showed that they reasoned correctly.

Each me