mber was required to provide himself with the following outfit:
A white mask for the face, with orifices for the eyes and nose; a
tall, fantastic cardboard hat, so constructed as to increase the
wearer's apparent height; a gown, or robe, of sufficient length to
cover the entire person. No particular color or material were
prescribed. These were left to the individual's taste and fancy, and
each selected what in his judgment would be the most hideous and
fantastic, with the aim of inspiring the greatest amount of curiosity
in the novice. These robes, of different colors, often of the most
flashy patterns of "Dolly Varden" calicos, added vastly to the
grotesque appearance of the assembled Klan.[24]

[Illustration: COSTUMES WORN IN MISSISSIPPI AND WEST ALABAMA
FACING PAGE 58]

Each member carried also a small whistle, with which, by means of a
code of signals agreed upon, they held communications with one
another. The only utility of this device was to awaken inquiry.[25]

And the object of all this was amusement--"only this, and nothing
more." A few young men debarred for the time by circumstances from
entering any active business or professional pursuits, and deprived of
the ordinary diversions of social life, were seeking in this way to
amuse and employ themselves. The organization of this Klan was to them
both diversion and occupation. But where, it may be asked, did the fun
come in? Partly in exciting the curiosity of the public, and then in
baffling it; but mainly in the initiation of new members.

The ritual used in the initiation was elaborate, but not worthy of
reproduction. It is enough to say that it was modeled on and embraced
the leading features of the ritual of an order which has long been
popular in colleges and universities under various names.[26] In one
place it is the "Sons of Confucius;" in another, the "Guiasticutus;"
but everywhere, the "Ancient and the Honorable," and the
"Mirth-Provoking."

The initiations were at first conducted in the law office, where the
suggestion for the formation of the Klan had been made. But it was not
a suitable place. The room was small. It was near the business portion
of the town, and while in session there, they never felt entirely free
from apprehensions of interruption.[27]

They soon found a place in every respect better adapted to their
purposes. On the brow of a ridge, that runs along the western
outskirts of the town, there used to stand a handsome