Mayor Quells Klan Parade

Article taken from the Indianapolis Daily Star October 29, 1923.

Portsmouth, O., Oct. 28--The edict of Mayor William N. Gableman against the Ku Klux Klan was enforced here this afternoon when police stopped a parade of alleged klansmen, and arrested 244 of the paraders. Of this number, 187 were fully garbed in Klan regalia. The paraders assembled in a local park and were marching to a church where they were to take part in the laying of a corner stone, when Chief of Police Joseph Distel, with a patrolman, placed them under arrest and marched the entire procession to the police station. They were charged with having obstructed traffic, and ordered to report for hearing in Municipal court tomorrow. Most of the marchers were residents of nearby towns and villages.

While a crowd estimated at 10,000 gathered about the police station some one set up a burning cross on adjoining school property. Klan leaders had been denied permission yesterday to parade in regalia, according to Mayor Gableman, and fifty special police were sworn in. Two youths, one of whom told police he was a member of the Klan, were arrested tonight after police say they burned a fiery cross in the heart of the business district. They were released to appear later in Juvenile court. The was no sign of further disorders here late tonight. A drizzling rain had set in and the crowds disappeared. Nevertheless, several special officers sworn to aid regular police to prevent a Klan demonstration or disorder which might occur, are still held in readiness at police headquarters. For several hours this afternoon traffic in the downtown and other districts virtually was suspended when streets became clogged with automobiles and pedestrians. The fire department was ordered to be prepared to assist the police in any emergency which might arise.