GOVERNOR PROCLAIMS MARTIAL LAW IN EFFECT IN OKLAHOMA
Oklahoma City, Oklahoma (JFK+50) On September 16, 1923, The Evening Star reports martial law was proclaimed for the "entire state of Oklahoma" by Governor J.C. Walton* taking effect at midnight.
The Governor ordered out "a full force" of 6000 National Guardsmen in opposition to the Ku Klux Klan. He also declared "a state of insurrection and rebellion is in effect against the Constitution and authorities of Oklahoma."
The Grand Dragon of the Oklahoma KKK had recently bragged that the governor "never could break the power of the klan in Oklahoma."
*John "Jack" Calloway Walton (1881-1949) was born in Greensboro, Indiana & served as mayor of Oklahoma City 1919-1923. JCW served as Governor of Oklahoma in 1923, was the 1st in state history to be removed from office & served the shortest term of any Oklahoma governor.
SOURCE
"Oklahoma Is Placed Under Martial Law In War On Klansmen," The Evening News, Washington, D.C., September 16, 1923, Chronicling America, Library of Congress, www.loc.gov/
