Rabbi Wolsey Protests to Phila Mayor Against “klan Day” at Sesqui

(Jewish Daily Bulletin)

A protest against the proposed “Klan Day” at the Sesqui Centennial Exposition was voiced by Rabi Louis Wolsey, president of the Central Conference of American Rabbis and Rabbi of Congre-gregation Rodelph Sholom of this city, in a letter to Mayor Kendrick. Rabbi Wolsey’s letter read:

“Some newspapers throughout the country carry the report that you have approved of a Klan Day at the Sesqui Centennial Exposition. I am writing to you to ascertain whether this report is authentic, for I have not read anywhere of your denial of the rumor.

“I should like respectfully to lay before your consideration the thought that the Ku Klux Klan is very definitely opposed to all those who are not native, or white, or Protestant; and that it believes in excluding this group from the rights of American citizenship; and that they are the only one hundred percent Americans. I presume it is just as clear to you as it is to me that this position of the Ku Klux Klan is counter to the principles of the Declaration of Independence. If this organization is given the privilege of celebrating its thought at an exposition which commemorates the publication of the Declaration of Independence, I should say that there was a glaring inconsistency.

“I sincerely trust that you will not allow any organization which preaches religious or racial hatred to participate in the joy of our Sesqui Centennial.”