During the administration of this oath, the members surround the initiate, dressed in long, white gowns, high, conical shaped, white hats, and their faces shrouded in white masks. At the conclusion of the oath, the candidate is made to kiss the book. The bandage is then removed from his eyes. The Commander approaches, and proceeds to instruct him in the
_First._--Strike the fingers of the right hand briskly upon the hair over the right ear, bringing the hand forward and partially around the ear, as if describing a half moon.
_Answer._--Same sign made with left hand over left ear.
_Second._--Thrust the right hand into the pant's pocket, with the exception of the thumb, at the same time bringing the right heel into the hollow of the left foot.
_Answer._--Same sign with the left hand, bringing the left heel into the hollow of the right foot.
As a farther precaution search is made by the hailing party as if for a pin in the right lappel of the coat.
_Answer._--A similar search in the left lappel of the coat.
The GRIP is given by placing the forefinger on the pulse of the person you shake hands with.
_Countersign._--If halted by a camp or picket on the public highway at night, the following colloquy ensues:
"I, S, A, Y." (Repeating each letter slowly.)
"N, O, T, H, I, N, G." (Repeating each letter slowly.)
These countersigns are issued every three months. The one here given was in vogue at the time of the discovery of the order.
A member of any order of the Ku Klux Klan of the first or probationary degree, in distress, and requiring speedy aid, will use a word signal, or cry of distress: "SHILOH!"
In expeditions conducted under direction of the Commander, or any of the brethren detailed by him to act as head, a code of signals by sounds, made with whistles, is used, in order that the members may not be recognized by their voices.
There are several divisions of the order of the KU KLUX KLANS, all working under the same ritual and oaths, and having the same signs, grips, passwords, modes of approach, and general conduct of raids and midnight excursions. These are known under the names of "Knights of the White Camelia," "The Invisible Empire," "The White Brotherhood," "The Unknown Multitude," "The Union and Young Men's Democracy." All work in disguise, with the exception of the latter, who work openly as well as in disguise, and are all under the instructions of the "Grand Cyclops" and the Supreme Grand Council. They all have one and the same object, which is as plainly set forth in the oath as it well can be in an obligation of that character.