Government Should Protect Public From Scams Like Loyal Order of Klansmen, July 2, 1919

From the Hickory Daily Record, July 2, 1919

Says People Are Being Unmercifully Fleeced

Raleigh, July 2—Mr. W.R. Dixon, State organizer of the Farmers’ Union, approves of Governor Bickett’s stand with reference to the organization known as the Loyal Order of Klansmen. Without committing himself to the assertion that this particular organization is fraudulent, Mr. Dixon says it certainly is a fact that there are great numbers of fraudulent propositions before the public, and he adds:

“If your State officials would do more exposing of frauds they would do the masses of the people a great service, for they are fleecing the people unmercifully with all kinds of schemes. They are generally represented by shrewd and unscrupulous promoters who are sharp enough to almost hypnotize the unsuspecting and credulous.

“Governor Bickett should be congratulated for his brave stand to protect the people.”

Mr. Dixon says the Farmers’ Union has given a great deal of thought to the question of protecting the farmer from fraudulent stocks. His idea is that the best way to get at the matter is for the union to appoint some of their best men as advisers on investments and the farmers refuse to buy any securities not favorably passed upon by the advisers. It is a very serious question, Mr. Dixon states, and one demanding a solution to the end that the fleecing of the unwary may be halted.