Indianapolis, Indiana, January 13, 1925.

The chandeliers of the Indianapolis Athletic Club blazed with electric light Monday evening as Indiana's political elite gathered to celebrate the inauguration of Governor Edward L. Jackson,

but all eyes followed one man who was not on the official program.

David Curtis Stevenson, the Grand Dragon of the Indiana Realm of the Knights of the Ku Klux Klan,

moved through the crowded banquet hall like a king, surveying his kingdom resplendent in a tailored evening suit,

the 33-year-old political kingmaker clasped hands with senators, shared whispered confidences with congressmen,

and accepted the deference of county sheriffs and city mayors with the casual ease of a man who had grown accustomed to such homage.

Congratulations, Governor, Stevenson said to Jackson during the receiving line, his hand resting

familiarly on the newly sworn executive shoulder. Those close enough to hear the exchange

noted that Jackson, nominally the most powerful man in Indiana, nodded with the humble gratitude of a man

who knew exactly to whom he owed his electoral victory. The Grand Dragons table was the most sought

after seating in the hall. State Representative William J. Murray, fresh from shepherding, clan-backed

legislation through the House, sat at Stevenson's right hand to his left perched

Indianapolis mayor John L. Duvall, another November victor who had ridden the Invisible Empire's

political machine to City Hall. Indiana has entered a new era, Stevenson told the assembled

dignitaries during an impromptu toast, raising his crystal glass of what

appeared to be ginger ale, but which several witnesses later insisted was something stronger,

an era of Protestant values, American principles, and political reform.

The good people of this state have spoken, and their voice shall be the law of the land.

The crowd erupted in applause.

Among those clapping were a dozen state legislators, three circuit court judges, and the

Marion County prosecutor.

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