Jasper County Democrat, Volume 9, Number 2, Rensselaer, Jasper County, 14 April 1906 — DOWIE IN CONFERENCE [ARTICLE]

DOWIE IN CONFERENCE

'First Apostle” Reaches Chicago and Goes Into Gouncil with Friends. THERE IS TO BE NO RIOT Irreverent Crowd Meets Him at the Railway Station—Voliva’s, latest Move to Shut Off bowle’i “Sinews.” Chicago. April 11. —John Alexander Dowie, “First Apostle” of Zion, after a long johrney from Mexico, arrived here at 8:40 a. m. yesterday. At the station where he detrained was a great crowd, made up chiefly of curious persons. anxious to get a glimpse of the returning leader. A sprinkling of his followers was included, but the great majority was unsympathetic and rude. The instant the train stored hoots and jeers arose. “Dowie!” “ T.ige.” “Peace to thee, old man!” were some of the cries, but they were few and scattered. The mob had forced a way through the iron depot gates, and the Pullman car in which Dowie came from St. Louis was surrounded. Goes Into Consultation. Dowie and bis party took a carriage for the Auditorium Annex, where he and his advisers went Into “executive session.” “I shall not be the cuuse of tumult in the streets of Zion,” he said, just before be disappeared into his apartments. “I shall get what is mine, but I shall get it in a peaceful manner. I have been terrilxv wronged, and the wrong is all the greater because I was so far away that I could not defend myself.” As to his mode of procedure it will probably be through the United States court to set aside the transfer made by Voliva of property through the power of attorney he possessed.

Attempt to Shut Off His “Sinews.” At a conference at Zion City of the Zion business committee of twelve appointed by Voliva some time ago it was decided to send to all branches of the church throughout the world, the following: “Officers, members and friends of the Christian Catholic Apostolic church are directed not to send any more money for Mexican land warrants.” Regarding the oruer W. H. Fiper. one of the overseers, said: “The step was taken because of a desire to completely block Howie’s Mexican scheme, and at the same time remove all chance of his access to funds.” That Secret Basement Boom. Howie, when questioned regarding the secret chamber which was discovered by Overseer Voliva in the basement of his residence at Zion City, said: “Yes, I am aware that such a room exists in the basement of Shiloh House, but I can readily explain to you why it was put there. A former mayor of Zion City, being an extremely cautious man, believed that it was well to tnke precautions against cyclones and mob vengeance. He built this chamber with my full approval, but I assure you that I have never entered the room In my life. It was also thought at the time that the room might prove an appropriate resting place for “the First Apostle.” CONTROVERSY TO BE SETTLED Wetten Gives Further Details of His Proceedings. Chicago, April 12.—At the conclusion of a day of conferences between representatives of the opposing interests of the Christian Catholic church the statement is made that the whole controversy will probably be settled by conciliation. Both sides to the dispute, according to Attorney Emil C. Wetten. John Alexander Howie's legal representative, are anxious for an amicable adjustment of the whole dispute. This announcement was made by Wetten after his return to Chicago from Zion City, where he went and was in conference with General Overseer Voliva, Overseer Speicher, Overseer Piper, Heaeon Granger, and Judge Barnes, the head of Zion City's law department.

* The statement was made by Wetten immediately after a conference he had with Dowie and his counsellors which lasted until midnight At this meeting Attorney Wetten told Dowie and his lieutenants what had transpired at the meeting lie had with Volivn and his assistant, and later when Deacon Peters was asked what he thought of the situation, he without the least hesitation stated that he was of the opinion that both sides to the controversy would be willing to offer such concessions that there would be no necessity to resort to the courts to bring about a settlement. , While hurrying from the meeting to catch a train back to Chicago to report to Dr. Dowie Wetten said to reporters .that I>r. Dowie did not care about his own fate, but wished to be satisfied that Zion and Zion’s creditors were in safe hands. “Dr. Dowle’s last words to me were these.” said Wetten, “ ‘First, last and all the time I must be satisfied that Zion's creditors will get 100 cents on a dollar; all 1 want personally Is a living.’ ” Dowie’s ecclesiastical standing was iiot discussed, according to Wetten, ■who added that the “prophet” expected to return to the south.