The Atlanta constitution. [volume] (Atlanta, Ga.) 1885-19??, 1888-07-03
MOSES In DIXIE.
Negro Prophet Who is to Lead His Race
Back to Ethiopia

Negro Prophet Who is to Lead His Race
Back to Ethiopia.
EVANSVILLE, Ind, June 2S.-The reported
strange prophecies of tho modern Black Ma
homet near Rochester, Ky, whose wierd ac-
tons are just now creating much excitement
throughout that section, are the subject OF
much speculation to those who have been to
see him. a correspondent from this city has
visited the prophet at his humble home, and
brings back graphic report of his interview.
Rev. Giles Moss, or the "black Ell Mahdi,"
as he is designated here, was formerly slave
in Roam county and in his early days was noted
for his wonderful influence over his associates
ana all who came in contact with him. When
he became minister of the gospel his power
became supreme among the sinple-hearted
people of the backwoods section.
lie is now siXty-two years old. and has spent
the past quarter OF century mlnistering to
the spiritual wants of the blacks throughout
the Green River valley. Here he has been
the king of his race, consulted on all worldly
and spiritual affairs, and enjoying the respect
and confidence of the whites as well as of the
blacks.
ASSUMING SUPERNATURAL POWERS.
1t was but step from the pedestal he occu-
pied to the assumption of supernatural powers,
and this step he has at last taken, having an
nounced to the world that he had received
divine command from God to prepare himself
for leading the negro race back into the wilds
of the dark continent. The interest and ex-
duced have been unparalleled. They have
been heightened by the implicit confidence
the blacks place in him, as well as by the
credit he enjoys of having prophesied enamel
patton many years before the breaking out OF
the war.
The Herald correspondent visited Moss at
his home yesterday. "El Mahdi" received him
graciously, exhibiting perfect readiness to
impart information concerning his divine
powers and the possible hegira of his race to
Africa.
THE PROPHETS INSPIRATIONS.
Moss declared that the world was full of i'm
posters who played on the credulity of the peo-
pie with their incantations and legerdeman,
but that he did not seek to impress his powers
upon any one save through the influence of
heaven, whence he received daily inspiration.
He acted upon instructions received from the
angel Gabriel, who came to him each night
with tidings from on high.
'During last August" said he, 81 received
my first visit upon this subject, and was then
told by the angel that great things would BIO
impaired to me, as l should be made Moses,
who would lead my people back to
Ethiopia, where they were to Chris
coming millennium. / was dumbfounded and
bewildered, but could not dispute with my
senses, and resigned myself to whatever Provi-
dence held in store for me. was enjoined to
keep my secret of the angels visit until such
time when l should be released from the bond
and commanded to announce it to the world.
Regularly the angel came back each night
with messages, until last Sunday night l was
commanded to announce myself as the leader
who would soon take my people back to
Africa.
THE NEGRO EXODUS NEAR.
"At what time the pilgrimage should begin
was not allowed to say, but believe the day
is close at hand, and that every black man in
this country who is not too much contaminated
with sin will join the vast army which will set
its face toward the land of their ancestors"
The negro's face frightened with the rad
lance OF happiness as he recounted these de-
tails in clear. intelligent manner. II any
deception sinister motive lurked behind
what he was saying it was not apparent. His
voice was low, cheerful and distinct, and he
exhibited no concern as to the credulity or in
credulity of his hearer. In answer to queries
he said that the Lord would not only appoint
the time, but the manner in which His black
children would be conveyed back to the an
Gent home of Ham, They would possibly
spread over the entire continent in missionary
bands and would find no trouble in converting
their brethren to the true God.
AN INTELLIGENT DARBY.
He was ready with an intelligent reply to
every question, and when "voodooism" was
suggested he denounced it as the machination
of the devil and relic of the superstition of
the barbaric Arabs, who still practice it under
the name of "Sufism." His knowledge of
many subjects was wonderful, which, he ex-
planned, was the result of much reading and
reflection. Indeed, he is puzzle to those who
have visited him, and while, of course, he is
an imposter, he exhibits an apparent faith in
his strange vagaries.
The negroes of this section throughout many
counties have already been apprised of the
new prophet, and the news is spreading every
where, creating excitement and even conster-
nation, as the belief is general that his follow
ers already number thousands. Many of these
are hastily arranging their affairs and making
preparations to depart at any moment their
leader may command. 1t is feared that farm
ing interests will suffer by of the excite
ment which prevails, and much concern is felt,
are are Just now needing constant attention.
Moss is holding religious services every
night, closing each sermon with the warning
to be prepared for the pilgrimage at any mo
ment.