Wichita eagle. [volume] (Wichita, Kan.) 1886-1890, 1889-04-06
LECTURE ar THE FIRST Nj. E. CHURCH.

Rev. Sydneyhyn Smith, of India, APP
the auspices of the Women's Foreign Mis-
sionary society to deliver his lecture on
India. The people gathered slowly, but
by SIS o'clock fair sized audience had
assembled. The lecturer came on the
platform attired in the costume of a re-
ligious mendicant of India, and was intro
duced by Mr.. R. p. Murdoch. Before be-
ginning his lecture he called for a number
of ladies and gentlemen to come for
ward and don the different costumes
representing the various castles and classes
of that eastern country. BY a little per-
suaSion a sufficient number were soon
secured; and for nearly two hours the
audience was amused and instructed. The
costume worn by the lecturer himself was
the same as that worn by numerous
class of people in India who live entirely
by charity. These beggars claim to have
devoted their lives to religious duties, and
they do not ask aims as ordinary
beggars but demand support from the
people as right. Persons who would not
give to the lame or blind do not think of
refusing when approached by these holy
mendicants The lecturer gave numerous
instances to show that while some of these
men are really devoted and sincere in
their lives, there are thousands who are
arrant frauds. Some of them will raise
their hands above their heads and keep
them permanently in that position. They
will do all sorts of penance and assume all
possible postures, Judging that their holt
ness is measured by their suffering.
A curious three pointed stick or wand
was shown which is allowed TO be carried
only by those who have been a certain
time in this business of religious beggary.
The one in the possession of the lecturer
is said to be able if he held it in a certain
position to cause the wind to change; and
the opinion was expressed that if held
long enough the wind would really change
The three points of the stick represented
that he who carried 1t had gained control
over himself in thought word and deed.
After dressing a gentleman in the full
habit Of an old Parsee or fire worshiper
and a lady in the female attire of the same
people, the lecturer gave a very instructive
account or thir history and habits. Long
before the Mayfower brought the Pilgrims
to Plymouth these Parsees left Persia and
went to India for conscience sake. Rather
than accept the Mohammedan alternative
of the sword the Koran, they left their
home taking their sacred fire with
them. They are at present the
leaders in India They send their
children TO Europe; and not a beggar can
be found among them. A part of the Par
see woman's outfit is sacred cord of sew
enty-two threads representing the seventy
two chapters of their sacred book This is
arranged and worn in a peculiar manner
and is designed To drive the devil away.
That it might be useful in this country
WAS said TO be not improbable. He said
large women were not common in that
country, but to be large was supposed to con-
stitute beauty. Among the various articles
shown was turban seventy-two yards in
length and weighing about three pounds;
this constitutes the hat of the Indian
working man. A very interesting ac-
count of the Brahmins who are worshiped
by the lower castles. and their learning,
and treachery and lying set forth. The
evenings exercise was closed by the dozen
or more improvised Brahmins, Parsees,
ETC.. marching around the room In their
quaint garments 70 the great amusement
Of the audience