New-York tribune. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1866-1924, 1892-03-07
TROUBLE CAUSED BY FREE NETHO DISTS.
GOVERNOR BoIFS CALLED UPON TO PROTECT A
B,SD OF RELIGIOUS ENTHUsIASTs.

y
BAND OF RELIGIOUS FNTHTSIASTS.
Corning Iowa. March 6-Thc application made by
the Free Mcthodts to Governor Boes for protection
by the state militia + the outcome OF a hostile
feeling that the people Of Southwestern Iowa have for
months entertained against those religious enthusiasts.
The latter havo had headquarters at Shenandoah. Red
oak and other points and at all of these places have
had trouble with the local authorities Since last
summer they have been holding protractcd meetings
at Coriing AZ first they occupied large
tent, which burned, probably by an inccndiary.
one night last September after which they
leased Calkins Rink, and continued their work there
Their announced nith creed has not been criticised
- much their manners. methods and pulpit utter
anccs. They nre accustomed. in the enthusiasm OF
their meetings 10 stamp shout yell and run about the
fun length and brcada OF the rink and some OF tho
Young women and young men who have been converted
rantIcally thrown Themselves at full length upon
the floor and ut tines have lain there kicking and roll
ing Historically about for hours. At times the bahd
hss accustomed 20 % any OF the homes where
they eoud gain entrance and sing and pray until they
were requested withdraw. They held daily Seanccs
az one home 10 heal woman who has been a helpless
invalid from rheumatism for years. Tho conditions
werc mob rgr however, for her restoration. Naturally
the evening meetings attracted rbblc. and the ser
vices were at times interrupted by scofers Mtcr
several arrests had been made and the prisoners re-
leased at the request Of the prosecutors special police
men were sNoIH III ~ Ii'H'lNt '"' P'"'N' '''' w
tho converts IS W. II. IIoxc, publisher OF local
paper who has become 50 wholly wrapped up in this
religions enthusiasm q give most OF his property to
the agitators.
The immediate cause Of the present appeal to the
Governor was as follows: A prominent furniture
dealer Robert HOLSTER. has FOR years provided the
comfort, OF a good home for his wifes infrm parents
Mr. and Mrs Whitehead AGA seventy two and eighty
five respectively. These old people have become in
crested In the meetings and the members Of the board
have been regular visitors at Mr.. HOLSTERS home TO
hold sp cal meetings in their behalf This became 50
ANNOYING TO Mr. and Mrs. llolser thot they ne
ques'cd the visitors TO cease coming. The Free
Methodists then prevailed upon the old couple to
20 with them and occupy quarters which they would
NJ up promising to provide for them. On Wednes-
dav night Mr. IIoyie thanked tiod' that this was
turn his old father and mother ont Of doors" AZ the
clos, Of the meeting Bert lIolstcr son OF Robert
and estudson Of the old couple approached captain
IIoxic aud called him liar and few other similar
DanSs. The special police threatened MIN with ar
rest but he was wen backed up by young companions.
Tie next night the manager OF the rink building
leased the main floor OF the edltce for prize lgt ana
boxing exhibition Large crowds gathered. and during
the evening the windows OF the rink occupied by the
rcvlvalists Kicked In. the electric lights were shut
of at the works and The band bombarded with
ancient eggs, mud stones and sticks The gang fol
lowed the workers to their sleeping quarter, and
pcltod them with eggs and other missiles The band
did not complain 10 the city authorities, but at once
nor's private secretary communicated with the sheriff
who tcegaplod him there was no cn>e for alarm or for
calling ont the militia The United States Marshal Is
now here 10 investigate the situation.