Weekly independent. [volume] (Elko, Nev.) 1887-1914, 1895-10-27
RELIGIOUS FANATICS.
The Spread Of Absurd Beliefs In
This Country.
Queer sects and Doctrines SpripEinE
Up In Almost Every State
Some Of the Leading
Spirits.

to De sweeping over the County
Nearly every day brings to light the
existence of some new, d band OF
worshipcrs with q form of devotion
rs strange MS it is scnseless. While the
rural communities seem to offer the
most fertile fields for absurd religious
sects, the large cities OF the country
ave not escaped. Already 1t is rumorcd
that n branch organization OF the
devil worshipers of Paris has bccr
formed in New York. II this be true
the police of the metropolis will doubt
less be called upon TO squclch the
growth of this shocking iorin OF fannt:-
cism before it reaches the proportions
it has now attained in Paris.
Texas is in possession of Il queer sect,
which, if its beliefs were adopted gem
orally, would soon bring the eud of tAe
world in sight. This sect is mad M Of
thirty-oid women who call themselves
"Sanctiiicationists." The little town Of
Bolton, in the Lone Star state, can
claim the glory of shclicring this
worthy band.
Mrs McWhirter explained II doc.
trines of the sect in this way: at is
based upon Christian principles. We
believe IN Christ and that lie promul-
gated cclibacy, and taught that II coiu-
mon property interest was right. On
this cooperative system Il band Of wom-
en- fifteen years ngo pooled their assets
and started Il fund with which to in
augnratc an independent and self
supporting movement among women.
We have thirty-two members now and
all OF us live in the hotel. which has
been recently completed. We share
alike our labors and profits. We do
not gain recruits rapidly, for people
do not understand our views. Women
who join us pledge themselves to lead
n life of %cclibacy, to put their EARNINGS
into n common fund. to work and to
obey the rules of the order"
The sect is conducted OH sound bust
ness principles 1t now owns one hun
drcd thousand dollars worth Of prop
crty and is largely Interested in the
commercial affairs of Bolton. Some of
the women who joiucdSwcrc pennilcss.
but they were cared for by the others.
Many let husbands and families when
they became members. In "a few in
stances the deserted husbands contrib
utcd to The support of their wives.
The latter are permitted to be ON
friendly terms with their husbands. but
nothing more. Ii there have been any
backslidcrs the facts have been keep.
secret. All the members arc ardent
SufrraGistS and believe that women
will eventually govern the country.
An Alaatian named Francois Schladcr
is rapidly building up n great follow
inr in New Mexico. This man is en-
tirclN different from all OF his KIND.
lie makes no claims, scclss neither
money nor fame. aud apparently has
but one dcsirc-that OF healing aflict.
cd humanity. lie is certainly in pos,
session OF some rare power. Some
have attributed it to animal magnet
ism, II more enthusiastic to n dirccI
gift from Heaven.
When lie first appeared in and abou
the town OF Albuquerque the educate,
people declared him to be n sharper
and itnpostor, or n lunatic. and he wa
threatened with bodily harm. Cure,
Of the miraculous kind are credited t,
him. lie is but thirty-niuc years old
sta..ds about six feet i'm height ant
weighs in the ncighborhood of on,
hundred and seventy pounds. II,
wear neither hat nor shoes, no matte
how hot the sun or inclcmcnt III,
weather. Ills hair falls upon hi
shoulders and lie wears Il full COLDER
brown beard. Ills strange resemblance,
to the picture Of Christ, his qiict man
nrr Of living and his power - At hcalc.
have had Il strong effect upon all wh,
have met him.
lie is callci THE Healer" 1t is ms
serted by people who say they wit
ne ed the miracle that lie held tn
bands OF Il blind mau for five minute
HE ! sight We, rCStOrcd; that lac GENT
rwhnsi the hands of All old wurna
wh" hal hrra paralyzcd FOR years an,
sha i'ft q ioY minutes later as stIon.
uS she was IN her youth. Hundreds q
eases of the kind are cited. Th
healer takes no money or gifts for Ia
work.
Cincinnati has n curious sect in
band calling themselves "Pcrfcctior
lists" Mrs. Hannah l.. Martin. III
leader of the .cctionists, died In
spring. and since May - her grave
the Cincinnati cemetery has bee
watched by disciples. who expect
witness her resurrection and flight
Heaven III II chariot of fire.