The herald., 1895-06-26
ROWLAND UP FOR PERJURY
Pasadena's Peculiar Religionist
Is on Trial .
"ME AND GOD" OF NO AVAIL
The Case Presented Many Entertaining
Features
"ME AND GOD" OF NO AVAIL
Shown Up Today, After Which the
Defense Will Have an Inning

H. E. Rowland, a peculiar religion.
ist from Pasadena. was on trial before
Judge Smith in department one of the
superior court yesterday on a ch arge of
perjury brought by G. S. Howard of that
city. Rowland and his counsel were
there, in addition to number of persons
who abjure things mundane and are en-
counte:ed in out of the way pla ces posing
as authorities on things celestial. And
their authorities not aving jibed with
Greenleaf on Evidence, they sat there
and listened interestedly to lawyers, Of
the earth, earthly.
The case was interesting enough and no
doubt the good Lord was pleased at the
way His name was dragged through the
mire in that delightful, breezy way Pc
culiar to these humble followers. But the
gaping crowd got much merriment out
of the thing, especially when it was
brought out that the Rev. Howland.
while conducting his religious meetings
spoke OF the marvellous performances of
"Me and Cod" The story is an old one
but brief resume may not be amiss.
Rowland came out here from the east
claiming to be an ordained Baptist MIN
lister. Since his appearance in the GRIM
inal records careful examination OF his
career Drought 10 llSut lue ldCb tDdb IN
practicing his splrItualistic Christianity
throughout the country he had been
guilty of breaking up many families. had
played the lady killer to success every
where he went and had continuously
proven himself a fakir. All that was
brought out last October in Pasadena and
was published in the local papers.
In Pasadena ne got out cards and cir
culars that show at once his remarkable
assumptions and the character OF the
fraud be practiced. Copies of them as
filed in court are given below. Plain.
tiff's exhibit is nineteenth century
curio. On the front ii reads: Palmistry
and astrology taught to one person for
$50. Or any pesIon getting up class of
twenty persons for $40 each, will be
taught free. These Lessons are guaranteed
to qualify person to read any persons
life from cradle to grave. Charts will be
given and full instructions with every
person taught. Call and inquire for your
self. (over.) On the other side he con-
tinues: Rev. II. e. Holland, life read
ings and private sittings gwen daily in
all business matters, domestic social and
financial. by palmstry, astrology ana
spirit power, $1.O0. etc. Circles, etc.,
Admission, 25 cents, etc.
Circulars were distribu ted broadcast in
Pasadena containing testimonials, ending
up by stating that 'all kinds of heart,
kidney, blood and stomach troubles cured.
e
will never return.
OF course crowds of the curious went to
see the exhibitions paying ten cents ad-
mission, as Howland's S brand of salvation
was accompanied by side shows, and was
not free.
"Me and God,'' said he, "work to-
gether. and my meetings are worth some-
thing"
Among the curious ones went John
W. w. Beebe and his friend c. S. How.
ard. They went in and heard Rowland
playing the piano and singing "Shall we
person got down and prayed fervently to
the spirits to favor his supplications and
alisht i'll the numerous bouquets he bau
staked on the piano.
Then Rowland rose up and said, as
though in an ecstasy. that he could not
see the audience for the spirits that were
in the air, and to reassure himself and re-
ceive congratulations he went down 10
shake hands with every body. While hob
nobbing with Beebe he looked over at
Rowland and said abruptly: "You don't
like me-" Then after a brief alteration
he went to the platform and announced
that THAT man doesn't like me-he is a
mean man."
Don't Judge others by yourself" said
Howard.
''You shut up or get out of here, "said
Rowland; and the incident was over, for
gan reading fortunes.
Next day, Oct. 25, 1884. Howland had
Howard arrested for disturbing religious
meeting. He was tried before Recorder
]. G. Rossiter of Pasadena and was dis
charged.
Then Howard had Rowland arrested for
perjury. in his com plant and at the trial.
and the case is on in department one.
Yesterday number of witnesses were
examined. ]. G. Rossiter. G. S. How
ard. Albert Hail. John w. Beebe John
Stein. George NJ. Boston and William p.
Young were examined for the prosecution
and the day was devoted to proving that
when Howland sN ore Howard disturb bed
religious meeting, he was nalciously
lying; and that the meeting was more Of
an opera bouffe than sacred concert.
Today it is probable Howland's record
will be ventilated in the court and then
the defense will have its inning. Through
il all the well-featured. cleanly, but slick
looking preacher who talks so glibly
about "me and God' sits and takes it all
in, occasionally smiling, but oitener look
ing very distressed.