Daily Kennebec journal. [microfilm reel] (Augusta, Me.) 1870-1975, 1900-03-16
FRANCIS TRUTH,
Boston's Alleged Divine Healer,
Now Under Arrest.
Charged With Use of the Mails for
Fraudulent Purposes.
Offices and Rooms Elegantly Furnished and
Large Force Employed.

Boston. March 1J.-Francis Truth,
head Of the Divine Healing Association
bearing his name whose advertise
mentS have been spread all over the
whole country. was arrested. this even
ing. a his office. GA BDWdoin square,
by Deputy United States Marshal Wa
tcrs. assisted by Chief Inspector Watts
Of the Boston police department, and
Chief Inspector Evans Of the post Of
flee department, on the charge Of US
ing the mails for fraudulent purposes.
The prisoner was locked up in Charles
street Jail.
A large amount If mail matter was
seized by the officers and after Mr.
Truth had been taken away a thorough
search Of the premises was instituted
The place was deliberately fitted up in
every detail.
on the first floor in one room there
We're at work about a dozen girl type
writer's and copyists, whose wages are
said to have ranged from SO to IS per
week. In the next room was a print
ing press which turned out circulars
ana the magazine known as The Di-
vine Healer" Across the hall. which
was richly furnished. are the parlors
used by Francis Truth and his wife.
They are all deliberately furnished.
on this floor there is also a crutch
room. where are displayed the clutches
which the Divine Healer claimed
were cast aside by those who had been
cured by his treatment The officers
removed a large part Of this property
and had it conveyed to police head
quarters.
There was nearly a wagon load Of
letters which had evidently been ac-
cummulating for some time. These
were either orders for a course Of treat
ment. absent or otherwise, as the case
might be. or else inquiries as to the
wonderful promises that had been SO
literally advertised.
In al there We're % girls employed
to look after the extensive correspond
ence.
The warrant for Truths arrest was
issued at the solicitation Of the district
attorneys Office. 1t charges that by
means of his representations he Secur-
ca many paying members Of his asso-
citation to whom he gave what he call
ed his absent treatment" The blanks
for this absent treatment" called for
4 first payment Of s. for one months
treatment.
Truth has been conducting the Bow
dom square establishment for about
six months and has had all the bust
ness he could attend to.
Nh Truth took his arrest very calm
~ ana made no statement.
Mrs. Truth, who was at the Rowdoin
square house. was not molested. She
p.f H. 49, II fyntr IA,
say regarding her husbands arrest
The prisoner will be brought before
United States Commissioner Fiske, in
the morning.
The arrest Of Truth was made by a
clever piece of detective work. Post
Inspector Evans, in the guise Of 4 man
on crutches, was assisted into the house
by Deputy Walters. the latter appear
ing to be the nephew Of the former.
They announced that the visit was to
secure treatment for Uncle George"
GGvans) ana MIR. Truth responded and
accepted Il s. fee, in return making
numerous passes over Uncle George
supposed game leg. Then followed 4 !
massage Of the members and finally
Truth told Uncle George" to come
again. Deputy Waters then offered tol
give treatment to which offer Truth |
expressed indignation. Whcreupon the !
deputy put bracelets on Truths wrist |
ana read the warrant.
Uncle George" hustled to the door
ana admitted Chief Inspector Watts. I
and the inspectors and each officer took
his stand in front of the door leading
into the main hail to see that no one
escaped.
In three rooms just across the hall