The news & observer. [volume] (Raleigh, N.C.) 1894-current, 1903-12-02
The Modern Elijah Asked
To Shell Out, Can't.
THE SHARKS DESCEND.
Receivers Appointed for His Property
in Zion. The Prophet Tells His
Followers to Fork Out Filthy
Lucre, But They
Fork Not.
(By the Associated Press.)

chicago, Dec. l.-F1nanclal QlHlcuitleS
which began during the crusade of John
Alexander Dowie the self styled ''Elijah
ILL., and his restoration host to New
York month ago, and which have been
rapidly increasing since Dowie's return,
eliminated tonight in the Federal courts
taking possession Of all the property con-
town, which was founded two years ago
by Dowie, has a population of over 10000,
is the general headquarters for Dowies
church, and is said to represent an ex-
penditure of S20000.000.
Frederick NJ. Blount. cashier of the
Chicago National Bank, and Albert d.
Currier, a law partner of Congressman
Boutell, were appointed receivers of the
property Their bonds were fixed at
$100 900 by Judge Kohlsaat, OF the United
States District court, who made the ap-
pointment on the petition Of several credi-
tors. The receivers left for Zion City to-
night to take possession of the property.
The bankruptcy proceedings against
Dowie were based on the allegation that
he is insolvent and that while in this
financial condition he committed an act Of
Bankruptcy by making preferential
payment, on Noyepher 2, to the E.
Streeter Lumber Company for 1910.
Dowie has been hard pressed by his credi-
tors, especially since it was announced
that his recent mission to New York had
proved unsuccessful, financially.
Dowie is known to have accumulated
large sum as the head Of the Christian
Catholic Church, the assets Of the organi-
zation being estimated at between $20,
0G0,000 and $50, 200, 000 There was
large outlay of money however when
Zion City was started. Then lace and
candy industries were started. and as
both of these ventures have never been
a paying investment great deal more
money tied up.
Last Wednesday Dowie's first confession
of weakness was made at a rally in the
Tabernacle at Zion City. "a lot OF you
PEOPLE have cash in your pockets" Dowie
said to his followers. dig down and
get it out It is Gods and we need it in
His work You're towards if you don't
give it up. Deposit it."
Dowie talked in the same strain for
more than an hour, tears glistening on
his cheeks as he told of the financial
straits in which the Zion industries found
themselves
Instead of frightening many into de-
posting, this appeal sent long line of
people to the bank on Friday. when they
lined up at the paying teller's window,
drawing out their money.
Less than 1000 was deposited in the
bank on Friday, while the amount with
drawn was twice as much Late in the
afternoon, A. w. Graham, of Waukagan.
tried to withdraw his account of $500,
md was told he would have to give thirty
days notice before he could get his money.
Yesterday another appeal was made by
Dowe for funds, but the de0osltors who
appeared were few and the deposits were
chiefly in trivial amounts. Today Dowie
asked the members Of Zion more urgently
than ever for money. He declared that
he must have $500 600 without delay. In
the efforts TO remedy the condition of
affairs at Zion City hundreds of letters
were sent out daily to Dowle's followers
in other parts Of the country. n these
letters all Dowieites are urged. almost
commanded to sell their farms, stores and
everything else and come at once to Zion
City and take up the work Of the church.
1t is declared that the employees of the
manufacturing industries have not been
paid in full from four to six weeks. What
little they have received is said to have
been paid entirely in the Zion City coupon
books. Early in the week before last
Dowie made a trip through the various
shops. He told his followers and others
that they must either wait for their
salaries or must endure substantial cut
in wages. This was agreed to.