The Topeka state journal. [volume] (Topeka, Kansas) 1892-1980, 1903-12-03
DOWIE OWES S725,0OO
Affairs of Zion in Worse Shape
Than at First Supposed.

Chicago. Dec. 3.-At a gathering of
the Dowieites in the tabernacle in Zion
City last night John Alexander Dowie,
the Elijah ILL.,, made plea for more
money. The meeting was called by
Dowie for the purpose of starting
fund of 1 million dollars, with which to
pay off all the Indebtedness that hangs
over Zion City, and himself.
The outpouring of his followers was
not one to bring cheer to the heart of
the general Overseer of Zion. The taber-
nacle seats 5000 people and usually all
the seats are taken at the special meet
ings called by Dowie. The hall was
not over half filled, and the gathering
was not as enthusiastic as might be de-
sired by a man who was in immediate
need of funds.
Dowie gave to his followers a state
ment of the financial situation of Zion
City. told them that the assets were
ample, the only trouble being that he
was not able to realize upon them at
once. All he needed was a contribution
of ready money with which to tide over
the present crisis in the affairs of the
city, and this once done, Zion would
grow to greater power than ever before.
81 love this tabernacle" he said. Il
love all my tabernacleS as / loved my
people. As my people have grown, so
have my temples of worship. And when
we prepare to leave this tabernacle for
the last time. the next house of wor-
ship will be Jerusalem
Yes, we will help rebuild Jerusalem.
1t has always been my prayer God has
told me to do it. God tells all of you
to do it. But not now. That will come
later.
1.-The flesh pots are the cause of our
coming here tonight. They are a joke
to me. For an hour the dogs have
thought they led me. But, beloved, we
are going to kick them out. We will
kick them for all eternity.
Beloved, Iwould like to take you into
my confidence. A few minutes ago, I
received a communication that has
beginning to part.
81 call upon you to help me crush
them. My people, come to you for
help. I know that you will not be
found wanting. Are you of Zion or
not?''
There was a feeble Yes
''Those devils parasites, the reporters.
came to me today. They wanted to
know what I would say to you tonight.
Did they learn from me?" (Cries of
ct tell you we will run them out of
Zion. I knew they were coming before
! they attempted to pollute Zion. 1 knew
| it by the odor that came ahead of
them"
It is declared by the receivers APP
pointed for Zion City, that the affairs
of Dowie are in worse situation than
was at first supposed. Receiver Cur
| will be able to pay off all his obliga-
tons in time. Just how long this time
will be, is something that we will not
| be able to tell until we have made a
| thorough investigation of all his affairs
understand that DR.. Dowie thinks
! that he will be able to settle all claims
against him in the course of five
weeks
Yesterday it was the opinion that the
! liabilities of Dowie would amount al
the outside to over $3.50 000 Today it is
admitted by the receivers and their at
torneys that the claims against him fol
merchandise alone will aggregate hall
amount there are mortgages on his
property in Zion City, amounting te
| S125 000 which are due the first of nexi
year. He owes over $4,000 to his
brother-in-law, Samuel Stevenson, max
! ing a total of $725, 900.
The receivers found one of Dowie's
banks in operation at Twelfth street an6
put an agent in charge, and had the
doors closed. Judge Kohlsaat later
ratified the action of the receivers il
shutting down this bank, as well as the
institution at Zion City. Experts have
been set to work on the books of botk
institutions, and in a few days it is ex-
pected they will be able to report the
exact condition of the two banks tC
| the receivers.
Federal Judge Kohlsaat today ISSUED
an order that the Zion City receivers
authorizing to place $1,000 insurance
on the Zion plants, none of which have
heretofore been insured, and to employ
continue the operation of the factories
| The receivers were also instructed tt
enforce the Zion City ordinances so a:
not to offend the residents.