Daily Kennebec journal. [microfilm reel] (Augusta, Me.) 1870-1975, 1903-12-02
DOVES SLUMP.
Zion City and Property Placed
in Receivers Hands.
He's Out Of Funds and Creditors Arc
CIamoring for Pay.
Recent Frantic Appeals for Cash from,
the Faithful. s

Chicago, Dec. 1.-Financial difficulties
which began during the crusade OF
john Alexander Dowie, the self-styled
Elijah Ill" and his Restoration host
to New York. 4 month ago, which have
been rapidly increasing since Dowic's
return. eliminated, tonight. in the fed--
erai courts taking possession of all the
property controlled by Dowie in Zion
City, III. This town. which was founded
two years ago By Dowie. has popuf
lation of over 10000, is the general
Headquarters for Dowies church, and is
said to represent an expenditure Of
$40. 900, 0C0.
Fred n. Blount, cashier of the Chi-
cago National Bank, and Albert ID.
cuErier. 4 law partner of Congressman
Boutell, were appointed receivers of the
property. Their bonds were flxed at
100000 by Judge Kohlsaat of the
United States district court. who made
the appointment on the petition of sew
eral creditors. The receivers left for
Zion City, tonight. to take possession
of the property. G y5aE
The bankruptcy proceedings against
Dowie were based on the aileRa ton
that he is insolvent and that while In
this financial condition he committed
an act of bankruptcy by making II pre-
ferential payment on Nov. 2. to the Il.
Streeter Lumber Co. for $3710. Dowie
has been hard pressed by his creditors,
especially since it was announced that
his recent mission to New York had
proved unsuccessful financially.
Dowie is known to have accumulated
a large s,lr, as the head of the Chris
tian catholic church. the assets Of the
organization being estimated at be-
tween S2o.0G0o0G and $:oO00,090. There
was a large outlay of money, however.
when Zion City was started. Then
lace and candy industries were started
and rs both of these ventures have not
beer paving investment, a great deal
more money was tied up. Dowie's dit
liculties with his brother-in-law, Stev.
anson. over the management OF the
lace factory, cost more than 100000
and other suits recently begun in Lake
comfy by creditors are said to aggrf-
gate large sum. l..
Attorney Ettelson, representing the
potitioning creditors. in his arguments
before Judge llohlsaat said: The cred
itors whom | represent, have reason to
believe that DR.. Dowie Is insOlveiit.
Judgments have been accommodating
against him for several weeks past arg
there was every indication that the
overseer Of Zion congregation could not
pay his Gelsts. In such crisis the
creditors sought protection for their
interests in the bankruptcy court. III
is impossible to estimate the liabilities
or assets of Dowie. lions affairs are
complicated and it will take several
weeks. believe, before any idea OF
powie's finances can be had
Judge Eoblsaat at first refused to
appoint a receiver for the property dfi
the ground that Dowie should have
notice Of so important a proceeding.
After listening to "A further account OF
Dowie's affairs from Mr.. Ettcrlso.1.
Judge -Kohlsaat decided it would be
well to have the receivers appointed be-
fore the property ut Zion City could Ne
dissipated. lie therefore entered the
order appointing Messrs. Blount and
Currier.
Last Wednesday. Dcwie's first con-
CONTINUED on page 81