The Providence news. (Providence [R.I.]) 1891-1906, 1903-12-02
Run on Zion City Bank Followed Appeal
for Money, and Now the Prophets Pro-
perty Is in the Hands of the Court.

Chicago, Dec. 2-F'inancial difficulties,
which began during the crusade OF John
Alexander Dowie. the self-styled Elijah
H. and his restoration host to New
York. a month ago. which have been
rapidly increasing since Dowies resu'n.
culniinated last night in the Federal
courts taking possession OF all the prop
eriy controlled by Dowie In Zion City. H.
This town. which was founded two years
ago by Dowie, has a population of over
10000. is the general headquarters for
Devices church, and is said TO represen.
an expenditure OF 80. c.oooooo.
Fred NJ. Blount and Albert u. Cur-ier
were appointed receivers in bankruptcy
late this afternoon for all the property
Of John Alexander Dowie at Zion city,
Ill.
Judge kohisaAt entered this order in
his chambers after the adjournment OF
the United States District court Earlier
IN the afternoon Judge Kohlsaat refused
20 appoint a receiver on the ground that
Mr.. Dowie should have notice OF 80 In
portsnt a proceeding Later on the de-
claration OF lawyers that II was an cmer-
genoy matter and IL was feared that the
creditors would suffer seriously n no.
tice Of the application was given before
. receiver had time TO take possession of
assets. the Judge decided II would be
well % have the receivers appointed. and
he therefore entered the order, appointing
Neasrs. Blount and Currier. and fixed
their bond at 100000 Mr.. Blount Is cashier
of the Chicago National bank and Mr.
Cnrrier In a law partner OF Congressman
Boutelie.
BELIEVED INsoLvENT.
Bankruptcy proceedings against Dowie
were based on the allegations that he s
insolvenf and that while In this financial
condition ne committed an act OF bank
ruptcy by making preferential payment
Noy. 80 the sfreeter Lumber company
for s317o.
The creditors whom represent" said
Attorney Ettelson, who instituted the
suit for receivers. have reason to be-
lieve that Dr. Dowie Is insolyent Judg
ments have been accommodating against
him for several weeks past and there
was every Indication that the oNerSccr
OF Zion congregation could not pay his
debts. In such s crisis tho creditors
sought protection for their interests in
the bankruptcy court II is impossible
20 esfimsfe the liabilities or assets OF
Iovie. lions affairs are compiled ted
and IL will take several weeks. be-
iisve before any idea of Dowic's finances
can be had
Receiverr Biount and Currler left last
night for Zion City 20 take possession
o. the property
Mr.. Dowie has been hard pressed bV
his creditors. especially since II was an
nounced that his recent mission TO Now
York had proved unsuccessful financial
" he II known 10 have accumulated "A
large sum az. the head of the Christian
catholic church. The assets OF the or
Fan'zation have been estimated az sey
ersl million dollars. There was n large
outlay ~ money. however when Zion
Cify was started. Dowia Is said 10 have
much OF his money tied up i'm the lace
and candy industries there and n vas
recently reported that neither OF these
concerns was paying Investment
Dowie's differences with his brother-in.
hw9 Stevenson, over the managemen, ~
the lace factory cost him more than sfoo
600. The other suits recently begun IN
the Lake county courts are said 10 as
grcgsfe a large sum.
DowIE WONT TALK.
Not until a reporter asked for an lnter-
view with DIR. Dowie OF Zion City late
this afternoon was the general overseer
aware that steps had been taken 10 de-
clare him bankrupt The news was re-
ceired az his residence by hls private
srrvstsfy. Carl Stern. He said that
Dvwie rould see nobody. but when inn
rrers~S with the importance OF the over
eesr making statement ~ this time no
ren,rDed ami sn5>svored 70 get one but
rsow1e vsS determined 20 say nothing
" v. Fsrnes. attorney general Of Zion