The Birmingham age-herald. [volume] (Birmingham, Ala.) 1902-1950, 1906-04-12
Zion Leader Has Suddenly
Become D0ciIt
HIS SON ISSUES THREATS
He Says If His Father Does Not Stop
Talking About Mrs. Dowie He
VIII Tell What Happened
In 1877.

Chicago, April 11.-At the conclusion OF
a day of conferences between the oppos-
ing interests of the Christian Catholic
church, the statement was made at mid
night tonight that the whole controversy
would probably be settled by concili-
alton. Both sides of the dispte. accord
Ing to Attorney Emile c. Wetten. John
Alexander Dowie's legal Representatives
are anxious for an amicable adjustment
of the whole dispute.
This announcement was made by Mr.,
Wetten after his return to Chicago to-
night from Zion City, where he went
this afternoon, and where he was in con-
ference with General Overseer Voliva,
Overseer speicher. Overseer Piper. Dea-
con Granger and Judge Barner, the head
of Zion city's law department.
Statement Made BY Counsel.
The statement was made by Mr.. Wetten
Immediately after a conference he had
with DR.. Dowie and his counsellors which
lasted until midnight. At this meeting
Attorney Wetten told Dowie and his lieu
tenants what had transpired at the meet
ing he had with Voliva and his assist
ants
Later In the evening a statement was
given out from Dowie's apartments, say
ing the whole matter would be thrown
into the courts tomorrow for settlement
but after the consultation with Attorney
Wetten on his return from Zion there
seemed to be a sudden change in the
war-lke attitude which has all along been
assumed by Dowie and his advisers. At
torney Wetten in making his statement
said that Dowie had appointed him to
sneak Officially for himself CDowie) while
the negotiation for settlement were
going
Courts as Last Resort.
The report thatssnI e. .wygopld seek re-
dress in the courts Is entirely wrong, :"
said Mr.. Wetten. THAT will be our last
resort, and am of the opinion tonight
that there will be no need to ask the
courts Tor assistance. DIR. Dowie's prin-
eipal desire in this matter is to see that
every person who has ever invested dol
lar in Zion City or any of the business
enterprises of his receives payment In
full on investments. At the conference L
had in Zion City today with those now in
control of that place, considerable pro-
gress was made in reaching under
standing. We went over the whole situ-
alton as to their rights, and as TO what
was due to DR.. Dowie. At the meeting
tonight with Dowie and his counsellors.
informed them of the attitude of those
in control at Zion City, and advised con-
clliation. DR.. Dowie and his lieutenants
seemed favorably impressed with what
had to say, and it was decided that
should continue my efforts for peace.
Nothing was mentioned as to who should
by the ecclesiastical head of the church.
as we did not have time to touch on that
point"
Loses Loyal Adherent
Dowie lost a loyal adherent today in
the person of Miss Elizabeth McLennan,
who has accompanied him as a nurse on
the long journey taken to regain his
health. The woman went to Zion City
today after she had a heated interview
with Dowie in which she defiantly told
him she could no longer remain as
member of his party, because she believed
that Mrs. Dowie and GLADSTONE Dowie
have been shamefully malIgned by the
FIRST apostle" In his speech delivered from
the car steps in st. Louis two nights
ago. On her arrival at Zion City she
1mmeoldtely Sought OUT MIS- OoWie ana
Gladstone Dowie and rendered them her
sympathy and assistance. In referring to
the threat which it is asserted that Glad
stone Dowle made, intimating that If his
father did not cease in his attacks upon
Mrs Dowie, he would reveal certain deeds
said to have occurred in 1877. DR.. Dowie
said:
Regrets Birth of Son.
81 remember nothing particular that
occurred in the year 1877. | know of no
reason why exposure of my acts dur
ing that period of time should cause
me to be afraid. Coming to think of it.
however, there is one thing that hap
pened in the year 1877 which / greatly
regret and that Is that the Lord gave
unto me a son whom | named Glad
stone Dowie. All my life l have tried
to give him counsel and supply him with
money. but my efforts in leading him in
the paths that I would have him walk,
have been without avail. | now want to
say that unless this young man ceases
making these threats and insinuations
will be forced to reveal his true char
acter to the world. And assure you
that 1t will be a story of degeneracy and
bestiality that will be shocking"
Wants Him to Go South.
Attorney Wetten. who is conducting
Dowie's legal affairs. said today that he
had advised Dowie to leave Chicago and
go south again.
Both sides at Zion City. said Mr..
Wetten. ARE so excited that IL Dowie
were to return there things might hap
pen which we would all regret later.
/ have advised him not to visit Zion
City, and he will not go there for some
time No breast works have been thrown
up at Zion. and none will be. When DR..
Dowie returns to Zion he will do in
dignified and quiet manner as becomes
the leader of a religious organization
Conger Found Not Guilty.