The state herald., 1906-05-04
DOWIE'S ANSWER
pEPosED LEADER IN ZION CITY
TABERNACLE.
He DEFlEs HIS TRADuCERs

Has to Be Carried to the Platform.
Only Small Following Of the Faith
full Present--suiIding Crowded With
Strangers.
Chicago.-Standing unsteadily and
with great effort before an audience OF
$500 persons in Zion City tabernacle
Sunday afternoon, John Alexander
Dowie charged his traducers, II any
were present, to rise to their feet and
make their accusations before the
whole congregation.
The followers of Voliva, the new
leader of Zion City's affairs, however,
were at that moment gathered together
at a rival meeting.
Those who listened to the words OF
Dowie for the most part were visitors
from other towns, brought in by the
hundreds by the electric cars and rail
road trains. For over an hour the
crowd assembled in the tabernacle
waited for the appearance of the yener-
able first apostle" Immediately in
front OF the platform and in the choir
loft were probably $50 of the faithful.
Dowie was born bodily by two stall
wart negro attendants from an ante
room, up the stairs to the platform
and deposited upon his feet before the
elaborate prayer altar He was at
tired in an apostolic robe of white and
gold and purple. Upon his head was
turban of marvellous pattern embroid-
cred in purple and gold. He delivered
his address and sermon seated before
the altar. Only occasionally when
aroused TO an unusual pitch of earnest
ness did he rise TO his feet.
Mrs. Dowie sat in chair among
Dowie's followers in the congregation.
Except for the presence upon the
platform of former Mayor r. d. Har.
per, Dowie was alone. He announced
the hymns and led in prayer in a voice
the firmness and strength of which sur.
prised those who had been in atten.
dance upon him.
He prefaced his sermon with spir-
tied denial OF the charges brought
against him. in the course OF which he
exhibited much of his former fire.
They say have taken the peoples
money, do they?" he shouted. An.
swers OF yes" and mo" came from
different parts OF the audience. A man
in the rear more persistent than 9TH
ers, was singled out by Dowie. Point
ing trembling finger at the man,
Dowie continued: Let that man stand
up and give his name. Let him tell
what money | took, and when"
With all eyes focused upon him, the
man shrank in his seat A guard was
ordered TO compel him TO stand, but he
stood In shame-faced silence. Then
Dowie rose TO his feet and demanded
that any OF those present who had
anything TO charge against him to do
so then and there.
Displaying great emotion. Dowie de.
scribed the sorrow he felt upon receiv-
ing the news while in Mexico of the re-
volt among his people. He declared
that he could not sleep until he learned
the worst, and that his cup of grief
was full when he found ont that his
wife and son had deserted him. Then
he paid tribute TO Mrs. Dowie. MY
wife has some noble qualities" he said
She was misled and imposed upon.
They used her until they were through
with her and then cast her aside. Ny
son played tricks upon me which he
had ought not TO have done, but he.
too, was deceived"
Dowie made his first appearance n.
G;3o this morning. when he conducted
n prayer and praise service, attended
by 100 persons. Vo!iva also held n
meeting at that hour, which was
largely attended.