Rock Island Argus. (Rock Island, Ill.) 1893-1920, 1906-04-09
"EIiiah" Plans Arrest of
Leaders of Zion
City,
BUT BONDS ARE READY
Every Possible Step Taken to
Insure Frosty Stare for
the Prophet.

chicago, April IA report WAS Ic-
ceived in Zion City today to the effect
that John Alexander Dowie upon his
arrival will cause the immediate arrest
of General Overseer Voliva and mem
bers of his council on the charge of
conspiracy.
The rumor caused great excitement
in Zion City. The announcement was
made if Dowie took such action his
own arrest would follow Immediately
upon a charge more serious than has
yet been made public.
Prepared For Ii.
Preparations have been made To
counteract any move made by Dowie
in the direction of causing arrests.
Bonds have been prepared by the Off
GERS of Zion church and it will not be
necessary for them TO leave Zion City
Getting Stronger Every Hour.
Texarkana, Texas. April O. DIR.
Dowie and party arrived here from San
Antonio this morning after an un-
eventful trip. To a representative of
the Associated Press Dowie stated ev-
cry mile nearer to Zion his health i'm
proved and his spirits arose. The
train upon which the party is travel
ing is four hours late and will proba-
bly, arrive at st. Louis at midnight.
Defiance Hurled at DOwie.
Chicago, April 9.-In a remarkable
mass meeting held yesterday afternoon
and evening in Zion City defiance was
hurled at John Alexander Dowie, who
is about to descend on his people with
the fury of an avenging angel.
Under the program mapped out and
unanimously approved by the 5000
followers present, Elijah the Restorer
will arrive tomorrow in his Jerusalem
an outcast and virtually a prisoner
Ready for Clash.
In an impressive service in Shiloh
ternacle last five hours, Deputy Gen
eral Oyerseer Voliva and his lieuten-
ants labored to nerve the community
for the impending clash with the pro
phet. The people were commanded TO
remain away from the railway station
and make the entry of the deposed
apostle unmarked and without wei
come He will be allowed shelter in
his residence. Shiloh house, but that is
all. There he will be received by Mrs.
Dowie as his wife and by Gladstone
Dowie as his son. but no longer as his
followers.
Barred From Public Buildings.
From the tabernacle and from the
factories and all other public buildings
Dowie will be barred. If he obtains a
public hall and attempts to hold
meeting the people are commanded to
away.
IF he talks to you it Will be through
a keyhole.' declared Voliva.
The plan is then TO give the prophet
a trial before the overseers on all the
charges brought against him in the
last few weeks. His absolute surren-
der is demanded and his submission to
permanent retirement from the eccle-
siastical and financial affairs of the
on a pension.
Gave Unanimous Assent.
To all these things the 5000 follow
ers gave their full approval Again
and again in unanimous rising votes
they signified their allegiance to the
revolt against the founder of their
faith.
Volva besought the people to guard
against falling once more under the
spell of the wonderful
white bearded Elijah. He warned them
against the insidious influence of
Dowie's personality, his promises. pro
phesies, and wheedlings by which he
will attempt to regain his power.
All signed the Pledges.
Not only was the approval of the
revolution sealed by acclamation but
written pledges to support Voliva and
the new administration were signed
by all present. The entire force of
the Zion armed guard, with the excep-
tion of one man, also took the oath TO
support the community in compelling
the surrender of Dowie. A spokesman
for the guards declared that they
would refuse to bear arms TO assist the
apostle in recovering his city.