Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1908-09-17
".|Rv|N|TES" ON MOVE
Brooklyn, Md, Citizens Drive
Out Religious Sect.
POLICE DIDN'T LEND AID
Knew Nothing of Plans to Burn
Tent.
THERE ARE MORE THREATS
As Many as Fifty Packed Up Yes
terday and Made for Rail
way Stations.
THERE ARE MORE THREATS

Md. September 1.-THE 'Irvinites' who
have been camping and holding religious
services here during the summer, have de-
cided to move The burning of their can
vass meeting place by angry residents
yesterday morning and threats of further
injury have brought about this decision.
Many have already gone.
Realizing that their presence was not
wanted in the town, band of fifty of
the disciples packed their grips and left
the home of James E Hawkins, the
Brooklyn disciple, yesterday. and wendell
their way TO the railroad stations. where
they took trains for their homes in other
parts of the country. That the people of
Brooklyn are determined to break up the
band there is no doubt for warnings have
been given the leaders to never repeat
what they are alleged to have said rela-
tive to other churches and the work of
clergymen.
Authorities Didn't Know.
Chief of Police Thomas Irwin. of
Brooklyn, told the sect that he nor his
men had any intimation of the fire which
destroyed their property early yesterday
morning. Faint utterances to the effect
that the police were cognizant of the pre-
meditated actions of the crowd were
heard from groups of the disciples which
gathered about the home of Hawkins, but
none of the women or men would openly
declare it.
The real cause of the burning of the
tent was due. 1t is said. to statements
made at the meetings by the leaders of
the disciples Last Sunday afternoon
a lady who is member of the Methodist
church attended one of the meetings,
and she said 1.-The statements made
against all other religious teachings were
50 ridiculous that l was forced to leave
the tent The entire countryside has
been aroused, and Tuesday a petition
was handed to Chief Irwin, which he
made public yesterday. The petition.
which was signed by fifty prominent citi-
zens, including clergymen of Brooklyn,
was as follows:
Mr.. Thomas Irwin, chief of police:
Dear sir-We, the undersigned, after
considering the character of the speeches
made and the demoralizing influence of
the same upon the young people OF this
town, and thinking of the harm that may
result spiritually. If not bodily, do here
by respectfully petition you to take such
action as you may deem proper TO ell
fectually remove from our midst the peo-
pie holding meetings in tents at the park. >
Police Guard Tent.
Tuesday night Chief Irwin and two po-
licemen guarded the tent until the services
were over. When the police left, shortly
after midnight, there was no sign of an
attack When the last of the disciples
had left the tent and the lights had been
extinguished Chief Irwin and his men left
the scene and went to their homes. Half
an hour later a mob emerged from the
south side of Patapsco avenue and the
first thing they did was to extinguish the
arc electric lamps in the vicinity. All was
quiet in the neighborhood and stealthily
tthe men approached to the tent and piled
brush against the sides. Two sentries had
been posted by the disciples to warn
them of an attack. At the sight of the
masked and armed men the sentr1eS He'd.
Suddenly shots were fired by the attack
ing party and a minute later the tent OF
the sect was in flames.
The two sentries gave the alarm, and
the disciples" who were asleep in
Hawkins houses threw blankets about
themselves. and appeared in the doors
their knees and wept while the men ran
to the tent and endeavored to save what
they could. After firing the tent the mob
disappeared. Hundreds of persons were
attracted to the scene by the cries OF
the women and the glare in the heavens.
Word was sent to the chief of police,
and Immediately he went to the scene
and endeavored to learn the names of
the leaders of the mob. 1t was feared
that an attack would be made on the
set, but this was prevented by Chief
Irwin, who requested the people to re-
turn to their homes. An hour later the
place was deserted and only few en-
bers OF the support poles remained.
There was rejoicing throughout Brook
Ign yesterday when it was learned that
the disciples were going away.
Disciple" Is Wealthy.
James Z. Hawkins, leader of the
Brooklyn disciples" is one of the
weaIthiest men of the town. He owns
nearly block of frame dwellings,, and
for many years he has kept grocery
store at the corner of 4th and Patapsco
streets. He is the pioneer of the sect in
Brooklyn, and was converted about two
years ago