New-York tribune., 1909-11-04
THE SrETS0N CASE
DOUBT OF SINCERITY.
Former Pupils Make State
ments. One on a $500 Fee.


Mrs. Augusta E Stetson's public avowal
of loyalty 10 the Christian Science Church
and to Mrs. Eddy has not been received
hy members OF tie cult in New York with
the entire confidence that might have been
expected. according 10 rhe views Of many
persons who have followed the affairs of
the First Church recently.
The fact that she remained silent for
three weeks while the public was at
tributing plans OF secession TO her weak
ened the belief which might otherwise
have greeted her professions of loyalty,
according 70 her opponents. The fact,
too. is tacitiy admitted by her friends
Two former pupils of the deposed teach
or came forward Yesterday with state
fnents which they offered as showing that
Mrs Stets0ns avowal of loyalty did not
correspond with her previous actions
One OF these. . practitioner, said that
while she was still a pupil Of Mrs. Stet-
son she was treating young girl whose
father had died short time before the
EiT1 began 70 take treatment. This prac-
fitione- found the family IN actual want
end added TO her treatment Of the girl
substantial contribution Of food
Mrs. Stetson. this pupil said, required
from all her pupils monthly statement
insisted that the statement should con
tain all possible details Of the patients
circumstance. In this way Mrs Stetson
learned Of the poverty of the family which
her pupil was treating and took her TO
task
What do YOU mean by bringing poor
people into the Church," the pupil said
Afrs. Stetson demanded Of her. You must
not become an avenue for bringing in
poor people and you must stop treating
this case was her admonition.
But the young practitioner refused 70
heed her teachers command and shortly
thereafter ceased taking lessons from Mrs.
stetson.
Through the medium Of The monthly
statement II was said yesterday. Mrs.
Stetson became aware that another pupil
was treating, among other patients, a
wealthy man who came TO New York es-
pectally for treatment b this practitioner.
Then the teacher told her pupil that
she needed q rest and persuaded her 70
leave town for a few weeks, promising 10
lock after the pupils patients herself.
This patient gave up his treatments
siTectly after the practitioner left town,
but upon her return told her that Mrs.
Stetson had sent for him. and said, L am
going TO take full charge of Eour case
Fer hrst Zee. he said, was $500, and upon
his refusal TO pay such sum she discon-
tnued treatment
Another Of Mrs Stetscns former pupils
made public an affidavit yesterday, in which
he swore that Mrs. Stetson had shown him
letter from Mrs. Eddy in which the head
IF the Church admonished Mrs. Stetson and
wrote her that she must free herself from
she practice Of animal magnetism and that
defy you and me
Treat yourself for it. and get your stu
cents 10 help you was the closing sen
-eIce IN the letter, the affidavit said. After
shs had been deposed Mrs. Stetson produced
;he signature Of the leader over the las1
sentence. according 10 the affidavit, and dis
played it before her students as a justifca-
ton for her calling them together, when.
according 70 the laws of the Church. she
had no further right 70 call them in as
semhly.
II * expected that Ct to-day's meeting Of
the congre cation OF the First Church,
called 10 consider the Stetson case, these
former pupils Will have something TO say.
!. According 70 the laws regulating the
Church. all members and those who have
attended al stated intervals and those who
have contributed in any way TO the Church
viii have The right TO vote upon any ques-
tions which may arise.
Rurnors Of communication for some of
the sixteen practitioners who were forbid
den 10 practise ~ the sau.t time Mrs Stet-
son was deposed were rife yesterday. As
II is known TO these former pupils of Mrs.
stetson that communications have been
cent TO the Boston authorities informing
them that SOM Of these pupils have con-
tinued their practice, # is thought that their
leaders, recent avowaI Of loyalty may have
been meant TO convince The Mother Church
authorities that Mrs. Stetscn herself had no
Fart IN psrsuading ;hem to continue their
practice.
II was said last night that the report Of
the committee Of inquiry Of the board of
trustees OF the First Church would not be
= unanimous one.
Boston. Nov. 3.-"The Christian Science
Sentinel" Of November Will contain the
ccpy OF 2 letter written yesterday bv 7 v.
Dittemore, secretary. for the Christian
Science board Of directors, TO the commit
Zee OF inquiry Of the New York church, in
which the Boston authorities declare in
substance that the board Of trustees Of the
New York church is unfit TO pass Judgment
upon any question involving Christian
Science doctrine. because the members Of
Ths board have written letters 10 the Of
ac:als OF the Mother Church containing
premises contrary to the doctrine as given
by Mrs. Eddy.
After referring the New York Scientists
20 certain passages in Mrs. Eddy's books.
rhs letter says. The logical effect of your
demand IS 70 require Us 10 attribute TO you
as nlortals the infallbility of divine mind
Earlier correspondence between the New
York church and the authorities here dealt
first with the fact that the New York
First Church did not announce the loca-
fion. time ot meetings and situation of The
reading rooms Of the other FIVE or six
Christian Science churches in that city as
required By bylaw and. later, with the
e.-UV