Golden Age, May 8, 1935
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The Golden Age
A JOURNAL OF FACT HOPE AND COURAGE
in this issue
INSPIRING REPORT
OF CLUB WORK
FLOODS AUSTRIA WITH BOOKS
THE FIGHT FOR
FREEDOM OF CONSCIENCE
WAY OF LIFE
CANADIAN ITEMS
MIRACLES OF GOD —
NOWADAYS?
every other
WEDNESDAY
five cents a copy
one dollar a year
Canada & Foreign 1.25
Vol. XVI - No. 408
May 8, 1935 CONTENTS
LABOR AND ECONOMICS
Catholics Oppose Child Labor Law 491
Unemployment a Permanent Thing 496
A Fortune in Tomato Juice . . . 505
Destructive Way to Prosperity . . 504
Unskilled Labor and a Short Life 504
How Liars Figure . . . . . . 494
Not Promising Anything . . . . 494
SOCIAL AND EDUCATIONAL
INSPIRING REPORT OF CLUB WORK 483
FLOODS AUSTRIA WITH BOOKS . . 489
Vice District of New Orleans . . 500
Even the Babies at It Now . . . 500
"A Century of Progress" in Free Speech . . . . . . 493
WAY TO LIFE . . . . . . . . 497
MANUFACTURING AND MINING
Coal in Antarctica . . . . . . 497
Long-Suffering Citizens of York . 501
Citizens' Water Company . . . 501
Municipal Electric Plant for New York . . . . . . . 501
Utility Rats Run to Cover . . . 502
Electric Light Costs at Madison . 511
FINANCE—COMMERCE—TRANSPORTATION
Taking the Profits Out of War . 495
One Billion of Blue Sky . . . . 501
Banks Grabbed the Five Billion . 502
Page's Reason for Wanting War . 503
POLITICAL—DOMESTIC AND FOREIGN
FIGHT FOR FREEDOM OF CONSCIENCE 488
Breaking Up the Dominion . . . 496
Germany and the Demons . . . 498
Jim Farley in the Limelight . . 503
Bishops Oppose Payment of Bonus 503
The Anti-Sedition Bill in Alabama 503
AGRICULTURE AND HUSBANDRY
Combating the Drought . . . . 495
Why Farmers Love Mortgage Companies . . . . 495
Rural Rehabilitation on Huge Scale 504
Mississippi Valley Losing Fertility 504
SCIENCE AND INVENTION
Uses of Aluminum Paint . . . . 504
Rayon Yarn from Slash Pine . . 504
Wisconsin's Voiceless Dogs . . 504
Experimenting on the Orphans . 505
Aluminum Milk Bottle Caps . . 506
HOME AND HEALTH
How to Prevent Diphtheria . . . 493
"Regular as Clock Work" . . . 505
Anaphylaxis Vaccinitis . . . . 505
Exit Aluminum . . . . . . . 506
RELIGION AND PHILOSOPHY
"The Success of Holy Year" . . 489
Flower from Garden of Jesuits . 490
Women Sealed in Living Tomb . 491
Cadman's Opinion of the Bible . 492
MIRACLES OF GOD—NOWADAYS? . 507
Published every other Wednesday by
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The Golden Age
Volume XVI Brooklyn, N. Y., Wednesday, May 8, 1935 Number 408
Inspiring and Stimulating Report of Club Work Carried on by Glasgow Company
(Letter of transmittal on page 484—and see page 498.)
IN December 1933 we started compiling records. Up till September 1934 there were 12 club meetings, 2 Y.M.C.A. meetings, and 1 meeting in a hospital.
In October 1934 we had 4 meetings; in November, 17 meetings; in December, 21; in January, 40; and in February, 59; a total of 141 meetings from October to February, with an attendance of 5,353 strangers, fully 60 percent of whom were Roman Catholics. At these meetings 247 books and 1,021 booklets were taken and paid for, and, in addition, 1,078 booklets and 49 Harps were given free, giving a total of placements of 296 books and 2,099 booklets. This week alone, from Sunday till Thursday we have had 18 meetings, with a total attendance of 900 strangers. At one of these meetings there was an attendance of 400.
The list herewith gives some idea of the variety of clubs and meeting-places we have been able to enter.
Political Associations, as follows:
Scottish Socialist Party
National Socialist Party
Independent Labor Party
Sports Clubs:
Boxing Clubs
Amateur Rowing Clubs
Rifle Clubs
Quoiting Clubs
Debating Societies
Old Men’s Clubs
Working Men’s Clubs
Plot Holders’ Clubs
Study Circle
Co-operative Men’s Guild
Lodging-Houses:
Working Men’s Hotels
Homes for Destitute Women
Salvation Army Hostel
Ex-Service Men’s Clubs:
British Legion
Old Veterans’ Club
Limbless and Disabled Soldiers’ Hospital
Religious Associations:
Young Men’s Christian Association
Abstainers’ Union
Scottish Covenanters
Protestant Defense Association
Church of Scotland Social Club
To begin with, a district is selected and a number of brethren are asked to locate and make a list of every club, lodging-house and meeting-place in that district. When the list is completed it is given to a sister, who is asked to call and arrange meetings. We have found that sisters are more suitable than brothers for this work. One sister alone in the Glasgow company has fixed up over 100 of these meetings. Other sisters are now coming forward to help with this work.
When asked regarding her method of procedure, she replied: “I go to the address, knock at the door, and walk right in. I go up to the first group of men I see and ask, ‘Can I see the secretary of this club?’ If he is not in, I ask for a member of the committee, and the men may turn and call, ‘Here, Geordie! Here’s a lady to see ye.’ I tell him that we have a very interesting lecture called ‘World Control’, by Judge Rutherford, which we have given in nearly every working men’s club in Glasgow. ‘This lecture has been given over the radio and it has now been electrically recorded and we would like (Continued on page 485) ---
Telephone:
Giffnock 1256
Glasgow Company
of
JEHOVAH'S WITNESSES
Service Director—
Alfred M. Greenlees
12, Penrith Avenue,
Giffnock, Glasgow.
9th March 1935
Mr. R. G. Burton,
London.
Dear Bro. Burton,
I now have pleasure in sending you a report of the work being done among the clubs in Glasgow, as requested in your letter of 21st Feb'y.
The report has been compiled mainly from data given at last Thursday's service workers' meeting. This meeting was originally arranged for the previous Thursday, but had to be cancelled owing to a number of important club fixtures which came in for that night and which necessitated a number of the principal workers' being absent that evening.
As you will see from the report the gaining of an entrance is mainly a question of tact and method. Sister Annie McLennan, who has done most of the arranging, has a fine bright and breezy manner and keeps herself smart and attractive, and I believe this has been a considerable factor in her success.
I am sorry I have no letters of appreciation to send you meantime. These may possibly come forth later. At present we have to push our way into most of the places because of misrepresentation and misunderstanding. From the report you will see that this is being broken down.
I cannot say that the clubs have affiliated clubs elsewhere, but it is almost certain that similar clubs exist in all parts. Wherever we go we stress the fact that we are giving the Watch Tower programme, and not a religious service.
With warm love,
Yours in Jehovah's service,
[Signed] A. M. Greenlees.
--to bring it here and give it to you. It will be preceded and followed by an interesting program of music. The whole thing is a splendid entertainment lasting about an hour. Now we want to bring it here. What evening would suit you? Tuesday at 8 p.m.? Very well, I will send you a notice to put on your notice board so that all the members will know about it. You want to know what it is about? Well, I am not here to tell you that. You will hear all about it on Tuesday.' I tell them as little as possible about the lecture. I have very often to make a second call to see the secretary and get the date fixed. I send them a notice to reach them on the morning it is to be given. If sent before the time, it may mean a cancellation.
"I have many amusing experiences. At a rifle club I got an invitation to go back and learn to shoot. At a boxing club I was told this was Johnny MacMillan's club, and was invited to come back and see a boxing match. They promised to arrange a lecture at some time he was present and assured us of a crowded house."
Personal Calls Necessary
When this work commenced 36 letters were sent to various clubs. Only one reply was received, and that unfavorable. We have found by experience that the only way to get into these clubs is by a personal call.
If the machine is being carried, three brothers go with it. If taken in a car, two are sufficient. We start with two musical records; then an announcement regarding the lecture "World Control" is made. We usually state, among other things: "You may not agree with everything that is said, but we have brought this lecture to you believing that you are all strong believers in free speech and freedom of the press and therefore we feel sure that you will give the lecture a good hearing and at the end we shall be very pleased to answer any questions you may have to put along the lines of the lecture." Immediately after the lecture we put on another musical item. This serves to smooth down any ill feeling that may have arisen amongst Roman Catholics, etc. Then questions are invited and answered. We tell them about the literature, of which we always have an ample supply on hand. To close we put on some popular song, like Harry Lauder's "Keep Right On to the End of the Road".
Reaches a Class Hitherto Untouched
This work has proved to be a wonderful means of getting in touch with a class of people who have never heard our message and who are not reached in the ordinary service work. Much interest has been shown and great appreciation expressed. For example: In one instance the lecture was put on at 9:15 p.m., and at 11:30 p.m. we were still answering questions. There were 19 present at that meeting, and five sets of books, comprising The Harp of God and three booklets, were placed. In another instance, where 39 men were present, 73 pieces of literature were left. The club bought five units for the use of the members. At a large lodging-house 400 men were present and 157 pieces of literature were left. At another club, with an attendance of 28 strangers, 52 books and booklets were placed and 12 booklets given away free.
At another working men's club we had to wait until a billiard tournament was finished, and then the men turned their chairs round to hear our lecture. As they listened many of them were drinking beer. Six units and 32 single booklets were placed here, and we had to call back with more books and booklets to supply the demand. The gentleman in charge asked us to come back again, and told us that the two Labor M.P.'s "Jimmy" Maxton and "Davie" Kirkwood were members of this club and he would see that they were present when next we arranged a meeting there.
At the Church of Scotland Club in Renfrew the lecture started at 9 o'clock and at 10:55 we were still answering questions. The chairman, in proposing a vote of thanks, said he had learned more in that short time than he had learned all the years he had gone to church.
We had a very interesting experience at a Co-operative Guild meeting in Johnstone. They advertised it in the local paper as "I.B.S.A. and the League of Nations". We don't know where they got this! The meeting started at 8 p.m. In introducing us the chairman said that he really did not know what his visiting friends were going to give them. The lecture was given, and then the questions commenced. At 10:20 p.m. the chairman said that out of consideration for us he thought they should draw the meeting to a close. It had been one of the most interesting and enjoyable guild meetings he had ever attended. He had learned more that evening about the Bible than he had learned all his days since leaving school. The organizer said that he would write an article for the Co-operative paper telling about the splendid Watch Tower Program and advising all other guilds to avail themselves of our services. There were 25 members present that night, but he would guarantee that on our return the hall would be packed when the report of this splendid lecture and discussion had been published. Incidentally, they offered to pay our expenses coming from Glasgow.
Examples of Questions Asked
Examples of the questions which we got at that meeting are as follows: Why was Judge Rutherford so much against the League of Nations, which had been organized to carry on the work of the Prince of Peace? What would be our attitude in the event of another war in the time of trouble we said was just ahead? What were our views with regard to spiritism? How did we get over the fact that these mediums could accurately foretell coming events? Why is it that at all military parades there is a clergyman in the very center of things swanking a row of medals and yet claiming to represent the Prince of Peace? Do you suggest that we should stand by and do nothing for the betterment of our fellow men since Armageddon is so near and the League of Nations of the Devil?
On a Sunday evening recently we gave the lecture at a meeting of the Scottish Covenanters. They evidently did not know what they were going to get. The chairman announced that they would hear "wireless, radio, music and other things". About 80 persons were present, who, we were informed, had just come from "a very nice service in the Barrowfield church". While the record was being changed the chairman announced that they would now take the collection (for themselves, not us). Questions followed after the talk, and as a result we were invited to arrange for two further meetings to discuss questions dealing with the resurrection and the trinity, and this we agreed to do on the understanding that Brother Rutherford's lecture would introduce the subject on each evening. The closing remarks of the chairman spoke of the wonders of wireless and how fine a thing it was that many lying on sick beds could enjoy this splendid program. (He evidently thought that our program had come over the air.) It was not often that they had the privilege of hearing such an outstanding speaker as Judge Rutherford, and they were very grateful to us for giving them the opportunity of hearing him. They wished us every success in this splendid Christian work we were engaged in. This meeting was closed with an evangelistic hymn and a benediction.
Appreciative Catholic Audiences
We have been twice to the Tontine Working Men's Hotel, where we had audiences of 140 and 100, most of them Catholics. This is a hotel which has not formerly allowed any religious meetings of any kind. On the second occasion the manager told us that after our first meeting he was visited by people from the Church of Scotland, the Salvation Army, the Roman Catholics and the missions demanding to be allowed the same privilege as we had obtained. The manager's reply to them was: "These people are different from you." After the second meeting one man told us that he had obtained a twopenny booklet at the first lecture and had changed it five times with other men who had different booklets, so that he had now read six booklets in all. It was in the reading of these booklets that for the first time he had gained any comfort from religion.
In a corporation lodging-house in Paisley there were 110 men present. Our brother was called into the side room and questioned by the superintendent as to the nature of the lecture. Ninety-five percent of the men, he said, were Roman Catholics and he hoped that nothing would be said to "shock their susceptibilities". The brother informed the superintendent that we had given this program in the Tontine Working Men's Hotel, where the majority of the men were also Catholics, and it was so much appreciated that we were invited back. On that occasion we were told that the second meeting had been even better than the first. The brother was then informed that the platform party was ready. He found that he was to be supported in the chair by a town councilor and several ladies and gentlemen. At the end of the lecture questions were invited, and the first question was: "Why was Judge Rutherford allowed to come here when he was the greatest opponent of religious peace in the world today?" Another question was: "Why was Judge Rutherford opposed to the doctrine of the immaculate conception?" To that question the brother tactfully replied that that was a very big and important question which was not covered by the lecture, but if the questioner cared to come forward at the end of the meeting he would be pleased to hand him free of charge a booklet which dealt fully with the matter. On our departure the two R.C.’s who asked the above questions gave us a hearty send-off and said they would look forward to our next visit. In bringing the meeting to a close the town councilor said it had been a most enjoyable evening. He hoped to have us back again. The superintendent also said that as the second Tontine Hotel meeting had been even better than the first he hoped we would come back for a second meeting here.
Most Unusual Audiences
The proprietor of a large dance hall in the city has invited us to give the lecture there next Sunday. 1,200 bills have been printed advertising it, and he is arranging to distribute these and is announcing the meeting at all the dances held in the hall during the week.
We have held a meeting in the Pearce Institute, Govan, which is controlled by the clergy. When the brother arrived with the machine there was a parson in charge of a game of carpet bowls. When the lecture started he sat down with the others. Then when it came to the League of Nations he rose and went out. Towards the end another parson came in, listened for a few minutes, and also went out. An interesting discussion followed the lecture.
Two lectures have been given in the Ralston Hospital for permanently disabled soldiers. There were 22 men present on the second occasion, lying on invalid chairs, some with no legs, some with no arms, others covered with bandages. Following the lecture there was a most interesting discussion lasting for over an hour. It was evident that their experiences had made these men think. One question asked was: “Is it possible to be a politician and a Christian at the same time?” They entirely agreed with our emphatic “No”.
In another meeting in a lodging-house we met a man who told us that his brother, a bus driver, was a great believer in the Truth. He was unable, owing to his duties, to get to the meetings, but he was doing all he could to spread the message by handing out the booklets and The Golden Age wherever he went.
Many of the smaller clubs we visit are in disused washhouses, condemned buildings, sunk flats and army huts, lit sometimes only by candles or oil lamps. Here we meet poverty in its direst forms. In such places the booklets are offered free to any interested. The message is always very welcome here, and greatly appreciated. In an old men’s club in such a place the lecture was given and then questions were invited. One man stood up and said: “No, friend, I don’t think there will be any questions here about that. We are all agreed on it, and the sooner it comes the better.”
More Interesting Questions
In a Church of Scotland social club a number of very interesting questions were asked, including: “What is meant by the statement in the lecture, ‘Millions now living will never die’?” (In passing, we might mention that this is a question which is asked at almost every club.) “What is meant by the world’s ending in 1914?” “The League of Nations?” “Why is Judge Rutherford the only man on earth who has such a splendid knowledge of the Scriptures?” “What is meant by the everlasting covenant?” “What does Judge Rutherford mean by the statement in his lecture ‘the wanton slaughter of animals, which was done chiefly from greed for gain’?” “Why did God give us a Bible so difficult to understand?” “The permission of evil?” “How might we pass through the battle of Armageddon?”
We have found at a large number of meetings that the remark is made: “We did not appreciate what Judge Rutherford’s message was until this lecture was given and these questions were answered. It is the most reasonable explanation we have ever heard of present world conditions and the Scriptures.”
Frequent Return Engagements
An interesting point we might mention is that we have been back at over 30 clubs, showing that the Watch Tower Program has been greatly appreciated. We might also mention that the social club movement in this part was organized mainly by the clergy to begin with.
In times past when the “Millions” message was being proclaimed world-wide we endeavored to get into the model lodging-houses in our district but were unsuccessful. It is only because of the use of the transcription machines that this door of opportunity has been opened to us. No one who has any part in this work could fail to be enthused by it. It gives an insight into humanity that nothing else could do. It has proved itself to be a means of preaching the gospel of the Kingdom to the very poor, and ‘the poor have heard it gladly’.
The Fight for Freedom of Conscience
THE fight for freedom to worship God according to the dictates of one’s conscience continues in New Jersey, where, it seems, the greatest and most terrible earthly enemy of that freedom is determined to establish a precedent that will abrogate it. In the following letter an observer of certain occurrences in Plainfield puts the issue squarely up to the governor of New Jersey. Golden Age readers will note with amazement the lengths to which the Hierarchy and its accomplices will go to suppress the truth. Unless the encroachments of the Papal emissaries are resisted with strong determination it is not at all unreasonable to anticipate the return of the days when the consciences of men and women were coerced with frightful tortures. Have “Protestants” forgotten the Inquisition?
H. G. Hoffman,
The Governor of New Jersey,
Trenton, N. J.
DEAR SIR:
Thank you for so promptly answering the telegram sent by eleven of my friends and signed by myself. This related to Mrs. Lena Albright and her incarceration in Plainfield, later in the county jail at Elizabeth, N. J., where to my understanding she still is.
Permit me to correct your evident misunderstanding of the reason for Mrs. Albright’s arrest. You were certainly misinformed as to her activities in Plainfield.
I have just taken up my residence in New York, having disposed of my personal interests in five broadcasting stations in Ohio. As an owner and manager, I had ample opportunity of experiencing the embarrassment of the subtle, underhand opposition to activities (by radio and otherwise) of Jehovah’s witnesses, by selfish interests, particularly the Roman Catholic group.
In Cleveland the radio station (of which I was president and general manager), because of broadcasting programs furnished by Jehovah’s witnesses, was subjected to a subtle boycott by Roman Catholic leaders and those whom they could influence. One of the nation’s leading newspapers, part owner of that radio station, was similarly embarrassed, and pressure was brought to bear from prominent Roman Catholic leaders to have the newspaper, as an owner, to withhold use of the station from Jehovah’s witnesses. Priests advised their parishioners to refuse to purchase anything from sponsors who used the station. I have hundreds of letters testifying to that fact, and which letters I shall be very happy to submit to you personally, if you so desire.
From a careful investigation of the New Jersey situation, I am satisfied that the same un-American influence is behind the arrest of Jehovah’s witnesses in your community.
At present I am interested in gathering correct data regarding the activities of Jehovah’s witnesses, and especially in New Jersey, for the purpose of supplying by electrical transcription such information to three hundred radio stations weekly throughout the United States. In this same connection I have found that about three million people have just petitioned Congress to supply them with a copy of information now before the Senate committee regarding the attempted suppression of the activities of Jehovah’s witnesses, especially by radio.
In the quest for correct information, I was personally present at the trial of Mrs. Lena Albright in Plainfield. She was charged with violation of a city ordinance designed purely to regulate distribution of newspapers, periodicals, magazines, circulars, etc., and which ordinance is good for the purpose written. However, that ordinance was surely never intended to apply to such a case as that of Mrs. Albright’s. It was apparent from testimony that Mrs. Albright was distributing nothing. The record shows that counsel for the defense, on examination, brought out that Mrs. Albright left nothing at any place unless requested to do so by the person visited.
The personal prejudice and bias of the police judge, William De Meza, was displayed in his statement to defense counsel, as follows: “I will allow it, and grant you an exception; FIGHT IT OUT ON APPEAL.” Such an expression, made before the trial was slightly more than half over, clearly shows Mrs. Albright was CONVICTED before her trial; else why an APPEAL? Appeal from what?
Mrs. Albright was not permitted by the prosecutor, William Newcorn, to state WHY she was in Plainfield. The prosecutor, aided by the court, would permit to go into the record only that which tended to show that Mrs. Albright was in Plainfield for the purpose of distributing circulars, and nothing else, and that she was being prosecuted for not having obtained a permit from the police. I shall be glad to hear what has appeared to you in your further investigation of this case.
Very sincerely yours,
M. A. H——, Brooklyn, N. Y.
Should Be Ordered by the Gross
THE Men’s League of Mercy of the United States gave the pope a bronze medal for fixing it up with Almighty God to grant repose to the soul of a murderess electrocuted at Sing Sing. As most murders in the United States are committed by members of the same church, it seems as if the wise thing to do would be to order these medals by the gross and send one to Italy every time there is a public execution.
Rutherford Group Claims It Floods Austria with Books
(Reprinted from The [Cleveland, Ohio] Catholic Universe Bulletin — Friday, April 12, 1935)
BIBLE STUDENTS’ ATTACKS CENTERED UPON CATHOLICS; LITERATURE DISTRIBUTED IN MANY COUNTRIES.
By DR. FREDERIC FUNDER.
(Vienna Correspondent, N.C.W.C. News Service)
VIENNA, April 10.—The “International Society of Bible Students,” which has its headquarters in Brooklyn, N. Y., has been active in Austria in the last year and its officials boast of having flooded Austria with 266,000 books and 100,000 copies of their periodical. Joseph F. Rutherford of Brooklyn is the head of the organization.
The press products of the organization are issued from Switzerland. The books adorned with fantastic illustrations in which the clergy of the Christian churches, above all Catholic priests, are presented as the helpers and friends of capitalism and militarism.
In a paper, entitled “Proclamation,” said to have been printed in 1,400,000 copies in Switzerland, the following is stated: “The pagan religions are devilish and extremely horrible, and a defamation of God as well. But Christianity is far worse and casts still greater disgrace on the name of God. Therefore the demand is made ever and ever again that the power of Christianity be broken as it is a horror in the eyes of God.”
The Year Book of the group, just published, deals with its activities in the various countries of the world. In it is contained this statement on Mexico:
“For centuries the Roman Catholic church wielded absolute power. In recent years, however, the people freed themselves of those fetters, yet the cunning influence of those religious fanatics is still remarkable. 1934 was a blessed year and the result went beyond our expectations.”
Of Austria, the Year Book says: “The preaching of Truth in Austria continues to take place amidst great difficulties. Wherever the Devil’s black representatives are at work, there is darkness, and gloom broods over the people. Yet, in spite of all, light begins to penetrate into the hearts of some of the people.”
In their Almanac, it is asserted that in Czechoslovakia 150,000 more copies of booklets were circulated than in the preceding year, or 452,492 in all. In Poland, it is asserted, 268,292 booklets were distributed last year.
As to Jugoslavia, “some progress” is reported to have been made. On Italy the authors of the Almanac discharge the full vials of their anger, saying: “In that country of darkness are the headquarters of the Roman Catholic hierarchy. That tool of the Devil has its representatives in all departments of the government.”
“The Success of the Holy Year”
HERE is a Catholic Action church paper, from Cambridge, Ohio, that gives the following interesting information. It will be specially appreciated by the one-half of all the workers in the United States that are out of work: “Last year in April at Rome the ‘holy year’ was inaugurated with great pomp and solemnity. The ‘holy year’ of 1933 commemorated the nineteenth century of man’s redemption. It was the fond wish and hope of the ‘holy father’ that the celebration of the ‘holy year’ would bring peace to souls and true prosperity to all peoples. This wish has been at least partially realized. People had drifted away from God and, therefore, He sent the depression to bring them back to their senses. The object of the ‘holy year’ was to ask God to give back prosperity to our people. God has answered our prayers in so far as we have again recognized him as the true God. And now at the end of the ‘holy year’ we are asked to pray for ‘the success of the “holy year”’, namely, that the bounteous fruits which have come from it may grow to full and abiding maturity. Since the ‘holy year’ has been so successful the pope has extended it for another year so that all the people may gain the indulgences attached to it.” The same paper tells of a little boy in France that “at the age of four he put stones in his shoes to mortify himself and suffer just a tiny bit for Jesus”. Folks here in Brooklyn seem to think Jesus is just as well pleased if little boys put splintered glass in their shoes instead of gravel, but maybe gravel is all right in France.
Holy Name Puerperal Fever
HOLY NAME puerperal fever has broken out at Holy Name hospital, Teaneck, N. J. At least that seems to be what caused the death of nine babies and the closing of the obstetrical ward, until it could be well cleaned.
Public Enemy No. 1
League of Prayer for the Conversion of America
THE MISSIONARY, Washington, D.C., published by the Catholic Missionary Union, devotes a column to the League of Prayer for the Conversion of America. One of the directors is the Very Reverend John B. Harney, C.S.P., who, as spokesman for the Hierarchy, is down in black and white as advocating the murder of those who antagonize the outfit with which he is connected. It should be explained that these prayers ascend to the one designated in the Scriptures as "the god of this world", referred to by Jesus as "the prince of this world". This conversion business, once it gets under way, ought to be interesting to "milk and water" Protestants who believe Harney and his friends should have all the rope they seek. In Vienna alone, since the machine-gun method of conversion went into effect, it is claimed that in one year 30,000 socialists returned to the church. As between salvation by the "purgatory" route and being shot full of holes, many socialists (ex-Catholics) prefer the "salvation".
A Flower from the Garden of the Jesuits
A JESUIT'S CONCEPTION OF CHRIST
THE following comparison between Christ and the pope was made in an article which appeared in the Yugoslavian publication, "The Messenger of the Sacred Heart of Jesus," on page 41 of No. 2 for 1935. The magazine is published by Jesuits who assure its readers "that 'The Messenger' has the magic power to open heaven itself to those who read it".
Christ had only 12 apostles, but the pope has 70 cardinals. Christ had but to look after a handful of faithful ones, such as Lazarus, Nicodemus, and a few pious women, while the pope has to look after 400,000,000 of Catholics. By order of the eternal Father, Christ was only allowed to preach to the Jews in Palestine, while the pope spreads his missions to the whole earth. After three years of public activity Christ had won such a small number of Jews that finally he died all alone, for even the apostles had left him. On the other hand, after 10 years of rulership, Pope Pius XI had won over 6,000,000 heathen for the church of Christ. Christ was but able to make saints of John the Baptist and one of the thieves, but the popes, thanks be to God, filled our calendar with thousands and thousands of glorious divine saints. By the will of the eternal Father, Christ was only permitted to stay for three years on the earth, while Pope Pius XI, thanks be to God, reigns already 4 times 3 years. By order of the eternal Father, Christ was not permitted to receive homage from the delegations of heathen countries, but the pope receives homage from all the states, which even send their representatives and ambassadors to him. Christ appointed to bishops the 11 apostles only (Judas was not appointed a bishop), but each pope, even if he ruled only for a few months, had opportunity to send out a far greater number of servants of God into the world. Thanks be to God that the pope has got a palace! Where would he otherwise accommodate so many collaborators who assist him in extending the kingdom of Christ? Thanks be to God that the pope does not go barefooted! What a shame it would be for us 400 million Catholics if we would not be able to buy our pope the best shoes! Thanks be to God that the pope has a car! If in America every worker can afford one, why should not our pope have one too? If it is possible, we shall also buy him an aeroplane. Thanks be to God, thanks be to God that the pope is different from Christ in many unessential things. This shows that the church of Christ is no more a bare, little tree, but a big and mighty one. This is the sign that the pope is indeed the disciple of Christ. Therefore it is necessary to obey him. And we will obey him and love him! For he is the second Christ on earth.
What the Apostolic Delegate Had On
MR. Cicognani has been to Cincinnati. The Cincinnati Post tells what he had on. It says:
"The apostolic delegate will be clothed in a white lace alb bound by a purple girdle, his pectoral cross studded with jewels, a stole covering his shoulders and over these a long tunic with white leggings ornamented with gold, white slippers, the embroidered chasuble, white gloves and over these latter his episcopal ring. After the master of ceremonies places on the legate's head the mitre, or high headpiece worn by bishops, the apostolic delegate will proceed to the foot of the altar to begin mass."
As a result of plowing under so much cotton the price of overalls has about doubled, and many a poor farmer who has no other kind of clothes than overalls is wondering how in creation he is going to get through another season without looking far worse than Mr. Cicognani did.
Joy Among the Sausage Makers
GREAT was the joy among the sausage makers when it was found that by means of an "indult" Catholics could eat meat on Washington's Birthday (Friday). An "indult" is a tremendous joke, but the poor crawfish that has been "indulted" does not know it. He pays, and his posterity, for his lack of information.
What You Get for $447
UNLESS it is needed for oil stocks or something else bought on margin, if you send only $447 to The Catholic Church Extension Society of the U.S.A., 360 North Michigan Avenue, Chicago, Ill., you pay for a vestment of any color, a chalice or ciborium, a monstrance, a cope, a statue, a set of stations, a missionary mass kit, a crucifix and candlesticks, or sanctuary lamp, a benediction veil or missal, a censer and boat and a linen amice, purificator, pall, corporal and finger towel. Peter never saw any of these. Appropriately, the offer is printed with a big black border around it. The black border comforts the poor sucker that gave up his $447.
Women Sealed in Living Tomb
THE Portland (Maine) Press-Herald, under a scarehead two columns wide and six lines deep, says: "Sisters Adorers of the Precious Blood Enter New Monastery Here: Bishop McCarthy With Solemn Ceremony Formally Seals Cloister From Which Members of Order Will Not Emerge Until Death." In the story itself, after explaining how the bishop sealed the inside door of a vestibule so that egress is impossible, it goes on to say, "No lay person ever will be allowed to enter the realm of the cloister again." The paper explains, "It was the first time such a ceremony was ever held in this vicinity."
"The Little Group of Picketers"
IN AN item 6 1/2 inches long the New York Daily News first told of 2,000 Catholic laymen and students demonstrating in front of the Mexican consulate in New York, and, before the 6 1/2 inches were up, let fall the remark about "the little group of picketers headed by Miss Rose Mary O'Keefe", which shows that the 2,000 was probably about 20 all told. It is astonishing what a lot of satisfaction some people get from flourishing a lot of ciphers around.
Catholics Oppose Child Labor Law
THE New York State Catholic Welfare Committee, officially representing the Roman Catholic hierarchy in all its glory, is out with six reasons why New York state should not ratify the proposed Child Labor Amendment to the United States Constitution. Wonder what the Big Business crowd paid for that.
Big Church Falls in Milwaukee
IT TOOK the Milwaukee Journal almost three columns to tell that fire gutted the Roman Catholic cathedral there. It seems that all the stained-glass windows were ruined; they cost upward of $2,000 each. One painting alleged to be worth $25,000 was destroyed. The account says, thrillingly, that the steeple did not fall, and explains why. It seems it had a cross on top, that the firemen had crosses on their caps, that a nun in a convent near by told her beads and another nun carried "holy water". Just where she carried the "holy water", or what was done with it, was not explained.
Japs Sore at Catholics Too
MUCH dissatisfied with the international espionage system practiced by the Roman hierarchy, several Catholic churches were destroyed by the inhabitants on the Japanese island of Amamioshima. Now that the United States has butted into Mexico's private affairs, how about taking up the same cudgels against the Japanese? In short, why should not Uncle Sam now start in and try to run the private affairs of every country in the world in the interests of the Roman Catholic church. Page Senator Borah.
"Catholic Lawyers Attend Red Mass"
THE New York Times has a column about Catholic lawyers attending red mass, and when one reads the names, O'Brien, Conboy, Hickey, Martin, Hagarty, Bondy, Goddard, Hulbert, Collins, Conway, Koch, Lewis, Leary, O'Brien No. 2, Schmuck, Kernochan, Collins, Allen, Bohan, Rosalsky, McDonald, Madigan, Ryan, Caffrey, Dineen, O'Brien No. 3, McElligott, Tierney, Carlin, Hilly, McManus, and McGurrin, and realizes that Ireland is so far away from Russia he involuntarily wonders why the mass is called a "red" mass.
The $8,000,000 Debt to Jersey
THE Port of New York Authority owes New Jersey $8,000,000, but when the New Jersey House of Assembly wanted an investigation it was opposed by John J. Rafferty, Roman Catholic floor leader of the Democratic minority, and one wonders if his reason for opposing the investigation was the same reason as for proposing huge fines for anybody who criticizes in any manner the biggest humbug on earth, the papal one.
Public Enemy No. 2
Cadman’s Opinion of the Bible
IN UTTER contempt of the Bible Reverend S. Parkes Cadman is on record as telling a grieving father or mother, desirous of truth, “Under no circumstances, least of all such as yours, should the book of Ecclesiastes be consulted for light upon the hereafter.” As to why the book was written he said: “Fortunately, you can leave that to experts.” As to who wrote the books which Jesus said were written by Moses, he said that they “are a compilation of pre-existing documents ranging in date from the eighth to the fourth centuries B.C.” As to the other book besides Ecclesiastes that was written by Solomon, and as to the Psalms which plainly declare their own authorship, he said: “The Psalms and Proverbs are also compilations of literary material belonging to various epochs between the fifth and second centuries B.C.”; and “Daniel and Ecclesiastes belong to the second century B.C.” In other words, he thinks the Bible is what those who love God think Cadman himself is.
Substitute for Heaven
REVEREND DR. S. PARKES CADMAN, addressing the Clergy Association of New York and Neighborhood, said he hoped to find some rich man who would put up a $5,000,000 house for the clergy in New York city, endowed with a library of 500,000 volumes, where these men with nothing to do during the week could have a place to come and toast their shins. Cadman said, “I would like to have a place where the great lessons taught by the Roman Catholic church could be learned.” Isn’t it wonderful how Peter and those other non-Catholics got along without big libraries? It says that the people ‘took knowledge of them that they had been with Jesus and learned of Him’. Cadman may have taken offense at Jesus’ statement, “The foxes have holes, and the birds of the air have nests; but the Son of man hath not where to lay his head.”
Think Christ Should Run the Munition Factories
THE church peace union decries private manufacture of munitions. Its thought is that all munitions should be made by governments. Believing that all governments are parts of Christ’s kingdom it would therefore propose that Christ should run the munition factories at least indirectly; and that, at least, has the attraction of novelty.
Blaming the Wrong Clergyman
A CORRESPONDENT in Asheville, N. C., sends in a clipping telling of an Arkansas clergyman who stole a marriage license from the county clerk’s office, forged the deputy county clerk’s name to it, and then used it, after which he fled to Tennessee. He then says: “It seems as though the ‘Reverends’ out in the West are having a hard time of it, when they can’t slip enough out of the regular snitch to buy a license; or is it that he just can’t be honest?” In this are some things hard to be understood, but it doth appear that maybe this preacher stole this only to keep some good girl from going wrong; for the story goes on to say that the girl who was married with the preacher’s stolen license was married to the preacher himself.
Minister Denies Wife and Child
IN DEFENDING himself in a divorce case a San Antonio minister denied the paternity of his thirteen-month-old son, and denied he had ever married his wife. Then the state got busy and arrested him for perjury, faced him in court with the judge who had married him, the county clerk who had issued the marriage license, and the doctor who had examined the lady who became his wife, and notified the “Reverend” that she was about to become a mother and that marriage was in order. The “Reverend” was given seven years in prison, for lying on the witness stand. Ministers get so used to lying about God one day in the week that they cannot understand why it is wrong to lie about others whenever the spirit moves them.
When the Sun Stood Still
TWO “Holiness” preachers in Memphis fell to discussing what happened when the sun stood still, and were getting along quite well with their argument, when one drew a knife and slit the scalp of the other for about two inches. It is not clear how it enhances an argument to slice one’s opponent with a knife.
Money Called: He Was Chosen
REVEREND HOMER LEWIS SHEFFER, of Oklahoma City, had an offer of more money if he would come to Seattle, and so he said to his congregation: “Money is speaking in tones of thunder, and I am answering its call.” Verily he has his reward.
Events in Canada By Our Canadian Correspondent
THE inequality by which Quebec and Ontario have maintained a throttle hold on the other provinces of Canada is causing more and more discontent as economic conditions grow worse. Under the caption "A Growing Danger" the Saskatoon Star-Phoenix editorially refers to the matter as follows:
The dangers of interprovincial strife arising under the Natural Products Marketing Act are beginning to be realized throughout the Dominion. It has been brought forcibly to attention by the proposal coming from British Columbia to so regulate products as to exclude those from other provinces. In the Pacific coast province the demand is a direct, frank quest for protection against competition from other parts of Canada.
The danger was pointed out in these columns at the time the measure came before the House of Commons. It has now come closer to a reality, and if each province proceeds to afford its own industry protection against competition from other parts of Canada it will place a terrific strain upon confederation. In that event, Stephen Leacock's remarks about Canada's being Balkanized would not be so far fetched.
"A Century of Progress" in Free Speech
In an article appearing in the press upon the suppression of freedom of speech in Canada a hundred years ago, Fred Williams states:
On December 10, 1820, the Kingston Chronicle contained a report on the trial of a Niagara editor for 'libel on the government'. Barnabas Ferguson was editor of the Niagara Spectator and he had dared to comment upon the actions of the council at Toronto in some trifling matter. A warrant was issued for his arrest and he was lodged in the old jail at Niagara. He was tried at the assizes and he was convicted, whereupon the chief justice, William Dummer Powell, condemned him to be imprisoned for 18 months, to stand in the pillory on a stated date, "to be there an object of public obloquy," to pay a fine of 50 pounds or remain in prison until it was paid, and, if released, to give a bond to "conserve the peace" for seven years, himself in 500 pounds and two sureties of 1,250 each.
The unfortunate journalist suffered the pains of prison, went through the indignity of public exhibition in the pillory for a whole day, and might have stayed in jail until he rotted had not compassion seized the governor and Sir Peregrine Maitland remitted the bond on the condition that Ferguson left the country. Such was "liberty" in early Upper Canada.
The implication is that that was a terrible condition to prevail in any civilized country, and all will agree, but are conditions in the land any better today? Three months ago two of Jehovah's witnesses, because of proclaiming by printed page the message of God's kingdom and declaring His judgments as written against this unrighteous order, were declared guilty of having part in a seditious conspiracy and sentenced to two months in prison and a fine of $300. Twelve more of the same group were charged with disturbing the peace and sentenced to fifteen days in jail for handing out pamphlets telling of God's kingdom.
17,000 Turn Out to Hear "Radical"
Prison bars cannot stop the onward march of truth any more than they can stop the rising storm of discontent against the present injustices in the earth. The Saskatoon Star-Phoenix, speaking upon radical developments in this land, editorially says:
When Tim Buck was turned out of Kingston penitentiary and returned to Toronto, 4,000 persons met him at the station, a larger number than, with few if any exceptions, meets a prime minister of Canada.
A few days later when he made a public speech 17,000 persons attended, a larger number than ever before attended a political meeting in this country.
How to Prevent Diphtheria
Under the heading "Child Dies After Inoculation of Diphtheria Serum" the Provost (Alberta) News states:
Inoculated with diphtheria antitoxin on Saturday, along with his father and two other members of the household, Bobby Colton, 5-year-old son of Mr. and Mrs. Murray Colton, of Strand district, collapsed and died within half an hour, despite all efforts to save him. The family having been exposed to diphtheria through contact with a stricken patient, Mr. Colton considered it advisable to take any necessary precautions and called upon Dr. York, then visiting at the home of Martin Mareck, to come over and treat the Colton family.
Bobby appeared in the best of health, and ran out to meet the car as Dr. York and Mr. Colton drove up to the house, then went inside with the men. Keenly interested in the proceedings, the little chap looked on as his daddy was inoculated, and then sat playing with the medicine boxes as his own treatment was administered next. With customary precaution, in view of his extreme youth, only half the usual dose was administered. Bobby appeared quite cheerful and interested as others of the household were treated, but twenty or twenty-five minutes later began to cough violently. Seeing the child in distress, Dr. York rushed him outside into the fresh air and artificial respiration was applied in an effort to aid his breathing. After ten minutes or so the child was returned to the house and restorative measures continued, but without effect. The case was immediately reported by phone to Dr. Braithwaite, provincial coroner, in Edmonton.
Having been instructed by authorities of Hillcrest municipality to proceed to the infected district in order to arrange quarantines and administer inoculations, Dr. York received a fresh supply of diphtheria antitoxin from the provincial department of health on Saturday morning.
An inquest is considered unnecessary.
How Liars Figure
There is an old and true saying, "Figures don't lie, but liars do figure." The capitalistic advocates are busy trying to impress the people with the great improvement of conditions, but it behooves us to "measure it properly", as the Saskatoon Star-Phoenix suggests we do in the following article under that heading:
Care must be exercised in considering trade figures these days. They are not always what they seem, for the reason that the ordinary yardstick by which trade is measured is varying in its length.
Thus, statistics are made public every month showing Canada's trade as compared with 1933 and 1932 or 1931. The figures are those of value in Canadian dollars.
A few years ago the Canadian dollar was still a gold dollar. It was at par or very nearly so with other gold currencies. Today the Canadian dollar is depreciated to approximately 60 percent of gold value.
If Canada's trade is to be measured by its money value, then the measurement should be by a common standard or the values of the dollar in each year adjusted to a common basis.
Actually, if the trade statistics are to give a fair representation of trade the measurement should be by volume rather than by currency.
It is the volume produced that gives employment, and the benefit of trade to the country as a whole lies in the amount of employment it gives more than in the profit it yields to a limited number of individuals.
If Mr. Bennett proposes to fight the election on his trade policies, the statistics used must be such as to honestly present the picture.
Not Promising Anything
When seeking election some four years ago the present prime minister of Canada made many, many glowing promises, among which was that he would end unemployment within six months' time or the government would perish in the attempt. Needless to say his promises were merely the promises of a politician and not fulfilled. Today on the eve of another election and in a frenzy to stay in office he has come forth with a platform of such sweeping changes that he has stolen all the "thunder" of the official opposition, also of the socialists and even of most of the radical element, and left them rubbing their eyes and pinching themselves to make sure they are awake and hearing aright. Outstanding among the statements in Mr. Bennett's recent speech are the following:
"As a lawyer I had to do, for more than thirty years, with big business and finance. I have some knowledge of finance."
"When in the past I praised it (the capitalist system), I did so with knowledge. When now I analyze it and point to its defects, I do so also with knowledge. Bear that in mind."
"All I can tell you is that we will go just as far as is necessary to reform the system and make it effectively work again. I cannot bring myself to agree that there is anything radically wrong with the system which adjustment and reform will not remedy."
"Clearly, it would be unwise to circumscribe our activities by any attempted forecast of all that should be done. We can but move forward carefully."
"I think there is, from all worthwhile points of view, an inequality in the distribution of income."
"I believe there should be a uniform minimum wage and a uniform maximum working week. There must be an end to child labor. There must be an end to sweatshop conditions."
"However few or many unemployed we normally may have, no man must be left to the uncertainties of private charity or to the humiliation of government gratuity."
"We are going to do away, as quickly as possible, with emergency relief measures and put in a permanent system of sound and scientific insurance against unemployment."
In the Dominion's Hinterlands
Recently there was held in Winnipeg a conference of the fur traders under the auspices of the Hudson's Bay Company which was reported in the Saskatoon Star-Phoenix as follows:
"Men of the North" who reach into Labrador's wilds, forge through Arctic ice to lonely outposts, and visit isolated settlements in the Dominion's hinterlands, have just concluded a gathering here.
They sat about a long table, dressed in "civvies", fingered letters and papers before them and appeared to be just another group of business executives discussing "minutes" and "amendments" at a directors' meeting.
But though the press was barred a reporter could visualize in the blue haze of cigar smoke above the score of heads (seen through an open door) the very out-of-the-ordinary things of which these men spoke. They were the fur traders of the Hudson's Bay Company, gathered at Hudson’s Bay House for the annual fur trade conference.
They discussed such things as icebergs, privation, dog teams, Indians, isolation, frozen feet, Eskimos; they moved with ease from Labrador’s stormy coast to British Columbia’s wilds and north to Aklavik; they referred to berg-bruised ships and fur-laden canoes. Dangers and thrills of 12,000-mile trips through forest wilds and icebound waters were commonplace to these men.
Combating the Drought
In an effort to combat the drought in the prairie provinces a Canadian conservation institute has been formed in Winnipeg concerning which The Mail and Empire editorially says:
A Canadian Conservation Institute has been formed in Winnipeg to enlist the best brains of the community in a campaign to combat the drought menace in the prairie provinces. It will organize and create a sound public opinion on this question, and will study and develop lines of attack. There is always the danger that if one or two years bring a good crop the importance of the measures to combat drought will be minimized in the public mind and the work left undone. The institute will keep alive the interest through wet years and dry until the task is accomplished.
One of the organizers is Mr. W. L. MacTavish, editor, the Winnipeg Evening Tribune. In an address at Edmonton he pointed out that this year 87,000 farms are out of commission more or less—67,000 in Saskatchewan, 7,000 in Manitoba, and 13,000 in Alberta. Most of them have been out of commission for at least three years, some of them for four years, some even for five years. Roughly, the area of the drought covers 18,000,000 acres. It has an ordinary production in new wealth annually of from $150,000,000 to $200,000,000. Its production has been as high in value as $400,000,000 or more. Think for a moment what that means in terms of the prosperity of the country at large! Mr. MacTavish declared that if the people drifted along there would be ultimately 20,000,000 acres of the finest hard wheat land in the world abandoned to the sow thistle and the gophers.
The problem has been discussed by many experts in various lines. Mr. MacTavish admits that he is not an expert, but from all the evidence and opinions he was able to get from others he is convinced that dams and trees are going to play a very large part in the rehabilitation of the West. But he is as firmly convinced, on the other hand, that changes in agricultural methods are necessary, that some of the land in the southern parts of Alberta and Saskatchewan must go back to range land, that new drought resistant grasses must and can be developed, and that in general the agricultural experts of all kinds have a very great part to perform in the rehabilitation of the West.
“What,” asks Mr. MacTavish, “is the answer to be made to the forester, who comes along and points out that the Prince Albert area, for example, with its millions of trees to break the force of the wind and reduce evaporation, produced a heavy crop of wheat in 1934 on only an inch or two more rainfall than southern districts which produced no wheat at all?”
Why Farmers Love the Mortgage Companies
The reason why farmers love the mortgage companies can be gleaned from the following item quoted from The Furrow:
How a farmer paid $8,355.96 in 17 years on a $6,000 mortgage and still owes $6,238.92 on it is recorded in a letter sent by a southern Saskatchewan farmer to a mortgage holder in Waterloo, Ont. The letter reads:
“Received your notice calling for payment of $6,238.92. Some figures. This amount has grown from $4,000 in 1928, our last crop, to $6,238.92 this year. This is certainly some racket. I wish I could make money as fast. Your offer of giving $2.00 for every dollar paid on interest arrears is a step in the right direction, but of no avail, as we have no crop this year to pay anything; so you can put a few more figures on for next year; they look nice, anyway.
“You will soon have it up to $10,000 on paper, and on paper it will remain unless you make a real adjustment of balance and give me a definite amount to pay, not one that grows by leaps and bounds, like a baby elephant.
“I will now list a few figures. As you know, the original loan, when assumed by me, was $6,000.” The letter then shows that on the original loan of $6,000 the farmer had paid a total of $8,355.96.
“They say figures don’t lie. Well, there they are on an original debt of $6,000. I have paid $8,355.96, and, according to notice, I still owe you more than I originally did. I may be dumb, but what I would like to know is, who the hell owns the place.
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