Golden Age, July 28, 1937
Download: PDF — Golden Age, July 28, 1937
The Golden Age
A JOURNAL OF FACT HOPE AND COURAGE
in this issue
"FATHER" FELIX
VS.
JUDGE RUTHERFORD
"COMMUNISM"—
THE ROUTE TO FASCISM
(Part 2)
EXPOSED
(J)
THE BROTHERS AND SISTERS
OF JESUS
HEALTH AND MISCELLANY
SOCIAL AND EDUCATIONAL
every other
WEDNESDAY
five cents a copy
one dollar a year
Canada & Foreign 1.25
Vol. XVIII - No. 466
July 28, 1937 CONTENTS
LABOR AND ECONOMICS
Blamed Strikers for Family Fight 691
Pathetic Poverty of Peasants 691
Restraint of French Strikers 691
France Is Sick of Capitalism 691
Burdick's Bill for New Currency 692
Townsend Plan in Bergenfield 692
Preparing for Another 1929 Smash 692
Harlan County Coal Operators 692
SOCIAL AND EDUCATIONAL
"FATHER" FELIX VS. JUDGE RUTHERFORD 675
EXPOSED (J) 689
Notes from Japan 690
A Tilt in the Brazilian Press 690
Yip Too Fast with the Irons 693
A Real Mayor at Kent 693
Captain Quinn Embarrassed 693
The Palm for Misconduct 693
St. Kitts Witnesses 693
Dirty Methods of Detectives 694
Attempted Censorship Is Foolish 694
CORRECTION ON BOBTOWN ITEM 699
ABOUT THE BROTHERS AND SISTERS OF JESUS 700
FINANCE—COMMERCE—TRANSPORTATION
Remotest Railway Point in America 695
Oakland-San Francisco Bridge 695
Astrid's Death Caused by a Curb 695
Union Pacific Fast Trains 695
Hans Hansen, Able Seaman 696
Marvelous Progress in Aviation 696
HOME AND HEALTH
"Remedy Worse than the Disease" 697
Vaccination in the Netherlands 697
Took Three Weeks to Kill Her 697
A Druggist Says 698
Homeopaths Pan the A. M. A. 698
The American Standard of Dying 698
'Dead' Seventeen Minutes, Lives 698
Bad Foods Caught by Government 699
Food Cure for Industrial Fatigue 699
Gathering Oysters as Easily as Strawberries 699
POLITICAL—DOMESTIC AND FOREIGN
FASCIST TORTURES IN THE DODECANESE 680
"COMMUNISM"—THE DEVIL'S ROUTE TO FASCISM 681
SCIENCE AND INVENTION
Fine Papers and Clothing from Pines 688
New Invention in Photography 688
The Automobile Diversion 688
Cleaving the Jonker Diamond 688
RELIGION AND PHILOSOPHY
THE GREATEST DISGRACE IN HISTORY 687
Experienced in Care of Feeble-Minded 687
Explanation (?) of Indulgences 703
Published every other Wednesday by
GOLDEN AGE PUBLISHING COMPANY, INC.
117 Adams Street, Brooklyn, N. Y., U. S. A.
Clayton J. Woodworth President Nathan H. Knorr Vice President
Charles E. Wagner Secretary and Treasurer
FIVE CENTS A COPY
$1 a year, United States; $1.25 to Canada and all other countries.
NOTICE TO SUBSCRIBERS
REMITTANCES: For your own safety, remit by postal or express money order. When coin or currency is lost in the ordinary mails, there is no redress. Remittances from countries other than those named below may be made to the Brooklyn office, but only by INTERNATIONAL postal money order.
RECEIPT of a new or renewal subscription will be acknowledged only when requested. NOTICE OF EXPIRATION is sent with the journal one month before subscription expires. Please renew promptly to avoid loss of copies.
SEND CHANGE OF ADDRESS direct to us rather than to the post office. Your request should reach us at least two weeks before the date of issue with which it is to take effect. Send your old as well as the new address. Copies will not be forwarded by the post office to your new address unless extra postage is provided by you.
Published also in Bohemian, Danish, Dutch, Finnish, French, German, Greek, Japanese, Norwegian, Polish, Spanish, Swedish.
OFFICES FOR OTHER COUNTRIES
British 34 Craven Terrace, London, W. 2, England
Canadian 40 Irwin Avenue, Toronto 5, Ontario, Canada
Australasian 7 Beresford Road, Strathfield, N. S. W., Australia
South African Boston House, Cape Town, South Africa
Entered as second-class matter at Brooklyn, N. Y., under the Act of March 3, 1879.
The Golden Age
Volume XVIII Brooklyn, N.Y., Wednesday, July 28, 1937 Number 466
"Father" Felix vs. Judge Rutherford
ELSEWHERE in this issue are some references to the unspeakable corruption prevalent among the Roman Catholic priesthood of Germany. Let them speak for themselves. At home, in America, different conditions, but equally shocking to honorable men, are characteristic of the same class. One of these is "Father" Felix, of Missouri.
Mr. Felix is the author of two booklets attacking Judge Rutherford. Acting on his behalf the National Catholic Welfare Conference, American propaganda arm of the Roman Catholic Hierarchy, has distributed to the Catholic press, and to the radio stations of the United States, an attack on Judge Rutherford which here receives some of the attention invited.
Some questions arise in one's mind, aside from Mr. Felix's proposed "painful blow in the face" and threats that the one he so hates "shall once again, God willing, wear the stripes of a convict". These questions are now put, not for his benefit, for he is past that, but for his honest fellow men. Before hearing the questions, note first some exhibits on the case.
Quotations from Felix's booklet entitled Rutherford Uncovered:
The old conjure woman from the wilds of Missouri
"Free speech, by all means, but when that blessed privilege is abused to vilify our fellow men, to breed discord, to cavil at constituted authority, to prepare the soil for Communism, and to sow into the minds of our children the seeds of disloyalty to our flag and to our country, then liberty becomes license and free speech forfeits its right to freedom because it fails to fulfill the function assigned it by the Founding Fathers of our glorious Republic." (Page 12)
"Gentlemen, on the facts pertinent to this case there is, I believe, no quarrel. Yesterday evening I read to a fellow-member a passage on page 44 from this booklet entitled Uncovered written by Judge Rutherford, copyrighted 1937, and published by the Watch Tower Bible and Tract Society with headquarters in Brooklyn, New York, and branch offices all over the world. While I was reading Mr. Brown turned from a neighboring table to inquire whether I myself shared the ideas expressed by the passage I had read. I affirmed. Mr. Brown then did two things: First, he presented his visiting card; secondly, he gave me a painful blow in the face. . . ." (Page 6)
He paused a moment, then said: "George, I understand you. You're afraid I ascribe too much importance to the fool in this case. Maybe I do, but this enemy of the Stars and Stripes shall once again, God willing, wear the stripes of a convict. By my martyred boy I swear it!" (Page 32)
Quotations from N.C.W.C. "News Service"; advertising the above-named booklet:
The pamphlet proper deals with developments in a club after one member seeks to enlist another "in the army of Jehovah's witnesses." The foreword says "the club meeting and the characters in the story that follow are, of course, fictitious, but the facts and figures they give are only too true."
The statutes of our state provide that in the absence of the regular presiding judge of our circuit courts the members of the local bar shall select one of their members to take the place of the regular judge until he returns. Thus it comes about in every court of our commonwealth that all the members of the local bar are privileged to preside over the circuit court from time to time. In this way it happened that in all the years that he was a member of the Cooper county bar of Boonville, Mo., Mr. Rutherford presided over the local court on four different occasions, each time for one day only.
The Shrine of the Little Bigot
Quotations from Casey's Irish Catholic Register:
The magnitude of the anti-Catholic and anti-American influence of "Judge" Joseph F. Rutherford, arch-bigot and ex-convict, is shown by the nation-wide chain of radio stations on which his talks are now heard several times a week. Father Richard Felix, O.S.B., of Pilot Grove, Mo., himself a veteran of the radio, who has dedicated himself to counteracting Rutherford, has just compiled this list. . . .
Father Richard's list shows Rutherford is heard weekly on 149 radio stations in the United States and possessions only. Most of these stations carry his program three times weekly, but some carry it daily and one Brooklyn, N. Y., station carries his talks eleven times a week. According to Father Richard's information, the bigot now sends out 440 anti-Catholic radio programs every week. Besides these, he broadcasts over a great many foreign stations.
Why Dodge the Issue?
What is the reason why the Roman Hierarchy finds it necessary to issue a forty-page booklet filled with statements about Judge Rutherford made by characters which they admit "are, of course, fictitious"?
Why do they, in their newspapers, find it necessary to blare with a triple headline, "Pamphlet Refutes Rutherford Claim to Title of Judge," when in the very same article they are forced to admit that "Mr. Rutherford presided over the local court at different occasions"?
The law provides that the person elected by the members of the legal profession to serve as special judge must possess the same qualifications as the regular judge, must take and subscribe to the same oath, and is clothed with the same power and authority as the regular judge, and while he presides he is as fully a judge of the Circuit Court as the one elected for the full term. He therefore is to all intents and purposes legally and actually the judge of the Circuit Court.
The Circuit in which Judge Rutherford practiced is composed of five counties. The members of the bar elect the special judge, and, as stated by a noted lawyer on a former occasion, the members of the bar know the qualification of the man they elect and are therefore much better qualified to select a suitable man than the rank and file who know nothing about it and who choose judges for political purposes. Not everyone who is admitted to practice can serve as special judge, but only those who are elected by members of the bar at the Court where he serves.
Why is it that, having written that forty-page booklet entitled Rutherford Uncovered and which "Father" Richard Felix, S.O.B., hopes to sell for ten cents, he also has in press another 32-page booklet, Rutherford Refuted, the price of which will probably be the same?
The answer is that the Roman Hierarchy is in the tightest spot it was ever in. Actually the living representative of the Devil, the Hierarchy has falsely claimed to represent Jehovah, the true and living God, and has twisted and distorted the Word of God, and has manufactured history and told lies innumerable to make its claims seem plausible to the uninformed.
If the Roman Hierarchy had any confidence whatever in the truth of its position it would be the first to accept repeated challenges which Judge Rutherford has made to the religious leaders of “Christendom” to publicly debate with him the questions at issue and which questions can be settled only by an appeal to the Scriptures.
“Rutherford is preparing the soil for Communism.” Mr. Felix knows that that is a deliberate lie on his part. He has read Rutherford’s books, particularly his book Government, in which he makes the statement that Communism can never succeed, but that only God’s kingdom under Christ Jesus can bring about the relief and comfort which the people so much desire and need.
“Their Might Hath Failed”—Jeremiah 51: 30
Not only has the Roman Hierarchy flatly refused to comply with the request of 2,630,000 Americans, many of them Catholics, that such a debate be held, but now when Judge Rutherford has presented to the public in the booklets Uncovered and Protection the truth regarding the Roman Hierarchy, the agents of the Hierarchy resort to smallness of soul, meanness and contemptibleness to a degree which only the Hierarchy can attain by seeking to accuse Judge Rutherford of falsely appropriating to himself the title Judge.
Friends of Judge Rutherford well know, not only that this title was bestowed upon Judge Rutherford for the service which he rendered in Missouri, and which the N.C.W.C. has to admit that he did render, but that it was his friends, and not himself, that applied this title to him, using it, properly, to the glory of God and not of man. Judge Rutherford never speaks of himself as Judge, and has never claimed any credit for being so called.
It should be carefully noted that Judge Rutherford never strutted around with a three-story crown on his head, or claimed for himself the title “Reverend”, “Very Reverend,” “Right Reverend,” “Most Reverend,” or the following titles which have been manufactured for the pope entirely without any Scriptural authority or any support in reason or common sense, by the most conceited, arrogant, pompous pretenders that ever lived upon the face of the earth:
The Climax of Blasphemy
Most Divine of All Heads
Holy Father of Fathers
Pontiff Supreme over all Prelates
Overseer of the Christian Religion
The Chief Pastor—Pastor of Pastors
Christ by Unction
Abraham by Patriarchate
Melchisedec in Order
Moses in Authority
Samuel in the Judicial Office
High Priest, Supreme Bishop
Prince of Bishops
Heir of the Apostles; Peter in Power
Key-bearer of the Kingdom of Heaven
Pontiff Appointed with Plenitude of Power
Vicar of Christ
Sovereign Priest
Head of all the Holy Churches
Chief of the Universal Church
Bishop of Bishops, that is, Sovereign Pontiff
Ruler of the House of the Lord
Apostolic Lord and Father of Fathers
Chief Pastor and Teacher
Physician of Souls
Rock against which the proud gates of hell prevail not
Infallible Pope
Head of all the Holy Priests of God
After this partial list of titles it might be just as well for the Roman Hierarchy to pipe down in their efforts to prove that Judge Rutherford is not entitled to the title which his fellow lawyers in Missouri bestowed upon him.
Getting right down to brass tacks, both Judge Rutherford and the Roman Hierarchy stand before the great Judge of all the earth, the Lord Jesus Christ, who is acting for and in behalf of the Supreme Judge, Jehovah God. What does it matter whether Judge Rutherford, given his title by his fellow lawyers, uses it or, as the National Catholic Welfare Conference seeks to infer, he should not use it?
Thoroughly familiar with the Scriptures, Judge Rutherford would be one of the first to say to the Roman Hierarchy in a matter of this kind, “It is a very small thing that I should be judged of you.” (1 Corinthians 4:3) But it is a very important thing that the Roman Hierarchy, brought before the judgment bar of God for its dreadful and immeasurable blasphemies, stands silent and ashamed in the presence of Him who has foretold in the Scriptures the impending destruction of the Devil and of the Devil’s religion.
Lay Aside the Title
Lay aside the title Judge if that would please you better. It is wholly immaterial so far as the issue is concerned. Let us call him only Rutherford. Felix would create the impression that Rutherford has committed a great wrong because he served lawfully as a special judge of the Circuit Court of Missouri, elected to that position as the law provides.
Felix well knows that Rutherford wronged no one by reason of the fact that others continue to speak of him as Judge Rutherford. He must have been an honorable member of the legal profession; otherwise his fellow lawyers would not have placed him on the bench even temporarily.
Now compare that with Felix's own record, which he cannot deny and for which he has neither excuse nor justification. He poses before the people as "Father Felix" and yet he has no legitimate children, having never been married. What other children he has is not disclosed, and therefore he is not entitled to be called "Father".
The title that Felix assumes is misleading, to say the least of it. But, furthermore, he takes the title "Father" and advertises himself as such as though the Lord authorized him to be so called, and thereby willingly and deliberately violates the commandment of the Lord Jesus Christ, whom he claims to serve. Jesus commanded in these words, 'Call no man father upon the earth.'—Matthew 23:9.
A Direct Violation
Felix therefore falsely and in violation of the Divine law assumes and uses the title "Father", and by the use thereof he is enabled to fraudulently carry on his racket, by which he collects money from the gullible people upon the pretext that he as a clergyman can pray for their dead friends who he says are in "purgatory" and thereby shorten the duration of their 'conscious suffering' in "purgatory"; and by this means he collects and receives money, he well knowing all the time that no such place as "purgatory" exists or ever did exist.
Felix calls himself ''father''; the world will bear witness to this photo of his children
There is not one scripture in the Bible that supports the "purgatory" theory. It is purely a man-made invention, and all the scriptures touching on the condition of the dead pointedly declare that they are unconscious in the grave, not knowing anything, not suffering any kind of punishment or pain, and that only the Lord Jesus by the grace of Jehovah God can bring them out, and that He will do so without Roman Catholic prayers and without the contribution of money.
By the use of his title Felix is working a fraud upon the people and actually obtaining money by fraud and false pretenses; and under the laws of Missouri, where he resides, the obtaining of money under false pretense is a crime punishable by a long term in prison.
Why Lie About the "Convict" Claim?
Felix has the audacity to charge Rutherford as being an ex-convict, when he well knows that that is not the truth. The following are the facts well known to him and many of the Catholic clergymen:
During the World War a general of the United States Army visited Rutherford and demanded that he direct young men that were his fellow Christians to take active service in the army and violate God's commandment by killing their fellow men. Rutherford refused to do so, saying to the general that every one of the young men must determine for himself what to do; that he had no authority to command them to go to war, and would not do so.
That statement angered the general, who then, in the presence of several witnesses, used these words:
A company of clergymen recently met in Philadelphia and unanimously passed a resolution which was sent to the attorney general’s office by special committee of their number, demanding that the Espionage Law be amended so as to make the trial by court martial and the punishment death, and that was done to get you [meaning Rutherford]. Such an amendment was offered in the United States Senate and President Wilson advised against its enactment and it was not enacted. We know, however, how to get you anyhow, and we are going to get you.
To that statement Rutherford replied, “You know where to find me. I shall not violate God’s law to please men.” Within a short time thereafter he was arrested and put on trial, charged with violation of the Espionage Law.
HOLY
Of a truth I perceive that God is no respecter of persons but in every nation he that feareth him, and worketh righteousness, is accepted with him. The word which God sent unto the children of Israel, preaching peace by Jesus Christ.—Acts 10: 34-36.
Feed the flock of God which is among you, exercising the oversight, not of constraint, but willingly, according to the will of God; nor yet for filthy lucre, but of a ready mind; neither as lording it over the charge allotted to you, but making yourselves ensamples to the flock.—1 Peter 5: 2, 3, A.R.V.
But Jesus called them unto him, and said, Ye know that the rulers of the Gentiles lord it over them, and their great ones exercise authority over them. Not so shall it be among you: but whosoever would become great among you shall be your minister; and whosoever would be first among you shall be your servant: even as the Son of man came not to be ministered unto, but to minister, and to give his life a ransom for many.—Matthew 20: 25-28, A.R.V.
BIBLE
For we preach not ourselves, but Christ Jesus as Lord, and ourselves as your servants for Jesus' sake.—2 Corinthians 4: 5, A.R.V.
Preach the word; be urgent in season, out of season; reprove, rebuke, exhort, with all long-suffering and teaching. For the time will come when they will not endure the sound doctrine; but, having itching ears, will heap to themselves teachers after their own lusts; and will turn away their ears from the truth, and turn aside unto fables.—2 Timothy 4: 2-4, A.R.V.
And certain also of the Epicurean and Stoic philosophers encountered him. And some said, What would that babbler say? others, He seemeth to be a setter forth of strange gods: because he preached Jesus and the resurrection.—Acts 17: 18, A.R.V.
Felix busy proving to the world that the Hierarchy has no use for a real Christian
A Prostitution of Justice
Perjured testimony was brought before the court, Catholic priests attended the trial and consulted frequently with prosecuting officers. A book was introduced in evidence, upon which his conviction was asked, which book was not written by him. A prejudiced judge committed many errors in directing the jury what to do. An adverse verdict was rendered. That judge sentenced Rutherford to eighty years in prison and then denied him bail bond upon any terms.
Application was made to the Court of Appeals, and a Catholic judge, Manton, refused bail. Application was made to the Supreme Court of the United States for bail bond. During all that time Rutherford was held in prison. Chief Justice Holmes heard the application, and readily granted bond and ordered the release of Rutherford from prison.
He was certainly not a convict pending the appeal which was taken immediately following the trial. He being released on bond, the Government voluntarily dismissed the case. Therefore Rutherford’s record stands as clear as any man’s on earth.
Felix, however, would make the people believe otherwise, in order to prevent some of them from reading an explanation of God’s Word. He will be reminded that the Bible shows that every one of God’s faithful witnesses from the time of Abraham to John the Baptist was persecuted by religionists and thrown into prison on false charges and then the Lord himself was maliciously and foully charged with sedition, convicted and executed. Likewise His apostles suffered punishment, and in every instance the religious clergy, such as Felix claims to be, backed up and forced the prosecution.
Rutherford was an honorable lawyer in Missouri who saw the corruption and wickedness amongst the clergymen. He began to study the Bible and saw that God has a provision for establishing a righteous government in which clergymen shall have no part. He quit the law practice and has since devoted himself to explaining the Bible to the people, and that without money and without price.
No Man Has Helped the People More
There is no man on earth today who has done more to help the people understand the Bible than Rutherford, and the only people that oppose the work that he and his fellow Christians are doing are such men as Felix, and yet Felix claims to be a Christian.
Any honest man comparing the record of Felix and Rutherford surely would turn away from Felix as he would from an animal that raises a stink to the treetops.
Why does Felix get so angry because Rutherford publishes the truth? He cannot find a single instance in which Rutherford has ever attacked any clergyman personally. In his publications he has not even named any clergymen, but merely called attention to the wrongful practices of a religious system which is deceiving the people.
Mr. Felix shows that he has read the books that Rutherford has written, and from them he has necessarily read the scriptures which show that the present time is the judgment day when Christ Jesus is judging particularly the men who claim to serve Him and Jehovah God. From what is published in those books Mr. Felix must clearly see that the statement of Jesus is true, that "there shall be weeping and gnashing of teeth, when ye shall see Abraham, and Isaac, and Jacob, and all the prophets, in the kingdom of God, and you yourselves thrust out."—Luke 13: 28.
Mr. Felix knows the Scriptures clearly teach that faithful men such as Abraham and the other prophets will be in the Kingdom as the representatives of Christ Jesus on earth and no Catholic priest will have any part therein, but be cast out, and, because these and similar truths are proclaimed today, he becomes angry and gnashes his teeth and advises that those who tell the truth should be destroyed.
Not only is Felix doing violence to his fellow men who have been led to trust him as a preacher, but he is keeping some of them from gaining a knowledge of God’s gracious provision for them, and is sealing his everlasting doom.
Felix Has No Way to Answer
Mr. Felix sees and admits that millions of people from every country and clime are accepting the truth as published in the Bible and as explained in Rutherford’s books, and this makes him and the rest of the Hierarchy extremely angry. Felix has no way by which he can answer these truths, and there is nothing that Mr. Felix can do but try to besmirch the one who is telling them. That, however, does not at all affect the truth of his books and the truth of God’s Word in any manner.
In times past God has used even a jackass to proclaim His truth, and a jackass is much preferable to be used than a man like Felix, who insists upon the people’s violating God’s law and blaspheming His holy name.
Mr. Felix knows that there is not a Catholic priest in America that has the moral courage to stand before the people and defend the false doctrines that his organization teaches the people (and by which he obtains their money), such false doctrines as "purgatory", "the trinity", "images", "immortality of the soul", "holy water", and so forth. The honest people of the world are getting their eyes opened, and this is spoiling his pasture.—Jeremiah 25: 34-36.
For that reason Felix is howling, just as the Lord said he would howl. Even his howling days are near at an end, because the Lord will clear the earth of every wicked and blasphemous thing and establish His righteous government under Christ Jesus, where all honest and sincere people may dwell together in peace and enjoy liberty and life everlasting. And where will he and his fellow slandering priests be then? Jesus answers, at Matthew 23: 33, "Ye serpents, ye generation of vipers! how can ye escape the damnation of hell [Gehenna (Greek)]?"
Felix and his fellow priests advise their followers to resort to violence and commit murder. One of them recently said concerning Rutherford, "We would like to impale him on iron tongs," and yet these are the men who claim to represent Christ Jesus, and expect honest people to believe it. Such slandering and libelous priests not only would have Rutherford in prison again if they could, but would have him murdered immediately, except for the protection which the Almighty God furnishes in his behalf.
Fascist Tortures in the Dodecanese
THE Greeks of the Dodecanese islands, occupied by the Italians in 1912, are very much in earnest in their desire to get out from under Italian rule. The Dodecanesian League of America publishes some of the reasons, in each instance referring to specific treatment of prisoners who are named, as follows:
To compel them to testify, the Italians refused to give them either food or water for days, while at the same time they were striking them brutally, and every day. Sleep was kept from their suffering eyes by means of needles with which the Italians were puncturing the eyelids of these unlucky creatures. . . . The extraction of the nails of hands and feet with the use of pincers. . . . There the captain of the carabinieri, Gracciani, thrust his finger into the eye of D. Fantenou, and pulled it out. . . . His throat was twisted to such a degree that his larynx was destroyed. Now he breathes with the aid of a tube. . . . One by one the hairs of their mustaches and eyebrows were extracted, their feet placed in boiling water, and their soles were cut into by means of razors. . . . The younger of them died from gangrenous infection.
“Communism”—the Devil’s Route to Fascism
(Part 2)
THAT Bible Students have nothing whatever to do with Anarchism, Communism or Bolshevism, the following facts fully substantiate:
With the aid of a Catholic priest by the name of Dr. E. Gorski, a judge in Poland, Zygmond Wolski, compiled a brochure entitled “Anarchistic Tendencies of Bible Students”. This brochure was based upon a defamatory article regarding the Bible Students under the title “Bolshevistic Plagues” and which had been published in the largest Polish newspaper, the Illustrowany Kurjer Codzienny. The manager of the branch of the Bible Students in Poland, Wm. Schneider, in Lodz, sued the responsible editor for libel. The Court fined the editor zl.200 and, in addition, made him pay the costs of court, zl.110.
In summing up its arguments the Court pointed out that the editor was guilty of libel against the Bible Students, setting forth that in a certain Bible Students’ meeting purely religious topics were being discussed, including those of a social character in harmony with Christian Idealism. With this verdict the basic charges of the Gorski pamphlet were ruled out.
Of special interest therefore are the conclusions arrived at by the Catholic Church paper, Gazeta Koscielna No. 21, of May 21, 1933, in commenting on the above-mentioned pamphlet:
It follows therefore that these SECTARIANS cannot be classed in with Communism, for the Bible Students are themselves also opposed to it. In quoting citations from their publications, we must not ignore those which EXPRESSLY declare that neither Communism nor anarchy can bring happiness to humanity, but that a government based upon a THEOCRATIC foundation is necessary to assure a guaranty of peace and happiness. Hence there is a great GULF between Bible Students and Communism.
Because the Catholic bishop of Sandomierz took exception to this truthful and matter-of-fact verdict, the editor of this article, for his own justification, added:
I hope to be understood in the sense that I DO NOT take the position of a defender for the Bible Students, neither does the Gazeta Koscielna become their champion; for it is one thing to defend the IDEA of a sect, and quite another thing to furnish proof that said sect does not advocate such an idea. Since I am familiar with both the IDEA as well as the SPIRIT of this sect, I herewith declare that the State may rest absolutely at peace from this quarter; because Bible Students will not assume an aggressive character against the State.
An old European bawd takes out naturalization papers
(Beauty is only skin deep)
The accusations therefore, raised by several clerics, are without any foundation whatsoever. It merely seems that way to us, because, accustomed as we are to observing the indifference of the majority of Catholics, we lose sight of the JOY OF LIVING SACRIFICE on the part of Bible Students for their propaganda purposes. And we also note that any efforts toward vilifying this sect not only bear no good fruit, but, what is more, are entirely foreign and diametrically opposed and harmful to the IDEA of the Catholic Church. We pay no attention to the fact that the use of UNETHICAL methods indicates a LACK of spiritual power and by this means we are turning THOUSANDS of sensitive souls AWAY from the Church. It is about time that champions of the truth cease their abuse in their conflict with their opponents, by teaching, not only from their pulpits, but also in very deed, that SUCH ALSO WE MUST LOVE.
The Conspiracy Against America
The conspiracy against America is very well set forth in the following dispatch from Seattle, May 29, to the Portland (Oreg.) Sunday Journal of the following day's date. It remains only to add that this conspiracy is state-wide and world-wide, extending wherever the Roman Catholic Hierarchy reaches. The plans are unpatriotic, treasonable, shameless and Fascist.
A new organization that promises to exert a profound influence in local politics is being quietly formed in Seattle and may eventually expand throughout the state. Its purpose is to combat Communism wherever it is found and by whatever method may be necessary. In other words, it is prepared to get tough.
JOHN EDGAR HOOVER
DIRECTOR
Federal Bureau of Investigation
United States Department of Justice
Washington, D. C.
April 6, 1937
Mr. A. Vartanian,
2335 A Market Street,
Oakland, California.
Dear Mr. Vartanian:
Your letter dated January 20, 1937, addressed to the President of the United States, has been referred to the Federal Bureau of Investigation for attention.
I desire to advise you that the information contained in your communication has been noted by this Bureau.
Very truly yours,
J. Edgar Hoover,
Director.
The organization began in the Knights of Columbus within the past few days and found ready support among members of the American Legion. Already some Protestant clergymen have been interested, together with some prominent Jews. The idea is to make it non-sectarian, non-partisan and aggressively pro-American.
The plan of organization, so far carefully guarded and not yet completed, calls for a general federation of groups and individuals aroused by the continued encroachments of radicalism. Inside this, however, will be a core of active men who will actually conduct the campaign and carry out the battle plans and strategy of an executive committee of 12. The identity of the executive committee may be shielded, according to present plans. It will represent the various elements allied in the fight.
As they are shaping up, the methods of the new organization will be a combination of Vigilantes, the Secret Six of Chicago fame and the Daughters of the American Revolution. They will carry the flag with a mailed fist.
The first open step will probably be a combination membership drive and educational campaign to advise the public of the new association and its intentions. Then it will turn actively to the business of making things uncomfortable for Communists. Public officials openly allied with the reds or those who have been sympathetic to their program will come in for attention. So will public school and university teachers who have been skirting the rim of Communism in their classrooms.
Red labor agitators are slated for specific action. In fact, there will be lots of action in lots of places if plans mature the way they are laid, because the organizers plan to have plenty of manpower ready for emergencies.
The President Knows What Is Going On
The president knows well enough what is going on, but he is not interested in the preservation of America. What he wants is Fascism, like the beautiful (?) arrangements in Italy, Austria, Germany and elsewhere. Among the many papers served on him on this subject was the following interesting letter by Mr. Vartanian. See acknowledgment herewith by Mr. J. Edgar Hoover, of the Department of Justice.
Oakland, Calif.
Jan. 20, 1937
Hon. Franklin D. Roosevelt,
Washington, D.C.
DEAR PRESIDENT:
I admire the step you have taken to see that a reward from federal funds will be made available to anyone who will give information regarding the kidnaping of the Mattison child. An example that should be followed by all governors in this most shocking case.
But do you realize, Mr. President, that there are other cases of violence to American justice that are just as unlawful and from a different angle just as much an expression of violence as this kidnaping? I refer to the ungodly, unlawful, inhuman, and fanatical violence of that bigoted sect, the Roman Catholic Hierarchy, especially in the state of New Jersey and elsewhere. These people acting thru their allied political tools, rulers who do not love true American standards, even in their bigotry inflict punishment upon helpless school children who dare to love their God as well as their country. And, too, consider their cruel and relentless war against those who dare to preach true Christianity instead of some creedal brand of religion.
When the strumpet blows her trumpet, cowards hasten to man the battlements
Millions have several times signed Protests and Petitions which have been presented to those in authority so that a check might be made on this Fascist foreign influence in American life. So far it seems the wishes of these true Americans with the free spirit of their ancestors and their love of the true and living God have been disregarded and their efforts seem to be fruitless. Men in responsible positions remain silent on this fundamental issue. Why? Does some superpower silence the voices of real American statesmen? If so, why?
The Congress of the United States have also a great responsibility to both God and man, yet they show no vision of the will of Jehovah God expressed in the Holy Scriptures; for if they did they would not for a moment leave unchallenged the unfair and intolerant actions of the Roman Hierarchy. Shall they be permitted to control American politics as they have those of Spain and other nations, to the same disastrous end?
Why are laws allowed to be passed and enforced that are contrary to the Constitution of this free nation, and of a foreign, Fascist nature? Why are true Christian people persecuted and denied their God-given rights in a land of liberty?
As a national leader you have a responsibility to show kindness, and protect the rights of Jehovah's people (Matthew 25th chapter), and by so doing manifest your respect and reverence for the King of Eternity. You can do your share to see that these people are 'let go, that they may worship and serve Jehovah' as commanded by Him, in a free and unmolested manner. I have no desire to fight with any religionist leader in any carnal way, but I do speak in the name of Jehovah and His Son, Jesus Christ, whom I follow gladly and in His name call your attention to your responsibility to Him as well as your responsibility towards His human creatures. Kidnaping is a terrible crime and should be severely punished, but so should others be punished for kidnaping the rights of others and doing violence (often actual and physical) to inoffensive Christians.
Sincerely, a former Catholic but now a servant of JEHOVAH GOD and His kingdom,
A. VARTANIAN.
As in Germany, So in America
As Germany was ruined by the Swastika, the illegal Brown Shirts, and the ex-soldiers, so America may be ruined by waving the stars and stripes, while the Knights of Columbus and the American (?) Legion do the dirty work. Jehovah's witnesses know just how it is done; they have seen the team at work. In Germany the courts act like so many schoolboys, doing what they are told. Is that to be the rule in America?
The common idea is that when a man puts on a black robe, takes his place on the bench, and starts to hand down decisions, decrees and rulings, he is of higher quality than ordinary clay. He appears to speak from Olympian heights and his sayings are supposed to be truth, verity and logic. It's only a supposition, however. The judicial boys are human, like the rest of us. They make mistakes. They are swayed by prejudice, passion and their own philosophy of life, just like the ordinary fry.
Almost two years ago little Carleton Nichols of Lynn, Massachusetts, horrified the Daughters of the American Revolution, the American Legion, Veterans of Foreign Wars, Ku Klux Klan, Silver Shirts, White Shirts, Gray Shirts, Khaki Shirts and other superheated devotees of nationalistic religion by actually refusing to lift his hand in salute to the flag. The Associated Press joined the resulting clamor and in a short space of time Carleton and over a hundred others were kicked out of the public schools and told to get their education out of the atmosphere.
In this period a number of cases have been entered in the courts to determine the right of a child to attend the public schools and be free to obey the laws of Almighty God. Now some of the courts have spoken—and how!
I AM AS IT WERE GOD
PAPAL RULE
HUMANITY
All aboard for the last trip
Decision Contrary to Stipulation and Agreement
The New Jersey Supreme Court said that the giving of the salute was not in conflict with the religious beliefs of the children. And that, dearly beloveds, is peculiar, because in that case all the parties stipulated and agreed, and wrote it into the record, that the children could not salute the flag because it contravened their Christian beliefs. The Supreme Court did not like the facts; so it amended the facts to fit its decision.
The Massachusetts Supreme Judicial Court, after considering the matter for one year and three months, decided that the compulsory flag salute didn't interfere with freedom of worship. The court also agreed that the boy was telling the truth when he said that he couldn't salute the flag because "it was not the flag of God". Yet it solemnly rules that the salute does not infringe the boy's rights of conscience.
The Washington County (Pennsylvania) Common Pleas Court took about a year to think about it and hatched out some new ideas. The court ruled that the only thing secured to the people under the constitution in the line of religious freedom was freedom of conscience. You can believe anything you want to, but if your belief collides with a law it's too bad for the belief. If the state should enact a law requiring you to doff your hat and kiss the large digit on the right foot of each priest you meet, you wouldn't lose any religious freedom. You would have to give the big toe a royal smack, but your conscience would be free to think all kinds of lurid things about it.
This court further held that the refusal of school children to salute the flag was "in violation of their social duties and subversive of good order". It's going to be tough on Pennsylvania school kids to be kicked out of school every time they slip up on a social duty.
Real Judges Here and There
Chief Justice Brownson of this Pennsylvania court did not agree with his judicial colleagues. Here is what he had to say about it:
I would say that if any of the children should honestly and sincerely entertain religious scruples against taking such a pledge, I question whether they ought to be compelled thus to violate their consciences, even if such scruples be deemed unreasonable. No good purpose is subserved thereby. To compel them to utter a personal pledge which they cannot give from the heart, because they conscientiously believe it a violation of their duty to God, is to inculcate hypocrisy, and to weaken the conception and sense of supremacy of conscience, not only in themselves, but among others. There are, it is true, some things which the law may properly command a man to do, or refrain from doing, even against the dictates of conscience, but those are things touching and involving the safety and welfare of society or the rights of his fellow citizens, and they come under the doctrine "Salus populi est suprema lex". I am unable to see that the safety and welfare of the country and its people will be endangered by the fact that a few school children may be unwilling, in consequence of their conscientiously held religious tenets, to join with others in uttering a prescribed form of an express pledge of allegiance, or that forcing them thus to play the hypocrite will in any way benefit the country. . . . [To stand mute] wouldn't hurt the flag.
Judge Peter J. Shields, of the Superior Court of Sacramento, California, in a similar case holds that the school child may have the right to attend school even though he does fail to perform his "social duty" of saluting the flag. Judge Shields states:
We are not to be the judges of the reasonableness of another's beliefs, nor the merits of his religious convictions. The Constitution says that we may exercise our religious convictions without discrimination or preference.
The Georgia Supreme Court did well at pronouncing the solemn rulings involving freedom of worship and then heaving them into the ash can. The court called attention to the fact that Georgia children have a constitutional right to attend the public schools. It quoted citations pronouncing the right to worship God according to the dictates of conscience, and that no human authority could of right interfere with it. Then the court proceeded to remove both such rights from Dorothy Leoles, who believed in the inherent right to worship God without bowing down to the national image. It decided she could not worship God "in spirit and in truth" if she attended the public schools of Georgia and that the compulsory flag salute just didn't interfere with her freedom of worship. And the proud motto of the State of Georgia is, "Wisdom, Justice, Moderation." Phooey!
The Workmanship of Master Bunglers
Isn't it wonderful how the courts can muddy up a simple, clear-cut proposition? Religious freedom means the right to believe, and the right to act in accordance with the belief. Apply ordinary reasoning (not the judicial variety) to the proposition, without taking a year or two to make it difficult, and what have you? The school child has the right to believe that a salute to the flag is a violation of God's law. He has the right to act in accordance with such belief, which means he has the right to refuse to salute the flag. But that is too simple and easy for those who wear the ermine. When they get through you have all these contradictions:
It doesn't violate the rights of conscience.
It does violate the rights of conscience.
It won't hurt the flag.
It is subversive of the social order.
It is violative of a social duty.
We cannot decide another person's religious beliefs.
The flag salute has nothing to do with a religious belief.
So, there you are. Consistency, truth and logic fly out of the window when the devotees of the flag-salutin' religion endeavor to justify their position. Justice receives a kick in the slats, and Ambrose improves in health. And the people still believe that Christianity is free in America.
All Set to Grab the Government
The people at Washington who have sworn to preserve and protect the Government are all set to grab it the day the United States enters a war, and it is easy enough to get into a war.
The Morgan gang were so absolutely sure that they could force the United States into the World War that two representatives of that buccaneering outfit, Sharp and Bacon, waited on Gabriel Hanotaux, France's wartime minister of foreign affairs, in company with the late Myron T. Herrick, United States ambassador to France, and solemnly guaranteed to put the United States into the war on the side of the Morgan financial interests, if France, which was then licked, would stay in the war.
Did they keep their word? You ought to know that they did, and that the mandate of the American people to Mr. Wilson to keep out of the war had no more weight with that gentleman than the morning dew has on the hide of the rhinoceros. Hanotaux gave it all away in his Memoirs. And the purchased American newspapers delivered the Morgan goods.
But now about grabbing the Government outright, and having in America this bastard form of tyranny styled Fascism, more properly designated Catholic Action. It will all be done, if nothing comes up to prevent it, just as easily as the pirate Sir Henry John Morgan ever sacked a city. The army and navy have the plans all worked out.
The day war is declared the powers of the military dictatorship which will then be declared give the president absolute powers, covering everything. He will fix prices, rates and wages and can immediately suppress any newspaper, printing press, publishing firm, or any other business or any individual in a position to influence or appeal to public opinion.
Warm times ahead, boys and girls! Take your choice: Jehovah or the Devil! “Choose you this day whom ye will serve!” Choose life, that you may LIVE.
One of President Roosevelt’s secretaries is Miss Grace G. Tully, who was secretary to Cardinal Hayes of New York for ten years before the campaign of 1928, when Franklin D. Roosevelt was elected governor of New York, at which time she began to work for him. President Roosevelt betrays no prejudice against Catholics. Some of his closest and most confidential colaborers are subjects of the Roman Catholic Hierarchy.
Another of his Roman Catholic secretaries, Miss Grace Le Hand, was recently given the degree of LL.D. It was conferred in the White House, with the president of the United States sitting beside two nuns, shown in a picture blazoned all over the United States.
Putting It Up to Dickstein
Noticing that Representative Samuel Dickstein, of New York city, stated in Washington that there are 800 “Hate” organizations in the United States, Harry Piatt of New Jersey suggested in a letter to him that it is just possible there is an organization in the United States that would find pleasure in applying that epithet to any and every body of people in the country that might be interested in the subject of preserving their liberties and that of others:
The situation in Italy, Germany and Spain should furnish a definite clue as to the organization which you may expect to find interested in the strangulation of liberty in this country. In both Italy and Germany the Jew is severely persecuted and every Christian who holds a belief differing from that of the State religion is likely to be thrown into a detention camp or a dungeon where he will be starved or beaten in an attempt to force him to change his belief. This same condition has recently evidenced itself in this country also. In Spain, where a popular government is or was in power and a State religion forced out, a revolution is now in full swing in an attempt to force out by violence the government of the people’s choice and jam down their throats the State religion which they by the ballot have vomited up.
Everyone with an iota of intelligence knows that the mother of the twins Fascism and Nazism is the Roman Catholic Hierarchy. Also, every such person knows that the Roman Catholic Hierarchy and her twins do not thrive well where democracy, education and truth have free way. This subtle organization by deceptive influence over finance, commerce and politics has set out to undermine this government, and thus far, unhindered, has made a pretty good job of it. Laws have been enacted which make it a misdemeanor if you dare open your mouth to reveal insidiousness of this, the incubator of all “hate organizations”. Boycott has been openly advocated by the Hierarchy against commercial organizations which rent radio facilities. Bodily injury and death has been threatened time and again by agents of this organization against anyone who would dare reveal its wicked activities.
Where is the public-spirited and constitutionally conscious statesman? What! With flagrant defiance of the bill of rights and basic tenets of this government flung so brazenly in their faces, and not a voice is raised in protest which can be heard above a whisper.
Men, women and children, highly respectable, are thrown into filthy jails in various parts of this country because they preach the gospel of God’s kingdom and it is highly distasteful to the Hierarchy.
Full information concerning the above-cited facts can be furnished if you desire it.
The Mussolini-Hitler Brand of Anarchy
THE cat is now well out of the bag that the Roman Hierarchy and its K. of C. strongarm squad are out and out for Fascism, which is the opposite of democracy. The new emblem of the K. of C. which every member of the order is urged to wear, has the Fascist emblem as its central feature. The cross is tipped to one side to bring this more prominently to the fore.
In an address at Providence, Rhode Island, the Most Reverend Francis P. Keogh said, “Should it develop into a fight between Communism and Fascism, we’ll take Fascism, because the Fascists have a god.” Why, sure he would! and so would every other bishop. This sentence, in one form or another, has been in so many addresses of Roman prelates in the past year that it may as well stand in type, and be run in every address they give. The Fascists have a god; of course, they have. It is the same god Jesus and the apostle spoke about, the god of this world, the Devil, whose personal representative on this earth is the pope.
Bishop Joseph Schrembs, of Cleveland, Ohio, in endorsing Father Coughlin and Fascism puts the two together in this fashion:
Father Coughlin wants some protection for the laboring classes and their families. Fascism has now given it to Italian workmen. If American capitalists were not so shortsighted they would also advance in order to save their country from Communism.
The Hierarchy has not a particle of respect for the United States flag, or any other flag, except as a convenient way of clubbing its way into power.
The Saturday Evening Post, in its issue of December 12, 1936, republished from the European Picture Service of the Paul Thompson Photos a picture of seven men on a reviewing stand in Trenton when the national flag went by. Governor (later President) Wilson, and all the men but one, had their hats off when the flag went by. Joseph Tumulty, President Wilson’s Roman Catholic secretary, kept his hat squarely on his head and did not even touch its brim. A correspondent wants to know what was the matter with Tumulty’s hat. It is easy enough. At that time he was acting as he really felt.
The Greatest Disgrace in History
NOTHING in history ever equaled the great disgrace to which the Roman Catholic organization is exposed by what is happening in Germany. White with rage, Dr. Joseph Goebbels, German minister of propaganda, said of the public trials for corruption of youths by Roman Catholic priests and lay brothers:
The situation in Germany is not a case of individual acts, but of a general decadence of morals more shocking than anything that can be observed in the entire history of humanity. If you ask why trials of similar offenders in other walks of life are not public, I reply, because no other calling or profession hitherto has presumed to condone such swinish conduct, and because in no other calling has immorality been so rampant as among those under discussion.
In every case the Church has sought to protect the accused, obscure their offenses and either transfer them to some other monastery or smuggle them abroad in order that they might escape the arm of the law. In full knowledge of all that has happened in this connection and of all that has come to my notice through examination of records, I desire to state that the magnitude of these monstrous offenses cannot be communicated to the German people to their full extent. This cesspool is so abysmal that every person who had an opportunity to attend only one of these trials would be imbued with immeasurable wrath and holy anger. For there can today unfortunately be no doubt that even with the thousands upon thousands of cases that have come to the knowledge of justice, these are only a fraction of the real extent of this moral chaos and only a symptom of the whole.
The seduced victims were rewarded for compliance with the wishes of sexual criminals by gifts and pictures of the saints. After their defilement, the sign of the cross was made on the youths and blessings shed on them. No place sacred to the faithful remained free from desecration by criminals in the garb of priests. These unnatural practices were carried on behind the altar, between communion and confession. Certain priests exacted obedience from youths by telling them that such relation with a priest is no sin.
Those who have been found out should not call on God. God’s mercy is not for such people. No one can sink that deep without having lost all relations with Almighty God.
I speak here as a German National Socialist, as the father of a family whose most valuable personal earthly possessions are his four children, whose education he must entrust to public instruction when they reach the proper age. As such I can understand the feelings of those parents who have seen their children, their most precious possession, delivered to bestial and unscrupulous defilers of youth. I believe too that I speak in the name of thousands of German parents who think with fear and disgust that their own innocent children might sometime be morally and physically corrupted in this way by conscienceless seducers.
It is therefore very unwise and demonstrates the complete panic of these circles, which find themselves exposed, when they attempt to throw doubt upon the reports of the trials by appealing to the uninformed outside world.
Experienced in Care of Feeble-Minded
EVERY American must have noticed the frequency with which public charges of all kinds are placed in Roman Catholic institutions. The government aid for their upkeep is an important source of Roman Catholic revenue. Now about the caretakers in such institutions! If they run short they know where to get them. Here, for instance, is Brother Friedrich of the Waldbreitbach Franciscans, at Oberbruchanau, Germany. Just at present he is nominally serving a three-year sentence for offenses against six feeble-minded and insane patients in his care, but no doubt he can be released and shipped to the United States right away under one of the Jesuit-forged passports, if he is really needed. Another bird that got four years is Brother Januarius of the Montabaur Brothers of Charity: thirteen boys under 18 appeared against him. Nice kind of caretaker for boys, eh? what?
Science and Invention
Fine Papers and Clothing from Pines
DR. CHARLES H. HERTY, who several years ago perfected a process for making newsprint paper from Southern pine trees, has made another important discovery which undoubtedly will have an effect on the making of papers. According to an announcement made by the pulp and paper laboratory located in Savannah, Georgia, Doctor Herty has been seeking a way to make book and bond papers, also clothing, from the pine trees in the huge forests of the South. His research and experiments resulted in his discovery of fat in the woody part of the trees, also an easy as well as inexpensive method for extracting it. This discovery of the fat in the trees, it is said, will make the trees of the South immediately available for the unlimited manufacture of the finest bond and book papers. Also, if rayon can be made from the trees, the same as it is now made from the Northern spruce, the South has enough pine to clothe the whole world in rayon. Doctor Herty has said the discovery of the fat offers a new industry to the manufacture of newsprint; for he found the same fat in spruce trees, from which the world's present supply of newsprint, also most of its white paper, is made.
A New Invention in Photography
A NEW invention in photography is a cream spread over photographic films, plates or paper which enables the printing of positives from positives or negatives from negatives without the intermediate processes and expenses heretofore necessary. The discovery was an accident. It will be of great advantage in making blueprints and photostatic copies of documents.
Cornstalk Boards
THE new cornstalk boards, made by soaking cornstalks and then pressing them at 300 degrees Fahrenheit and 450 pounds to the square inch, results in a grainless product for which there may be a big future. The material is waterproofed by means of resin or paraffin.
Fig Trees Eat Up Palm Trees
IN Guatemala and San Salvador fig trees often eat up palm trees. Birds carry fig seeds to the tops of the palms; they take root, penetrate to the heart of the palm, and finally kill it.
The Automobile Diversion
REFERRING to the automobile diversion from old-line industries, The American Guardian calls attention to the fact that in 1907 the country produced 51,000,000 tons of iron ore and built 5,200 miles of new railroad, but in 1934 it produced only 24,000,000 tons of iron ore and built but 33 miles of new railroad. The Guardian claims that the gasoline engine has displaced horses and cattle that would have consumed as much agricultural produce as would have been required to feed 40,000,000 persons.
Try This Next Winter
A FRIEND in Chicago says: "This past terrible winter we had much trouble with frost on the wind shield, causing poor vision, until advised to open the wind shield just a little so that the windows would not freeze over. We tried it, and it worked fine."
…