History-Los Angeles: Molokane Take to Hills in Scare (1906)
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History-Los Angeles: Molokane Take to Hills in Scare (1906)
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Posted: 15 Jun 2008 11:30PM GMT |
Classification: Query
Take to Hills in Scare
Deluded Los Angeles Molokans Will Move Tomorrow for Fear of Quake
There will be an exodus of the Molokane from Los Angeles tomorrow. The 2000 or more colonists will begin their trek from the city early in the morning. They will take to the hills.
Two days they have fasted, sitting in sackcloth and ashes around their humble homes. No food has touched their lips since Friday morning. They fear the destruction of Los Angeles by earthquake.
This morning will begin the weirdest service ever held in this city. Weeping and wailing, the Molokane will prostrate themselves, beseeching God’s protections, and asking forgiveness for their sins.
With their loins girded, their bundles packed, and as much of their household goods as they can conveniently carry, the Russians will march without the city gates, and will await the expected destruction.
Should the foolish prophecy of their leaders come true, and Los Angeles be shaken, they would continue their journey to another country, to which they believe a divine power will guide them.
Simple, credulous and trustful, the people have placed entire confidence in the men who have foretold the dire disaster. They believe it must come because their priests have declared the danger imminent.
Without question they have accepted the words of a fanatical crank who has for the past week been exciting them with outlandish antics.
Nightly services have been held, and the worshipers have worked themselves into throes of excitement which has culminated in their determination to leave the city.
Despite the efforts of others to counteract the influence of the fanatics, who are playing upon the superstitions of the ignorant Molokane, the belief in the prophecies of the strangely garbed priests is gaining among the colonists, and, almost to a man, it is said, they are determined to go.
Unreasoning, blind belief in their leaders is said to be responsible for their sudden plan to move. Doubts are expressed as to the number which will really begin the trek when the hour arrives. Never has there been such excitement among the Caucasians as has been aroused by this latest religious wave.
That they will return as soon as the sun sets on Monday, provided there is no seismic disturbance, is admitted by those in close touch with the leaders.
Los Angeles Times (1886-Current File); Oct 14, 1906; ProQuest Historical Newspapers Los Angeles Times (1881 - 1985), pg. II1
Deluded Los Angeles Molokans Will Move Tomorrow for Fear of Quake
There will be an exodus of the Molokane from Los Angeles tomorrow. The 2000 or more colonists will begin their trek from the city early in the morning. They will take to the hills.
Two days they have fasted, sitting in sackcloth and ashes around their humble homes. No food has touched their lips since Friday morning. They fear the destruction of Los Angeles by earthquake.
This morning will begin the weirdest service ever held in this city. Weeping and wailing, the Molokane will prostrate themselves, beseeching God’s protections, and asking forgiveness for their sins.
With their loins girded, their bundles packed, and as much of their household goods as they can conveniently carry, the Russians will march without the city gates, and will await the expected destruction.
Should the foolish prophecy of their leaders come true, and Los Angeles be shaken, they would continue their journey to another country, to which they believe a divine power will guide them.
Simple, credulous and trustful, the people have placed entire confidence in the men who have foretold the dire disaster. They believe it must come because their priests have declared the danger imminent.
Without question they have accepted the words of a fanatical crank who has for the past week been exciting them with outlandish antics.
Nightly services have been held, and the worshipers have worked themselves into throes of excitement which has culminated in their determination to leave the city.
Despite the efforts of others to counteract the influence of the fanatics, who are playing upon the superstitions of the ignorant Molokane, the belief in the prophecies of the strangely garbed priests is gaining among the colonists, and, almost to a man, it is said, they are determined to go.
Unreasoning, blind belief in their leaders is said to be responsible for their sudden plan to move. Doubts are expressed as to the number which will really begin the trek when the hour arrives. Never has there been such excitement among the Caucasians as has been aroused by this latest religious wave.
That they will return as soon as the sun sets on Monday, provided there is no seismic disturbance, is admitted by those in close touch with the leaders.
Los Angeles Times (1886-Current File); Oct 14, 1906; ProQuest Historical Newspapers Los Angeles Times (1881 - 1985), pg. II1