History-Los Angeles: Faker’s Quake Doesn’t Shake (1906)
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History-Los Angeles: Faker’s Quake Doesn’t Shake (1906)
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Posted: 15 Jun 2008 11:51PM GMT |
Classification: Query
Faker’s Quake Doesn’t Shake
So He Tells Foolish Molokane to Fast Again.
Beziaff Announces Destruction of Los Angeles is Postponed – His Hungry People Breathe Sigh of Relief, But Must Take Up Their Belts Another Notch or Two.
Earthquakes failed him. There was no bolt out of a clear sky to establish his precedence. Yesterday passed without a tremor of the earth’s crust, and “Prophet” Bezieff of the Molokane was disqualified.
Though hundreds of the faithful were prepared to leave the city early yesterday morning, the trek was forbidden by Bezieff himself, who tragically announced that the destruction of Los Angeles had been postponed.
Satisfied with having terrorized the simple, credulous “Preguni,” the faker sent word to his people, before sunrise, that a respite had been given the “wicked city.” He could not tell them how many days of grace had been granted. The air-bubble of fame he had blown about himself was punctured by the jeers of a disgusted crowd.
Bezieff himself went into hiding shortly before the sun went down, and could not be found last night. His last word to his people was a command for another three days’ fast. The Molokane feasted last night, after three days without food, and those who still have faith in Bezieff must now abstain from food again for another period.
The old man’s idea of the wickedness of Los Angeles was gleaned by a half day spent in Justice Chambers’ court, when he saw about fifty “drunks” and others up for judgment. Among the grist for judicial grinding was the oldest son of Bezieff, who had jumped into a peck of trouble by fighting for the heart of a pretty Molokane maiden.
There were few among the Russians who worked yesterday. Bearded men hung around the street corners, waiting for they knew not what. They did not hold a meeting. There was no leader. Bezieff was in disgrace.
Little children, who have taken part in the orgies practiced in the name of religion at the Stimson-La Fayette school wandered about the streets inquiring wistfully of their parents and others as to when the march was to begin. Many were disappointed when they learned that there would be no march.
Anxious for any change that would bring excitement to their dull lives, the Molokane have taken hold of the celebration of the Feast of Tabernacles as no other people could. They have followed the teachings of the Mosaic law to the letter, and have even added to the ceremonials prescribed therein.
Under the impression that they are atoning for their sins, and that the observation of the feasts and fasts are more essential than anything else which can enter into their lives, they have given themselves over to their peculiar rites.
Under the impression that they are atoning for their sins, and that the observation of the feasts and fasts are more essential than anything else which can enter into their lives, they have given themselves over to their peculiar rites.
As a result of the fast days, the little bakeries in Russian town, which depend for their trade upon the Molokane, are stocked with stale bread, pies and cakes, which the devout, though hungry, Preguni will not touch.
This holiday spirit is working havoc among the colonists, who are becoming demoralized. The usual quiet of the streets is disturbed, night and day, by meetings held in private homes. Several of these gatherings have been broken up by the police.
Heads of families, who formerly worked to supply their children with bread, are idle. Families are without means of support6. What they are going to do when rent day comes around is a pertinent question.
Rev. Dana W. Bartlett and a corps of workers who are striving to help the Russians, are concerned because of the influence the religious leaders are exerting to arouse the people to fanatical fervor. There are many among the more enlightened of the Molokane who frown upon the observance of feast and fast days to the neglect of other and more vital duties.
Los Angeles Times 1886-Current; Oct 16, 1906; ProQuest Historical Newspapers Los Angeles Times (1881 - 1985), pg. II14
So He Tells Foolish Molokane to Fast Again.
Beziaff Announces Destruction of Los Angeles is Postponed – His Hungry People Breathe Sigh of Relief, But Must Take Up Their Belts Another Notch or Two.
Earthquakes failed him. There was no bolt out of a clear sky to establish his precedence. Yesterday passed without a tremor of the earth’s crust, and “Prophet” Bezieff of the Molokane was disqualified.
Though hundreds of the faithful were prepared to leave the city early yesterday morning, the trek was forbidden by Bezieff himself, who tragically announced that the destruction of Los Angeles had been postponed.
Satisfied with having terrorized the simple, credulous “Preguni,” the faker sent word to his people, before sunrise, that a respite had been given the “wicked city.” He could not tell them how many days of grace had been granted. The air-bubble of fame he had blown about himself was punctured by the jeers of a disgusted crowd.
Bezieff himself went into hiding shortly before the sun went down, and could not be found last night. His last word to his people was a command for another three days’ fast. The Molokane feasted last night, after three days without food, and those who still have faith in Bezieff must now abstain from food again for another period.
The old man’s idea of the wickedness of Los Angeles was gleaned by a half day spent in Justice Chambers’ court, when he saw about fifty “drunks” and others up for judgment. Among the grist for judicial grinding was the oldest son of Bezieff, who had jumped into a peck of trouble by fighting for the heart of a pretty Molokane maiden.
There were few among the Russians who worked yesterday. Bearded men hung around the street corners, waiting for they knew not what. They did not hold a meeting. There was no leader. Bezieff was in disgrace.
Little children, who have taken part in the orgies practiced in the name of religion at the Stimson-La Fayette school wandered about the streets inquiring wistfully of their parents and others as to when the march was to begin. Many were disappointed when they learned that there would be no march.
Anxious for any change that would bring excitement to their dull lives, the Molokane have taken hold of the celebration of the Feast of Tabernacles as no other people could. They have followed the teachings of the Mosaic law to the letter, and have even added to the ceremonials prescribed therein.
Under the impression that they are atoning for their sins, and that the observation of the feasts and fasts are more essential than anything else which can enter into their lives, they have given themselves over to their peculiar rites.
Under the impression that they are atoning for their sins, and that the observation of the feasts and fasts are more essential than anything else which can enter into their lives, they have given themselves over to their peculiar rites.
As a result of the fast days, the little bakeries in Russian town, which depend for their trade upon the Molokane, are stocked with stale bread, pies and cakes, which the devout, though hungry, Preguni will not touch.
This holiday spirit is working havoc among the colonists, who are becoming demoralized. The usual quiet of the streets is disturbed, night and day, by meetings held in private homes. Several of these gatherings have been broken up by the police.
Heads of families, who formerly worked to supply their children with bread, are idle. Families are without means of support6. What they are going to do when rent day comes around is a pertinent question.
Rev. Dana W. Bartlett and a corps of workers who are striving to help the Russians, are concerned because of the influence the religious leaders are exerting to arouse the people to fanatical fervor. There are many among the more enlightened of the Molokane who frown upon the observance of feast and fast days to the neglect of other and more vital duties.
Los Angeles Times 1886-Current; Oct 16, 1906; ProQuest Historical Newspapers Los Angeles Times (1881 - 1985), pg. II14