April 25, 1912

Washington D.C.   Dignitaries . . .  Effusive remarks about the Master . . .  Unity of East and West

Today Duane Troxel sent me the book by Elbert Hubbard, "Hollyhocks and Golden Glow," which has a chapter on the Master. Published in 1912, it is effusive (and sometimes inaccurate).  I'll quote a bit from it: 

"This man is the modern Messiah. He comes to the Western world on a distinct mission, and no one who meets him can doubt his sincerity. The message he brings is the unification of the East and West in the bonds of brotherly love, mutual aid, reciprocity and an understanding which means peace on earth and good-will toward men. It presages a worldwide upspringing of vital religion. . . . 

Elbert Hubbard

"America has never produced a religious leader with the zeal and health and insight  and patience and intellectual reach of this man Abdul Baha-save with one exception, and that was a woman. [One wonders whom he refers to here.  Perhaps Mary Baker Eddy? AP]. . . . The man is regal in his way of living and in his mental attitude. He travels with a retinue of servants, secretaries and followers, all caftan-robed. Evidently, he is well supplied with money. He has everything he needs and wants. Wherever he goes he rides in automobiles and stops at the best hotels. He is in touch with big people, and meets all classes and kinds of people on an equality. Let him visit any bank, factory, office-building, church, and everything is laid aside and eyes bulge and ears listen until he takes his departure.  [Don't you love this reference to eyes bulging? AP] When he went to Washington and swept through the Capitol, even the Supreme Court of the United States saw fit to adjourn; the House the same; and the Senate--for a while, at least--forgot matters of investigation. [Fallacies: This is where Allan Ward got his information, which he then published erroneously in 239 Days—AP]

". . . He has the ambition, the faith, and the heart of youth. He looks at things with the innocence of a man who sees them absolutely for the first time. He is reverential, respectful, filled with a great and holy zeal. And this zeal takes the form of a message of unification to the world. There is no doubt, among thinking people, that this man represents, in great degree, the growing and evolving spirit of our times. Aside from his religious zeal, the fact still re-mains that the nations are getting together in a way that they never have before in history . . . The divine fire of this man's spirituality is bound to illuminate the dark corners of our imaginations and open up to us a spiritual realm which we would do well to go in and possess.

So here is health and happiness and long life to Abdul Baha, the servant of God ! We can not but echo back to him the love, the good-will and the high and holy faith which he brings to us."

There is an Arts and Crafts Movement exhibit (about Gustav Stickley) at the Dallas Museum of Art right now. I'll have to go back and see what mentions it might have about Hubbard, who was part of that movement. 

Today, in 1912, according to Mahmud, "There was a special meeting for the Theosophists in the morning. The Master spoke on the distinction and superiority of human beings to the rest of creation, the various faculties of the soul, the unity of God, the need for spiritual progress and divine civilization. There were many guests and after the Master's talk some went into a private room to ask Him personal questions. Another meeting was held in the afternoon at the Master's residence. As with the other meetings, it was attended by the public. The living room on the ground floor was filled to capacity. `Abdu'l-Bahá spoke on the importance and necessity of spiritual teachings and their renewal in every age. He also discussed the principles of this great Cause. After the talk, many received permission to ask Him questions in an adjoining room. Most of them first apologized, aware that He was extremely tired, but said that just being in His presence was for them their greatest joy and that to listen to Him was a source of happiness and honor.

"Today the Master said to Mrs Parsons: 'Such a traveler and guest is the cause of much bother. You need to leave the house and run away. The usual guest in a city meets certain people at specific times but you have had to host the public from morning until evening.' 

"In the evening the Turkish Ambassador, his honor Díyá Páshá, invited the Master to a royal feast. Most of us were also invited, as were many dignitaries, all of whom were dressed in formal attire. The Master gave a short talk at the table with the utmost majesty and beauty on the subject of the influence of the words of the Manifestations of God and their all-conquering power. The Ambassador then read from a prepared statement written in praise of the Master and presented it to Him:

'The light of His honor's quality and knowledge in this new land and new world is now shining upon all peoples, showering them with His encouragement and enlightenment. He has suffered and sacrificed everything for the purpose of disseminating good qualities for humanity. He has now honored us by His presence. His Honor, `Abdu'l-Bahá, is unique in our age and is highly esteemed and treasured by all of us. With prayer to the Lord of the worlds, I wish Him a long life and good health.  Díyá Páshá'

Turkish Ambassador

"When the Ambassador completed his statement, the Master spoke:

'This night is a very blessed night, worthy of the utmost praise and joy for many reasons. First, praise be to God, we are in a country which is famous for its prosperity and freedom. Second, we are in a house which is connected to the great Ottoman Power. Third, we are the guests of His Excellency the Ambassador who shines like the sun in the world of morality. Fourth, this meeting provides a tangible demonstration of the love and unity that is possible between the East and the West.

'His Excellency the Ambassador is from the East, while his wife is an American. Similarly, His Excellency the Ambassador of Persia is from the nobility of the Orient, while his wife is also an American. This is a proof that the Orient and Occident can meet, love and unite. The greatest wish of people of thought and broad vision and sound understanding is the oneness and unity of humanity. . . .  I thank His Excellency the Ambassador who brought about this meeting of people of different nationalities in his home. Such meetings, in truth, deserve much praise and commendation.'

"At the close of the meeting the Ambassador again arose to show his respect and appreciation. He accompanied the Master to His carriage with the utmost humility and esteem.

"During these days, many dignitaries and important people visited the Master. Even President [Theodore] Roosevelt came, with humility and respect, especially to see the Master."

President Roosevelt!  He chose Portsmouth, NH, across the river from Green Acre, as the place where the 1905 peace treaty between Japan and Russia took place and later would receive a Nobel peace prize for his role in the treaty. To think of him coming to meet `Abdu'l-Bahá!

I know I have other threads to pick up, but will have to save them for another day.  Louis Gregory is close upon the horizon. . . . And I can't bear to think that I'm ignoring possible accounts of or about Agnes, Juliet, Alice, Ali KK, and others. . . . This journey is immense and eye-opening [bulging?]. My eyes would be bulging more right now if I didn't need to sleep. . . .