THE BULLETIN OF THE NATIONAL SPIRITUAL ASSEMBLY
OF THE BAHA’IS OF THE UNITED STATES AND CANADA
Office of the Secretary
P. O. BOX 139, STATION D, NEW YORK CITY
The Coming Bahá’i Year[edit]
“May incoming Assembly’s term of office so auspiciously inaugurated culminate in actual completion first units of Mashriqu’l-Adhkár. Invoking Bahá’u’lláh’s blessing on your deliberations.”—Shoghi.
The foregoing cablegram from the Guardian, received while the members of the newly elected National Spiritual Assembly were still in session, is in reality the Guardian’s expressed hope and definite aim for the services of all American believers during the coming Bahá’i year.
The National Assembly can add nothing to these words, save its own whole-hearted appreciation of the spirit of unity manifested by the Convention, its longing to contribute further to that unity, and its recorded general policy for its term of office, as follows: First, a budget, representing the utmost economy and efficiency; second, concentrated on the completion of the Temple Construction Fund of $400,000; and third, seeking guidance and instructions from Shoghi Effendi before undertaking any new plans whatsoever.
The actual situation at present is that the total National Bahá’i Fund as the Convention closed had mounted to the impressive figure of $306,526. If the current annual budget is fixed at $30,000 (the final decision on this will be announced as soon as possible), this means that the total amount to be contributed, to make possible the building of the first Temple unit, is the difference between $400,000 and $306,526 less $30,000—or $123,474. By this reckoning, the sum to be contributed as soon as possible represents the amount still clue on the Temple Fund, plus the current annual budget of the National Assembly.
In all human affairs, a period of
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Shoghi Effendi’s Greeting to Convention “Convey assembled friends (in) Convention deep appreciation substantial progress Temple Fund. Am sacrificing the most valuable ornament (of) Bahá’u’lláh’s Shrine in order (to) consecrate and reinforce (the) collective endeavors (of the) American believers speedily to consummate Plan (of) Unified Action. Appeal for unprecedented self-sacrifice. Ridván greetings. (I) Desire (to) remind all believers (of the) necessity (for) unconditional acceptance (of) whatever position and duties (may be) assigned by delegates and the National Assembly. (I) Deprecate all refusals (of) candidature. SHOGHI.”
Haifa, Palestine April 25, 1929. |
fatigue follows every expression of unusual energy. The American believers, reinforced nobly by most generous donations from England and other countries, have this past year attained a new and higher standard of material sacrifice. The sole aim before us all at present is not merely to bring the Temple Fund up to $400,000, but to accomplish this in the shortest possible time. Success is assured—but what is our real measure of success? Shall we now relax and become spiritually responsible for any and all negative conditions which may arise as the result of that negligence? Or shall we increase our efforts, renew our sacrifices, and lament every single day required for complete obedience to the standard given by Shoghi Effendi in his cablegram?
The higher is our standard of endeavor and attainment, the more power will the believers collectively possess for serving the Cause and meeting the dire challenge of these coming years. The more we concentrate and sacrifice, the more will be our unity. As unity deepens, the more each Bahá’i can penetrate into the mysteries and beneficent glories of the Cause of God. Need we await the next Convention for the signal to resume construction of the Temple? Why should that blessed day not dawn for us before winter comes?
Report of the Twenty-First Annual Convention[edit]
Would that our powers were equal to the task of describing that meeting of pure souls which represented the body of the Bahá’i Cause in America and is known as the Twenty-first Annual Convention. Its purpose was education, consultation, spiritual communion and the transaction of business relating to the activities of the cause and of measures for the completion of the great Temple. Intelligence, luminosity, radiance, kindness, sacrifice, harmony, zeal, self-forgetfulness, joyousness, meditation, prayerfulness, inspiration, efficiency, collective consciousness, confirmation and guidance were among the characteristics of this historic meeting. It was a sign of the New World Order, a pursuit of the ideal, an advancement toward the goal of true success. It combined the qualities of firmness and adaptability, of unwavering purpose and genial good humor. Its powers of harmony were tested more than once in the clashes that sometimes come between the individual and the group consciousness. The latter was always victorious, and yet the divine ideals were upheld in such a loving way as to suggest nothing
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of the Bahá’is of the United States and Canada
P.O. Box 139, Station D, New York City Address for telegrams Horace Holley, 129 East 10th Street New York City Office of the Treasurer 1821 Lincoln Street Evanston, Ill
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of rigidity and to leave no sting.
Many of the most impressive moments were the silent moments. The greatest volume of business, the raising of the fund to $300,000, was done in silence. The treasurer, seated in the rear, received with equal signs of appreciation the small gold coin sent by one who was recently an atheist, but is now drawn into the Cause, with the thousands given by others long in service. It was all done silently. No one was told what others contributed. The impersonal nature of these sacrifices for the greater Cause made a deep impression. Another period of silence and meditation, preceded by prayer, was that before the election of the new National Spiritual Assembly. Each and all appeared to be seeking a decision which would reflect the Divine Will. The powers that make the world revolve, that move the stars in their courses are silent, even as the still small voice that illumines the heart and makes man aware of God.
A touching incident was that of a very earnest friend who had already given his all. He expressed a willingness to sacrifice his Bahá’i library which might bring a hundred dollars to be added to the fund. Thereupon another friend handed the treasurer a hundred dollars in the name of the one who had offered his books. The treasurer then told the seller that his books were sold and required instant delivery. But the place was his own address; in other words he was to retain them. Thus, through nobility of soul each was made happy.
Information reached us about a large gift, twenty thousand dollars, silently contributed out of capital by a friend who had already given largely during the year. About two months ago this generous friend said, “I must now do this for the sake of the master. How can it be otherwise? Although now I am possessed of means it was not always so. My husband, my home, my child, all came to me through the Master’s Providence. How can I deny Him anything?”
Impressive were the exchanges of Messages between the convention and the Guardian. They illustrated the close connection between East and West and the Divine nearness which inspires the friends.
The chairman calling the convention to order said:
“The Light of Bahá’u’lláh is reflected in the sunshine on this glorious day and we are welcomed and blessed by the Spirit of the Master.” Prayer revealed for those entering the council chamber was read and Supreme Guidance sought at such a vital moment. A roll-call and election of vive voce made the organization permanent with Mr. McDaniel as chairman and Mr. Holley as secretary.
A portion of the volume, Bahá’i Administration, was read and the chairman said that the founders of the Cause should be thanked for the unparalleled period of success, in the Cause. The National Spiritual Assembly is now to render an account of its stewardship and the reports read to you will show real progress.
The report of the National Secretary covered six features:
- 1. The letters of the Guardian,
which in the past have clarified the aims of the administration, now reveal a positive and creative force.
- 2. Positive and decisive steps. Clarity
of vision and definite obligations. Limitations of the budget.
- 3. Vigorous growth of the Temple
Construction fund with the resumption of work in sight.
- 4. Further co-ordination of work
through the Indenture of Trust.
- 5. The appearance of Bahá’i economics
with signs pointing to a greater development in the future when through corporate life among the friends there will be co-operation in material as well as spiritual affairs.
- 6. The publication of the Bahá’i
World, an attractive international record with reports of activities, teachings and profuse illustrations.
This report included records of the National Spiritual Assembly meetings, the Bahá’i News Letter, the Guardian’s letters, the distinguished services rendered by Mountfort Mills in an international affair of great moment affecting the Cause, reference to Dr. Susan I. Moody and Miss Adelaide Sharp in Persia, Mr. and Mrs. Romer in London, Miss Agnes Alexander in Japan, Miss Leonora Holsapple in Brazil, Miss Fanny Knobloch in South Africa, Mrs. Imogene Hoagg in Italy, Mrs. Louise A. M. Gregory in Bulgaria, Miss Martha Root in various European countries and Mrs. Keith Ransom-Kehler in the British West Indies and Haiti.
The treasurer sounded the new note of confidence indicating faith, courage and a great spiritual outpouring among the friends, who are now happily out of all discouragements. The National Spiritual Assembly has kept its pledge to remain within its budget for the year, and this with a good margin. The friends have been thrilled as the funds grew.
The report of the Finance Committee
reads by Mrs. French unfolded the[Page 3]
methods used to raise funds. It
referred to gifts of money, land, jewelry
and all means of saving for the national
fund. The services of Mr. Matthisen
as auditor were highly praised.
The purpose of this committee is “to
recommend to the National Spiritual
Assembly such changes as will improve
the methods of the past; to keep an
ever watchful eye on the financial side
of the various departments of the N.
S. A.; to see that each national committee
maintains its pledge to adhere
to whatever sum is allotted it for the
year; to be informed of all assets of
the Cause whether in the form of real
estate, archives, publications, special
donations of personal property such as
libraries, jewelry, etc., in brief, any
and all properties of the Cause.”
A detailed and brilliant account of the teaching work was given the convention. In the beginning, it quoted the words of the Master:
“Of all the gifts of God the greatest is teaching.” Mrs. Maxwell, the secretary, reported the activities of Mr. Vail in relation to the Temple meetings and the attraction of many people of capacity to the Cause. Mention was made of the various amity conferences, most of which were in collaboration with this committee. The services of Mrs. Keith Ransom-Kehler, the connection made with Barba–does, the Gift and Robb compilations as aids to teaching; reports of activities on the Pacific Coast compiled by Leroy Ioas; the message from Honolulu and various other centers, were all presented with the greatest emphasis laid upon the capacity of people nowadays for the message. Mr. Ober, chairman of this committee, added a reminder of the injunction of Bahá’u’lláh to serve, it is the goal of each teaching group to become the most intelligent people in the world by using the divine knowledge. People are now increasingly bewildered and must sooner or later turn to the Radiant Outlook for Guidance.
Mrs. Doris McKay reported the Outline Bureau and the intellectual and spiritual stimulus that comes from using the three outlines already issued. Others are being planned. The address for circulation is Pre-emption Rd., Geneva, N. Y.
News of the western summer school at Geyserville, came through Messrs. Bosch and Latimer, who hope to continue the highest ideals of the Bahá’i Cause. This year’s program will include courses in the study of science and religion and the fundamentals of the Bahá’i Cause. The pioneer spirit of California readily responds to this broad program.
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The Guardian’s Message to the Convention “Overjoyed remarkable evidences vitality of Faith. Glorious self-sacrifice American believers. Soon shipping silken carpet (from) Bahá’u’lláh’s Shrine as crowning gift on altar of Bahá’i sacrifice. Boundless gratitude, truest, deepest love. Shoghi” Haifa, April 28-29, 1929. |
In the report of the committee on publications, presented by Mrs. Marion Little, it appeared that matters are being arranged on strictly business lines that will produce revenue and help the activities. The demand for literature steadily grows. One of the most attractive of recent publications is the beautiful new prayer-book published through the generosity of Mrs. Loulie Matthews.
The convention sent the following cablegram:
Shoghi Effendi, Haifa, Palestine.
“Convention sends deepest love, radiant greetings opening session. All hearts happy and in motion. Longing for Divine Confirmation, attainment Supreme purpose. Bahá’i Convention.”
Greetings from the Guardian, England and various American assemblies gladdened the hearts of the friends.
The report of the BAHÁ’I MAGAZINE reflected much progress and the happiness of the editors over contributed articles; its value to the teachers of the Cause at home and abroad and deeply regret that some of the friends had allowed their subscriptions to lapse. That this vital arm of service should receive the hearty support of all the friends is the expressed wish of the Guardian.
The Inter-racial Amity Committee reported conferences held during the past year at Green Acre, New York, Rochester, Geneva, Buffalo, Portsmouth, N. H., Columbus and Dayton, all attended with spiritual attraction and success. It is hoped that the various groups, large and small, will increasingly value this phase of service as a means of doing the Master’s will, serving humanity and attracting people of capacity among both races to the Cause through the release of spiritual forces. Interesting reports came from the many cities East and West.
Green Acre
The Green Acre report reviewed the activities of the last season, its new features which included Portsmouth and Eliot days, and paid a feeling tribute to the late William H. Randall, who sacrificed so much for Green Acre. Plans for the coming season contemplate a school for children, another for youth, the correlation of Bahá’i ideals with modern thought, the higher criticism and study of Bible history, the history of religions of the past, comparative religions and the science of religions, the comparison of human and divine economics and training classes for speakers and teachers.
Places of entertainment will include the Green Acre Cottage, the cottages of the Inn, various private cottages and the tea room and community kitchen. At one of the sessions, a special appeal was made that all the friends who can will so arrange their vacations that they may attend the summer school at Green Acre.
Election
The tellers reported Mr. Allen B. McDaniel, Mr. Horace Holley, Mr. Louis G. Gregory, Mr. Carl Scheffler, Mr. Alfred E. Lunt, Mr. Roy C. Wilhelm, Mrs. Nellie S. French, Mrs. Amelia Collins and Mr. Siegfried Schopflocher as elected to constitute the new National Spiritual Assembly. The organization of officers is the same as that of last year.
Mashriqu’l-Adhkár
Mr. McDaniel reported to the Temple Committee and made it clear that under the instructions of the Guardian no expense for building shall be incurred until the sum of $400,000 is completed. The design of the Temple, he said, is strikingly original. The Architectural Review stated that it is the most strikingly original design that has appeared since the thirteenth century. Architecture so ornate and elaborate will require building material that is a recent development. A structure of such significance to the whole world should not follow the designs of the past. The Guardian is intensely interested in the Temple and we are hoping for his suggestions and guidance at all times. It is perhaps fortunate that the construction could not begin earlier as building conditions are now much more favorable.
The design is unique and somewhat exotic. The idea of permanency will not be lost sight of. Every step will be in consultation with the Guardian and by this we hope to receive a great spiritual confirmation.
Mr. Louis Bourgeois, the Temple
architect, in a speech of genial humor
that was highly entertaining, explained
some of the difficulties of the past, his[Page 4]
choice of material, his consultation
with noted engineering authorities, and
his plan for interior decoration illustrated
by a model exhibited.
The remainder of this session being given to teaching, Mr. and Mrs. Howard Ives, noted workers in the Cause, gave interesting accounts of the opening of the cities of Binghamton and Syracuse to the Cause. They suggested various ways of contacting in starting in new fields such as child-welfare associations, radio broadcasting, libraries, book reviews, psychology clubs, churches and Sunday schools. Miss Martha Root was reported by Mrs. Haney as having recently given the Bahá’i message in forty-two German universities. The Convention listened with deep interest and appreciation to an eloquent address by Mr. Saffa Kinney on the development of a new group consciousness in the Cause and to Mrs. H. P. Payne of Pittsburgh, whose simple, loving service among the children of that city is attracting all races.
Spiritual Meetings
Friday evening was given by the Convention to a public meeting for teaching, which attracted a very thoughtful audience a large part of which was made up of inquirers. Mrs. Stuart W. French of Pasadena, presided and with a wealth of divine ideals flooded the audience with the light of the Cause. Mr. Gregory, responding to the subject “Proofs of Reality” gave some of the signs of the Manifestation in the New Day. Mr. Vail spoke upon the temples of the new civilization. He pictured the Mashriqu’l-Adhkars of the future, with their beautiful gardens and open to all sects, races and religions, harmonizing religion and science, elevating the spiritual nature of mankind and evolving in concrete form the ideals of the great new civilization.
Following the business sessions of the Convention a teaching conference was held, conducted by Mr. Vail. Gladsome news from Detroit, Urbana, Peoria, Geneva, New York and Boston presented new ways and methods. The meeting closed with prayers for our dear brother, Mr. Oglesby of Boston and others detained by illness. The singing of the Benediction was a fitting climax.
Feast of El Ridván
The observance of the Ridván Feast for many was the highlight of the Convention for spiritual refreshment and teaching. Mrs. Corinne True presided and made it an occasion not only for celebrating the Great Declaration but for clarifying the situation of the Guardian.
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Convention Messages from Abroad “Greetings in His Name. International Bureau unites prayers with heart-felt sympathy and longing for the Unity and building the of Temple.
Geneva, Switzerland, April 19, 1929.
Vienna, Austria April 22, 1929. “Happy yours. Ridván.
Bacou, April 19, 1929. “In spirit, loving sacrifice which alone can bring about the Master’s desires regarding the Temple, and warmest wishes for success (of) Convention, English believers mailing draft for two hundred pounds sterling to Temple Fund. In addition, Maud Yandell of London Assembly is forwarding four thousand dollars through an American bank as a memorial to her father and mother.
London, England April 25, 1929. |
Mr. Windust spoke briefly and read the joyous, glad tidings of the voice record of ’Abdu’l-Bahá. Mrs. Slater reads the Festival Tablet. Mrs. True gave the description of the first Ridván Feast as related by the Greatest Holy Leaf which contained not only the Declaration by Bahá’u’lláh of His own station, but also His Declaration of the Station of ’Abdu’l-Bahá as the Center of the Covenant. This statement was made to ’Abdu’l-Bahá and four others, privacy being enjoined at the time for the sake of wisdom.
A happy feature of this feast was the vibrant voices of youth. Mary Maxwell related experiences at Haifa and gave a thrilling account of the veneration paid our Guardian by an illumined believer and his clear discernment of the spiritual station of the One who “is under the unerring guidance of God.”
Wandene Mathews told of her work as a student of languages in preparation for teaching and translating the Divine Tablets in future and her hope of bringing many young people to the next Convention.
Philip Sprague shared incidents of his recent pilgrimage, of the exhilaration of the beautiful chants, and of the advice given him by the Guardian to study the words of Bahá’u’lláh two hours per day, if possible. Believers little realize their power.
Mrs. Mary Hanford Ford said that the new architecture was the expression of the new spirit. Each ornament of the new Temple will have its spiritual significance. It will be more beautiful than any building yet created. Throngs will come to ask many questions. Its shining forth with such purity, beauty and power will arouse wide interest. All love is intensified by the consciousness of the new civilization. Mr. Charles Mason Remey read the address of ’Abdu’l-Bahá on the Covenant and Mrs. Mabel Ives unfolded the Institute of Guardianship. How exhilarating and beautiful and glorious was this feast! It touched the vital spot of the Cause and revealed the great reality.
This Convention was a gain in various ways. The reports were all fascinating. They proved that romance and spirituality could enter into the details of the business. The efficiency of the various arms of service reflects the proficiency which returning pilgrims all reports as true of the Guardian.
There was economy of time. The reading of various reports without intervals presented a complete picture of the year’s work and answered the inevitable questions before they could be asked. Each report seemed to shed light upon the business of the others. Thus the time of discussion was shortened.
The Cause as a whole attained a station of sacrifice, not before recorded in the western world. For a comparatively small group of people to raise so large a sum in the short period of a year is a just cause of elation. The happiness of the friends was real. The Convention, as our friend Dickens would say, was “one vast substantial smile!” Yet along with this, our very capable Finance Committee will soon remind us to suspend no efforts until the Temple is built.
It was the most impersonal Convention ever held. The silent rally reported by one of the New York friends conveyed its spirit of the Convention with great results. The selfless way in which the friends of God rendered service was a demonstration of Supreme Power. The Glory of the Greatest Name is the true exaltation of man.
Star of the West[edit]
The staff of servers working on the Star of the West has been given the privilege by the National Spiritual Assembly of inserting each month in THE NEWS LETTER an announcement about the BAHÁ’I MAGAZINE.
First and foremost, we are striving to edit the magazine according to the plan and instructions we have received from Shoghi Effendi, and the wholehearted cooperation of the friends in this work is of the first importance.
Right now is an exceptionally good time to start new subscriptions. In the May number, for instance, will appear the first article in a new series by Mrs. Loulie A. Mathews of New York, under the title, “Whence Cometh the Light?” The lives of the Báb, Bahá’u’lláh and ’Abdu’l-Bahá are briefly outlined in this series in order to convey an understanding of how the student may approach the Bahá’i Cause with some realization of the noble grandeur of its Founders.
Also in this number will be recorded the impressions of Dr. John Haynes Holmes of The Community Church in New York, on “Haifa—and the Bahá’is.” He has treated the subject more sympathetically.
The editorial by Mr. Cobb further elucidating the thoughts expressed in the March and April numbers, is the conclusion of that most interesting of subjects “Above Success and Failure.”
A series of true stories carrying spiritual lessons, and so beautifully told by Miss Genevieve Coy, will be enjoyed, and they can be used to great advantage in teaching.
Other striking articles in this number of real interest and value are the story by Dr. Walter B. Guy on, “How the King Abolished Poverty”; and, “From the Platform,” by Doris McKay.
Featured in the June number will be the continuance of “Whence Cometh the Light?” The second chapter is on “Bahá’u’lláh, the Prophet,” and might well be used as a “text book” on the subject.
Another striking feature will be the interesting and informing story by Miss Florence E. Pinchon entitled, “The Grail of Life’s Quest.” It tells how difficulties are surmounted in the path of Theosophists in their approach to and acceptance of the Bahá’i Teachings. The first story in this series by Miss Pinchon was published in the December, 1928, Star of the West, on “The Liberation of Elizabeth,” and depicted something of the natural objections” which would be raised by a sincere and a typical member of the established Church of England. From time to time this gifted author will write from the typical point of view and difficulties which might naturally be felt by those belonging to the various sections of the great religions, cults and modern movements in their acceptance of the Bahá’i Truths. This series will be of great help to Bahá’is who desire concrete material at hand to answer the chief objections of other religionists.
Splendid articles are coming to us. Should not every Bahá’i take a keen interest in and make an extraordinary effort to support THE BAHÁI MAGAZINE, which is the official organ of the Cause, and which looks very promising for the coming year as it will contain material of great value to use in teaching.
Shoghi Effendi is praying for the success of this activity. He is carefully watching it and protecting it, and he tells us in his latest letters that “we should feel happy and encouraged. Persevere and do not lose heart.”
We are living in a time of tremendous changes; these days are “amazing days,” and THE BAHÁI MAGAZINE will continue to carry a message for every forward-looking person whether Bahá’i or non-Bahá’i.
For the information of all we might state that The Star of the West kept within the budget allowance by the National Spiritual Assembly the past year. But this year we must do better and try in every possible way to greatly increase the number of subscribers. To this end, we most earnestly invite the cooperation of every Bahá’i. May we not help others to “read for results” by giving at least one new subscription a year?
- STANWOOD COBB
- MARIAM HANEY,
- MRS. ALLEN B. McDANIEL.,
Letter From Shoghi Effendi[edit]
To the beloved of the Lord and the handmaids of the Merciful throughout the West.
Dearly-beloved brothers and sisters in ’Abdu’l-Bahá:
With a heart overflowing with thankfulness and joy I take my pen to share with you tidings that eloquently testify to the triumphant majesty and unconquerable spirit of the Faith of Bahá’u’lláh. From Geneva, the seat of the League of Nations, there comes the news that the fervent plea addressed by the Bahá’is of ’Iráq to the world’s supreme Tribunal regarding an issue that for a time has stirred the Bahá’i world to its foundation has at last met with a noble and most gratifying response.
You will recall the references made in my previous communications, dated November 6, 1925, October 29, 1926, and January 1, 1929, to the forcible seizure of Bahá’u’lláh’s sacred house by the Shiahs of Baghdad, to the appeals which from almost every quarter of the globe have showered upon the authorities of ’Iráq for its restitution, to the long and unsuccessful legal proceedings to which the representatives of the Faith in that land have resorted, and lastly to the petition which they have addressed to the League’s Permanent Mandates Commission setting forth the history of the case and appealing for the intervention of the Council in their behalf. I am now informed that after mature deliberation the conclusion arrived at by the Mandates Commission, urging that prompt action be taken to redress the wrong suffered by the Bahá’is, has been duly communicated to, and adopted by, the Council of the League, which in turn will formally communicate the recommendations of its Commission to the Mandatory Power.
From the official text of the minutes of the meeting of the Mandates Commission, as well as from its authorized report to the Council, both of which have been made public, it is clear and evident that the terms of the conclusion arrived at are neither vague nor evasive, but set forth in unmistakable language the legitimate aspirations of an oppressed and struggling Faith. The decision neither implies compensation to the Bahá’i Community for the loss of the sacred buildings, nor does it expressly provide for the expropriation of the property by the State. To quote from the text of the official document, the Commission has resolved “to recommend the Council to ask the British Government to call upon the Government of ’Iráq to redress without delay the denial of justice from which the petitioners have suffered.”
A glance at the minutes of the Commission’s
meeting will suffice to reveal
that in the course of the lengthy discussions
conducted by the members of
the Commission the following important
facts have been stressed and recognized.
The British accredited representative,
present at the sessions of
the Commission, has declared that “it
was a fact that the Mandatory Power
had recognized that the Bahá’is had
suffered an injustice and, ever since
the award made by the High Court, the
High Commissioner had been considering
what means could be found to
remove, either by an executive act or
otherwise, the unjust effects of that[Page 6]
decision.” Moreover, it has been
acknowledged by the accredited representative
that the Bahá’is had been in
bona-fide occupancy of the property,
that they had expended on it sums that
exceeded the value of the site itself,
and were thus, in accordance with the
provision in the still operative Turkish
Law, entitled to purchase the site. Allusion
has also been made in the course
of the deliberations of the members
of the Commission to the fact that the
action of the Shiah community with respect
to Bahá’u’lláh’s sacred house
constituted a breach of the Constitution
and the Organic Law of ’Iráq
which, according to the testimony of
the British accredited representative,
expressly provided for the unfettered
freedom of conscience. A question
from one of the members had even
elicited from the representative of the
British Government the reply assuring
the Commission that the Mandatory
Power actually possessed means of
exercising pressure on the authorities in
order, if necessary, to insure that so
fundamental an article in the Constitution
would be respected. Furthermore,
the opinion has been strongly expressed
that the matter had assumed
“an importance which exceeded that
of the individual case of the Bahá’is,”
inasmuch as “the judgment of the
High Court was suspected of having
been inspired by political prejudice,”
with the consequent impression on the
Commission that “from a moral point
of view, conditions in ’Iráq were not
improving; that religious passion still
ran high and that peace had not yet
been brought about between the various
religious communities.” It has
even been proposed to supplement the
report submitted to the Council with
the observation that, in the opinion of
the Commission, “a country in which
the Sovereign and the highest law courts
are capable of so flagrant a denial of
justice would probably not be considered
to be eligible to become a Member
of the League of Nations.” The
minutes of the Commission’s meeting
further indicate that the contents of the
letter addressed by the Prime Minister
of ’Iráq to the British representative
in Baghdad and which accompanied
the text of the petition of the Bahá’is
do not in the opinion of the Commission
“meet any of the allegations of
the petitioners” and are confined to a
mere assertion that the judgment of
the Court of Appeal was pronounced
in accordance with the laws of the
land. As to the memorandum submitted
by the Mandatory Power in
connection with the Bahá’i petition,
and to which the minutes briefly refer,
it is expressly stated that His
Britannic
Majesty’s Government considers the
ejectment of the Bahá’is while the case
was still undecided to have been an illegal
action, that the reasons adduced
to justify such action were hardly
admissible, and that the final verdict of
the Court of Appeal is unsustainable,
contrary to the law, and tainted by political
considerations. The minutes
further declare that although any petition
presented to the Commission appealing
from a decision given by a
Court of Law is to be considered as not
being in order, yet as the petition submitted
by the Bahá’is reveals such a
state of partiality, servility and sectarianism
it has been found desirable to
depart from the general rule and to regard
the petition in question as receivable
by the Commission. And among
the concluding observations in the
minutes of the Commission’s meeting
regarding the Bahá’i petition is this
significant passage: “The revelations
made in connection with this petition
show the present position in ’Iráq in
an unfavorable light. In a country
where the conduct of the highest
authorities has led the Mandatory Power
to pass such severe criticisms, where
the Supreme Court of Justice is under
legitimate suspicion, and where religious
fanaticism pursues minorities
and controls power, a state of affairs
prevails which is not calculated to insure
the development and well-being of
the inhabitants. The petitioners have
suffered a serious denial of justice the
direct responsibility for which rests on
the authorities of ’Iráq. The fact that
this denial of justice could not be prevented
or immediately made good was
due to the weakening of the Mandatory
Power’s control in ’Iráq. The
Mandatory attempted, but in vain, to
redress the injury done to the petitioners
by using the means of influence
at its disposal under the régime set up
by the 1922 Treaty vis-a-vis King Feisal
and the ’Iráq Government. These
efforts would not appear to correspond
fully to the engagements resulting
from the British Government’s declaration,
which was approved by the
Council on September 27, 1924, and
renewed by the British Government
in 1926, whereby the Treaty of Alliance
between the British Government
and ’Iráq ‘was to insure the complete
observance and execution in ’Iráq of
the principles which the acceptance of
the mandate was intended to secure.’”
This grave censure pronounced by the Mandates Commission of the League of Nations on the administration of justice and the general conduct of affairs in ’Iráq, as well as the association of the humiliation afflicting Bahá’u’lláh’s sacred dwelling-place with the obligations implied in the Treaty of Alliance binding the Governments of Great Britain and ’Iráq, not only proclaim to the world the enhanced prestige of that hallowed and consecrated spot, but testify as well to the high sense of integrity that animates the members of the League’s honored Commission in the discharge of their public duties. In their formal reply to the Bahá’i petitioners, the members of the Permanent Mandates Commission have, with the sanction of the Council of the League of Nations, issued this most satisfactory declamation: “The Permanent Mandates Commission, recognizing the justice of the complaint made by the Bahá’i Spiritual Assembly of Baghdad, has recommended to the Council of the League such action as it thinks proper to redress the wrong suffered by the petitioners.” A similar passage inserted in the report of the Finnish Representative to the Council of the League runs as follows: “The Commission has also considered a petition from the National Spiritual Assembly of the Bahá’is of ’Iráq, a community which has been dispossessed of its property by another community and has been unable to recover it by legal means. The Commission is convinced that this situation, which it describes as an injustice, must be attributed solely to religious passion, and it asks that the petitioner’s wrongs should be redressed. I venture to suggest that the Council should accept the Mandate Commission’s conclusions on this case, which is an example of the difficulties to be met with in the development of a young country.” This report, together with the joint observations and conclusions of the Commission, have been duly considered and approved by the Council of the League, which has in turn instructed the Secretary-General to bring to the notice of the Mandatory Power, as well as the petitioners concerned, the conclusions arrived at by the Mandates Commission.
Dearly-beloved co-workers! Much
has been achieved thus far in the
course of the progress of this complicated,
delicate and highly significant
issue. The Bahá’i world is eagerly expectant,
and fervently prays, that the
Almighty may graciously assist the
Government chiefly responsible for the
well-being of ’Iráq to take “without
delay” such steps as will insure the
execution of the considered judgment
of the representatives of the Sovereign
States, members of the Council,[Page 7]
and signatories of the Covenant, of the
League of Nations.
I will, if deemed proper and advisable, inform you of the manner in which the admiration and the gratitude of the National Spiritual Assemblies, representative of the divers communities in the Bahá’i world, should be expressed and tendered to the authorities of the League of Nations who have been chiefly responsible for this noble, this epoch-making decision. For none can doubt that the published verdict pronounced by the Mandates Commission sets the seal of international sanction on the triumph of God’s persecuted Faith over the ecclesiastical and civil powers of hostile Islám. Within the ranks of the orthodox Sunnis and of the bitter and fanatical Shiahs, the chief sects of the Moslem Faith and constituting respectively the bulk of the ruling class and the population of ’Iráq, a feeling of consternation must necessarily prevail. For however obscured their vision they still can recognize in this historic judgment the herald of that complete victory which is destined to establish the ascendancy of what, in the words of the members of the Commission, is but “a small minority, drawn from a lower social grade, and possessing neither political nor social influence,” over the combined forces of the Islamic population of ’Iráq.
I must not fail in conclusion to refer once again to the decisive role played by that distinguished and international champion of the Faith of Bahá’u’lláh, our dearly-beloved Mountfort Mills, in the negotiations that have paved the way for the signal success already achieved. The text of the Bahá’i petition, which he conceived and drafted, has been recognized by the members of the Mandates Commission as “a document well-drafted, clear in its argument and moderate in tone.” He has truly acquitted himself in this most sacred task with exemplary distinction and proved himself worthy of so noble a mission. I request you to join with me in my prayers for him, that the Spirit of Bahá’u’lláh may continue to guide and sustain him in the final settlement of this most mighty issue.
- Your true brother,
Haifa, Palestine,
March 20, 1929.
Portsmouth, New Hampshire[edit]
The letters from the various Assemblies have been received with great joy. They make us feel more and more that we are a part of the great Cause of Bahá’u’lláh. Through the untiring and devoted efforts of Mr. and Mrs. Henry L. Green, our Assembly was formed in Portsmouth in April, 1928, and we now number fifteen. Our meetings are held every Friday evening at the homes of its members. As some of us were newly attracted to the Cause, there has been much need for study and enlightenment. We have been greatly privileged in having as our speakers during the past year Mr. Louis Gregory, Prof. Stanwood Cobb, Mrs. Ruth Moffatt, Mrs. Elizabeth Greenleaf, Mrs. Keith Ransom-Kehler, Mr. Alfred E. Lunt, and Miss Lorna Tasker.
We are planning to have a Guest Night each month, when there will be a public speaker, and every effort will be made to attract as many as possible to these meetings. How glad we would be to have you meet with us.
Our Assembly has been able to place on the shelves of our Public Library several of the foremost books on the Bahá’i Cause,—also the Bahá’i magazine, “Star of the West”. Our earnest wish is to be of service to this community which is at the very door of Green Acre.
The Master said of Green Acre, “If one looks for praiseworthy results and wishes to produce eternal effects, let him make an exceeding effort that Green Acre may become an assemblage of the Word of God and a gathering place for the spiritual ones of the Heavenly World. Every year a number of the beloved and the maidservants of the Merciful must go to Green Acre and raise the divine call there, the more who go the better.” The Master called it “Green Acca,” and so it is. Can we help you, dear friends, to visit here,—to enjoy its natural beauties and meet the loved ones in the Cause? There is the beautiful Piscataqua River, our “River of Light” and the sacred pines and beautiful Fellowship House.
On Monday, December 31st, we had two meetings,—one in the afternoon for local friends to meet and hear our beloved Bahá’i sister. Keith Ransom-Kehler, and one in the evening to observe our Nineteen Day Feast, to which the Eliot friends were invited, and at which we again listened to a most inspiring talk by Mrs. Kehler.
We send our New Year greetings to you all and pray that this may be the Great Temple Year.
London, England[edit]
Dear friends in the Cause of Bahá’u’lláh:
On the Anniversary of the Ascension of the Center of the Covenant, the Servant of God, ’Abdu’l-Bahá, the Consciousness of the Great Bounty of His Promise—that He would be with us always—unites us in humility and reverent hope that the Verses chanted, and the Prayers, rising like flame from fervent hearts, may make a new Baptism of this Grace.
May this—the seventh year of the earnest Guardianship of the beloved Shoghi Effendi—bear us all forward in answer to his call, for deeper knowledge of the Teachings, wider vision, and greater love in united efficiency, in all things for God’s Glory.
Together let us turn to the Abhá Kingdom, and ask that our shortcomings may be blotted out, and that our endless faults may be corrected, so that in all our ways we may be able to show forth the effect upon our lives of the Knowledge of God in self-less service for His Great Purpose.
During the year, dear Bahá’i friends, American and Persian, have come to London, and gone on to further journeyings, leaving the believers here, wiser, and stronger in new ties and inspired to greater effort.
Teheran, Persia[edit]
Beloved Bahá’i Brothers and Sisters:
We acknowledge the receipt of inspiring circular letters from Haifa, Ganja, Montreal, New Jersey, Melbourne and Australia, for which we thank our dear friends. We have received with many thanks the translation of the law of the Spiritual Assembly of America, which has been officially recognized by the Government of America, through the Spiritual Assembly of Haifa, too.
His Holiness Bahá’u’lláh, 50 years ago, in a tablet named Ebnzab, said, “I supplicate to God to confirm the Emperors and Kings to the Great Peace, because peace is the cause of tranquility and convenience of the humankind. The Kings of the Realms should arrange a large Assembly in which gather the Kings or their Ministers and order for conformity and concord, withdraw their attentions from arm to peace, and if a Monarch rises against another Monarch other Kings stand against the former and prevent him from his idea and intention”.
In the last month the historical and
the most important event was the proposal
of Mr. Kellogg, the Minister of
Foreign Affairs of America, which on
the 27th August, 1928, was approved
and signed by the most elected personages
of the important nations and
Governments of the world Although[Page 8]
it may have political aspects, yet we
are happy that the prophecy of His
Holiness Bahá’u’lláh has been fulfilled
and the great diplomats are working
for the peace of the world.
Miss Martha Root[edit]
Beloved Relatives and Friends in El-Abhá:
Allah-o-Abhá! Love to you each one! My last mimeographed letter to you was sent in August, 1927. Since then my journeys have been as follows: Leaving Geneva, September 19, 1927, I went to Bucharest, Rumania, via Triest and Belgrade where short stops were made. You read in the “Star of the West” of my visit to Her Majesty Queen Marie and H. R. H. Princess Ileana at their summer palace in Sinaia. (I think five thousand each of “What Is the Bahá’i Movement?” and the tiny blue booklet, both translated into Rumanian by Princess Ileana, are now published). After Rumania, I spoke in Ruscuk, the border city of Bulgaria, spent three weeks in Sofia speaking, went also to speak in Vratza, Samokov, Plovdiv and Stanimaka in Bulgaria. Eight thousand sheets of “What is the Bahá’i Movement?” were printed in Bulgarian.
Then a short visit was made in Constantinople, meeting the friends and Esperantists and going to Robert College. One friend promised to publish “What is the Bahá’i Movement?” in Armenian. Public lectures were given in all cities except in Constantinople, but I met a good many people there socially. It is not possible in this resume to tell you how Bahá’u’lláh opened the doors in all countries.
A month was spent in Athens and Saloniki, Greece. The Apostles Paul —and how indefatigable, wise and selfless he was !—could not reach nearly so many people as a Bahá’i teacher today may contact in journeys similar to him. Certainly every Bahá’i teacher can with profit study his journeys and his follow-up work by sending letters and sending other Disciples. One newspaper in Athens wrote a series of three articles on the Bahá’i Cause, giving the Principles, the history and some of the Creative Word. Instead of print-booklets in Greek, I gave out some of these newspapers. Lectures were given in nearly all of the leading universities in the Balkans.
Coming to Jugoslavia, a stay of three weeks was made in Belgrade. There I again met Her Majesty Queen Marie and H. R. H. Princess Ileana of Rumania who were visiting the King and Queen of Jugoslavia. H. R. H. Prince Paul and his wife H. R. H. Princess Olga and their guest, H. R. H. Princess Elisabeth of Greece, all young people, invited me again to the Royal Palace to tell them about Bahá’u’lláh’s teachings. They had heard much from Queen Marie and Princess Ileana. Four thousand tiny blue booklets were printed in Serbian. They had been wonderfully translated by the great Professor Bogdan Popovitch of Belgrade University. Another city visited was Zagreb in Croatia, Jugoslavia. I gave five public lectures there, and met the late Stephen Radich, the well-known leader of the Peasant Party. Two days ago received copies of the larger blue booklet in Serbian and Creatian languages, Professor Staitch of Belgrade have translated it beautifully. He and Professor Bogdan Popowitch are friends of Dr. August Forel.
One month was spent in Prague, Czechoslovakia. In the “Star of the West” please see my visit to President Thomas G. Masaryk. Some other Czech articles are not yet finished and published. Young Mr. Vuk Echtner and the Czech writer Pavla Moudra have translated the larger blue booklet into excellent Czech; five thousand copies have been attractively printed and circulated. A short writing trip of two weeks was made to the leading Czech health resorts and historical cities. One lecture was given in Brno, the native city of the young, late Milosh Wurm, the first to become a Bahá’i in Czechoslovakia, the first to publish a Bahá’i book in Czech language and the first to promote these Teachings in his country. His brilliant history before the World War, I shall write later. I visited his father and mother. She is one of the greatest peace workers and speakers in Czechoslovakia, and she sometimes lectures in other countries in Europe.
Berlin was visited, also Dresden, Leipsic, Gera. Throughout Germany there is interest in the Bahá’i Teachings. The Germans study the Teachings, many who do not call themselves Bahá’is, have the books and are carefully looking into the Movement. An invitation has come to speak in fifteen cities in Saxony. I believe that Germany will carry the Principles of Bahá’u’lláh very far and that Germany will exert a powerful spiritual influence, greater than the Reformation wrought by Martin Luther. I hope that Bahá’is who travel will try to go to Germany and Holland.
Then I went to Brussels, The Hague and to Antwerp and came back to Geneva August 15, 1928. I took part in the German Esperanto Congress in Potsdam in May; attended the Inter-religious Congress in The Hague in July; helped with two Bahá’i sessions in the Universal Congress of Esperanto in Antwerp, August 3-10; spoke twice in the Inter-religious Congress of Christian Socialists in Le Locle, Switzerland; attended the Universal Religious Peace Conference in Geneva, in September; spoke twice in the Esperanto Congress of Switzerland in Bern, September 23, 24; did all I could here in Geneva, where, in September, people are gathered from all parts of the world to attend the League of Nations sessions. During October I have lectured in several Swiss cities—Lausanne, Le Locle, second visit, La Chaux-de-Fonds, Neuchâtel and Morges. Yesterday, I spent the day with our glorious Bahá’i brother, Dr. August Forel, the European scientist, at his home in Yvorne. You cannot imagine the importance of his influence in Europe and in other continents! Though he is now such an invalid, still he is always thinking of the Bahá’i Cause and doing something to promote it. I was astonished at what he thought of yesterday and he actually wrote it and sent it! Still, the rest of us may find courage in the fact that Dr. August Forel first heard of the Teachings from his son-in-law Dr. Arthur Brauns, who first knew of the Cause from a Bahá’i lecture which Mr. William Herrigel, I think, gave in Carlsruhe, Germany. If we faithfully keep on “giving the Message”, this truth of Bahá’u’lláh will Illume the world. It was Peter and James and John’s faithfulness which brought the divine civilization of Christianity to the western world. I will write about Dr. August Forel for the “Star of the West”.
Victoria, Australia[edit]
We have lately been cheered by a brief visit from our dear teachers, father and mother Dunn. They were only in our city for one night, but in answer to a hasty summons forty-two friends gathered and a wonderful meeting fragrant with love and alive with interest resulted. This is the largest meeting we have had in Melbourne since the inception of the Teachings and it gave us great encouragement and was a visible confirmation of the love and devotion of these two blessed souls.
