Star of the West/Volume 1/Issue 17/Text
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Vol. 1 Chicago, (Jan. 19, 1911) Sultan No. 17
TABLETS FROM ABDUL-BAHA.
TO THE FRIENDS OF GOD AND THE MAID-SERVANTS OF
THE MERCIFUL IN NEW YORK CITY.
Upon them be Baha-el-ABHA!
HE IS GOD!
O ye real friends and beloved maid-servants of God!
Your letter, through the maid-servant of God, Dr.
Clock, was received and perused. Its contents imparted
the utmost joy and happiness, for it indicated
your advancement to the Kingdom of God, attraction
with the love of God and supplication and
prayer in the Threshold of God.
The friends and maid-servants of the Merciful
must render service to the oneness of the human
world and show love and affinity to all the children
of men. They must deal with the utmost devotion,
good-will, love and kindness with all the communities,
religions and sects. Their aim and their work
must be that the tree of their existence produce good
fruits―and no fruit is greater than love and kindness
toward all humanity. His Highness BAHA'O'LLAH
addressing the world, says: "Ye are all the leaves
of one tree and the fruits of one branch." Therefore,
the law of relationship, brotherhood, kinship,
fatherhood and motherhood is established and proven
among all the families of the human race. Endeavor
ye with all your hearts and souls so that ye may live
and act in accord with these teachings of His Highness
BAHA'O'LLAH; to become an asylum to every oppressed
one; to assist and uplift every vanquished
one; to be a skilled physician to every sick one; to
bestow a swift healing antidote to every wounded
one; to inspire with confidence every fearful one;
to grant tranquillity and composure to every agitated
one; to gladden the heart of every depressed one;
to become a salubrious water to every thirsty one;
heavenly food to every hungry one; to become the [Page 2]
cause of glory to every fallen one and be charitable
to all the poor ones.
Beware! Beware! lest ye offend any heart!
Beware! Beware! lest ye hurt any soul!
Beware! Beware! lest ye deal unkindly toward any person!
Beware! Beware! lest ye be the cause of hopelessness to any creature!
Should any soul become the cause of grief to any
heart or despondency to any soul, it is better for him
to hide himself in the lowest strata of the earth than
to walk upon the earth. Should any soul desire the
abasement of his kind, undoubtedly his non-entity
is better for him, for his non-existence is better than
his existence and his death better than his life.
Therefore, my advice to you is, endeavor as much
as ye can to show kindness toward all men, deal with
perfect love, affection and devotion with all the individuals
of humanity. Remove from amongst yourselves
racial, patriotic, religious, sectional, political,
commercial, industrial and agricultural prejudices,
so that you may become freed from all human restrictions
and become the founders of the structures of the
oneness of the world of humanity. All the countries
are one country; all the nations are the children of
one Father. The struggle for existence among the
ferocious wolves has become the cause of all these
differences and strifes; otherwise the expanse of the
world is spacious and the table of the Bounties of
the Almighty is spread in all the regions.
Upon ye be Baha-el-ABHA!
(Signed) ABDUL-BAHA ABBAS.
Translated by Mirza Ahmad Sohrab, Nov. 11, 1910.
TO DR. FAREED.
Upon him be Baha-el-ABHA!
O thou servant of the Blessed Perfection!
Your epistle dated October 30th reached me at
Ramleh. * * * Regarding my coming to America
and the assignment and preparation of homes or
of places for me, I wrote a letter not long since
through you to the maid-servant of God Lua (Getsinger)
wherein I mentioned that abiding places in
the hearts are needed; that is, the beloved in America
must become united and assembled in love so that it [Page 3]
may prove a magnet to attract Abdul-Baha. Thus
will I journey to America with perfect love and zeal.
When a fragrant breeze reaches my nostrils I will
certainly come.
Convey my longing greetings to Mr. Kinney. Convey
the utmost love to Mr. Lennon.
I am hopeful through the bounty of God that the
assemblies which were visited by you in the company
of Lua will flourish and grow in the spread of the
glad-tidings.
Regarding the beloved and the maid-servants of
the Merciful in New York, and their securing a home
in My Name wherein they gather together―in reality
I am present among them in life and heart
though absent in body. * * *
Upon thee be greeting and praise!
(Signed) ABDUL-BAHA ABBAS.
TO HIS HONOR, MIRZA AHMAD SOHRAB.
UPON HIM BE BAHA'O'LLAH-El-ABHA!
HE IS GOD!
O thou real beloved!
The letter which thou hast written in regard to
the happiness and joy, beatitude and rejoicing of the
American believers concerning the trip of Abdul-Baha
to the country of Joseph of Canaan, and likewise
their expectation of my going to America was
perused. However, the latter event is depended upon
several conditions which are already explained in a
former Tablet. The attractive power is necessary.
We must all with the utmost joy and cheerfulness
sacrifice our lives for the Truth! Consider how I
have left aside a thousand works and with the greatest
attraction am writing to thee with my own hand;
so that in every moment thou mayst raise a wave
and in devotion in the Love of God and the spending
of thy life in the Cause, thou mayst make every
possible effort.
I have written a Tablet with my own hand for the
Star of the West. Print it in its pages.*
Upon thee be Baha!
(Signed) ABDUL-BAHA ABBAS.
Translated by Mirza Ahmad Sohrab, December 24, 1910.
* See Tablet on editorial page.
ABDUL-BAHA IN EGYPT.
Fourth of a series of special news items pertaining to the sojourn of Abdul-Baha in Egypt.
A CALL TO THE AMERICAN BAHAIS.
FROM MOHAMMED YAZDI.
Praise be to God! that Abdul-Baha has left the
gloomy city of imprisonment for the freedom of the
world. His only aim is to teach and raise the Standard
of the Cause. When he was under the surveillance
of the authorities in Acca and confined to a
limited prison life, he created the spirit of happiness
and joy in every heart, and never complained, neither
did he show distress or sadness on account of that
imprisonment. When freedom was proclaimed in
Turkey, a constitution declared, the prisoners set
free, and a new era of brotherhood and good fellowship
ushered in among the various sects, Abdul-Baha
while happy for the freedom of the people,
longed for his own imprisonment. His opinion was
that under all circumstances he ought to serve the
world of humanity, and while living in Acca he
served it effectively, even though a prisoner; but
being freed, nothing was left for him to do in Acca,
and, like a bird released from its cage, he soared to
other climes and countries.
Abdul-Baha in all his divine characteristics, is
intensely human and keenly alive to the joys and
sorrows of existence. There is no one who feels
more acutely the sufferings of humanity than he
and no one loves his fellow-men more than he. Here,
in Alexandria, he lives exactly like other men; he
goes into the stores, into the mosques, into the
churches, into the schools and into the prisons. He
converses just as kindly and amiably with the humblest
man in the street as with the highest in the
land. His matchless and magnetic kindness attracts
all, whether ignorant or wise, rich or poor; he is
no respecter of persons and in some instances, after
a half hour's conversation, his bitterest enemy has
become his staunchest friend.
His coming into Egypt has added great enthusiasm
and zeal to the hearts of the friends. He has
uplifted them from a state of comparative oblivion
to a world-wide celebrity. He is no more a possible
myth or a fable; he is there, standing "powerful,
mighty and supreme!" The sun of his presence
radiates the light of love and compassion; people[Page 5]
see him, feel the wonderful influence of his presence,
talk with him, walk with him as did the men of
old walking with Jesus of Nazareth along the shores
of Galilee. They can no longer doubt him and his
Teachings.
When he first arrived in Egypt, a great cry and
clamor was raised by the representatives of the
people (the newspapers). All were expressing opinions
of Abdul-Baha. No one could form a just
and impartial view of him. Facts were exaggerated
and misrepresentations abounded in every paper.
One writer expressed the opinion that Abdul-Baha
hates all religions, that his followers throughout the
world are very few, and that his Teachings are destructive
to the well-being and prosperity of human
society.
Such were the conditions when Abdul-Baha with
his might and his glory, his meekness and humility,
entered the land of Pharaoh. But lo! after a short
time the clouds of misrepresentation were dispelled
and the light of reality shone forth with great splendor.
So much so, that at present there is not one
dissenting voice in the land of Egypt about the greatness
of Abdul-Baha. Moggatam, one of the most influential
Arabic newspapers, in a long article of
November 28, 1910, comes out valiantly and defends
in most eloquent terms the Teachings of Abdul-Baha.
Not being satisfied with this, the editor quotes from
the Book of Akdas wherein BAHA'O'LLAH commands
all despotic rulers to lay aside their absolutism and
accept the constitution and establish in their kingdoms
the Houses of Justice. He even upbraids in
the strongest terms the other newspaper writers, calling
attention to the responsibilities and duties of
their positions―that is, to mirror forth facts and
realities and not falsehoods and accusations. He
says that every writer has been reveling in a riotous
feast of exaggeration and derision; that they
have gone beyond the limit of politeness and courtesy,
which attributes differentiate man from beast.
Now, if we compare such articles with what first
appeared concerning Abdul-Baha, we will find them
as different as day from night.
Some people have expressed anxieties and fears
because of Abdul-Baha's possible visit to America;
they think that the newspapers will write sensational
articles and ridicule the Cause. Such people
are very short-sighted. They have not realized deeply,[Page 6]
nor superficially, the force of Abdul-Baha's presence.
Neither have they dreamed of the magnetic
influence of his Highness (rather his Kindness,
ah, me!). He is a man whose very appearance will
solve all the perplexed anxieties of the visionaries
of disaster. We as Bahais have nothing to be afraid
of. We are the spiritual physicians of the world;
we are the torch-bearers of the ideal civilization;
we are the teachers of the Kingdom of ABHA.
Should we be afraid to receive the One who is the
source of all our inspiration and all our light?
America must raise a gladsome voice of spiritual
beatitude, spread a heavenly banquet and be prepared,
for "he shall come as a thief in the night."
Future historians will record the coming of Abdul-Baha
to America as a great and momentous event.
Broaden your vision and look into the future, when
the nations of America shall celebrate, from one end
of the continent to the other, the anniversary of the
day when Abdul-Baha set foot upon "the land of the
brave and the free!" Future generations will sing
in anthems and songs the resplendent glory of such
a day. Children will be taught to respect and love
that day. America is on the threshold of a great
spiritual awakening, and it must arise to fulfil the
responsibilities of such a wonderful and glowing
promise. Abdul-Baha has written to you in several
Tablets that he will come as soon as the
friends in that country are united as bands of
steel or a golden chain of life. Now it depends
upon you. You must show to the world that you
are united, that you are worthy to receive him
in your midst. Let not this opportunity slip from
your grasp. Arise, work, band together, remove
the difficulties from his path. This day is not
for fretting and discontentment, nor imagining the
possibility of ridicule by the masses. Have you not
faith in him? Has he not grappled with and solved
the greatest problems for the past sixty years? Has
he not conversed with the wisest men of the age?
Again we say, prepare the way for his coming! Let
not your minds be troubled with outside questions.
He is able to change the ridicule into praise, the
enmity into friendship and the derision into exaltation.
When he arrived in Alexandria we were not
prepared to receive him. There is no need of preparing
houses and establishments for his reception;
the probability is that he will take a place for himself[Page 7]
when he arrives. The first thing that he did
when he arrived in Alexandria was to take a house,
and all the friends from far and near flocked around
him. He does not want your houses and palaces,
but your hearts. Prepare your hearts, purify your
hearts, cleanse your hearts, that he may find a place
therein!
The life of Abdul-Baha is simple; his attitude is
humble; his needs are very few. You think that if
he should come to America you must have a house
prepared and surround him with luxuries of modern
civilization. Far from it! With love, unity and
harmony, shining like stars of heaven in your midst,
a little cottage is greater than the imperial palace
of the kings. All through his life his sole purpose
and aim has been to spread the fragrances of God,
to serve the Kingdom of ABHA, and to sacrifice himself
for the good of the world. He has done all
these; nay, rather, his services to man cannot be
measured by any criterion. His life, like unto a
tempestuous sea, is ever in motion, casting pearls
of significance and truth upon its shore. Humanity
owes to him a debt that can never be paid with
money or gratitude. Notwithstanding all he has
done for the world, hearken to what he says in a
recent Tablet:
"The invisible hand has opened the doors, and wisdom
requires that Abdul-Baha hasten to the country
of Egypt; for he is infinitely ashamed and chagrined
that he has not yet been assisted in servitude. Perchance,
through traveling in this land, he may be
assisted in the future to some small service. Now
we are living in the country of Canaan and are supplicating
day and night at the Threshold of Mercifulness
and beg confirmation and assistance for the
friends of God, so that all of us may participate
and become partners in the servitude of the Holy
Threshold and be aided in accomplishing one service."
(Signed) MOHAMMED YAZDI.
FROM MR. SYDNEY SPRAGUE.
At present, I am in Alexandria with Abdul-Baha,
who has given me many supplications from America
to translate; also Mrs. Ford's new book, "The Oriental
Rose," which I am translating with Mirza
Mahmud of India. The book is finely written and
ought to be of great help in attracting people to the
Cause. I notice Mrs. Ford gives the number of oriental[Page 8]
Bahais as twelve millions. A movement which
is growing every day cannot have statistics. No one
knows how many there are, and to make a statement
that there are many millions only opens us to
criticism. If we are asked the number of Bahais in
the world, is it not better to reply that it is impossible
to know, and that we care much more about
the quality of the believers than the quantity? This
is the policy of Abdul-Baha, as the following incident
will show:
Two nights ago, an American journalist, Mr. William
Ellis, representing The Continent, came especially
to Alexandria to interview Abdul-Baha. It was
my privilege to be the translator on this occasion.
One of the first questions Mr. Ellis asked was:
"How many followers have you?" The answer was:
"We have no statistics and we do not consider these
things important. It is the quality of the believers
we care for. If a few are characterized with the
attributes of God and live according to the divine
Teachings, it is praiseworthy. Five diamonds are
worth more than five million stones." Again the
journalist asked: "Have you not many followers in
America?" "I have a few friends in different cities
who love me," was the reply. "Is it not true that
half of Persia is Bahai?" persisted the journalist.
"No; it is not," replied Abdul-Baha, "but many
there who are not Bahais, are influenced by our
Teachings." "Are there not many followers in the
Turkish Empire?" "No," and again Abdul-Baha
reiterated the non-importance of numbers. The journalist
seemed very much taken aback. He evidently
expected Abdul-Baha to boast of a large following.
What an example Abdul-Baha has set us!
Then Mr. Ellis asked briefly: "What are the Teachings
of the Bahai Revelation and in what does it
differ from other religions?" Abdul-Baha replied:
"While all the other religions are hating and denouncing
each other, the Bahais are the friends of
all religions and the lovers of all peoples, and their
aim is to unite and harmonize all." There were many
other questions which drew forth wonderful, illuminating
explanations from Abdul-Baha. I have not
the time to write them now, but be on the lookout
for an account of this interview in The Continent.
Mr. Ellis is on his way to Persia to write articles
about that country, so he may write of the Cause
there.
There are two interesting English persons here, a
Mr. and Mrs. Atwood, at one time prominent spiritualists
in London. As Mr. Atwood is slightly paralyzed,
Abdul-Baha went to see them, much to their
great joy. They are now eager to serve the Cause.
There are pilgrims here from Persia, Russia, India
and England, and every night we meet in Abdul-Baha's
house and our cups are filled to overflowing.
His health is good. When Mr. Ellis asked him if
he was benefited by the change of air, he replied:
"Certainly, one who has been a prisoner for forty
years must be benefited to breathe another air." I
thought to myself, can we Bahais realize what those
forty years mean? The Christians think so much
of the forty days Jesus fasted in the wilderness and
observe a penitential season to commemorate this;
but forty years―for every day a year!
(Signed) SYDNEY SPRAGUE.
NEWS FROM THE ORIENT.
BURMA.
RANGOON.―We are pleased to acknowledge with thanks the
receipt of copies of the booklet in Persian pertaining to the
second convention of the Mashrak-el-Azkar in America, and
we wish to express our deep sense of appreciation of the
valuable service rendered to the Cause. The long list of cities
where these booklets have been sent show conclusively the
wide range of this noble work in the Vineyard of ABHA. We
also tender our sincerest thanks for sending us regularly the
BAHAI NEWS of all issues up to this date.
The English language is understood more universally by the
Indian public than any particular Indian dialect, which is
spoken only by the people residing within a certain local area.
Hence, having regard to the countless dialects, the importance
of delivering the Message in English is quite manifest. We
trust this will explain the necessity of American or English-speaking
teachers in India and Burma. A Tablet to this effect
published in No. 11 issue of the BAHAI NEWS has been read
by us with great delight and we earnestly hope our Western
Bahai brothers will respond to the call of the hour and ere
long take some practical measures in this direction.
The Cause here is growing day by day. Janabe Syed Mustafa
Roumie has very successfully sown seeds in Upper Burma, which
we hope will fructify before long. The school at Deadnow looks
very promising, and if it can be brought under the excellent
arrangements of the Persian-American Educational Society, many
happy results will undoubtedly ensue and the boys and girls,
when properly trained, will not only prove themselves highly
useful members of the Bahai society, but also become good
citizens, and thus the Movement will be looked upon with favor
by the Government. The number of students is swelling remarkably,
and we are thinking of rebuilding the school premises,
covering a larger area. The sight of the boys and girls,
their Bahai greetings, and the earnestness with which they
take interest in the Cause, is very impressive. The school, as
it is situated close to the Mashrak-el-Azkar of Kunjangon, has
proved a great attraction to many.
EGYPT.
PORT SAID.―Many pilgrims from different parts of the
world are arriving and leaving here for Alexandria to meet
Abdul-Baha.
Letters received here from various parts give glowing descriptions
of the progress and advancement of the Cause everywhere.
We have received the sad news of the death of Mohammed
Mostafa Bagdadi, who lived for many years in Beirut, Syria.
He was one of the earliest followers of the Bab and BAHA'O'LLAH.
His countless services in many ways would fill
―PHOTO―
MOHAMMED MOSTAFA BAGDADI.
many pages. Throughout his life he was firm and full of zeal. His house was at the disposal of all pilgrims and his services to them were invaluable. Many of the American friends, passing through Beirut to visit Abdul-Baha in Acca and Haifa, bear testimony to the nobility of his spirit and the strength of his character.
In him the Cause has lost a great and useful servant. All
loved and revered him and looked up to him as one of the
spiritual souls of the earlier days. His winsome manner and
gentleness of heart attracted all those who came in contact
with him and carried away the sweet fragrance of his life.
He has left three sons, Hussein Ikbal, Ali Ihsan and Zia Bagdadi, who have studied modern sciences and are active
servants in the Cause. Zia Bagdadi, who is loved and respected
by all the friends for his earnestness and enthusiasm,[Page 11]
is at present studying medicine in Chicago. We believe his stay
in America will be to the advancement of the Cause and pray
that he may become a shining star in the Kingdom of ABHA.
INDIA.
BOMBAY.―Mr. V. R. Sindhe, B. A., the secretary of the
Pearthana Samaj of this city, delivered a lecture recently on
Bahaism, in Marathi, on the anniversary of the Pearthana
Samaj. He gave the history of the Cause beginning with the
Bab and ending with Abdul-Baha. He spoke very favorably
and very justly. The lecture appeared in one of the Marathi
newspapers in full. The Society is now contemplating printing
copies of it for free distribution. This, we believe, from
a non-Bahai will help the Cause and attract many souls.
We are glad to be in touch with the Western Bahais through
the medium of the Star of the West. There is no doubt that
it will make great progress in the future, for its aim is pure
and unselfish, and its only desire is to serve the Bahais in all
parts of the world.
JAPAN.
Tokyo.―Congratulations to the Star of the West for the
great service it is rendering to the Bahai Cause. The Islamic
Fraternity wishes to thank its contemporary for its encouraging
words.
The presence of Mr. Charles Mason Remey and Mr. Howard
C. Struven in this part of the world has been a great help.
Many people became interested in the Bahai Revelation through
Mr. Remey's public lecture.
PERSIA.
BANDAR ABBAS.―A copy of the report of the second convention
of the Mashrak-el-Azkar in America was sent to us by
Seyad Assadollah Gomi. We read it in our Assembly and became
very happy, because of this great service rendered by
those American friends. At the conclusion of this report we
noted that a magazine is to be started in America by the Bahais.
We desire very much to subscribe for it and hope a few
copies will be sent to us every month.
ESPHANAN.―Mirza Anayetollah Sohrab has left this city
for Abade to organize the school for children. Being a graduate
from the American College in Teheran, it is hoped that
he will organize the school along modern lines and much good
may be the outcome.
We have just heard that two of our American sisters have
arrived at Teheran. We hope that through their endeavor
and service the problem of women's education will find new
inspiration in Persia.
We wish to install a telephone system in this city and any
practical information pertaining thereto will be appreciated.
GOM.―During the past week the affairs in this city have
been very chaotic. Several times a mob has tried to pillage
the houses of the Bahais and to kill them. We have petitioned
the governor to stop these persecutions, but nothing has as
yet been forthcoming. They say that because the Bahais live
in this city all blessings and prosperity have departed from
them and they clamor for us to leave, threatening us severe
persecution if we do not do so. It is three days since we
have been closely confined in our houses and all doors of deliverance
are apparently closed. Because of these awful anxieties
two of the Bahai children have died and three are very
ill. Three times they have surrounded the houses and have
tried to destroy our lives and property, but the police have
prevented them. We pray that God in His Bounty and Mercy
may waft the breezes of justice from the direction of the
Kingdom of ABHA, and uplift the people of Persia with the
spirit of love and union.
MASHAD.―The booklet containing the news of the second
annual convention for the Mashrak-el-Azkar in America, was
received and read in our different Assemblies, and it created
great joy and happiness.
Continued on Page 15
BAHAI NEWS
ISSUED MONTHLY
ALBERT R. WINDUST―EDITORS―GERTRUDE BUIKEMA
Address all communications to
BAHAI NEWS SERVICE, P.O. Box 283, Chicago, Ill., U.S.A.
Persian Editor.―MIRZA AHMAD SOHRAB, 1800 Belmont Road,
Washington, D. C.
SUBSCRIPTION PRICE PER YEAR
Sent postpaid throughout North America, including Canal
Zone and Panama; and following islands: Cuba, Porto Rico,
Hawaii, Philippines; also England, Ireland, Scotland, Wales,
Germany, and Shanghai City (China); Unsealed $1.00; single
copy 10c. Sealed $1.25; single copy 12c.
Sent postpaid throughout other parts of Occident and adjacent
islands including Newfoundland: Unsealed $1.00; single copy
10c. Sealed $1.75; single copy 15c.
Sent postpaid throughout Orient, including Egypt and Russia;
Sealed $1.75; single copy 15c. Note―Through agents when established
in Oriental centers: $1.00 per year.
Vol. 1. Chicago, (Jan. 19, 1911) Sultan No. 17
Beginning with issue No. 1, Volume II, both the
English and Persian sections of the BAHAI NEWS
will bear the title:
STAR OF THE WEST.
This we believe to be the wish of Abdul-Baha, who has revealed the following Tablet for this publication:
Tablet revealed by Abdul-Baha to the Star of the West. The original, which is reproduced herewith, is in his own handwriting:
HE IS GOD!
O thou Star of the West!
Be thou happy! Be thou happy! Shouldst thou
continue to remain firm and eternal, ere long thou
shalt become the Star of the East and shalt spread
in every country and clime. Thou art the first paper
of the Bahais which is organized in the country of
America. Although for the present thy subscribers
are limited, thy form is small and thy voice weak,
yet shouldst thou stand unshakable, become the object
of the attention of the friends and the center
of the generosity of the leaders of the faith who are
firm in the Covenant, in the future thy subscribers
will become hosts after hosts like unto the waves
of the sea; thy volume will increase, thy arena will[Page 13]
become vast and spacious and thy voice and fame
will be raised and become world-wide―and at last
thou shalt become the first paper of the world of
humanity. Yet all these depend upon firmness,
firmness, firmness!
(Signed) ABDUL-BAHA ABBAS.
Translated by Mirza Ahmad Sohrab, Dec. 24, 1910.
―PHOTO―
--PERSIAN TEXT--
REPRODUCTION OF ORIGINAL TABLET TO THE "STAR OF THE WEST."
The function of a "Star" is to shine. Should the
friends throughout the world comply with what is
outlined in the foregoing Tablet and concentrate
their wealth of heart, mind and goods upon it for one
brief moment, its "rays" would become so intense
that it could penetrate and become effective in all
regions.
The appearance of this "Star" upon the horizon of
the Cause is deeply significant at this time of the
sojourn of Abdul-Baha in Egypt. God willing, it
shall lead many searching and expectant souls to
Him!
The news of disturbed conditions in some of the
cities of Persia, especially Mashad, will be received
with regret by all the friends in the East and West.
On behalf of all, we extend to our persecuted spiritual
brothers and sisters, heartfelt love and sympathy,[Page 14]
and pray that these awful tests and ordeals will soon
cease forever.
It is a cause of astonishment that there are still to
be found those who could be incited by such a false
and unfounded pretext that the Bahais are against
the parliament, when it is so generally known that
the Bahai Revelation is on the side of lawful government
and has proclaimed these principles in its
Books and Tablets for the past fifty years.
As to the misrepresentation that the BAHAI NEWS
contained articles against the constitution and government:
From the very first number, articles have
appeared in the Persian section, devoted to the elucidation
of the principles of the Bahai Revelation.
Had the Mohammedan clergy, who confiscated our
paper, read these articles they would know that
everything expressed therein is in accord with the
purest and noblest teaching of Mohammed, for we
frequently quoted from his writings and traditions
to demonstrate our point.
Permit us to ask a few questions of the clergy:
Did Mohammed encourage ignorance? Did he teach
men to kill their brothers? Did he instruct anyone
to lay waste the homes of his countrymen? Are not
these Bahais your brothers? Are they not your
flesh and blood? Should not brothers live together
in peace and harmony, and save the country from
disunion and disruption? Even we in the West, who
have come to believe in the Prophethood of Mohammed
through the Teachings of BAHA'O'LLAH are perplexed
at such an interpretation of the teachings of
the Prophet, and believe that were the spiritual insight
opened you would behold Mohammed weeping
at such injustice done in his name! What has caused
the friends in the West to become the lovers of
Persia? Is it not the Teachings of BAHA'O'LLAH?
Could the Mohammedan clergy bring about this
union? Only the Power of God can thus transform
the hearts! And if it be the Power of God behind
this Movement, nothing can prevent it from accomplishing
its purpose, which is "the good of the world
and the happiness of the nations; that all nations
become one in faith and all men as brothers; that the
bonds of affection and unity between the sons of men
be strengthened; that diversity of religion cease and
difference of race be annulled, and the Most Great
Peace come!"
In the light of these Words of BAHA'O'LLAH just
quoted, it is evident that the BAHAI NEWS, which is
the proclaimer of His Teachings, has as its motive
the desire to serve and assist all nations and peoples
in attaining this ultimate goal of the "Most Great
Peace"―especially Persia, the dawning-place of the
Light in this Great Day of God.
NEWS FROM THE ORIENT.
Continued from page 11
Eight copies of the same booklet were confiscated by the
postal authorities and delivered to the head of the Mohammedan
clergy; also, the BAHAI NEWS was taken to the acting
governor. The clergy raised a great cry, saying that they
contained articles against the constitution of the government
and demanded that all Bahais should be expelled from the
province; but the acting governor declined, saying, that if
such a course were to be taken, thousands of persons would
suffer from the consequences.
We have written a petition to the governor stating that if
it is his desire that we leave Persia for foreign countries we
will do it, but if he wishes us to remain in our native country,
he should prevent these persecutions and put an end to
such deplorable conditions of one day killing this one, another
day expelling that one, another day pillaging the property of
the Bahais, and then endeavoring to exonerate the perpetrators
of such deeds; that these actions are against law and in contradiction
to the fundamental principles of the constitution.
The head of the clergy has issued an edict, ordering that
everything coming from America should not be delivered, and
according to a report from Subsabzavar, the BAHAI NEWS No. 11
is confiscated. The conditions are so bad that we have
ceased to hold meetings except the spiritual meeting and one
for teaching. These difficulties, however, have increased the
fire of enthusiasm and added to the zeal of the friends.
A certain man, who has instituted a small rebellion against
the government and gathered around him a number of men,
went, last week, to Faran, killed a policeman and sent a message
to one of the prominent Bahais asking him to give him a
thousand dollars or he would take his head and that of his
son and send it to his chief as a gift. After much parleying,
he agreed to accept four hundred dollars and spare the heads,
but with the understanding that he extort fifty dollars from
every Bahai. Such are the awful persecutions we are undergoing.
They consider the killing of Bahais as the greatest
worship of God, to pillage their property as lawful and to persecute
them as just.
Regarding our schools, the following incident will illustrate
the situation: We have lately heard that the Mohammedan
clergy of this province are discussing the question of withholding
books of geography from the children, claiming they
will become too familiar with the existing conditions in other
parts of the world, and this is harmful to Islam. There is,
therefore, no modern school for boys, much less for girls.
NAJAF ABAD.―This is a town of twenty thousand inhabitants,
situated about twenty miles from Esphahan. For years
we have been a growing Bahai centre. Janabe Zain, the famous
Bahai penman and disciple of BAHA'O'LLAH, who departed
this life a few years ago and whose sons are the secretaries
of Abdul-Baha, was a native of this town. Recently
we received a copy of the BAHAI NEWS, which created great
activity and happiness among us. In order to be in touch
with the news of the Cause, our Assembly has appointed
Mirza Abdul Vahlab as correspondent, that we may write you
every nineteen days. He has agreed to go to Esphahan every[Page 16]
month to receive the BAHAI NEWS and bring it to us. During
the past few months, two of the believers visited Abdul-Baha.
SEMNAN.―It was with great astonishment and happiness
that we received copies of the Star of the West. We have
wept tears of happiness for this great bounty and offer a
hundred thousand thanks to God that the sun of prosperity
from the East has appeared from the West, and that it has
become the dawning-place of the diffusion of the commands of
God. We hope that through the endeavor of the American
brothers and sisters, the spirit of love and unity may be
breathed into the body of the world, and the hosts of ignorance,
blindness, pride and selfishness be discomforted. The
signs of this hitherto unheard of victory are manifest, in that
His verses are spread throughout the world to such an extent,
that this means of communication became opened between the
American cities and one of the smallest villages of Khorassan.
SHIRAZ.―Two hundred copies of the booklets concerning
the second convention for the Mashrak-el-Azkar in America, were
recently received and widely distributed throughout the surrounding
villages. The Star of the West has been regularly
received and some of the friends have subscribed for it;
There is great internal confusion and trouble. The Jewish
quarters have already been pillaged and many killed―their
loss reaching one million and a half dollars. After the persecution
of the Jews the enemies started to molest the Bahais.
We have various committees but these troubles have affected
the workings of these committees. Three nights ago a thief
entered the house of Gholam Hossein Mirza and stole eighty
dollars.
Lately, we have heard from Neiriz, a quarter of whose inhabitants
are Bahais, that an enemy has sent a man to gather
revenues, without any reason. This man has hounded and
taxed the Bahais there to such a degree that the majority of
them have been forced to leave the city and roam in the
desert. Worse than that, the desert held no peace and security
for them, for as soon as they emerged into the open
they were pillaged by bandits. This man killed and destroyed
many Bahais last year; but this year when they fled into the
mountains they were followed by the enemies, apprehended and
brought back to the city. Being ordered to cut them to pieces,
they found green grass in their stomachs. Thus, for days,
having eaten nothing but grass, they became easy prey for
these ruthless fiends. These are the conditions which many of
the Bahais are enduring in various cities in this district.
Were we to write about the troubles and the vicissitudes of
the friends in the villages and towns every heart would weep
tears of sorrow and sadness. The pen and tongue are powerless
to express the awful suffering your spiritual brothers and
sisters must pass through. It is impossible for you who live
in a country of freedom and comfort, to conceive, even faintly,
how the believers bravely bear these hardships and trials. To
an outsider these conditions are worse than Dante's "Inferno,"
but to the spiritual soul, endowed with spiritual insight, it is
the bliss of Paradise.
TABRIZ.―We have just heard that Abdul-Baha has approved
the publication of the Star of the West. Many believers were
anxiously expecting to hear this news and they are delighted
that such an organ has been started in the West.
The booklet concerning the second Mashrak-el-Azkar convention
was received and circulated throughout all parts of
Azarbayajan. Its glowing contents and eloquent expressions
have stimulated us to greater activity and service. We pray
that the foundation of the Mashrak-el-Azkar of Chicago will
soon be laid, thereby making the heart of Abdul-Baha glad.
There are two commercial possibilities here. One is the
desire for all kinds of photographic appliances, kodaks, films,
etc.; the other is the need for looms and machinery for weaving
cotton and silk. We hope that through the medium of the
Star of the West the commercial relations of the East and
West will be brought nearer together.
TEHERAN.―The Orient-Occident Unity* committee are holding
business sessions every week and practical results have
been accomplished. We have had to remove the school of
Tarbiat to larger and more commodious quarters, and have
made a few changes and improvements in our methods of
teaching. The department for girls will soon be opened. At
a feast, recently held in the school, all the students were
treated with a bag of candies―a present from one of the
American friends.
According to news received from Egypt, Mr. Sydney Sprague
will not return and we desire another American teacher. We
are sad indeed to lose our dear brother, for his services to
this school have been invaluable. It is essential for the progress
of the school and the advancement of the Orient-Occident
Unity to have an American representative here.
The library of the school is well organized, the books received
from America are catalogued and anyone who so desires,
may read them at the library or take them home for a few days.
We need a series of primers and a few books of geography
containing maps and descriptions of all countries of the world.
The girls school of Saar Gabri Aga is progressing finely.
Through the kindness of an American friend a new sewing
machine has been donated which will be used to teach the
girls in sewing. This school is also looking forward to the
coming of a woman teacher from America.
A committee has been organized in this city to take up commercial
matters between Persia and other countries and to
endeavor to bring about a greater economic and commercial
interchange. This organization has written to Washington,
D. C., to learn the plans and aims of the commercial department
of the Orient-Occident Unity.
Mirza Habibollah has just arrived from Alexandria.
RUSSIA.
BAKOU.―The news of the troubles in Mashad has just reached
us and they have asked us to communicate with the Star of the
West so that it may take the necessary steps for the moral
defense of our spiritual brothers and sisters. They look upon
it as their defender and expect it will arise to assist at this
crucial moment. There is great need of reforms in Persia, not
only in the various governmental departments, but a higher
reform is needed, which is the changing of brutal souls into
human spirits, dogmatism into tolerance, religious formality into
holiness, and enmity into love.
A drama of the history of the Bab and BAHA'O'LLAH has
been composed by an eminent lady writer and dramatist. This
book has created great interest among Russian poets and authors,
and many people have been awakened by the call of this
Great Revelation. After its publication several misrepresentations
were found therein which Abdul-Baha requested her to
correct. Having done so, she received permission to go to
Alexandria to visit him. On November 20th she gave a public
lecture on the Bahai Revelation before a noteworthy gathering
of authors, writers, poets, philosophers, and a number of Russian
princes. Her eloquent words and forceful utterances created
among her listeners, a powerful effect. On the following
day many articles appeared in the newspapers commenting
favorably upon her speech.
We were much interested in an article recently published in
the Star of the West, concerning a universal Bahai language,
in which an exposition of Esperanto was made. We are anxious
to take up its study, and wish you to send us some text
books and general information regarding it.
BATOUM.―The eyes are brightened and the hearts are gladdened
through the appearance of the Star of the West. We
* Successor of the Persian-American Educational Society.
hope that it may increase its size and number of pages and become an active force in enlightening public opinion in regard to the Bahai Revelation. The news of the organization of the Orient-Occident Unity has reached us and we are all anxious to receive a copy of its constitution.
SAMARKAND.―Through the appearance of the Star of the West
a new spirit has been infused into the hearts of the Oriental
Bahais. Praise be to God! that the Words of Truth are promulgated,
the friends and strangers become as one, and the
principles of this Cause and the Teachings of this Universal
Religion became known to all the inhabitants of the world.
When this publication appeared among us we realized the foundation
of the Bahai community had been laid, for a community
without a literary organ is like an illiterate man, who
cannot express the thoughts of his mind and the emotions of
his heart. We hope that through it, the East and the West,
the North and the South become united, and that unity and
love be established among the children of men, that all the
believers of the earth become like links of one chain and perfume
the nostrils like until a bouquet of hyacinths and roses.
Although, in the beginning, some difficulties may arise, yet
with firmness great services will be accomplished, the seed
will produce a harvest and the branch will grow into a mighty
tree. God willing, the organizers of this publication should
not encounter many difficulties for undoubtedly all the Bahais
will endeavor to support it, that it may become the first
publication in the world.
We have four meetings every week, two for the public and
two for the believers. Our women's assembly is composed of
energetic and loving souls and they are very anxious to correspond
with their sisters in the West.
PERSIAN-AMERICAN EDUCATIONAL SOCIETY.
Since the last report of the Society, published in the BAHAI
NEWS, there has been considerable activity at headquarters.
We desire to acknowledge the valuable assistance rendered by
Mr. Frank D. Clark, of Buffalo, who submitted a proposed Constitution,
carefully indexed, and from which suggestions were
embodied in the proposed plan of the Orient-Occident Unity.
The sub-committee on new Constitution and reorganization
met on Saturday, October 22d, at the apartment of Mrs. Coles.
Following this, weekly meetings were held until the Constitution
was ready. Copies of the draft have been mailed to
various interested friends, for their suggestions.
Circular letters calling for books, etc., the Library of
the Tarbiat School, have been mailed broadcast, and all the
friends are urged to contribute in this manner toward the
library in Teheran. News comes from that city to the effect
that they are receiving books from America, and are numbering
and indexing them.
A weekly journal in Teheran, Civilization, recently devoted
six pages to an account of the P. A. E. S. Also the newspaper
Tchere Nema, of Cairo, in two recent numbers gives a
complete account. The East is just beginning to realize the
immense energy and dynamic force stored in this association.
As the "Temple Unity" Convention will be held during the
latter part of April, 1911, it has been decided that the first
annual meeting of the P. A. E. S. shall be called for the first
Monday in May. At that time the new Constitution will be
submitted for adoption, and the officers for the ensuing year
will be elected.
The friends in Shiraz advise us that they wish to open a
branch School of Tarbiat. The Society has promised to send
them primary books on geography, mathematics, reading, etc.,
for twenty pupils. They have the funds for furniture, room,
etc. All those desiring to help in this movement are asked
to contribute small sums of money for these books, which[Page 19]
should be purchased and mailed as soon as possible. The funds
from active memberships are, according to the Constitution, devoted
to scholarships.
The new school for girls in Teheran is in the process of
formation, and its doors will soon be opened.
Consideration is now being given to an important subject,
concerning which we desire the opinion of the friends in general,
and some assurances of co-operation. Reference is had
to a plan of educating each year in America one Persian student,
under the auspices of the Society. It will be necessary
to provide a home for this student, and any of the friends
who are willing to support a scholar will greatly facilitate our
work if they will notify the Secretary. It is understood that
the traveling expenses of the student will be defrayed by the
friends in Persia. When we have the necessary assurance
here, we can then draw up rules which will be a guide in
choosing the holder of the scholarship. For example: (1) He
should know his own language well. (2) He should be recommended
by the Executive Committee of the Association in Teheran.
(3) He should speak and write English sufficiently
to have no difficulty in making himself understood here. (4)
His traveling expenses are to be paid by the Persians friends.
(5) He should be between 14 and 20 years of age. (6) He
should have a fair knowledge in primary education. (7) When
his education shall have been completed, he should return to
Persia and serve or teach in the schools for a term of years,
according to the decision of the Committee, etc.
It is desired to know in advance whether the active members
of last year are willing to renew their scholarships. Information
to this effect should be in the hands of the Secretary
soon, so that preparations may be made accordingly. Mr.
William Remy and Mrs. May Maxwell have already renewed
their scholarships for 1911.
A new scholarship has been received since the last report.
No. 56, from the Women's Assembly of Kenosha, Wis.
More Associate members are needed, to meet the increasing
expenses of the Society, while active members are in urgent
demand.
The commercial aspect of the Society is developing. For
example, an inquiry has just been received from Esphahan concerning
the installation of American telephones in the city;
also concerning a typewriter having Persian characters. The
Society is endeavoring to furnish this information and trying
thus to open the door of commercial intercourse.
The inauguration of the Orient-Occident Unity, the successor
to the P. A. E. S. in May, will necessitate some expense,
and contributions for that purpose will be most welcome.
The return of Mr. Sydney Sprague, who is now in Alexandria,
to Teheran, is much doubted, and the latest news from
one of the members of the Executive Committee in Teheran is
that they may call upon us at an early date to find them an
American Bahai teacher who can fill the post. There is a
salary attached to this position.
It is possible that Mirza Azizollah Khan, with whom Mr.
Sprague lived during his stay in Teheran, may come to America
as a Persian delegate to the P. A. E. S. General Annual
Meeting, and also attend the Mashrak-el-Azkar Convention as
a delegate from the Oriental Bahais.
The circle of activity and the influence of the Society is
widening daily. It is assured that with the active co-operation
of the friends and the assistance of all far-sighted men and
women it will soon become what Abdul-Baha prophetically
says: "The greatest Society of the world; produce inexhaustible
results and benefits; become the tree of the oneness of the
realm of humanity and cast its all-encircling shade over the
people of the East and the West."
JOSEPH H. HANNEN, Corresponding Secretary.
Vol I No. 17
نجم باختر
جلد 1 . شماره 17 . آدرس تلگرافی : نجم . واشنگتن
19 ژانویه 1911 . 17 محرّم الحرام 1329
این جریده بر حسب تاریخ بهائی هر نوزده روز چاپ و توزیع میگردد
صفحه 1
وقائح جانخراش مشهد و ظلم فراعنه روحانی عصر
اوّلا بر هر کس معلوم گردد که بهائیان دوستدار استقلال وعاشق عدل و داد و حامی مشروطه و حافظ دارالشورای ملیّ هستند و خوب است علماء سوء و دشمنان این امر که متصّل در تزلزل افکار ملتّ میکوشند و خود را وطن پرست و ترقیّ خواه و مشروطه طلب مینمایاند واضحا و آشکارا بدانند که تمام این جور اعتساف ها که به بهائیان مظلوم قطعۀ خراسان وارد آورده اند بالأخره آتش وهن خودشان را خواهد سوزانید و تا دامنۀ قیامت به کیفر اعمال خود گرفتار خواهند شد . وقایع نگار ما از مشهد می نویسد : « از صورتجلسه دوم محفل مشرق الاذکار شیکاغو 8 جلد آنرا در پستخانه برداشته و نزد آقایان پسر های ملا محمّد کاظم خراسانی معروف که مؤسّس و مشوّق مشروطه است میبرند مشار الیه پس از دیدن آن با شرحی مبسوط نزد نایب الایاله میفرستند که این برخلاف مشروطیّت است و باید واسطۀ که باو میرسد اخراج شود ( ما از هر عالم و جاهل خواهش میکنیم که این کتابچه را قرائت نموده و اگر کلمۀ بر ضدّ مشروطیّت و وطن پرستی در آن پیدا نمود آنوقت ما را کافر و خائن حساب نماید ) چون سه چهار روز قبل جناب کربلائی رضای فراغی که شب و روز به فداکاری مشغول تبلیغ بودند ایشان را برحسب امر آقازاده اخراج نمودند این مرتبه که حکم اخراج سه نفر را دادند نایب الایاله نپذیرفت که هرگاه این باب مفتوح شود باید جمعی را اخراج نمود و بعد از آن واقعۀ جانخراش تیر انداختن به حضرت جلیل فاضل فروغی واقع شد و از هر جهت سبب حزن و اندوه کلّ گردید و حال الحمدلله روبه بهبودی هستند . بعضی اظهارات رسمی نزد آقا زاده و نایب الایاله شده که تکلیف این حزب را معیّن کنند اگر نمیخواهید در ایران باشیم یکمرتبه بنویسید تا کلّ بخارجه پردازیم و الا هر روز یک نفر را اخراج کنید و بکشید و اموال را تاراج کنید آنوقت هم از قاتل و فاعل حمایت کنید که باید مجازات نشوند این وضع با مملکت داری و اساس مشروطیّت منافات دارد و حتیّ
صفحه 2
خواستند که قاتلین و مرتکبین را بگیرند مانع شدند . آقا زاده از این طرف سپرده اند که هرچه از امریک بیاید توقیف کنند و حتیّ پستۀ سبزوار را هم توقیف کرده اند باری نمیدانیم چه خواهند کرد بحدّی وحشی و بی تربیت هستند که به تحریر نگنجد احباب صبح که به بازار میروند امید مراجعت شام را ندارند ولی با این حال شب و روز پروانه وار بخدمات امر قائمند و چنان از نرسیدن روزنامۀ نجم باختر افسرده اند که به تحریر نگنجد امّا حکایت تازه اینست که محمّد علی نامی که حال دو سه ماه است یاغی دولت است دستۀ را دور خود جمع کرده و الی حال نتوانسته اند رفع او را بکنند در هفته گذشته جناب شاه خلیل الله از فاران نوشته بودند که با جمعی وارد شده اوّل نظمیّه و زن اورا کشت و بعد یک نفر پلیس را و هرکس هرچه تفنگ و شش لول داشته گرفت آنوقت نزد شاه خلیل الله پیغام فرستاد که باید هزار تومان بدهی و همچنین سر تو و سر پسرت را برای یعقوب حصاری که قاتل بهائیان است هدیه ببرم مختصر جمعی مردم التماس کرده اند تا آخر از کشتن گذشته و بالأخره چهار صد تومان از او و از هر یک احباب پنجاه تومان میگیرد . این یکی از بلیّات است ابدا دادرسی نیست نه احباب بل تمام خلق باین تعدیّات و بلیّات مبتلایند در اینصورت ملاحظه حال ما را بفرمائید که کشتنمان را اعظم ثواب میدانند مالمان را بردن و خوردن حلال تر از شیر مادر میدانند و زجر ابوین و احباب از نظر آنان حسنه و در این هنگام هرج و مرج که دولت در کار خود باز مانده است چه میگذرد باحباب و تازه بعضی عنوانات میکنند که از جمعه جغرافیا نباید در مدارس درس داد که اطفال بر بعضی نکات آگاه خواهند شد و ضرر برای اسلام دارد این بود خلاصۀ از عدالت پروری اهالی مشهد حال خوب است چند دقیقه به شیراز توجّه نمائیم چنان معلوم میشود که پس از آنکه مردمان نادان به تحریک باطنی دشمنان وطن حمله به محلۀ یهودی نموده و پنج هزار نفر را غارت و بی خانمان 11 نفر را مقتول و 15 نفر را مجروح بطوریکه باقی ماندگان دربدر و بی معاش گشته اند حال به فکر ظلم و و تعدّی بسایرین افتاده اند دانایان از رموز سیاست بخوبی آگاهند که دول خارجه ماها را چون اشکال نیاز هر روزی برفتن در می آورند تا بهم ریخته حلقوم همدیگر را دریده آنوقت مملکت ما را تصرّف کنند و ما اینقدر خوابیم که محرّک این امور شنیعه را درک نمیکنیم . یکی از وقایع نگاران مینویسد : شهر شیراز را هیچ اعتباری نیست حاکم ندارد ادارات ندارد سابقا اقلا از بلدیّه و عدلیّه و مالیّه و ترتیبیّه و غیره اسمی بود آنهم حال متروک شده و منتظرند که یکی پیدا شود تا امورات را اصلاح نماید یا ملائکه خاصّین و راکبین شرق و غرب را امن و مرتبّ نموده جلوی آقایان بگذارد یعنی اینها متصّل خراب
صفحه 3
کنند و شخص سماوی بناء تعمیر کند ولی بیرون شیراز خصوصا شهرهای کوچک بطوری بی نظم و مغشوش است که خجالت میکشم عرض کنم مثلا ربع یا بیشتر اهالی نیریز احبابند ابدا حاکم ندارند یک نفر از طرف شیخ زکریای شریر یاغی طاغی آمده است و مالیات میگیرد و چنان فشار باحباب وارد نموده که اکثرشان سر به صحرا گذاشته اند و بدتر از همه بیابان ها و صحراها هم امن نیست شاید شرح قتال و جدال شیخ زکریا را پارسال در لار و سبر و نیریز و غیره شنیده باشید امسال خودش در حدود گرمسیر و بندر عبّاس بست و نایبی برای نیریز فرستاده و مخصوصا احباب را خیلی پارسال کشت و شکم پاره کرد بعضیها از احباب را که در کوه و صحرا میگرفتند و می آوردند و قطعه قطعه مینمودند اغلب علف سبز از شکم بیرون میریخت که از بی آذوقگی در صحرا آواز و اهل و عیان علف میخورده اند و عاقبت در صحرا همه آنها را امان نداده گرفته و به اشدّ تقویّت میکشند مقصود ملاحظه فرمائید که چه آنقدر سبّ و اضطرابی است همچنین اصطهبانات و جهرم در زیر شکنجۀ اهل ظلم میسوزند و هرکس مسبوب الرّاحه است این حال شهرهای کوچک اطراف است و تا دهات و کوه و صحرا که نعوذ بالله که احدی بتواند عبور کند مگر آنکه عریان یا مقتول یا مجروح شود پست دولتی را از بس زدند عاجز شد گاری را مبدّل باسب چاپاری نمودند فایده نکرد امانات را متروک داشتند و پست را منحصر به کاغذ و مراسلات کردند فایده نکرد قرار شد پیاده مراسلات را به کول کشیده ببرد و امروز معلوم شد که قاصد پیاده را هم گرفته کاغذ ها را بعضی پاره و بعضی را برده و بعضی را رجوع داده اند مقند نظام السلطنه که حاکم کرمانشاهان بوده بحکومت فارس نامزد شد معلوم نشد حال ملاحظه فرمائید که چه اوضاع غریبی است . ای ایرانیان محترم قدری در بیانات فوق تعمقّ فرمائید که آیا این ظلم ها این شکم پاره کردن ها این جریمه گرفتن ها این پست دزدی ها این اغتشاش های تو در تو استقلال وطن شما و ما را حافظ خواهد بود این غلیان تا با قوانین و پیشنهاد های مشروطه تفاوت زیاد دارد بل اوضاع حالیۀ ایران صد مقابل بدتر از ایّام استبداد است پس آیا تعجبّ مینمائید که ارتجاعیّون خانه خراب کن در میان ما پیدا شده اند ؟ آیا این اغراض دینی این کشتارهای خونریز و غارت اموال مظلومین شما را بر منزل ترقیّ و تمدّن خواهد رسانید ؟ آیا فی الحقیقه دل شماها بقدر خردل برای ایران میسوزد؟ آیا حضرت رسول ص شما را حکم به قتل و تاراج نمود ؟ آیا ائمّۀ هدی شما را به نفاق و جدال دلالت کردند؟ ای علماء سوء مشهد ای گرگان طبیعت گوسفند ظاهرا شما با دست خود محبوب وطن را به دشمنان خارجه میفروشید و اسمش را دین و مشروطه طلبی میگذارید . بهائیان را که ساذج روح
صفحه 4
آنها از خمیرۀ عدالت و معارف پروری عجین شده به بهتانهای کذب اخراج بلد میکنند و آنها را باسم استبداد و ارتجاع بملتّ معرّفی میکنند . آیا تا بحال کی شنیده است که بهائی متعلقّ به طبقۀ ارتجاعیّون باشد یا بلکه بدلیل برهان این شبهات را نشرمیدهید ؟ آیا از حقّ جلّ جلاله خجالت نمیکشید آیا در نزد نفس خود شرمسار نیستید؟ بهائیان آمریک بیک صدای جهانگیر و ندای ولوله آسا در حضور اولیای امور ایرانپروتست جدّی مینمایند و از نهایت محبّتی که به ایرانیان و ایران دارند اظهار مینمایند که ای بزرگان قصر مشید کیخسرو ای نیاکان مملکت شهنشاهی جمشید ای باقی ماندگان دول انوشیروان عادل ظلم بس است . اجحاف بس است . انهدام و خرابی بس است . جهل و نادانی بس است . جنگ خانگی بس است . توی سر همزدن بس است . شما را باسماء حسنی قسم میدهم قدری بهوش آئید . این اختلافهای جانسوز دینی را از میان بردارید . خداوند شاهد است که همه اطفال یک مملکتید همه بار یک دارید و برگ یک شاخسار اگر شعور میداشتید ملتفت میشدید که ظلم بر بهائیان ظلم به خودتان است اگر شکم بهائیان را پاره کنید شکم برادران گوشت و پوست خودتان را پاره کرده اید . ملاحظه نمائید که ما اهالی آمریک امروز جمعیّتمان به دویست کرور رسیده و بردسته های دینی و مذهبی و طریقی وابدا کسی را حق مداخله در مسائل وجدانی دیگری نیست و جمیع ما در نهایت محبّت و دوستی با هم معاشرت نموده شب و روز متحّدا متفقا در ترقیّ مملکت و ازدیاد تجارت و بناء مدارس و نشر معارف و ساختن فابریقه ها میکوشیم و این اتحّاد حقیقی در میان ماها با وجود آن است که نمره استقلال مملکتمان به صد و سی و پنج سال رسیده و هریک از ایالات دارای جمیع ملل و ادیان است چنانچه در 135 سل قبل کلّ جمعیّت شش کرور بود و امروز به دویست کرور رسیده و این نیست مگر از از برکت عدالت و آزادی . حال ما ها نمی توانیم شما ها که جمیعا اطفال یک وطنید و قرون متمادیّه با هم زندگی کرده اید و تاریخ قدیم شما شهادت میدهد که بزرگترین و شریف ترین ملل بوده و هستید چرا محض خلاص و نجات وطن عزیزتان متحدّ نمی شوید چرا اغراضات دینی را کنار نمی گذارید چرا همدیگر را مثل حیوانات سبع می کشید ولی خیر اعمال شما از حیوانات سبع هم بدتر است زیرا آنها همدیگر را پاره پاره نمی کنند روزنامه هایتان پر از کلمات اتحّاد و عدالت است ولی حقائق آنها مانند عنقا است . ای وای ای وای
صفحه 5
کو آن شجاعت کورش ؟ کو آن قدرت انوشیروان؟ کو آن جلال و سیادت شاه عبّاس کبیر ؟ کو آن مبارزات تهمتنی نادر شاه؟ امروز شماها از نیش اختلاف و نفاق که زهر آن مانند زهر مار و عقرب جان انسان را بخطر انداخته ضعیف و نحیف گشته اید و کمی فهمیده اید که اینهمه قهقرا و وذلتّ کبری از پرتو عقائد تنگ و تاریک شماها است . ای ایرانیان به یکتا گوهر شب چراغ حقیقت سوگند که ما را در دل جز محبّت شما چیز دیگر نیست ماها از صمیم قلب بشماها دلسوزی مینمائیم و از ربّ متعال مسئلت میکنیم که ملتّ نجیب مظلوم ایران از انوار حریّت و آزادی و اتحّاد و اتفاقّ روشن گشته در حوضۀ ملل حیّه در آید . همینقدر از شما رجا مینمائیم که قدر بهائیان مملکت خود را بدانید . اینقدر ظلم و جور بآنها وارد نیاورید . بی جهت اموال آنها را تاراج ننمائید . و خون مطهرّ آنها را نریزید و الا به کیفر اعمال خبیثۀ خود گرفتار خواهید شد و اسمتان به وحشی گری و آدمخواری در صفحات تاریخ دنیا ثبوت خواهد گردید . نمیگوئیم که بهائیان را امتیازات مخصوص بدهید . ما ادّعا نمی نمائیم که آنها را بر سائر اقوام ایران ترجیح دهید . بل ما توقعّ داریم که با عدل و داد با آنها رفتار نمائید و در این بام که حکومت خود را مشروف نموده اید نگذارید که حقوق رعایای بیگناه در زیر ستم ستوران استبداد پایمال گردد . امّا اینکه نجم باختر را در مشهد و سبزوار توقیف نموده اید این خیالی است خام . این ستاره دار آشنائی های زیاد در جلو و این دریا را امواج کوه شکن در بر ترقیّ آن حتمی و یقین و نجاح والاح آن مانند قانون طبیعت مقدّر آن کسانی که این جریدۀ محّقره را توقیف نموده اند بشارت میدهیم که از عید نوروز بزرگتر شده و بر صفحاتش افزوده خواهد شد . ای دشمنان بخورید غیظ خود را ای روبهان در شب عو عو کنید ای سواد قلوبان خاکستر شوید . ای فراعنۀ عالم روحانی در بحر خصومت خود غرق گردید و بخوبی یدانید که نجم باختر تازه طلوع نموده و افول کردنی نیست و همیشه غرّش رعد و برق آن بگوش دور و نزدیک خواهد رسید . ای بهائیان وقت اتحّاد و اتفاق کلیّه است ای مشتعلین قرن محبّت و الفت است ای متّحدین یوم روح و ریحان است ای منقطعین دورۀ جانبازی و خدمت است ای روحانیّین زمان رسوخ و استقامت است . ای متوسّلین هنگام شهناز ملکوت ابهی است . چه خوب است که بکوشیم و گوی سبقت و پیشرفت قومی را در انتشار علوم و فنون قرن جدید از میدان مبارزات بربائیم .
