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PUBLISHED NINETEEN TIMES A YEAR
In the Interest of the BAHAI MOVEMENT
By the BAHAI NEWS SERVICE, 515 South Dearborn Street, Chicago, Ill., U. S. A.
Publishers: ALBERT R. WINDUST — GERTRUDE BUIKEMA — DR. ZIA M. BAGDADI
Entered as second-class matter April 9, 1911, at the postoffice at Chicago, Ill., under the Act of March 3, 1879.
Terms: $3.00 per year; 20 cents per copy.
Two copies to same name and address, $5.00 per year.
Make Money Orders Payable to BAHAI NEWS SERVICE, P. O. Box 283, Chicago, Ill., U. S. A.
To personal checks please add sufficient to cover the bank exchange.
Address all communications to BAHAI NEWS SERVICE, P. O. Box 283, Chicago, Ill., U.S.A.
"Great importance must be given to the development of the STAR OF THE WEST. The circle of its discussion must be widened; in its columns must be published the essential problems pertaining to the Bahai life in all its phases. Its contents must be so universal that even the strangers may subscribe to it. Articles must be published, dealing with the universal principles of the Cause, the writers proving that this Cause takes a vital interest in all the social and religious movements of the age and is conducive to the progress of the world and its inhabitants. In short, the STAR OF THE WEST must promote the aspirations and the ideals that will gather little by little around these general Tablets, bringing into the light of day all the historical, religious and racial knowledge which will be of the utmost value to the Bahai teachers all over the world."
From Unveiling of the Divine Plan.
| Vol. 11 | CONTENTS | No. 12 |
| PAGE | |
Bahai friends and workmen on Mashrekol-Azkar grounds, September 24, 1920 | 202 |
The Foundation of the Temple—Letter from the Bahai Temple Unity | 203 |
A Bahai Pilgrimage to South America | 206 |
| (Second Part.) Compiled from letters written by Miss MARTHA ROOT, while en route. | |
Tablet of new permission for Dr. Bagdad! and family—News brought by him—The Mashrekol-Azkar | 208 |
| Letter from Roy C. Wilhelm. |
O maid-servant of God! Hold fast to the Covenant which hath emanated from the Supreme Pen and which is scintillating with the light of the Orb of the Horizons. Know thou verily, BAHA'O'LLAH is the promised One in all the Books and Tablets, and verily, this servant (Abdul-Baha) is the herald of the Kingdom of God.
(Words of Abdul-Baha.)
--PHOTO--
THESE SOUNDINGS OR BORING ARE BY S. B. GEIGER
ARTESIAN WELL CONTRACTS
35 OLD CONNY (?) BLD
(?) HARRIS (?)
BAHAI FRIENDS AND WORKMEN ON MASHRREKOL-AZKAR GROUNDS WHEN BORING COMMENCED, SEPTEMBER 24, 1920.
Photographs furnished by Mrs. Maude C. Houser, Chicago. (See page 206.)
"We desire but the good of the world and the happiness of the nations; that all nations shall become one in faith and all men as brothers; that the bonds of affection and unity between the sons of men shall be strengthened, that diversity of religion shall cease and differences of race be annulled. So it shall be; these fruitless strifes; these ruinous wars shall pass away, and the 'Most Great Peace' shall come."—BAHA'O'LLAH.
| Vol. 11 | Elm 1, 76 (October 16, 1920) | No. 12 |
THE Convention in New York chose Mr. Louis Bourgeois' model for the Temple. The Unity Board has been meeting in New York, Green Acre, Chicago, to make plans for the immediate laying of the foundation. After their first meeting in New York, Aug. 4, they cabled Abdul-Baha that they had decided on plans and cost and were proceeding to lay the foundations. He cabled: "Your news imparted great joy. Assuredly friends exercise greatest effort in this service."
The plans chosen provide for an edifice 153 feet in diameter, costing approximately $1,500,000, which will tower in surpassing brightness and beauty from the circular gardens by the Sheridan Road on the shore of Lake Michigan at the heart of the American continent. Mr. Bourgeois has spent a number of weeks in Chicago making plans and conducting the borings. The nine great pillars of the Temple will rest on concrete caissons which will go down to solid rock. The borings show the rock is over a hundred feet below the surface. The work on the great concrete foundations will begin with the coming of the spring, that symbol of "the Springtime of His Holiness, the Eternal One" now breaking upon the radiant century of which this Temple is so glorious a manifestation.
The need now is for a flood of contributions from all over America and the world so that the work once started shall never pause for funds. Each gift will be one of the stones of love which will lay a foundation of the oneness of mankind. Thus men shall see with their own eyes that all nations and religions have built and entered the Temple of Unity.
Albert Vail.
LETTER PROM THE BAHAI TEMPLE UNITY
"Now the day has arrived in which the edifice of God, the divine sanctuary, the spiritual Temple, shall be erected in America."—ABDUL-BAHA.
Beloved friends of the Covenant:
During the past summer important Tablets were received by the friends of God in America indicating the acceptance by Abdul-Baha of the Bourgeois model of the Mashrekol-Azkar, which was unanimously selected by the delegates to the annual convention in April. A meeting of the executive board of the Bahai Temple Unity was therefore called in New York City on August 4th, 1920, and after due deliberation and thorough consultation with Mr. Bourgeois and Mr. E. R. Boyle, as consulting engineer, the following cablegram was forwarded to Haifa:
"Understanding recent Tablets approve Bourgeois design, have adopted model reduced, preserving original beauty, estimated cost million and half. Proceeding construct foundation and increase fund. Supplicate divine assistance. EXECUTIVE BOARD."
Abdul-Baha's reply was duly received: "Your news imparted great joy. Assuredly friends exercise greatest effort in this service. ABBAS."
On September 17th, 18th, 19th and 20th the Temple Unity board held a series of memorable meetings in Chicago, when the initial steps were taken
--PHOTOGRAPH--
MASHREKOL-AZKAR GROUNDS, SEPTEMBER 23, 1920
toward building the first Mashrekol-Azkar of America. All the members were present except Dr. D'Evelyn of California and Mrs. Maxwell of Canada, and the important work was formally undertaken of consulting experts and making contracts for the actual laying of the foundation, which will be commenced with the opening of spring.
The first problem which greeted our arrival in Chicago was a proposed change in the curve of the roadway which runs through the Temple property, dividing the narrow lake-front strip from the larger area or site for the Temple. The change as proposed would greatly reduce the area of the larger section, and after a careful survey of the grounds by the board a meeting was arranged with the citizens' committee of Wilmette. This meeting and subsequent consultation resulted in a complete change of their plan to our advantage, clearly fulfilling the words of His Holiness, Abdul-Baha, at the dedication of the grounds on May 1, 1912, when he said: "Endeavor to have the grounds circular in shape. If possible even exchange certain parts in order to have a circular piece."
Mr. Bourgeois had been in Chicago some time prior to these meetings and adequate surveys of the land had been made. In consultation with Mr. Bourgeois an approximate center for the Temple location was selected, and a contract was perfected with the engineering concern who will proceed at once with the making of borings to determine the substrata of the Temple site and reach rock foundation.
Mr. Allen McDaniel, who is engaged in important engineering work for the United States Government at Camp Dix, near New York City, was named as the engineer to prepare the structural drawings of the Temple foundations, in consultation with Mr. E. R. Boyle, president of the Boyle-Robertson Construction Company of Washington, D. C.
Arrangements were made for the removal of all trees on the Temple site with a view to ultimate leveling and grading; also for the preservation of the wire fence enclosing the property by a coat of paint.
--PHOTO--
BEGINNING FIRST BORING—FRIENDS HOLDING SOIL IN HANDS
Plans were made for an early meeting in New York City for consultation with architect and engineers in order to speedily advance the preliminary work of preparing drawings, selecting materials, etc.
It is the earnest desire of the Unity Board to share with the friends throughout the Cause from time to time any definite news as to the progress of the Temple work, and with this end in view action was taken at one of the meetings inviting the two delegates to the annual convention and the secretary of the local assembly in each Bahai community to become a special Mashrekol-Azkar committee, with whom the board may correspond and who will actively promote the Temple program.
It is therefore the fervent hope and urgent request of the Unity Board that such local Mashrekol-Azkar committees shall undertake at once, in coöperation with their respective assemblies and existing committees, a vigorous campaign in behalf of the Temple fund. Abdul-Baha has said that voluntary contributions from the public may be received.
The Treasurer's report of August 1, 1920, shows the amount of the fund on that date to be $185,773.09. A little later, at Green Acre, a special Mashrekol-Azkar meeting was arranged at which our beloved teacher Jenabe Fazel spoke, and $5,000 was subscribed to the Temple fund. During the short time since the selection of the design at the Convention the fund had been increased in all by about $25,000.
The most important magazines and newspapers of the entire country have featured the Temple during the past months, notably the Architectural Record for June and the Literary Digest during August. Other articles will soon appear. The large plaster model of the Temple exhibited at the convention last April was on exhibition in New York City during the summer and has been viewed by thousands. Plans are under way for exhibiting the model in Chicago in a very prominent location, of which full information will be communicated at an early date. A plan was adopted by the board for printing and distributing colored photographs of the
Mashrekol-Azkar design, and word will be sent to the local Temple committees as soon as these are available. Motion pictures may be used as a means of bringing the Temple before the people.
In brief, the friends have but to capture the psychology of the moment in order to bring into touch with this most stirring enterprise entirely new forces—souls not yet identified with the Cause, perhaps, but progressive thinkers who are ready for the vision we have to offer and eager to lend their support to such an effort—the erection of the First Universal House of Worship of the New World.
"The people shall hasten to worship in that heavenly Temple, the fragrances of God will be elevated, the divine teachings will be established in the hearts."
"From it the praise of God shall ascend to the Kingdom of Mystery and the tumult of His exaltation and greeting shall be heard from the whole world."
"Whosoever arises for the service of this building shall be assisted with great power from His Supreme Kingdom and upon him spiritual and heavenly blessings shall descend which shall fill his heart with wonderful consolation and enlighten his eyes by beholding the Glorious and Eternal God."
"O God! O God! Verily I implore Thee with throbbing heart and streaming tears to aid every one who endeavors for the erection of this edifice, in the building of a house wherein Thy Name is mentioned every morn and eve.
"O Lord! Send down Thy benediction upon whomsoever serves this edifice and endeavors in its uprising among sects and religions, and confirm him in every good of mankind.
"Verily, Thou art the Generous, the Merciful, the Bountiful!"
"Now what will your endeavors show forth from the degrees of devotion?"
Faithfully your servants in the Covenant,
EXECUTIVE BOARD BAHAI TEMPLE UNITY
October 9, 1920.
The friends present when boring was started at the Mashrekol-Azkar grounds, September 24, 1920, were: Louis Bourgeois, Mary Lesch, Mrs. L. Bourgeois, Effie L. Lobdell, Christine Loeding, Arna True Perron, Maude C. Houser, Mrs. C. loas, Mrs. G. Kuhlman, Mrs. H. Gale, Mrs. E. G. Foster, John E. Christensen, Nettie Tobin, Leona Leadroot, John Osenbaugh, M. D., Wm. F. Slater, D. O., Ida B. Slater, Kokab H. A. MacCutcheon, Carl Scheffler, Louis P. Keller, Arthur S. Agnew and Albert R. Windust. The men employed to do the boring were F. France, foreman, Henry S. Zenner, L. P. Hummel and G. C. Ayers. Photographs by Mrs. Maude C. Houser, Chicago.
Compiled from letters written by Miss MARTHA ROOT while enroute.
(Continued from page 118)ON shipboard, in the six-day voyage from Santos to Buenos Aires, there was a great storm. The cold, the sleet, the general discomfort of nearly every one seasick, tended to make one a little laggard in giving the Message. Also, these people had been journeying together for four weeks from France and had made their friendships before Miss Martha Root came aboard. The first one to whom she gave the Message was a young man from the state of Minas Geraes, who is going to engage in commerce between the United States and Brazil, after he completes his language studies. After reading the Bahai books three days he said: "This is the best of all the religions I have known." One
Frenchman seeing the "Greatest Name" in Persian on the book, The Divine Plan, asked her what she was reading. He knew Arabic and was attracted. Then there was a young Frenchman, son of the owner of the largest telegraph bureau in Paris, who spoke a little English (only two persons spoke even a little English), and to him she explained the Cause.
Two days later Miss Root suggested they have a "conference" in the dining-room for all the passengers and he interpret for her the Bahai Cause. It took two days to prepare. First she explained it to him in halted French, sentence by sentence, the history and vital principles, the young Frenchman repeated it in slow English and then told it in Spanish to a young man who was with him; the Frenchman then wrote it sentence by sentence in his own English, but afterwards wrote it in the most brilliant French. Almost every one came to the "conference" announced by the Captain for four o'clock, immediately after tea. The Frenchman read the address, then as friends asked questions, Miss Root begging them to pardon her French, replied. There were twenty aviators in the audience and all asked for literature. Later when these aviators disembarked, Buenos Aires met them at the pier with flowers and beautiful ceremonies. The commandant who is from Argentina was carried off the ship on the shoulders of his countrymen and marched through the principal thoroughfares. The young Frenchman in saying good-bye added, "I have not always understood well the words you speak, but I understood the life you have, and it is for that I am interested."
September 19th, Miss Root spent in Montevideo, Uruguay, where the French ship stopped for twelve hours. Her roommate on the ship out from New York lived there. The latter was an American girl who had married an Uruguayan. The father-in-law had also been a passenger on the ship. Miss Root went to their wholesale business house where they took her in a touring car to their beautiful home. They are people of wealth and distinction. After lunch and a drive they put a Bahai book in the English Club, another was taken to the National Biblioteca which is a part of Montevideo University, an excellent library where other Bahai books can be sent. Then they called upon the editor of the leading paper, El Dia, and he used an article. Returning to the store, the hostess explained the Bahai Cause to the four brothers and a noted physician.
Montevideo has a population of 400,000. There are 300 journals in Uruguay but they are principally small papers as Montevideo is the capital and is the only large city in this country. Uruguay is small; its population is 1,400,000—the majority being of Spanish and Italian origin. The standard of living is very high and the people are broad in their religious views. International headquarters for much religious and philanthropic work for South America is in Montevideo.
Buenos Aires, capital of Argentina, South America, with its more than a million and a half population, the largest Spanish city in the world, the largest city in South America, and the fourth largest in the western hemisphere, was the scene of Miss Martha Root's pilgrimage for two weeks. From September 20th to October 4th, 1919, this is what occurred:
She did not know one soul in Argentina, but had several letters of introduction, three from the United States, the others gathered along the way. A chambermaid, by telephone, made an appointment for her to go to the home of Dr. Frederico de Valles Vargas, general secretary of the Theosophical Societies of Argentina, at one o'clock. Dr. Vargas and his family had not heard of the Bahai Movement, but as soon as
(Continued on page 211)
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 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.
O ye apostles of BAHA'O'LLAH—May my life be a ransom to you!
. . . . Similarly, the Magazine, the STAR OF THE WEST, must be edited in the utmost regularity, but its contents must be the promulgator of the Cause of God—so that both in the East and the West, they may become informed with the most important events.
(Signed) ABDUL-BAHA ABBAS.
| Northeastern States: HOOPER HARRIS | Western States: HELEN S. GOODALL. |
| Southern States: | Dominion of Canada: MAY MAXWELL. |
| Central States: ALBERT VAIL, CARL SCHEFFLER. | |
| Editorial Staff: ALBERT R. WINDUST—GERTRUDE BUIKEMA—DR. ZIA M. BAGDADI | |
| Honorary Member: MIRZA AHMAD SOHRAB | |
| Vol. 11 | Elm 1, 76 (October 16, 1920) | No. 12 |
brought by him—The Mashrekol-Azkar
LETTER FROM ROY C. WILHELM.New York, N. Y.,
October 9th, 1920.
Dear Bahai friends:
Dr. Zia M. Bagdadi accompanied by his wife, his little child, and his wife's sister, arrived in this city October 4th, after nearly a year's stay in Haifa, Palestine, bringing with them a letter of new permission which reads:
To the friends of God, America—Unto them be the Glory of God, the Most Glorious!
He Is God!
O ye friends of God!
His honor Dr. Zia (M. Bagdadi) and the maid-servant of God Zeenat, stayed in the Holy Land for quite a long time. Now they are returning with the maid-servant of God, Hobour, to America. As they have attained to the privilege of visiting two Holy Thresholds, that is, the Threshold of His Holiness, BAHA'O'LLAH, ana Makam Aala (His Holiness, the Bab) ye should practice the utmost consideration towards them. l feel the utmost affection towards them.
Upon ye be the glory of Abha!
(Signed) ABDUL-BAHA ABBAS.
(Translated by Azizullah Khan S. Bahadur, Haifa, August 28th, 1920. Original Tablet in handwriting of Abdul-Baha.)
The friends all over the country will be interested to learn some of the latest news conveyed by Dr. Bagdadi:
Some conception of Abdul-Baha's daily round will be gained from the fact
that the average number of guests is about fifty, this is in addition to about one hundred members of the family and those who have so many years been associated with them. The mass of mail
--PHOTO-- --PERSIAN TEXT-- ABDUL-BAHA ABBAS
FAC-SIMILE OF TABLET TO THE FRIENDS IN AMERICA, CONCERNING DR. ZIA M. BAGDADI, HIS WIFE AND HER SISTER.
Entire Tablet is in the handwriting of Abdul-Baha.
which comes to Abdul-Baha in boxes and baskets, it is, of course, impossible to even read. Four interpreters give a large part of their time in an endeavor to select those letters which are most important—such as deal with important matters that pertain to the Cause.
When serious trouble overtook Russia, great numbers of the priests and religionists of all existing orders were killed—the Bahais alone were protected. With the building of the Mashrekol-Azkar at Ishkabad, Russia, widespread attention was attracted and it became evident that the principles of the Bahai Cause and the intention of the Bahais were pure. Notwithstanding all these troubles and the financial hardship nearly all the Oriental people have endured during recent years, the Mashrekol-Azkar at Ishkabad was built and now nearly all of its accessories are nearing completion as well.
For nearly twelve years, we in America who have supposed we possessed an energy that was unique, have talked of building a Mashrekol-Azkar. The friends in the Orient have long been waiting for the counterpart of their Temple to take form in the Western World. Twelve years have passed and as yet the foundation of the Mashrekol-Azkar in Chicago has not been laid. To use the expression of Abdul-Baha, "The matter is dragging." We of the United States, statisticians tell us, are the most prosperous people in the world. When in this country Abdul-Baha said that when the most important thing is at hand, that which is important must wait.
Abdul-Baha tells the story of a widow
of a martyr, who was left with two young children to support. She provided for them by knitting socks; the proceeds from one sock she used for their support, and what she received for the other sock was her glad offering toward the Mashrekol-Azkar. Abdul-Baha then said, "It is this spirit which will build the Temple." Just recently an offering was received from one of those wonderful American sisters, who for years has been devoting her life to the Bahai Cause in Teheran, Persia. Within a few weeks, Jenabe Fazel Mazandarani contributed $100 of his own money.
During the race riots in Chicago, about a year ago, some dozen homes were bombed, among them being the home of a colored woman. In speaking of the incident to Abdul-Baha, he remarked what is the bombing of a few houses! When I was in America I told the people there would be bloodshed. Of what importance is bloodshed! Indeed, if heed is not given to these matters now, even America may reap serious consequences.
Some one commented on the fact that in various assemblies there were differences between the friends, in some instances so acute that it even retarded the progress of the Cause, to which Abdul-Baha replied, "The firmer a believer becomes, the less difficulty his opinions make."
The borings for the Temple at Chicago have now been made and rock was found at a depth of 121 feet. This is most fortunate as it will greatly simplify the work and save in expense. With this information, detailed building plans are being worked out for active construction to begin in the early spring of 1921. Materials and labor are high. Our dollar of two or three years ago purchases but fifty cents' worth now. Are we willing to let this matter "drag"! The woman who knit the socks gave half of what she possessed. We have believed and sometimes stated that there were several thousand Bahais in America. If this is true and the Bahais who understand what giving really means, were to solidly unite and partake of the bounty which is in this great day ours, and would send even one-nineteenth of what we possess, it would truly be a step forward, and show that we had begun to awake from our lethargy, and if great troubles should come to our country, we will have done something when we could and will have raised a beacon in the form of a Mashrekol-Azkar, to which all the sad and oppressed may turn.
I close by sending greetings to all the friends and give an extract from a Tablet from Abdul-Baha recently received by me: "I hope the friends will give the utmost importance to the Mashrekol-Azkar. A cablegram from Mr. Randall has lately been received, indicating that they will begin its construction. Through this news I became immensely delighted. The American friends are greatly endeared. Therefore I desire that they may be confirmed to do great achievements and become the factors of the establishment of the Kingdom of God. All the people of the world are, as thou observest, in the sleep of negligence. They have forgotten God altogether. They are all busy in war and strife. They are undergoing misery and destruction. They are like unto loathsome worms trying to lodge in the depth of the ground, while a single flood of rain sweeps all their nest and lodging away. Nevertheless they do not come to their senses. Where is the majesty of the Emperor of Russia! Where is the might of the German Emperor! Where is the greatness of the Emperor of Austria! In a short time all these palaces were turned into ruins and all these pretentious edifices (empires) underwent destruction. They left no fruit and no trace save eternal ruin."
Sincerely your brother,
Roy C. Wilhelm.
it was explained, they were deeply impressed. The doctor and their friends, Mrs. Maria Hersch, of Alsace-Lorraine, took Miss Root that afternoon to a Theosophical hall, where arrangements were made for her to address that society in Spanish, through an interpreter, the next Sunday afternoon. All conversation with the doctor and the Theosophists was in French, as he does not speak Spanish nor they English. Dr. Vargas also arranged for her to meet another group of Theosophists in his home Monday night. Mrs. Maria Hersch, who speaks English well, interpreted.
The doctor saw that Miss Root was properly introduced to the Spanish newspaper and magazine editors. His friend, a magazine editor, took her to the journals. One paper, La Prensa, is one of the largest world newspapers. No other newspaper anywhere is housed so palatially. It is one of the two most powerful and admirable organs in South America. Judged by its advertisement spaces it stands on a level with the first of London publications. Its advertising rates are high so it can do things undreamed by our papers. Its building, in addition to the splendid plant, contains also a concert hall, lecture rooms, reading rooms, baths, cafes, music rooms, apartments where visitors are entertained, a free dispensary for those who are too poor to pay for a physician and the services of a lawyer are furnished free.
Another paper visited, almost of equally high rank, was the Nacion, famous for its literary articles and said to be the most independent paper in South America, The Caras y Caretas, whose editor took Miss Root to call upon the director of the Nacion, is said by Argentina authorities to be one of the best magazine publications in all South America. The visits to newspaper offices were made during two days of torrential, unceasing downpour of rain. The magazine editor offered to go to the Italian newspapers and magazines in Buenos Aires—there were none that did not use a Bahai article sometime during the two weeks. The Herald had an article each day and several papers sent reporters to each lecture.
Mrs. C. G. de Bischoff, a normal school teacher and translator, who had heard of the Bahai Cause and had attended a Bahai meeting when visiting New York, gave her days and nights to interpreting for Miss Root. She arranged for an address before the Woman's Club of Short Story Writers at the Phoenix Hotel, Thursday morning. The owner of the hotel offered a hall and himself paid its rental for a talk Saturday evening on "The Economic Solution of World Problems through the Bahai Revelation." The only advertisement of this meeting was through the newspapers. It was attended by a most cosmopolitan audience, representing almost every country and religion. Three magazine editors were present, three reporters, several heads of world firms and teachers from normal schools. Almost every man in the audience had a clipping of the Bahai principles in his pocket. The whole event showed that the trend of thought in Argentina is towards spiritual freedom.
Wednesday evening, Miss Root addressed the Esperantists. They have a membership of 400, with two correspondence schools for the provinces. Their magazine, Argentina Esperantisto, is using an article on the Bahai Cause.
Thursday evening, Dr. and Mrs. Vargas gave a dinner for Miss Root and later at a Theosophical meeting in their home, they read aloud the Bahai principles in Spanish. A celebrated New York inventor, a guest at the dinner, said in an aside to her, "I have traveled up and down South America and I assure
you, you have met the finest people in this country in knowing Dr. and Mrs. Vargas." Their hospitality was genuinely delightful, their love for this Bahai Cause so great that they not only did all the big things, but all the little ones, too. They are studying English and will come to the United States in February. Mrs. Hersch will accompany them. They will visit the Bahai Assemblies in North America during their journey across the continent.
The Bahai Message was presented to the president of the Single Tax society through the courtesy of the Phoenix Hotel owner. There are three Suffrage parties in Buenos Aires. Miss Root met with them four times and spoke for a few minutes at three events. Her subjects were, "Equality of Men and Women," "Economic Problems" and "Universal Education." At the first informal meeting when she spoke, they all arose during the Bahai talk, as a mark of respect. Mrs. de Bischoff interpreted. Men as well as women attend the suffrage meetings in Argentina. Madam Elvira Rawson de Dellepiane, president of the Suffrage Society called "Association Pro-Derechos de la Mujur," gave a tea for Miss Root, and the organization as a whole gave a tea for her later in one of their fashionable clubs. At the latter tea she met several newspaper women and women authors. The Bahai Revelation was presented at each gathering. Newspaper reporters and photographers were present at both meetings.
An editor of a Syrian magazine, who attended the Saturday evening lecture, later showed Miss Root an article which he had written ten years ago on the Bahai Cause and had never published it. He is using an article now. Another prominent Syrian, decorated with the cross of honor recently by the French Government, is editor of La Nota. He used a two-page article giving a picture of Abdul-Baha and outlining the vital principles of the Bahai teachings. The magazine is in Spanish.
Still another magazine, Caras y Caretas, used a long article with two photographs. (See frontispiece, page 106.) The Theosophical Magazine, published in Buenos Aires and sent to all countries in South America, used an article with photographs.
Unlike other South American cities, Miss Root found that a few people had heard of the Bahai Cause. An artist there had heard it from Miss Watson in Paris and later Juliet Thompson, of New York, had sent her many Tablets. Mrs. de Bischoff had heard the name through this artist and later had met Mr. Pauli and Mr. and Mrs. MacNutt in New York and attended a Bahai meeting in the MacNutt home. A Frenchman, who attended the lectures, had seen Abdul-Baha in Paris. It was this Frenchman who volunteered to translate Miss Root's history of the Bahai Cause into Spanish for the Theosophical Magazine. He has five books on the Cause written in French, and is loaning these to Dr. Vargas to read. A school girl had heard of this religion while traveling in Switzerland and through the head of her school Miss Root was invited to come there. A young man came who said he had known of Mr. Urbain LeDoux' kindness at the Bowery Stepping Stone in New York.
The trip to South America has convinced Miss Root that while Esperanto is excellent and to be ardently supported, it will only bear its best fruits in the next generation. Bahais for the decades just ahead must master as many languages as possible. In order to meet these South Americans half-way, she started in to learn from them Spanish pronunciation and first principles. One can only do one's best, but every hour spent by a Bahai on language study will help some.
The plan was to cross the Andes and come up the west coast to Panama. As this trans-Andean trip seemed extremely hazardous some of the friends tried to dissuade Miss Root from attempting it.
The week before she had talked with some who had frozen faces and feet, and some were ill from coming over, and a new storm had stopped all traffic since their arrival. One American said in a newspaper article published the day before she started: "If you would consider riding around the edge of the Woolworth building, when it is covered with ice and snow, on a gentle mule, a safe pastime, then have no fears regarding the inconveniences in crossing the Andes in winter." He told about riding around the cliffs within an inch of a precipice some hundreds of feet high. He said he wore three suits of woolen underwear, a sweater, a bath robe, overcoat, ponchos, had his feet wrapped with pieces of sack and then nearly froze to death.
Miss Root realized that to return via the Atlantic Ocean meant not to give the Bahai Message up the west coast and in Panama, the place Abdul-Baha had especially mentioned. Dr. Vargas who knows South America well, assured her she would get through, and she bought her ticket. She started amid gifts of books, flowers, fruits, candy and lunches. Mrs. de Bischoff brought her own very heavy coat and woolen underwear telling Miss Root to use them and then pass them on to a sister in New York. She also brought food, sweets, and port wine. Mrs. Vargas said in her new English, so carefully studied: "I have prepared chicken sandwiches for you myself." Dr. and Mrs. Vargas and Madame Hersch brought delights for the spirit, mind and body. The artist came with another lunch, and other friends with offerings were Theosophists, a Belgian girl, a German, a Scotch woman and a Peruvian.
A New York business diplomat, partner in one of the largest exporting houses, was crossing and had said he would do anything he could for Miss Root. Her roommate in the "camorata," sleeper of the train, was a charming Italian girl, well educated and fluent in French. The American looked after both of them with the same efficiency and irresistible manners that have made his business such a success.
Dr. Vargas had written and telegraphed the number of the car and camorata to the President of the Theosophical Society in Mendoza, and next morning this stately man (who looks exactly like Tagore) came with a little group of friends. The wait there was two hours, and they took Miss Root and the Italian girl to breakfast and for a drive. The Italian girl spoke Spanish and interpreted. Mendoza is a city of 200,000. There was time to explain the Bahai Message, give them Spanish booklets and Spanish papers explaining the Revelation, and they said they would put articles into the Mendoza newspapers.
The trip by mule-back over the "top of the world," for the Andes are among the highest ranges, the Aconcagua rising to a height of 23,300 feet, was thrilling enough for the most sensational. To pray the "Greatest Name" among these minarets of God was to glimpse the glory of the Eternal, Unknowable. The ancient trail led 10,400 feet above sea level. The people on mule back were infinitesimal specks clinging to mighty terraces—as "ants in an endless and boundless forest"—they huddled on the edge of jagged peaks, frozen chasms, and stiffened mountain torrents. Everybody felt very small and a wonderful feeling of "camaraderie" sprang up. Fortunately the sun shone brightly, and the acute cold was not so terrible as all had expected. The Italian girl being an expert horsewoman, generously gave Miss Root the man she had engaged by telegram to walk beside her mule. (She had made this journey before and knew very well what to do.)
A detour through one dark tunnel took over an hour in stumbling, slipping blackness in which the frightened mules shied and fell. Miss Root, as her mule plunged downward into the mouth of the tunnel, gripped the pommel, threw her body far back, closed her eyes, and
prayed the "Ya Allah El-Mostaghos" for all. Over and over again in that black uncertainty, the clear, vibrant voice of the Italian girl would ring down the line of mules: "Mademoiselle, are you all right?" Tears of deepest tenderness spring to the eyes at the thought of such a friend. The New Yorker's mule was not a good one and he was so far behind Miss Root did not see him before she entered the tunnel. All started together, but it was not possible to keep together—one does not drive the mule but leaves the sure footed little carrier of destiny to choose his own path.
Later, out from the tunnel, when the procession came to precipitous downward slopes toward Chile, Miss Root could not even see the one inch margin that had been promised by the man in his newspaper account. To her this was by far the most dangerous part of the journey. And so it was with great joy that she saw the men getting off their mules and walking farther in down the mountain side. She did the same for the mules would sometimes slip a yard in this perpendicular path and they were frightened too. Taking the guide's hand they made the descent together, and when they could not walk they could run! The warm sun had melted the crisp ice just enough that they could get a foothold. They stopped every few minutes to breathe as one's breath is very short in this altitude. Some fainted, some had "puna," which is bleeding of the nose and ears. Everything given Miss Root was passed along to those who needed it.
The train journey later ended in tropical gardens and orchards of divinely fragrant orange blossoms. The Italian girl, Miss Root and the New Yorker said they would remember the trip as one of the happiest of incidents. The custom house inspector at Los Andes has a Bahai booklet in Spanish, as has also the mule driver.
The New Yorker's firm in Valparaiso treated Miss Root as a sister. They put her bags through the customs, had them taken by their own porters to the ship, called a messenger boy to escort her to the Theosophists, later took her to lunch with the New York guest of honor, and all three men took her in a launch to her ship. She explained the Bahai Cause.
Dr. Vargas had given her a note of introduction to the President of the Theosophical Society in Valparaiso who speaks both English and Esperanto. He promised to get articles into Valparaiso papers and to tell the friends in Santiago. (The train was delayed by storm and Miss Root did not get to Santiago, a city of 300,000 and eleven daily papers.) Valparaiso has a population of 250,000. Instead of staying four days in Valparaiso, she only stayed four hours, owing to the Andes storm.
The trip up the west coast on a Chilean ship was immensely interesting. Grippe had to be the shadow to make one appreciate the sunshine, so the first few places are but memories of trying to get ashore to newspaper offices to explain the Bahai Message, then leaning against the friendly lamp posts for strength to drag one's self back to the boat. An engineer and his wife, who have been in Chile two years and spoke Spanish, went ashore with Miss Root at Coquimbo and Antafogasta and interpreted.
In Iquique, a soldier boy who spoke English, took Miss Root to all four newspapers, but as it was Sunday and Columbus Day, only one was open, but she gave the Message to a small group there. The editor used an article. In Arica, the editorial writer of the paper was a woman. She was much interested in the Bahai ideas about women. She said she would use an article and would be glad to use others later. As Miss Root left she said in English the one word, "sister!"
During the voyage it was not possible to give a lecture, as most of the people were traveling short distances and the
passenger list changed frequently; also several different languages were spoken. Miss Root spoke individually and copies of vital principles of the Bahai Cause were later sent by passengers to Australia, New Zealand, Venezuela, Mexico, Panama and Spain. Some of the passengers came to Miss Root and said: "We wish to get a booklet about this religion, why did you leave us out?" The truth was the literature was all gone except a few newspaper and magazine clippings. (Miss Root bought $50 worth of magazines and daily papers containing the Bahai Principles in order to use them in distribution after the 500 booklets were given out.) On this ship one passenger would tell another, and they came to ask questions so that by the end of the two weeks the Bahai Message was well circulated. One young man, when hearing her tell about the Bahai Convention in New York, said: "Will the Cause grow as rapidly as that in South America? In twenty-six years will we have a convention like that?" Others were very much interested in the Temple to be built in Chicago.
Lima, in Peru, the seat of the old Inca civilization, was the most important city visited after leaving Valparaiso. Its population is 250,000. Dr. Vargas had given Miss Root letters of introduction to nineteen cities and towns and four were to his friends in Lima which is his native city—one was to a newspaper owner, one to a senator, and two to physicians. As Lima is a half-hour's ride from the port Callao, and the ship only stopped three hours in the early morning, it was a problem how to get there, find these men, and get back on time. On the electric tram Miss Root met two young men from the ship who spoke English and Spanish. They took her to the leading hotel to inquire from the manager how to reach these people. He was an old man and wonderfully kind. He told Miss Root to sit down and write her message to each man and he would take them with her letters of introduction, Bahai booklets and magazine clippings to each man. He assured her the newspaper owner would use an article and volunteered to translate it into Spanish. It was all done so easily and quickly, and the two young men from the ship, getting interested, mailed to their sisters in Australia and New Zealand, Bahai booklets from that hotel. After Callao no more letters of introduction could be used as the ship was not allowed to stop at any more ports owing to fever conditions.
On the last day of the voyage the passengers asked Miss Root to give a lecture on the Bahai Cause in the music room. It was announced to be given in English, but when the friends came some asked to have it in Spanish, so a Mexican gentleman interpreted, and it was given in both English and Spanish. There was such a warmth of interest and everybody seemed happy. Some of those present were en route to Japan, Spain, France, Germany, Panama, Venezuela, lona, California, Oklahoma and New York. Each one was given a clipping or something which explained a little of the Cause.
Abdul-Baha said in regard to the Panama Canal Zone: "Likewise, ye must give great attention to the Panama Canal Zone, for in that point the Occident and Orient find each other united through the Panama Canal, and it is also situated between the two great oceans. That place will become very important in the future. The teachings once established there, will unite the East and the West, the North and the South."
Miss Root spent one week in the Canal Zone. Arriving in Panama Saturday noon, October 25th, the first visit was to the Star and Herald office, the oldest newspaper. It is printed one-half in English and one-half in Spanish. The editor, a young man who had heard of the Bahai Movement in California, used
a column and a half about the Cause, giving it a prominent place. Miss Root asked if there were any clubs or churches where she could speak. He told her of a big event which was to be given that evening in the fashionable Ancon Club house for the Roosevelt Memorial fund and suggested the men to see. As a result, a ten-minute talk was given there where Miss Root explained what Abdul-Baha had said about the Canal Zone and she gave the vital principles. Four hundred people were present.
There is a Union Church in Balboa (the American city which adjoins Panama, the older city of the Republic of Panama). One can only see where one city ends and the other begins by the architecture and the beautiful grounds of the American part. Everything that the United States has built in the Zone has been high in standard. The place may well be considered a demonstration of ideals in living for the world, coming and going, to see and learn. This Union Church is composed of people of all denominations of the Protestant faith. They gave Miss Root twenty minutes at their evening service and the editor of their church magazine said he would use a column about the Bahai Cause in his journal bringing in what Abdul-Baha said about the Canal Zone.
The Cause was explained to the editor of the Despatch, a newspaper for the colored people, and he used a story.
An attempt was made to visit the Leper Colony at Palesaco, near Panama, but the winds were so high that in attempting to land in the little boats, two men in the launch ahead fell into the sea, so the Doctor ordered Miss Root's launch back, but she explained the Bahai Revelation to the Doctor and to the wife of the Superintendent, and sent the lepers Thornton Chase's leaflet, Before Abraham Was, and Unity Through Love, by Mr. MacNutt, and four boxes of candy. There are seventy lepers there, seven of them children.
The Message was also given to the doctors of the Canal Zone ports, to the British Minister, and to several of the American Government officials. In a journalistic way, Miss Root met the heads of all the Government works.
In the Canal Zone there are opportunities to get excellent positions clerking, stenography, nearly every kind of work one would find in the States. The climate is warm and the life extremely pleasant. It is said that Panama Canal Zone within a decade or two will be quite as popular as Palm Beach as a winter resort. The Bahai who settles there and builds up an assembly will be doing a work that will influence every part of the globe. It is the most central place in the world, where in the centuries just ahead the long lines of commerce and travel will pour up and down, back and forth. The old Roman philosopher who said if he had only had a place on which to stand he would take a lever and move the world, would find that place today in the Panama Canal Zone. Some day someone will build a great university on the heights of the Panama Canal Zone; how glorious if it could be a Bahai seat of learning!
Leaving Colon for Havana, a five-day trip, Miss Root went to the captain of the ship, showed her credentials and explained the Bahai Cause, asking him for permission to give a talk. He arranged for her to speak on Sunday morning at eleven o'clock. Nearly every one came. The passengers were principally from the Southern States and Havana. It was the only event that took place in the social hall during the journey and the people came promptly.
If any one feels timid about asking opportunities to speak, let him remember that no day comes twice to any servant in the Cause, and Abdul-Baha has said to "roar like a lion the Words of God," and "sing like a bird the Melodies of the Kingdom." The Great Heart will not falter and the world is ready!
Allaho'Abha!