Watchtower News Scrap Book (Press Clippings, 1941–1961)

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Jehovah's Witnesses Gather Here

Hear JUDGE RUTHERFORD

COMPORT ALL THAT MOUEN

CHILDREN OF THE KING

FREE ALL PERSONS WHO WILL BE CONCILIATED

AUG 6-10

WATCH TOWER CONV

THE CATHEDRAL OF ST. PAUL'S

Thousands of members of Jehovah's Witnesses, who believe that the "Kingdom of Heaven" is soon to be established on earth, gathered at the Arena for a five-day Theocratic convention. Convention officers estimated that 75,000 persons would attend. There was an acute shortage of rooms and many members slept last night in cars and on the ground at the Arena and in Forest Park. The man in the foreground is resting under an improvised sun shade.

Jehovah's Witnesses Await Session's Start

Many Delegates Camp Out for the Night Convention to Open Formally Today.

Pictures on Page 15.

Jehovah's Witnesses today shook off the effects of sleeping in auto-mobiles, tents and in the open to prepare for official opening of their annual Theocratic Convention at 3:45 p.m.

Biggest problem before the convention is securing housing accommodations for the thousands of visitors. While cancellation of some reservations has been reported, members of the order are canvassing the city for additional room reservations.

The delegates are taking the difficulties with good humor. Some of them told of driving several miles to find a house, only to be informed no rooms were available. One woman said, "We drove five miles yesterday and then discovered there was no such address in St. Louis as the one we were looking for."

N. H. Knorr, of Brooklyn, N. Y., one of the convention officials, said hotels had appeared to be reluctant to reserve rooms for Witnesses.

O. P. Greathouse, chairman of the executive committee of the St. Louis Hotel Association, said: "We have offered all the space available to the Witnesses. Because of the National Retailers' convention this week, however, and a general increase in hotel business, the hotels have not had much extra room. I have talked to some Witnesses and told them we would accept all the reservations we could, but I haven't received any official requests from the convention for rooms."

Big Trailer City Built.

The biggest answer to the housing problem for the Witnesses is their trailer and tent city, sprawled over forty acres of rolling hills on Schuetz road about one mile west of Lindbergh boulevard in St. Louis County.

John Waicekons of Brooklyn, Witness official directing the encampment, said today there are more than 6,000 persons living in what is virtually a "mushroom suburb" of St. Louis.

At least 1,500 trailers, tents and temporary buildings are standing in well-planned rows. Sanitary facilities, a headquarters tent, cafeteria, store and refreshment stand have been constructed at the center of the camp.

"This is our permanent home until the convention is over," Wai- cekons said. "We have had telephones and electricity installed and a wire system will bring all the proceedings of the Arena out here. We do not intend to go to the Arena for convention sessions."

Waicekons pointed to a large water tank which had been installed at the west end of the camp.

"We're having our water hauled out from St. Louis--about 10,000 gallons every day-put in the tank and then piped to the faucets you see standing around," he said.

Camping Out a Lark.

The Witnesses were indulging in the camping adventure as a tremendous lark, an excellent vacation. They were meeting old friends and making new ones. They were crowding around the headquarters tent and refreshment stand to buy cooling drinks and hear announcements. The smell of meals cooking

and fires burning gave the city a true camp atmosphere.

Of interest was 63-year-old A. M. Kirby and his handmade trailer cart.

"Yep," said he as he patted the orange and green cart, "made her myself and pulled her all the way from home-that's Westville, Okla.

"Fellow gave me a ride for about 100 miles, but for the other 300 I pulled her up the hills and rode down. Made 25, maybe 35 miles an hour on good grades. I was eleven days on the road."

30,000 Jam Arena.

Back at the Arena, about 30,000 persons jammed Building A, the parking lots, the corridors under the Arena proper and hundreds more occupied the seats in the Arena hall, waiting for the convention to open.

Those in the hall were entertained by the practicing of the Jehovah's Witnesses orchestra, a makeshift organization which had been gathered from musician-delegates attending the convention.

A large stage has been erected at the south end of the hall and decorated in purple and white with palm trees standing about. Above the stage is a huge sign proclaiming the passage from Revelations: "Salvation unto our God—and unto the Lamb."

At 8 a.m. today, the lawn in front of the Arena was still dotted with delegates sleeping with their clothes on and lying on newspapers. In the parking lots, which were packed to the last car space, Witnesses were sleeping in their automobiles while others were beginning to prepare breakfast along side the machines.

T. P. Comuntzis, supervisor of the Witnesses' cafeteria in Building A, reported more than 20,000 delegates had been served for breakfast by 9 a.m. today. The meal consisted of fruit, rolls, cornmeal mush and coffee.

The long housing booth at the north end of the building had been closed down.

"We're having so much trouble getting additional rooms," an usher explained, "that we've decided not to keep the booth open for awhile."

Early-Comers at Convention

Scene at the Arena as several hundred members of Jehovah's international Theocratic convention. Because of a shortage of rooms, many persons slept last night at the Arena and in Forest Park. (Additional pictures in Everyday Magazine.) THEOCRATIC SECT OPENS FIVE-DAY MEETING IN ARENA

Lodging Facilities Inadequate and Several Thousand Delegates Sleep on Ground or in Cars.

Jehovah's Witnesses, men and women of serious mien who consider their mission as "chosen people" paramount to all else and philosophically accept persecution as part of their lot, began a five day Theocratic convention at the Arena today.

The convention will be an uncomfortable experience for many who attend - official estimates reached 75,000-for all available rooms arranged for before the conclave have been filled and several thousand delegates were forced to sleep in cars and on the ground at the Arena and in Forest Park last night, but few complaints were heard from the Witnesses.

A story of persecution and mob violence in many lands, including execution of several members by beheading and German firing squads for refusal to accept military service, is told in a report of the Witnesses activity during the past year, made public in connection with the convention.

During the past year, 600 American mobs attacked and injured about 2000 members of the pacifist

sect which refuses to salute the flag and bitterly opposes all religions, particularly the Roman Catholic, the report states.

"Jehovah's Witnesses have been assaulted, beaten, kidnapped, driven out of towns, counties and states, forced to drink castor oil, tied together and chased like dumb beasts through the streets, maimed, taunted and insulted by demonized crowds, jailed by the hundreds without charge and held incommunicado and denied the privilege of conferring with relatives, friends or lawyers," the review asserts.

In almost every case of mob violence, it adds, "the public officials have stood idly by and refused to give protection, and in scores of instances the officers of the law have participated in the mobs and sometimes actually led the mobs."

The Witnesses, rather than being frightened out of their beliefs by such manifestations of disapproval of their ideas and unorthodox methods of seeking converts have been 'strengthened instead of discouraged" by the martyrdom, the report declares, and are carrying on their work with continued enthusiasm. Their methods include ringing doorbells and playing anti-Catholic phonograph records in the homes of people who permit.

Room Donors Withdraw Offers.

Witnesses, who were still pour ing into St. Louis by the thousands for the conclave this afternoon their leaders said about 40,000 were already on hand-regard as a form of persecution the fact that many people who had previously committed themselves to provide rooms in their homes for delegates-"several hundred" was the closest estimate convention officials would make - had with-drawn their offer on learning more about the sect's beliefs. But the "brothers" and "sisters," as they addressed each other, were not discouraged.

"We have come to hear the word of God," one well-dressed Witness told a Post-Dispatch reporter. "Nothing can discourage us."

The "word" will be delivered by Joseph F. Rutherford, leader of the sect and president of the corporations and associations through which it carries on its work, who will address his followers at 4 o'clock this afternoon, half an hour after the convention formally convenes.

Seating Arrangements.

Arrangements have been made for seating about 25,000 people in the Arena proper, accommodating an additional 20,000 in two side buildings, and handling an indeterminate overflow in the open space about the meeting place, N. H. Knorr, "convention servant," said. Knorr added that several sound trucks outside the building would carry the proceedings for some distance around, and a direct telephone wire to a trailer camp for 10,000 delegates on Schuetz road, a mile and a half west of Lindbergh boulevard, will permit loudspeaker broadcast there of speeches at the Arena. The trailer camp's capacity, originally 5000, was doubled this morning by rental of.25 additional acres of land, making a total of 65 acres.

Knorr, who is vice-president of many of the sect's enterprises, said "Judge Rutherford," as the leader, is known to his followers, will speak from a plain platform, simply ornamented with purple and white drapes with gold trim mings. No American flags, which the Witnesses regard as "idols" and refuse to salute, were in evidence in the hall.

At noon, 7500 delegates had already occupied seats in the Arena to assure themselves a clear view of their leader when he spoke More than 20,000 people were m

Jehovah's Witnesses

CROWDS AT ARENA

AND TRAILER CAMPS

Multitudes of Jehovah's Witnesses overflowed onto the Arena lawn and sat patiently under yesterday afternoon's torrid sun to hear Judge Rutherford's convention-opening address broadcast from the main building. At the right, Mrs. Russell Brown of Fairview, Ok., is shown at a county trailer camp washing her twins, Iris and Ilis, 7, and their brother, Lee Max, 6.

Overflow Crowd Hears Sect Leader

Several thousand persons sat on the ground outside the Arena yesterday to listen to the address of Judge J. F. Rutherford, leader of the Jehovah's Witnesses. The speech was carried to them by loudspeakers.

A crowd of about 18,000 persons gathered in the Arena to hear Judge Rutherford's speech opening the convention yesterday. Most of the seats were filled two hours before the speech.

Staff Pl 50,000 JEHOVAH'S WITNESSES ENDURE HEAT TO HEAR LEADER

Fifty thousand Jehovah's Witnesses yesterday sat in awed silence and endured heat up to 110 degrees to hear Judge J. F. Rutherford, leader of the religious sect, plead that they endure suffering and "rejoice that the vindication of Jehovah and theocratic government through Christ Jesus is near."

The multitude of delegates, representing virtually every state in the nation, jammed the huge Arena to capacity and likewise filled Buildings A and B on each side, to which loud speakers carried Rutherford's address.

They sat in a strange, almost dead silence. After being cautioned by a preceding speaker, no one whispered to his neighbor. Only twice did they applaud, once when their leader declared: "There must be a showdown soon to see which rule the world—the devil or righteousness. It is time for God's kingdom to make its power known. The climax is coming near, so let there be no division among you," They applauded again briefly as he ended his hour's address.

AFTER MILLENIUM

"The Lord has designated Jehovah's Witnesses to be the seeds of the remnants of God's organization after the millenium," the tall, balding, wing-collared Californian said at one point. "The Bible reveals that God promised to set up a theocratic government that will rule the world. The present suffering of His Witnesses foretells the second coming of Christ and the beginning of His reign as King of the theocratic government."

(Webster's dictionary defines theocracy as "the government of a state by the immediate direction or administration of God; hence, government or political rule by priests as representing the deity.")

Rutherford read from a prepared text, seldom raising his voice and never gesturing. He drew a lengthy comparison between the Biblical experiences of Job and Jehovah's Witnesses.

REASON FOR SUFFERING

Job was subjected to trials and tests of righteousness and integrity by the Lord, he said.

"Just as Job was tested and kept ignorance of the Lord's plan, Witnesses are enduring persecution now without understanding why. The reason is that you are suffering because you are God's people in a world nearing its end.

"You suffered coming to St. Louis, you are suffering now because many of you have had your room accommodations canceled. This was brought on by pressure to force cancellations. You can expect other suffering and insults in St. Louis and may, like Job, wonder why the Lord led you to this city for a national convention."

CHARGES PERSECUTION

Reviewing the Witnesses' record of persecutions, Judge Rutherford asserted "the United States has ceased to be the land of the free and the home of the brave," which statement brought a chuckle from his audience.

"We have been hailed into courts all over the nation, we have been charged with treason, we have had our homes burned and possessions destroyed by those people who have been blinded by Satan and who call themselves the religious leaders of the world," he said.

At the outset, Rutherford termed this session "the greatest meeting of God's people for Jehovah ever held on earth, the representatives and ambassadors of the great theocratic government—the only hope of the people in these times of world oppression."

He also termed the convention "the greatest assembly of ordained ministers ever held on earth." He asserted Jehovah's Witnesses are not obliged to attend religious schools to be qualified to act as agents of the divinity. "Jehovah's Witnesses have received the highest ordination from God and are commissioned as his theocratic representatives."

Reviewing the European situation, the speaker said the Axis has embarked on a program "of beastly persecutions of Witnesses."

"Our brothers are lying in at least 50 prisons," he said. "But they die in faith and without doubt are immediately resurrected by the Lord and are comforted."

H. C. Covington of Brooklyn, N. Y., convention chairman, opened the first session of the five-day convention yesterday with the prediction "we are about to wipe out our enemies forever," and forecast the meeting will "exercise a great influence on the people of St. Louis."

In his welcome address, he urged the delegates to abandon many customs practiced by other religions and accepted as social usage. As an illustration of the latter, he as-sailed the custom of hand-shaking as "a waste of time that should be used for the glory of the Lord."

He warned the audience against whispering, exchanging notes or diverting attention of their neighbors since "we are here to learn how to work toward the theocratic government and nothing else."

FLAGS MISSING

American flags were conspicuous by their absence about the Arena, Jehovah's Witnesses steadfastly refusing to salute the flag on the grounds it would be a violation of the First Commandment.

Emory Jones, general manager of the Arena, declared the Arena has not had a flag "since I have been here, since 1932." Flags flown at other conventions were put up by exhibitors, he said.

While the convention is open to the public, an efficient system of loyal guards blocks all but the lobbies and assembly rooms to the public. Outsiate the groundfloor door to the fourth-floor executive offices was a cordon of men with arms linked, forcibly refusing entry to everyone but officials.

On each landing of the stairway above, from two to four other guards likewise were on duty. In the executive offices all queries were turned aside.

Requests for an outline of the basic elements of the Jehovah's Witnesses faith and in what respects it differs from other denominations were refused on the grounds that "Judge Rutherford used to write pamphlets giving that information, but the newspapers cut them down or declined to print them, so he quit."

When the leader came in the front entrance of the Arena, surrounded by a dozen or more guards, he was escorted upstairs and later to the speakers' platform. He was similarly guarded as he left after his address, before the afternoon convention session closed.

Over the grounds, other thousands of delegates loafed on the lawn, sat on boxes or stood about cold-drink stands listening to the speech by the public address system.

DO GOOD BUSINESS

At each entrance to assembly rooms in the three buildings were slotted boxes to receive contributions of visitors. Vendors of fans, cold drinks and souvenir cards did a land office business.

A lone picket appeared on the street walk fronting the area as the evening session began at 7 p. m. and, for a while, attracted a queue of curious Witnesses.

A man carried in one hand a flaming railroad fuse and in the other a large sign reading, "Oh, Lord, help me keep my mental balance so Thou will honor my country and respect this flag, and keep me from condemning the Catholics, the Protestants and Jews. Amen."

On the reverse side of the placard was the quotation: "By their fruits ye shall know them."

JOINED BY OTHERS

He soon was joined by two other pickets who carried American flags.

The queue, after about the third trip across the area, was dispersed by a convention "servant" who shouted, "Keep your minds on Jehovah."

"He needs help to keep his mental balance," a woman Witness yelled.

Passing motorists on Oakland avenue, slowed and frequently stopped by traffic jams, cheered and shouted encouragement to the lone picket.

SEEK COMFORT

The convention area last night had become a virtual Coney Island, with most of the delegates abandoning the hot meeting halls for the lawns, doffing hats, shoes and frequently shirts for comfort while listening to speakers through the public address system.

They joined lustily in a song fest that opened at 7 p.m. Earlier convention officials had distributed sheets containing Jehovah's Witnesses song lyrics fitted to standard hymn tunes.

Inside the Arena main assembly hall, F. W. Franz of New York, talked on zone and regional servants' duties, followed by a doctrinal discourse by J. C. Booth, also of New York. Not more than 1500 persons comprised their visible audience. The balconies were deserted.

During the speeches, women outside on the lawns in attentive silence dressed each other's hair, washed children's faces or prepared meals in cans.

Fifteen police officers assigned to duty during the convention reported no disturbances and no heat casualties.

"They depend on their faith to keep them from getting sick," one said, "and it seems to work. No prostrations among a crowd of 50,- 000 in heat like this is unusual."

WAITING FOR ROOMS Inside the cafeteria at the Arena, delegates dropped their baggage to face the problem of finding a room for their stay in St. Louis. This family is waiting for accomodations. Many slept on tables and the concrete floor last night.

Dinner is served for this Montana family at the trailer city.

Mark L. Linden of Marinette, Wis., has been a Jehovah's Witness for 35 years.

William H. Cass of Washington, Ind., has been a member for 35 years. By a Post-Dispatch Staff Photographer.

THEY CAME BY TRUCK

The youngest Witness at the trailer camp yesterday was 4-month-old James Robert Gray Jr., who rode in a truck with his parents and 28 other persons from Stamford, Tex.

Jehovah's Witnesses' Leader

By a Post-Dispatch Staff Photographer. "JUDGE" JOSEPH F. RUTHERFORD, leader of Jehovah's Witnesses, entering his automobile at the front entrance of the Arena to drive to the rear of the building for his convention speech yesterday.

WITNESSES SECT SPREADS MESSAGE THROUGHOUT CITY

In Sound Trucks, Autos and on Foot Delegates Visit St. Louis Homes Seeking Converts.

Witnesses of Jehovah, in St. Louis thousands strong for their Theocratic Assembly at the Arena, spread through the city today after a brief morning meeting, in accordance with instructions of one of their "convention servants," to "publish the blessings of the assembly and to invite others to participate in those blessings."

In sound trucks, in automobiles, on foot, Witnesses took their message to St. Louis homes by word of mouth, printed matter and phonograph recordings. The evangelists, who believe that institution of the Kingdom of God on earth is imminent and who hold aloof from all state and church organizations, took with them the assurance of their convention chairman, H. C. Covington, that the time is at hand when "our enemies will be wiped out forever."

Leader Speaks.

The chairman gave this assurance to tens of thousands of Witnesses who thronged the Arena and its side buildings yesterday to hear an hour-long address by their leader, "Judge" Joseph F. Rutherford, formally opening the five-day assembly of the sect.

The crowd, hot but patient, jammed the main building, filling every one of its 12,700 fixed seats and 5300 more chairs set up on the floor. A public address system carried the voice of the leader to other thousands in the side exposition buildings and standing in corridors, lobbies, and outside the doors.

A direct wire carried Rutherford's remarks to Witnesses living in tents and trailers at a camp on Schuetz road a mile, and a half west of Lindbergh boulevard. Another wire took the address to Brooklyn, N. Y., for broadcast over the sect's radio station, WBBR.

"Battle Is Near."

Gist of the address, heard by all these thousands, was that "Satan knows that the battle is near in which he must make his last stand." Rutherford said that until that battle, Witnesses must expect to suffer at the hands of Satan and "other demonized creatures."

When the fight is over, however, Witnesses "who have held fast in integrity will receive blessings," Rutherford prophesied. There was applause twice when the speaker dwelt on the imminence of the theocratic state and again at the conclusion of the talk.

Rutherford, tall and bald, spoke from manuscript rapidly and with little expression. Listeners at times followed him with difficulty when the thread of his sentences became tangled in mazes of Biblical quotation. Several thousand persons left the auditorium before he had finished.

Rutherford, accompanied by guards arrived at the Arena just before his speech and left immediately afterward. Thousands of the Witnesses missed even a glimpse of him.

His words, however, elaborating the theme, "God's chosen people shall receive blessings," reached everybody.

Likens Witnesses to Job.

Rutherford likened the Witnesses to Job. He reminded his hearers that Jehovah allowed Satan to torment and try Job, who, however, had the faith to endure to the end. So today, Rutherford said, Satan and his servants are trying and tempting the Witnesses of Jehovah.

"The Axis powers, instruments of Satan, have opposed theocratic

government and have persecuted the faithful," Rutherford said. "Those witnesses who have suffered death in lands controlled by Germany are now in the kingdom of Christ Jesus. Such is the province of the faithful.

"Even in the United States, the land of the free, Witnesses have been persecuted, beaten and hailed into court because of their beliefs. But everywhere Jehovah's servants are persevering.

"We shall all be subjected to further insults. But thanks be to God, we see the theocratic govern ment near."

Singing Program.

After a half-day's "witnessing" in the city, sect members returned to the Arena for a program of singing and for instruction in the technique of evangelism. Further talks on theocracy were to follow.

Hymns sung in reverential unison by the convention include, "Fear Not, Little Flock," "Arise and Shine," and "The Sword of the Lord and of Gideon." No collections are taken at meetings, but boxes are provided for contributions.

A representative of the business office of the convention said today that more accommodations for Witnesses are being found in St. Louis homes. Numbers of reservations have been cancelled by householders who apparently changed their minds about taking the Witnesses in.

The spokesman would not say how many new accommodations had been found. He said, however, "We have even had telegrams from some home owners to tell us that we're all right."

About 200 men formed a human chain as a guard for Judge Rutherford as he arrived at the Arena for his address late yesterday. The men locked hands and formed a double line from Oakland avenue to the entrance of the Arena, and stood for more than two hours to assure un interrupted passage for Rutherford's automobile. (Star-Times Photo.)

FROM FAR AND NEAR

and talking as members gathered at the Arena for the meetings, including long discussions of Theocracy.

There was much visiting

ERECTING SHELTER AT A TRAILER CAMP

The main trailer camp in St. Louis County was jam-packed with conventioning Witnesses, most of whom were subjected to the sun's blistering rays throughout the day. A. D. Maffit of Indianapolis built a canvas shelter for his coupe as his own per sonal solution to the heat problem. A bale of straw near by will be his bedding Jehovah's Witnesses Set Up Trailer Camp

Thousands of Jehovah's Witnesses, here for their national convention, are living in a trailer town set up west of the city on Schuetz road. This view looking west shows only a part of it.

Set Up Trailer Camp

Thousands of Jehovah's Witnesses, here for their national convention, are living in a trailer town set up west of the city on Schuetz road. This view looking west shows only a part of it.

Mrs. Thelma Franske of Hampton Va., has been a member for 20 years. She is the wife of a machinist.

Loudspeakers also carried the speech to the trailer camp on Schuetz road, west of Lindbergh, where some 10,000 Jehovah's Witnesses are living during the five-day convention.

Witnesses' Meeting Reaching Its Climax

Crowds Increase - At Least 1,500 Treated For Exhaustion and Injuries.

Slammed doors and verbal rebuffs failed to discourage the Jehovah's Witnesses as they continued calmly today about their business of evangelizing St. Louisans in the morning and listening to discourses of their leaders at the Arena in the afternoon.

Heat alone proved an irritant to the conventioners. Crowds that jammed the Arena and its grounds resembled giant fields of wheat as thousands of palm fans whispered in the still air. Some 1,500 or 1,600 men, women and children were treated yesterday for heat exhaustion, cuts and abrasions in the first aid unit, locatd in the basement of the Arena.

10,000 Cases of Pop Already Consumed At Arena Meeting

The thousands of Jehovah's Witnesses at the Arena are consuming a veritable flood of soda pop. The local bottling firm that has the contract for all soda sold at the convention told the Star-Times today the Witnesses had ordered 15,000 twenty-four-bottle cases for the five-day meeting and had already used 10,000. As thousands of Witnesses pour into the city for the climax of the convention, the company's officials were convinced the consumption would be doubled—to a total of 480,000 bottles of pop.

There are fifty-five or sixty doctors and nurses, all Witnesses, in constant attendance at the station. Busily they loosen the clothing of the sufferers, put cold water and ice on them, then let them stretch out on tables and benches.

Today's meeting and tomorrow's are expected to be the biggest of the convention. Thousands of Witnesses were on the grounds early waiting for the speech of their leader, Judge Joseph F. Rutherford, scheduled for 3 p.m. The entire parking lot in front of Annex A, to the east of the main building, has been cleared of all cars except sound trucks in order to provide space for the expected overflow.

Thousands Arrive Early.

Those seated in the Arena proper were required to present copies of the official convention program, which was distributed at the beginning of the five-day meeting, and were not allowed to carry bundles of any kind.

The judge's speech yesterday was one of the high points of the convention so far. Speaking without prepared copy, he was informal, intimate and jovial as he answered those who have criticized the Witnesses for not saluting the flag. "Everyone here loves the flag and the things for which it stands," he said. "And everyone here puts forth their honest endeavors to obey every law for which it stands. Demonized, unreasoning flag-wavers are the first ones to violate the laws for which the flag stands."

"Doesn't Mean License."

The speaker was firm in his determination that the Witnesses would not salute the flag.

"I say to the world," he thundered, "that we will not bow down to anything. That flag means liberty to do what is right; it does not mean license to compel people to violate their own consciences."

Alluding to the smashing of windows in the automobiles of two of the Witnesses yesterday, Rutherford said, "You Witnesses are carrying a message. You are liberators of the people because you carry God's message. Because you are carrying this message and attempting to do what is right, some of these unscrupulous things that walk on two legs smash windows and destroy our property."

Another minor outbreak at the Arena occurred last night, when several youths carrying flags on which was blazoned "God Bless America" taunted the Witnesses, many of whom were asleep. Guards attempted to silence the boys, and a scuffle ensued in which Ralph George Nenninger, 3102 Oregon avenue, suffered lacerations of the scalp. He was taken to the City Hospital and then booked with Walter Krysl, 4733 Milentz avenue, at the Hampton avenue station, suspected of affray. The youths were released this morning.

Witnesses for the most part continued to ignore the rebuffs, feeling that St. Louis was on the whole less violent toward them than some of the other cities they have visited.

THE NEW YORK TIMES

C. H. Whitefield of Wilmington, Del., has been a member for eight years and now is a full-time worker for the sect.

THE NEW YORK TIMES

Mrs. Grace Dinnoff of Bloomington, Cal., has been a Witness for six years. Her husband is a grapefruit grower.

Door Slammed in Face.

Said one Indiana woman, "I went to several houses where the door was slammed in my face, but that's nothing. I've been in mobs and been arrested for the work of the Lord. St. Louis has been nice to us, compared with other towns."

A young girl from Texas explained that she thought St. Louis "nice" but disliked the St. Louis weather. "Everyone seems to think we want to convert them to our beliefs, though," she said. "That isn't true. We're doing what you would do if you saw an automobile heading for a washed-out bridge. We're warning of what is to come."

Support for the Witnesses came today in a letter written to the Star-Times by M. L. Rupp, "founder and leader of a spiritual organization" known as Soul Science, in which Rupp says: "I consider it a great mistake for St. Louisans to object to 50,000 people coming here to advertise God; for that is what the Witnesses are doing. And folks, God can't be advertised too much."

As the convention moves to its close, preparations are almost complete for the "consecration through immersion" to be held tomorrow morning between 7 and 8 o'clock. Several hundred persons are expected to be immersed, the whites at Forest Park Highlands swimming pool, Negroes at a place to be announced later.

Time to Eat for Jehovah's Witnesses

Part of the huge crowd waiting to get into the cafeteria building at the Jehovah's Witnesses convention at the Arena at breakfast time. Thousands have been getting all their meals here. (Star-Times Photo.)

ENTHUSIASTIC MEMBER

Howard W. Turner of Enon, Pa., talking with a woman member. He said he has been a member of Jehovah's Witnesses for about a year. "It's the greatest thing there is. The people are obstinate, but with the weapons we carry, we'll outwit Satan and his gang."

TIRED Many of the members travelled long distances by automobile to the convention. This man rested on the lawn in front of The Arena.

WITNESSES FROM MANY STATES

Staff Photo

Every shady spot yesterday at a St. Louis County trailer camp was filled with Jeho- vah's Witnesses from many states. From the left, starting with the woman with glasses: Ames, Millersport, Ohio; Sam Hatcher, Valiant, Ok., and T. H. Michias, Milwaukee.

Jehovah Witnesses, by Thousands, Sleep Wherever They Can

Because there was inadequate space for them in hotels and private homes, tens of thousands of Jehovah's Witnesses from the four corners of America are sleeping this week in St. Louis wherever they can find space to lay their heads.

On sun-baked, dusty Missouri hill des, on the city's outskirts, on concrete floors at the Arena, on the grass in city parks, in automobiles parked by the roadside, on cafeteria tables and on the floors of homes which will take them in, men, women and children who have been unable to find beds at the end of their pilgrimage to St. Louis are cheerfully accepting their lot for "Jehovah's sake."

And the Witnesses are jubilantly pleased that they have moved into the city in such unprecedented throngs. Lack of accommodations, discomfort and congestion of traffic are but proof of the Lord's power in bringing together his followers, they say.

'SWEEPING THE EARTH'

"Brother, we are sweeping the earth," is a joyful greeting among members of Judge Rutherford's followers as they stop to chat with each other and relate not their troubles, but their triumphs in being present at their greatest convention.

From the main trailer camp, covering 40 acres on the Schuetz road, a mile west of Lindbergh boulevard, have branched off three or four other camping groups. Yesterday, under the blazing August sun, without a shade except that afforded by their trailers, parked automobiles and canvas tents, thousands of families were milling about ankle deep in dust at the Schuetz road camp, visiting and listening to the broadcast from the Arena.

Weather-beaten farmers and their wives with broods of children from every state, small-town folk, carters, mechanics, storekeepers camp population is a crosssection of Americans from rural districts who had the pioneering spirit of their forefathers to "get up and go" wherever they want to.

NO FORMALITY

Families from Vermont were getting acquainted with their neighbors from the Panhandle and "liking 'em mighty well," as one mother explained. License plates on cars were all the introductions needed in the camp. One does not stand on formality when he has traveled across 25 states to stretch out in the shade of his machine on a St. Louis County hillside.

Above the friendly hum of the crowds waiting for Judge Rutherford to begin speaking at the Arena was the voice from the broadcasting truck bearing a New York license plate.

"Brother, don't waste any of that water. Remember, every bit of it was bought and hauled out here."

WATER IS PRECIOUS

Water is precious on the lot. So many thirsty mouths to drink it. Babies and hot children to bathe. Supper to cook on the oil-burner.

Straw also is of great value. Nothing better for a bed under the open sky. Straw to cover the floors of tents. Straw to keep down the dust in the meager shade of trailer or automobile.

Fluttering pieces of paper are pinned to the side of every stand and available wall. They serve as the only method of communication between Witnesses without ad- dresses, telephones or settled friends.

Like refugees on the march, the Witnesses pin a message wherever they can make one stick.

Pinned up for all to read. In fact in hopes everyone will read them and "spread the word around."

"Raymond, we are on the East Side. Row 3, keep looking for us. Mother."

"Folks from Grand Pass, Ore. We will wait here for you. Lucille."

"Mr. Dutton, you will find Dr. Jehovah Group's Rooms Canceled

Hundreds of Jehovah's Witnesses lolled about the Arena in confusion yesterday as a wave of room-reservation cancellations-estimated up to 4000-poured into headquarters of their national convention.

Officials conceded about 500 private homes had canceled reservations in the last two days, but a canvass about the delegate-filled lawn fronting the Arena raised that figure to nearer the 4000 mark. N. H. Knorr, who bears the title of Convention Servant, asserted the total might be that great, but that the cancellations had been spread over the last three months.

He charged St. Louis hotels until recently had been "under pressure not to reserve us roms for the convention."

"Only a short time ago did the hotels begin to come to us individually and offer to provide accommodations and to help in one of the biggest conventions that ever came here," he said.

30,000 ESTIMATED

He estimated 30,00 Jehovah's Witnesses already are in St. Louis for the opening of the five-day convention today and predicted the total might exceed 75,000. First session is the convention assembly in the Arena at 3:30 p.m. today.

Conventionites by the thousands visited the Arena headquarters yesterday, many seeking to end the confusion over room accommodations and other hundreds visiting.

Women seemed to predominate many being fashionably and expensively dressed. Others, obviously poor, were wearing faded "Sunday dresses" and apparently had saved and skimped long to attend the convention, which is regarded in the light of a pilgrimage.

Automobiles filled parking lots on three sides of the Arena and a trailer camp, containing 1000 vehicles and tents and housing 4800 delegates, was set up on Schultze road off Lindbergh boulevard Forest Park ,opposite the Arena also was an attraction to the religious sect members.

ALL STATES REPRESENTED

Automobiles bore license plates from virtually every state in the nation. Many Massachusetts cars carried signs stenciled on their sides reading "Hear Judge Rutherford at the Arena Saturday at 3 p.m. on Comfort All That Mourn, and Children of the King Sunday at 11 a. m. All persons of good-will invited."

A voluntary canvass of St. Louis homes "to encourage people to read their Bibles," will begin today, Knorr said. Members will attempt to reach every home in the city with their literature distribution and phonograph record playing.

Members also will offer residents a copy of a book by E. B. Rutherford, national leader of the religious movement, explaining his interpretation of the Bible, for 25 cents, Knorr said.

"Please stress that we are not proselyting or attempting to prose- lyte anyone," he said. "Our pur- pose is to try to pursuade people to read their Bibles and put their own interpretation on what they find. Truth will reveal itself to them if they will give it an op- portunity."

CITY-WIDE CANVASS

He predicted 20,000 Witnesses will engage in the city-wide canvas today and probably more on subsequent days. This work is done during mornings and convention sessions are in the afternoons.

Today's convention schedule also includes the welcome of National Chairman H. C. Covington at 3:45 p. m., Rutherford's address to the theocratic conventioners at 4 p. m. and announcement of convention activities by T. J. Sullivan. The evening session will begin at 7 p. m. with songs and an outline of zone and regional servants' duties.

In commenting on convention attendance, Knorr noted special trains from New York, Boston and Washington, each bearing 900 delegates, arrived yesterday, as did a

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TRAILER CAMP FOR DELEGATES

About 10,000 members of Jehovah's Witnesses, who brought trailers and tents, are camped on Schuetz road, west of Lindbergh boulevard while attending the convention. In the foreground at right, a little boy is being given a hair-cut by his father before going to the convention.

convention in his pick-up truck from Sonoita, Ariz. Eight per- sons rode on benches in the back of the truck. His 480-acre ranch is named "Kingdom Ranch."

cycle for the convention.

A

THE NEW YORKER

A woman delegate buying a copy of "The Watchtower," official publication of the sect.

SISTERS Mrs. Mildred Kyle (left) of Ocean, Ind., and Mrs. J. V. Nisley of Defiance, O., at the Arena. Mrs. Kyle has been a member of Jehovah's Witnesses for 17 years and Mrs. Nisley for 10 years.

A

Mia Fleur DuPont of North East Wales

Miss Elma Ross of North Fork, W. Va., has been a Witness for four years. Her father was a Dakota Indian.

Barbara Sue Duke, 5-year-old daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Harry Duke of Indianapolis, Ind., draws water at the trailer city. The water is shipped out from St. Louis.

THE ICE WAGON WAS A POPULAR SPOT

This, indeed, was a welcomed sight at a trailer camp-an ice wagon. It was a veri- table oasis yesterday among a crowd of sweltering Witnesses, and did a thriving busi-

ness as the sun bore down. As usual, a group of youngsters was around begging for chips of ice. Pictures by Globe-Democrat Staff Photographers

A. M. Kirby, 63 years old, of Westville, Okla., showing how he pulled his hand-made trailer cart from his home, a distance of 400 miles.

They Disagree With Jehovah's Witnesses

Not the best of prospects for Jehovah's Witnesses who have been canvassing the neighbors grouped around a sign on a lawn at 6419 Nashville. (Star-Times Photo.) Defends Jehovah Sect Patriotism

Judge Rutherford Insists Members All Respect U. S. Flag

Asserting Jehovah's Witnesses have "the highest respect for the American flag-certainly far more than some of the country's fanatic flag wavers who are always first to break its laws," Judge J. F. Rutherford, leader of the sect, made an unscheduled address yesterday before 75,000 or more conventionites at the Arena and denounced their "so-called patriotic" critics.

The 72-year-old former Missouri attorney for the first time spoke without prepared text, and, likewise for the first time, spoke to his followers in an intimate and jovial vein. His jibes frequently evoked waves of laughter from a usually silent audience, but his thrusts at "demon enemies" were nevertheless severe.

"All Jehovah's Witnesses love the flag of the United States and the nation for which it stands," he said as the crowded thousands cheered. "We put forth every effort to obey every law it stands for.

WILL NOT BOW

"But I say to the world that by God's grace they will not bow down to anything.

"That flag means liberty to do what is right and does not mean license to compel people to violate their own consciences.

"Now let the roosters crow over that one.

"Some business men may criticise that statement, but I'm sure all old-time Missourians believe in doing what's right.

"You Witnesses are carrying a message. You are liberators of the people because you carry God's message. Because you are carrying this message and attempting to do what is right, some of these unscrupulous things that walk on two legs smash windows and destroy our property."

do what is right, some of these unscrupulous things that walk on two legs smash windows and destroy our property."

WINDOWS BROKEN

The latter was in apparent reference to the first police report of disorderly conduct at the three- day-old convention. Two Witnesses reported rocks had been thrown through windows of parked automobiles, bearing Rutherford address announcements, Thursday night in the 1300 and 1400 blocks of Louisville avenue.

"We serve notice that we will not be intimidated by the devilish work of those who hate righteousness and love iniquity," Rutherford added.

He likewise took exception to references to Jehovah's Witnesses as a "sect" or a "cult," to the amuse ment of his hearers.

"Jehovah's Witnesses can be referred to neither way," he said. Both words imply a human leadership. You have no human leader on earth—I'm just one of the boys fighting along with you."

Principal instructional session of

the afternoon, which again jammed the Arena and two flanking buildings, was headed by G. Suiter, New York office representative of the Witnesses. His words were directed at "pioneers," full-time field workers for Jehovah's Witnesses throughout the nation.

N. H. Knorr, convention servant, urged the pioneers to devote at least 150 hours to field work each month.

"Those who work full time will receiev the Lord's blessing, who in turn gives them the provisions they need," he said.

Approximately 200 young men formed a human lane by locking hands and standing along the driveway from Oakland to one of the Arena entrances for more than two hours to guarantee safe passage for the automobile bearing Judge Rutherford. They allowed only one other automobile beside Judge Rutherford's to pass.

The Bicycle Squadron

Staff Sergeant Thomas Young of headquarters squadron, Jefferson Barracks, examines one of the fifty new bicycles purchased for runners and messengers at the army post here.

Judge Joseph Franklin Rutherford, head of Jehovah's Witnesses, gives an address to the members of the convention at the Arena at 3 p. m. today on "Com- fort All That Mourn" and again Sunday morning on "Children of the King." Since 1916, Rutherford, a former Boonville, Mo., judge, has been the sole prophet and spokesman of Jehovah's Witnesses. The religious group was originally founded by Charles Taze Russell, a Pittsburgh haberdasher, who died in 1916. This picture was taken at the Arena this week as the judge spoke. (Star-Times 70,000 Hear

lehovah Chief

The fall of the Axis powers and democracies and the rise of the theocratic state were prophesied yesterday by Judge Joseph F. Rutherford, leader of the Witnesses of Jehovah, in his major address to the sect's theocratic assembly at the Arena.

Rutherford spoke before a crowd that packed the building and almost every available bit of space on the grounds outside. It was a crowd the "convention servant" who introduced Rutherford termed as "upwards of 100,000."

Police and reporters estimated

COMMANDS NEUTRALITY

"Almighty God commands that they must remain entirely neutral in the controversy. Because his covenant people are servants and representatives of the Theocracy, they must hold themselves entirely aloof from warring factions in this world."

By way of amplification, the speaker explained that "the prophecy shows that in order to fight against the totalitarian forces of 'the north' 'the king of the south' becomes more and more dictatorial. Both adopt the same method or means, and as a result the burdens of the people greatly increase and they mourn bitterly. Such are

the gathering at "upward of 70, 000." They put the overflow, which listened to the speech via a public address system on the parking lots and lawn at about 50,000 and said about 25,000 more were crowded in the building.

TALK QUIETS CROWDS

When Rutherford began his address at 3 p. m. a hush fell over the Witnesses, who listened intently to their leader. Prior to that they had been swamping the concession stands to purchase popcorn and soda pop. Many in the outdoor audience wore paper hats to protect themselves from the hot sun.

The "Judge" read from a printed copy of his talk and at the conclusion ordered his followers to take 500,000 copies of the speech and distribute them throughout the city immediately. A rush for the

the present-day experiences."

White the two 'kings' engage in the "most deadly and destructive war of all times, the God of Heaven is setting up His kingdom which shall never be destroyed," the speaker declared.

Rutherford said representatives of the Theocratic Government have been called 'the fathers in Israel,' but now they will be called representatives of Christ the King, presumably Jehovah's Witnesses.

CROWD ORDERLY

The crowd was orderly, although many of the listeners obviously were curiosity seekers. A fist fight took place Friday night outside the Arena fence when several young men demanded that Witnesses sleeping on the lawn inside the fence salute a banner reading "God Bless America," which one of the youths was carrying.

Rutherford was applauded four

pamphlets began shortly thereafter and within 15 minutes men, women and children armed with the tracts were pouring out of the Arena grounds.

Rutherford, whose speech was en titled "Comfort All That Mourn,"

recalled the prophecy of Daniel about two mighty opposing ruling powers, "the King of the North" and the "King of the South."

USES PARABLES

He termed the Axis power as the "King of the North" and the democracies as "the King of theouth." The former, he said, is violently opposed to the theocratic government of Jehovah by Christ s, and opposes and persecutes servants of God who proclaim coming and universal rule of the kingdom of righteousness. Poli- tics and religion are the chief ele- ments of the 'King of the North.'

or five times during the course of his talk.

Stores and filling stations near the Arena did a rushing business. It has been estimated that the Witnesses have consumed more soda pop than any convention group that ever has visited the city. Even drinking water was sold for five cents a jug yesterday.

"The King of the South," he said, "is the world-ruling power which rules and claims to rule the nations of the earth in the name of democracy. The dominant elements such power are commerce, politics and religion. Today it is represented in the British Commonwealth of Nations and the nations supporting that empire. It does not advocate and support Jahovah's theocratic government by Christ Jesus, and is therefore against the kingdom of God; as the King de- ed: He that is not with me is against me.'"

Both of the 'kings,' Rutherford said, fight desperately for world domination and are working great construction upon the nations, increasing their burdens and causing them to mourn. Witnesses, he warned, must remain neutral, must not take sides.

Judge Rutherford, Leader of Jehovah Witnesses, Got His Start in St. Louis

Got Inspiration at Bible Meeting

FORMED GROUP AT BOONVILLE

JUDGE JOSEPH F. RUTHERFORD

Associated With Witnesses in East in 1910

Joseph F. Rutherford, leader of the obedient multitude of Jehovah's Witnesses here for their national convention, began his career as a "follower of Jesus" in St. Louis 37 years ago, he disclosed to the GlobeDemocrat yesterday in the first interview he has given a newspaperman in three years.

"One night in 1904," he said, "I wandered into a meeting of 150 Bible students on Grand avenue and came out so impressed and delighted I returned to Boonville, Mo., where I was practicing law, and formed a Bible study group there."

Six years later, in New York, he became associated with Jehovah's Witnesses as a lecturer and subsequently traveled every state in the Union and spoke in many large cities in Europe and Asia.

BACK IN CITY

His present five-day visit to St. Louis during the convention is the longest since "that Bible meeting, which was the turning point of my career."

Although his word is absolute among the more than 500,000 Jehovah's Witnesses in United States, Judge Rutherford objects to being called their leader—"I'm just a follower of Jesus like the others, fighting alongside them"—and prefers to be known only as president of the three corporations which do the Witnesses' publishing.

"The many thousands that have come to St. Louis have not come on my account, but only that we together might bear testimony and encourage people who have been mislead and deluded by false doctrines in order that they might see that the theocratic government is

the hope and only hope of the human race," he said.

LAWYER 17 YEARS

"For 17 years I practiced law in the courts of Missouri, including the courts of St. Louis, state and federal. The title 'judge' some people still apply to me comes from my service as special judge under the provisions of the Missouri statue. But Christian people are not interested in men, but their interest is centered in the theocratic government and the truth concerning that government is proclaimed by men in all walks of life and one does not stand above the other.

"To me, titles mean nothing," he laughed. "It doesn't matter whether I'm called Judge or jackass."

But from the Witnesses Rutherford is accorded a mixture of reverence due a divine agent, and

honor and gratitude that would go to a teacher and way-shower.

Conventionites deny they fear for his safety, but the tall, soft-spoken man is guarded with a thoroughness rivaling the Secret Service ring about President Roosevelt.

His place of abode in St. Louis is a secret which officials preserve with a polite "I don't know."

When he arrives at the Arena a double line of husky well-instructed men link arms to shield him. Efficient flying squads block any approach near him in the building, while at least two guards on duty at each of four landings in the stairway leading to the fourth-floor administration offices. The Judge takes the elevator. Others must walk, explaining their mission four times en route. Few survive the gauntlet.

Rutherford said he tries to make

First Newspaper Interview in Three Years

JUDGE KEPT UNDER GUARD

He Objects to Being Called Sect's Leader

himself available to any Witness, but his subordinates explain they are seeking to conserve his strength.

Before and after addresses from the speakers' platform, the guard is even tighter. He arrives only seconds before he begins to talk and is whisked to an automobile before the concluding applause dies out. The audience is cautioned not to whisper. Ushers have turned back everyone seeking to enter the auditorium with a pop-bottle in his hand. No one not wearing a "convention servant" ribbon is permitted within 50 feet of the platform.

Asked to explain the basic differences between beliefs of Jehovah's Witnesses and other religions, Rutherford said:

"They are diametrically opposed and therefore can't be classified together; just as you can't add a man and a house and have two men or two houses. Christianity, as opposed to 'churchianity,' means doing the will of Almighty God. Religion is the doing of anything that is contrary to the will of God."

NO HUMAN LEADER

Along the same lines, Rutherford explained Jehovah's Witnesses could be called neither a sect, cult, church nor organization.

"The first two imply a human leader, which I am not," he said. "The latter two definitions are improper because our work is an individual mission, individuals serving God in their own way."

As to a literal interpretation of the Bible he asserted "we simply do what it says and don't try to twist out interpretations that will serve evil ends. There are no contradictory parts of the Bible.

Rutherford was reluctant to talk of international affairs, since he

Continued on Page 4A, Column 5.

erford Got Start in St. Louis

Continued from First Page.

felt an expression of personal opinion might be construed as reflecting opinions of members "who must, in all things, follow their own consciences."

"We naturally are neutral in the European crisis," he said. "Jeho-vah's Witnesses are fighters, but not with carnal weapons. It's truth that makes people free, and we are fighting with truth as our weapon. We couldn't conscientiously fight for the German, Italian or such governments, since we are devoted to fighting for the theocratic government.

CALLS HITLER CRAZY

"Hitler," he commented, "is as crazy as a bedbug. He is under the control of demons as sure as the sun shines, but there isn't the remotest chance he will succeed in his purpose of dominating the world."

Jehovah's Witnesses, as ordained ministers, are exempt under the Selective Service act, he said, and have been specifically covered in an exemption order by Gen. Hershey, Selective Service director.

Rutherford, often rumored to be wealthy since he took up residence in "Bethsarim," $75,000 mansion near San Diego, Cal., laughed at a question pertaining to his personal income.

"If I died tomorrow," he said, "I wouldn't have money enough to buy a coffin. I imagine though, I could depend on the society buying me one. I haven't showed a net personal profit in anything all my life."

NO COLLECTION TAKEN

Collections are never taken among Jehovah's Witnesses, he added, and they never ask for money.

"As the scriptures declare, all the wealth belongs to Almighty God," Rutherford declared. "We are engaged in His work and He sees to it that a sufficient amount of money is provided to carry on the work. He does not beg nor do His faithful followers.

"Every one of Jehovah's Witnesses serves freely and without hire. Every person attending this convention, who is able, pays his own expenses and if he has a little surplus he joyfully gives that to help pay the expenses of the poor, and here we are feeding many poor people free of charge."

He declined to disclose the society's income from literature on the ground that the "religions never submit a public statement on theirs."

The California mansion, he went on, is not his property. "It was bought and is owned by the Watchtower Society," he added. "I have no property myself. Even the copyrights from my books and pamphlets are held by the society. I occupy Bethsarim only by virtue of being president of the society, and succeeding presidents will be entitled to do the same."

CERTAIN UPHEAVALS

Judge Rutherford at one point elaborated on references many convention speakers had made to the end of the world being near. Asked for a date prediction and probable first manifestations of destruction of the world, he said:

"It isn't wise to try to fix biblical prophesies to a calendar, but there are certain upheavals in civilization predicted in the Bible after which the final stage then will begin. The word 'then' is not amplified, but there are many indications ahe trend toward Armageddon began in 1914. Coincidentally, that marked the beginning of Hitler's evil career.

"The earth will not be destroyed physically. There will always be an earth and there will always be men on it because God put them there. Furthermore, the term destruction does not mean the end of life. It simply means the triumph of Christ's will over evil. The destruction will be a displacement of evil in the same way that light displaces or dissipates darkness. DIFFERENT MANNER

Judge Rutherford's quiet voice and friendly manner is wholly unexpected in view of the unquestioning promptness with which he is obeyed by subordinate officials. As Rutherford's spokesmen, the commands of his subordinates are likewise law to members.

Their obedience is astounding. At one night session the chairman inside the Arena announced over the loudspeaker the Arena grounds were badly littered with the refuse of a thousand tinean meals and beds made of newspapers. He requested it be cleaned up. Instantly every person within hearing sprang into action and the debris vanished in seconds.

In the lobby of the Arena, during speeches, booth attendants growl a firm "Be quiet" if any stranger has the effrontery to interrupt their listening. Throughout the.convention, no smoking has been permitted.

Witnesses' Meeting Reaching Its Climax

Crowds Increase - At Least 1,500 Treated For Exhaustion and Injuries.

Slammed doors and verbal rebuffs failed to discourage the Jehovah's Witnesses as they continued calmly today about their business of evangelizing St. Louisans in the morning and listening to discourses of their leaders at the Arena in the afternoon.

Heat alone proved an irritant to the conventioners. Crowds that jammed the Arena and its grounds resembled giant fields of wheat as thousands of palm fans whispered in the still air. Some 1,500 or 1,600 men, women and children were treated yesterday for heat exhaustion, cuts and abrasions in the first aid unit, locatd in the basement of the Arena.

…