FATHER DIVINE RELEASED

Hawke's Bay Herald-Tribune, Issue 84, 26 April 1937, Page 8

FATHER DIVINE RELEASED

-Press Assn.-

Harlem Rejoices with Hysteria P0LICE POWERLESS

(By Telegiaph-

Copyrisht.)

NEW YOBK, April 23. Scenes Tarely viewed in New Yorli oecurred at Father Divine's arraignment. He was released on bail of 500 dollars. Several hundred police were required to keep order in tlie streets adjoinitig the court. Many thousands of negroes assembled and the authorities feared a riot. Father Divine pleaded not guilty, iStating that he had no knowledge of jthe stabbing of the process server. Saint Mary Bloom provided bail. Great cries of "Peace, God! " arose when Father Divine appeared in the street. Harlem itself was swept with paroxysms of joy and religious hysteria. Father Divine made a triumphal procession in a Kolls Royce through the city. "Several journalists attempting to enter the "Kingdom of Heaven" were mobbed but were rescued with difiieulty by the police. Anyone seen with notepaper making notes was in danger of his life. The followers of Father Divine screamedi "Don't write lies!"

A ten-course victory dinner was served in the ''Kingdom of Heaven." Some female followers spent the night before the criminal court and uii doors of "Heaven," bowing and crying; "Peace! Divitie is Godl " Later in the day Father Divine himself was compelled to caution crowds of negroes in the Harlem streets against excesses. The police were compelled to eonfess they were powerless.