"HOLY JUMPERS" TO THE RESCUE.

Taranaki Daily News, Volume L, Issue 61, 29 October 1907, Page 4

"HOLY JUMPERS" TO THE RESCUE.

WEIRD GYRATOIIS TO ATTEMPT NEW YORK'S SALVATION. An article in the Daily Telegraph states that in view of the alleged "wave of crime" which lately s-.vept over New York, a great deal of attention is being given just now to the means neoessary for the regeneration of the American metropolis. Some of the means lack reasonable prospect of success. Amongst these I put the programme of the "Holy Jumpers" of New Jersey, whose leader claims to have received a Divine mission ordering him to dispatch a flying column to New York, and to follow within three weeks with the main body of the army, 100 strong, and with supplies. The "Holy Jumpers" are now preparing to move from their idyllic country home in Western New Jersey to the wickedest quarter in New York, where demi-mondos rule. Between their dances, which include every manner of step, from the Dervish's whirl to the sailor's hornpipe, they will warn New Yorkers of the destruction that is bound to come in the shapo of a pillar of fire. The Jumpers will make extraordinary efforts to interest the city in the 'weird gyrations which give them their name, and if they arc successful they will establish a colony and missionary school such as they havo in Denver, their parent city. They rely chiefly upon their jumping and dancing, the men in bloomers, and the women in blue Hannel skirts, to gain the city's notice. The leaders say that they have no fear of meeting the chilly reception that greeted the late "Prophet" Dowie and his picturesque army. Once New York sees their jumping enthusiasm will overwhelm the most studied indifference, they say. At any stage of the "Holy jumpers' " meetings the inspiration to dance is likely to seize the members. With a shout of joy one begins. Perhaps he starts by waltzing alone around the ring. Another joins him. Tliev grasp shoulders, and the waltz livens into a movement like a very rapid two-step. Then they stop, face each other, and whirl like Dervishes, ending their performance by jumping high in the air, and sometimes half-turning before reaching the ground. Excited by the dance and singing and the shouts, others join, women skip about like school-girls, and seize and drag one another into the circle. By and by the whole assemblage is whirling and jumping and shouting, and the women never dance with the men. The whole performance is intended to typify the religious rites of the ancients, and the preaching is always marked by exceeding zeal