1927-02-26 — Page 9

THE "WHISPERING GALLERY."

HOW THE "FAKE" WAS

WORKED.

HESKETH PEARSON ON TRIAL

FOR FALSE FRETENCES.

VERDICT OF NOT GUILTY.

THE HONG KONG DAILY PRESS. SATURDAY, FEBRUARY 26th, 1927.

THE EVIDENCE. Sir J. Rennell Rodd. Sir J. Rennell Rodd, in evidence. said that he never knew Hesketh Pearson, and on November 10th. when the first criticisms of "The Whispering Gallery" appeared, he was in Milan, returning to Eng- land two days later. He had never heard the name of Hesketh Pearson until his return.

Sir Henry: Have you in your The trial at the London Sessions possession a number of books in of Hesketh Pearson, 39, writer, of which you have kept a record from Abbey-road, St. John's Wood, N.W., time to time of matters of interest? on charges arising out of the pub-Yes, I have a certain number, but lication of "The Whispering Gal- certain of them have been destroyed lery resulted in the prisoner's because I have no further use acquittal.

The charge was of obtaining by! false pretences a cheque for £005 from John Lane The Bodley Head, Limited, publishers. It was alleged that Pearson pretended to a mem- ber of the firm that The Whisper

was based on the ing Gallery" diary of Sir J. Reanell Rodd, for- merly British Ambassador to Italy. Pearson pleaded not guilty. Con- siderable interest was shown in the case. Nearly a score of magistrates were on the Bench, and the well of the court and the gallery were fill- ed, many of the public being women.

Counsel's Opening.

Sir Henry Curtis Bennett, K.C., prosecuting, said that Pearson had been engaged for some years in the

them.

EUROPEAN IRON PACT.

GERMAN THREAT TO DISRUPT IT. OVER-PRODUCTION PENALTIES.

The Continental iron pact, which was made just four months ago, is already threatened with disruption, says the Daily Mail of January 27th. The Germans total produc- tion is much more than the amount of the queta arranged for them in agreement with manufacturers of Belgium, France, and Luxembourg, manufacturers of Austria, Czecho to who mast now he added the Slovakia and Hungary.

SCIENCE AND THE "SPIRITS.”

NEW LABORATORY” OF RESEARCH.

SEANCES MAY BE BROAD- CAST.

A laboratory for the scientife exposure. if investigation and necessary, of spiritualistic pheno mens, the first of its kind in Britain, has been established in London, with Lord Sands, K.C.. Price Foreign Research Officer of as its president, and Mr. Harry the American Society for Paychics! Research, as director.

In an interview with the West- minster Gazelle, Mr. Price said:

The Germans production exceed 9.3 per cent. in September, 19.3 per fored the quota assigned to them by cent. in October, 20.7 per cent, in

"As scientific society, we main- Novamber, and 259 per cont. intain that there are certain laws governing all psychical phenomena which can be discovered and proved, Our purpose is to discover them.

Have you ever lent any books of records or any books of any sort to the accused 1-No.

Or ever given them to him for the purpose of negotiating publication of them-No; to the best of my knowledge they have never been out of my custody.

his

December.

In consequence the Germans have had to pay 2,500,000 dollars into the pooling fund, and some of them are considering whether the disruption of the pact is advisable, although this would not mean that they would not attempt to renew it in the future.

The pact was made for five years Cross-examined by Sir Patrick-and in certain circumstances three be denounced Hastings, K.C. (for Pearson), Sir years but it can J. Bonnell Rodd said that until this earlier if the Franco-German com- Dr. Rouseh, German director of case he did not think that he had real trenty has not been signed ever met any member of the firm of the Good Hope Works, and one of the most powerful of the indus trialists of Westphalia, has spoken Messrs.

in a speech at Duisburg. He sought to disguise the real motive of this proceeding by arguing that indus- trial co-operation with Germany's neighbours is impossible if German

Lane. Asked for

03

The fact that these laws “are difficult to establish makes the need for research all the greater. We, a scientific society, ara, nat 120- spiritualista, neither are we believers' We are simply here to prove to our own and other people's satisfaction whether or not certain phenomena are supernatural, or scientifically." whether they can be accounted for

The experiments carried out al ready by the laboratory have proved

by its director, Mr. Price, have been the means of exposing some of the most famous mediums" in the world.

opinion of the book, he said: "I of the possibility of denouncing it satisfactory, and those carried out | should be very sorry to have any connection with the book. It ap- pears to me to bear on the face of it a large number of things which condemn it immediately. I don't by any member of the diplomatie

Searching Methods.

literary and theatrical professions, i think it could possibly be written territory occupied by foreign troops of the famous Crew photographic

In July of last year Pearson went to see Mr. Dunbar, managing editor of Odhams, Limited, and produced to him the American proofs of the book. He said he had sold the He asked Mr. American rights. Dunbar if he could negotiate the publication in this country in serial form.

service.

The Frankfurter Zeitung has is not evacuated.. Sir Patrick quoted a passage, given him a sever anub, and told "Kitchener never cared a damn for him that a business man should Lloyd George," and asked: That stick to business, pointing out that mast strike you as rather funny the outburst was a business one and

not a patriotic one. Yes.

Other passages were:

Mr. Price's complete unmasking medium a year or two ago, in face of tremendous opposition, was one of the most discussed expositions in paychic history

"We adopt, of course, the most exact and searching methods in our experimenta," explained Mr. Price, and are always inventing new "laboratory, and instrument capable of measuring the alightest change in temperature, to a 10th of a deg. Fahr.

Mr. Lloyd George said, "All I know is that Northcliffe is fed up 12,000-YEARS-OLD WHEAT pacs. For instance, we have in this with Kitchener.”

Lloyd George was on the point of retorting when Grey intercepted What is the alternative?" quickly,

He told Mr. Dunbar it was writ- ten from the diary of an ex-diplo-Asquith smiled, sipped his port, mat. Mr. Dunbar asked who it was, and said, "As David." (Laugh and Pearson replied, "It is a close

ter.) sceret." Mr. Dunbar said it was This seems to have annoyed the act suitable for him at the time.

late Prime Minister," added Bir Subsequently, Mr. Dunbar intro- | Patrick. I see he then slapped duced Pearson to Messra Lane by the table, jumped from his seat, letter. Mr. Lane saw Pearson, who marched to the fireplace, and said, said that he had prevailed upon the diarist, a diplomat, to allow him to make a book and to negotiate the sale for publication. Pearson stated that the diplomat's name would have to be kept out of the transac tion entirely.

Mr Laue said, "As an act of good faith the firm will require the diarist's aaras to be divulged in con- fidence to one directer," and Pear- son agreed to that. Later Pearson, having signed an agreement, said to Mr. Lane, The name of the diarist ia Sir Rennel! Rodd."

2.

"Daily Mall" Attack,

1

you say that again, Asquith, will lose my temper." (Laughter.) Mr. Winston Churchill was sup posed to have said, My father used to say, Never resign until you are indispensable, whereupon Lloyd George promptly remarked, Ob, yes, and a pretty mess of things he

(Laughter.) made, didn't he?'"

What the directors of Lane's must have thought when they sat round the board table discussing who was the diplomat who wrote that remarked Sir Patrick.

Monarchs Talk.

when Sir Patrick asked if he would describe them as Ed. and Will.

Asked by Sir Patrick if he knew On November 19th the book was the late King Edward and William published. An articlo appeared in I. of Germany personally, Sir J. the Daily Mail hended Scandal-Rennell Rodd replied, "Yes" He ous Fake Exposed," and it was a did not answer, but only smiled very severa attack upon the book,

As the result of the attack the directors met nad two lists of ques- tions came into the possession of Messrs. Lane These two lists were given to Pearson and he was asked if he could answer them.

What about parcelling out some of the territories owned by France 1

Wm. Yes, there is something

in that.

Ed: And taking Alsaoc and Lorraine off her hands?

swer is that originals of my said that when he parted with the

sze to do so. diaries have been returned to me cheque he believed Bir J. Bennell and are now deposited with other Rodd had written the diary and documents which my executors that Pearson had been instructed to will make public 25 years after write the book by Sir J. Eennell my decease.

Pearson gave verbal answers to the two lists of questions which had been framed as a result of articles in the Freas, but said. "For God's sake don't publish them.

23.

On November 20th Mr. Lane agala zaw Pearson, who said he had man aged to see the diarist, not only at his club but at the fat of a

Rodd.

The trial was adjourned. Pearson, giving evidence, told the court that be assumed Mr. Allen Lane knew there was no real diarist and when asked for the name be selected Siz. Bennell because he could not think of anyone less likely to bave written the book.

SUMMING UP AND VERDICT.

FIND OF PRE-DYNASTIC TIMES IN EGYPT.

Wheat, stated by Professor Flin

at least 12,000 ders Petrie to be years old has been examined by Professor John Perceval a: Reading University.

and

"We have an ultra-violet in-! visible ray camers, which is placed in the room during a dark séance, and can take a photograph, with out any visible ray of light, of any phenomena, such as a materialia- tion, claimed, according to the medium, to be taking place at the time.

one."

The two cereals which have been found associated with pre-dynastic times, are barley and Emmer wheat Making á plea in "Nature" for

The plate is afterwards develop archeologists to send samples of ancient cereals to a central museum ed in the ordinary roanner, and for study, Mr. Perceval points out

upon it. So far we have not seen that at Reading they have a collec any such materialisation appears tion of 2,000 species, rsces varieties of wheat grown annually. Emmer wheat was sent him by Mr. Guy Brunton from an undisturbed site of the Badarian people (3,500 or 5,500 B.C.), and soune was received from Miss Caton-Thompson which had been taken from straw-lined pits dating 10,000 B.C. found in the Farum ares, Egypt.

Mr. Perceval believas both barley and wheat were grown by the ea liest agriculturists of whom we have any definite knowledge.

Vulgar Details.

"We never hold a séance without two dictaphones in the room, which record, standing at opposite angles, 14 different cameras, and a flood- to movement. We have

a light more intense than daylight. light in the laboratory, which gives

Broadcast Spirits,

"Then we also have an entire brondcasting set, complete in every detail, which is relaid from the séance room, and could be broadest all over the country,

· ·

31

RASH ITCHED AND BURNED

Lost Sleep Many Nights With It. Cuticura Heals.

**A rod maà came on the inade of my right knan about the sixa of half a crown. It used to itch and bara terribly and I could not keep: from scratching. When I scratched the eruption water came from it and then it would smart. 'I lost my sleep many nights with it.

“I read at advertisement for Cutler Soep and Ointment and sent for a free sample. By the time I had finished, the sample there was a great improvement so I pur chased more and in three weeks I was healed." (Signed) Mirk, E. Ball, 3. Arbury St., Hulme, Men. Eng. The Cutlence for every-day toilet purposes. Bathe with Soap, sootha with Ointment, dust with "Talcum. Soap and Dintment wold throughout tha

ગ

Also the soul weders with print

1906"Try the Cadieurs Shaving Stick.

CHURCH NOTICES.

ST. JOHN'S CATHEDRAL, HONG KONG.

Sunday

Holy Communion at 8 am FaVART 97, 1997, Quinquagesima

Molina at 11 AM–

Preacher-The Rt. Rev. J. Holden, Bishop in Kwangsi and Hanan. aur for the Sick

Litany

B

at D.DL.

12 noon.

Froscher-Ber. G. T. Waldegrave,

D.0.C.

Masonic Service open to all. ABY WEDNESDAY, Harch 2nd- Holy Communion at 7.45 am. Matina and Litany at 10.15 sm. Evensong at 8.30 p.m. Chol Evensong and Address by Rev. THURSDAY, MATE SI

"H. Hewitt, .. at 5.45 p.m. Famar, March 4th

Organ Recital by Mr. Mason at 6.45

[97

4:

UNION CHURCH. (KENNEDY BODY.

Surnar Saavics, February 17th-

Sunday School at 9.45 am. Morning Service at 10.30 am.

Hymns: 67, 618, 279 and 603. Preacher Rev. F. W. P. Alexander,

O.F.

P.S.A. in Lecture Hall at 4 pizza -

Address by Her: F. Short, Evening Service at 6 p.m.

Hymns: 84, 303, 291, 401 and 840, Freacher: Rev. J. Kirk Moonachie. WAY, March 2nd, af 8.15 p.m.-

Boldiers' and Sailors' Christian As- sociation

FRIDAY, March 4th, at 8.30 p.m.

Christian Endeavour Meeting and Social Benz,

[95

FIRST CHURCH OF CHRIST, BOIENTIST. MACDONNELL ROAD, LOW BOWEN

ROAD TRAM STATION..

SUNDAY SEXTION, February 27th, 11.15

2.Diy

Wednesday Evening Meeting at 5.30

P.2.

Reading Room at above address, open Monday and Friday, 10am to 12 Noon: Tuesday and Thursday, 5 to 7 p.m.

The Public is cordially invited to attend the services and visit the Reading Boom

"The time will undoubtedly com when, if so desired, the public will be able to listen to séances na to an entertainment "

A

Another question is whether the publishers relied upon the repre sentation when they published the

Mr. Price took up psychical re- book. Was it that that induced them! It is said by the defence that search through scepticism. "I was they would have published it if always interested in conjuring there had been no diplomat at all tricks and illusions," he said, “and as a small boy I played my first that the book was the inducement conjuring trick on my long-suffer Lafer some friends that the book was one which, owing

ing relatives to modern taste, with its gossip and myself turned our attention

in- about distinguished persons and

persons.

The real had or

you

ENGAGED 120 TIMES.

MAN WHO, COURTED A SPANISH FRINCESS. Alois Frankenberg, who

WAS

Pearson afterwards produced the following statement, which he said

W. (catching fire): Excellent, be had obtained from the diarist:- Ed. And sharing between us

the entire Mahommedan world! At the request, the almost bys-

Wm. You paint my dreams. aults to different persons, is the sort to illusions, and prepared" a full terical request, of the editor of

With called

Half Hours of thing the public likes, and the series of demonstrations which we (Laughter.) my diary I am making the follow- ing statement. I am aäked if I

Sir Patrick: Have you ever read book will sell whether it is or is not will disclose my name. The sn such arrant nonsense to your hea diplomat's, as long as they (the Medium, or Behind the Scenes in

with varying Buccess. nothing will induce

Mr. Allen Lane, giving evidence,public) can get vulgar details of the Spirit World,' and carried through "Some time after this I encoun- private life of very distinguished

On the other hand, the prosecutered some real psychic phenomena which I could not explain away, tion say Messrs. Lane from the be and from this I made a serious start ginning declined to have anything to deal with the matter." to do with that book unless a repre sentative of theirs should be satis fied that there was behind it a dis น who- tinguished diplomat as diarist. ther defendant any intention to defraud. The defence admits that Pearson was a romancer, and lied. and lied, and lied sgain, but they argue that a liar is not necessarily a defrauder. It is urged that he engaged to be married. 120 times, knew he had produced something has died at his home in Bavarle. that would appeal to modern taste, He was the son of a well-to-do that it would bring prelit to him farmer, and when a young man self, but still greater profit to the inherited his father's estate, which prosecutors. Did he believe that his he sold plot by plot to have money he appeared" as was not defrauding these people by to lead a luxurious life." he thought they would be more than

"Count you received in the best society, and Chairman and Verdict, when he saw the possibility of recompensed for that payment

After an absence of 23 minutes

increased

sed his prestige by paying the entire expense of a bullight in Guilty.

The Chairman: Now that you Seville Hearing, however, that have given a general verdict, I the princess's parents were making should like to ask you whether you inquiries about him in Bavaria, he to you Did you find the repro having run through his fortune, swered the specifie questions put fled to the United States, whore, sentation had been made?.

he served in the army for tour The Foreman: Yes.

the He went round the world as secretary of American million aire. He lived on his wits in Eng- land and France, and in 1804 joined I think it is right in a case like this the French Foreign Legion. When Pearson, who admitted that be, had Mr. Lane, You knew perfectly that it should be clearly understood he returned to Germany he made a told him a lie.

friend. Mr. Willett, one of the Bir Robert Wallace, K.O. (chair-

senior directors, rang up Pearson and

said:

"You must tell the diar-man), summing up asid:

The Whispering Gallery" is ist at once that he must instruct us to withdraw the book, otherwise like a great many reminiscences

Some of them we shall have to sue the Daily Mail, published to-day.

are chiefly distinguished by their

and call the diarist as a witness."

Later, Pearson said he had tele-vulgarity and others perhaps for getting a cheque from them because In Spain, wherenberg," he was

phoned the diarist, who agreed to their lack of veracity,

But that is not the question you the withdrawal of the book

On November 21st Pearson sent have to determine. Nor are you to to the Daily Huil a signed state- determine whether the 4,000, people the jury returned a verdict.of Notrying a Spanish princess bel ment for publication in which he who have bought this book have said: "If it is a fabrication, it a been defrauded, or, whether they no fabrication of mine. I accepted could proceed either criminally or the work in good faith from the in a civil court to recover the money as I can see, source whence it emanated, just as they paid. As far the publishers accepted it in good there is not the slightest doubt that Bir Rennell Rodd's name was given faith from myself."

Mr. Lane consulted his solicitor, to Mr. Lane, or the slightest evi- and saw Mr. J., Rennell Rodd. A dence that Mr. Lane knew it was all the result of that he stopped pay: humbug There is not a suggestion ment of the cheque for £225: On from first to last nor even after the newspaper articles denouncing November 23rd Mr. Dunbar SAW

the book that defendant to

sid

The Chairman: But it was not

The Foreman: Yes.

made with intent to defraud

The Chairman: I ask that because

years.

living for while lecturing on his

VISITORS - TO CANTON Should Purchase

[87

BOOK FOR THE GLOBE- TROTTERS FROM HONG KONG TO CANTON BY

THE PEARL RIVER

CAPTAIN C. V. LLOYD. With Illustrations, Maps and Flaga

PRICE

$1.75

On Bale at: "HONGKONG DAILY PRES" Office.

CONSIGNEE NOTICES. THE PENINSULAR & ORIENTAL

NORDDEUTSCHER LLOYD, BREMEN.

THE

Steamer

TRIER"

having arrived from BREMEN, HAM BUBG and Port Consignore of Cargo. Are hereby notified that their Cargo in being landed at their risk into the Go- downs of the Hangkang sad Kowloon Wharf and Godown Co, Ltd. Kowloon, where Dalirory can be obtained.

All Goods remaining undelivered after the 1st of March, 1937, will be subject to Rant

No Fire Insurance will be effected by: ni in any case whstaver.

Damaged Packages must be left in the Godown for stamination by the Con- signees and the Company's Surveyors,

Anderson Мелить

Ashe, at 10 am, on the 25th of emitted after the

No Claims will

1937.

Goods have left the Godown and all Claims must be presented within Two Wooks of the Ship's arrival here, after which date they will not be recognised.

Coamgums are requested to surrender their Bills of Lading to the Undersigned for countersignaturs.

·

MELCHERS &CO.. Agenta: NORDDSUTSCHKA Lloyd, BzzxII, Hong Kong, 22nd February 1927,

[4394

STEAM NAVIGATION, CO.

ETMAKER FOR STRAITS, COLOMBO, AUSTRALIA, BOMBAY, EGYPT, MEDITER- RANEAN PORTA & LONDON, TENUGH BILLS OF LADING Tuxo For BATAVIA, PERSIAN GULF, CONTINENTAL, AMERICAN AND SOUTH AFRICAN PORTS.

Steamship

"NELLORETM

Captain A. H. HIGHSTT, ZUR, Canying Eta Majesty's Malls, will be despatched from this Fort on or about WEDNES DAY

2ND MARCH, 1927, at Noor, taking

boassengers and Cargo for the

8ük, Valuables and Tes for Italy, France and London (under arrange ment) will be transhipped at Bombay into the Mail Steamer proceeding direct to Marsailles and Lendon.

Parcels will be received at this Off until 5 PM the Day before Sailing. The sentent and value of all packages must be declared."

For further Particulars, Apply toma MACKINNON, MACKENZIE & 00.,

Agenta. Hong Kong, 23rd February,

1997.

11595

JVER HALF A CENTURY KËPUTATION

2010 PILLS FOR THE INVALUABLE FOR DELLAN of Thane IRPORTART ORBLE GRATIA, BAZARE, God, EXMORAIMA, PLending Gannata, our Bars Fras, DR. Le CLG XE Co, Harescok Be w

Indon

VES. APCUENT

DR. LECLERC'S OLIVER A KIDNEYS

DALECLERC'S HELP, MN LA

PILLS FOR

LONDON SELLING AGENTS DILE CLERG'S NAME, PRIDE 36,

TEA, INDIGO

FIBRES

BRISTLEES

OILSEED

Sold on bom- mission

British and

Continenstl

HIDES & SKINS Markets.

RUBBER, DRUGS

COTTON, WOOL 8 amplas ORES, MICA

GUME, AND

GENERAL

PRODUCE

valued. Bert

porte for con- signments in... dicate.

KEYMER, SON & CO.. (Import Dept.) Whitefriars, London. Teleg.: "Keymer, London." Es: 1884

SHIPBUILDERS.

SHIP REPAIRERS, BOILER MAKERS, FORGE MASTERS,

OXY-ACETYLENE AND ELECTRIC WELDERS.

MECHANICAL AND ELECTRICAL

ENGINEERS.

AATH AND BEARTUM PON SADEME ASSERTS, BALLE CLERO'S KOMP. La or #2ableta

ON SALE.

BOUND VOLUMES of the HONG January to June, 1928.

WEEKLY PRESS,

WITH INDEL, PRICE $7.50. On sala at the HONG KONG DAILY

Pass Office.

-DRY DOCKS,-

THE TAIKOO DOCKYARD &

ENGINEERING COMPANY

OF HONGKONG, LIMITED.

Length 787 Feet..

Length on Blocks 750 Fest..

Depth on Centre of

SM (LW.0.5.T.) 84 ft. 6 lat. -THREE SLIPWAYS.--

Capable of Handling Ships Up to

8,000 Tons Displacement

Electric Grans at Sea Wall, Capable of Lifting 100 Tons at 70 Feet Endins

BUTTERFIELD & SWIRE, Agents,

HONGKONG, CHINA & JAPAN.

"TEL, ADDRESS: "TAIKOODOCK,, HONGKONG.”

TELEPHONE No. 912.

CALL FLAG: "C" OVER "ANS. PENNANT.”

[61

The HONGKONG & WHAMPOA DOCK

COMPANY, LIMITED..

TELEGRAPHTO ADDRESS" MANIFESTO," HONGKONG.

Copas UsXD: AI, A.B.O. Fifth Edition; Engineering: First and Second Edition;]

Western Union and Watkins.

·Dock Owners, Ship Builders, Marine and Land Engineers, Boiler Makers, Iron and Brass Founders, Forge Masters, Electricians.

Steel Twin-Screw Ocean-going Tug and Salvage Steamer

"Henry Keswick

If the suggestion of the defence well all the time I had only given what the actual verdict was in odventures Later, however, he Built, engined and equipped complete by The Hongkong & Whampoa Dock Co., Ltd., Hongkong, for their own- was that The Bodley Head must you the name between ourselves, and interests of all parties

that it was not Sir Bennell Rodd's have known the facts, the jury would remember that Pearson was diary." If you find the representa after the exposure of November 19th tion was made I do not think you Pearson was still saying, There will have any difficulty about decid is a diarist; I am telephoning to ing whether it was false or not, (Continued on neze Column).

him/

Pearson was then discharged, and found it easier to make a living servise, 1921. Length 188 E.P., Breadth 84' (m), Depth 17" (m), LH.P. 2,000. Fitted with electrically driver on leaving the court was warmly by getting engaged, cepecially to abmarable and centrifugal pumps, air compresser, wireless, searchlight and all modern appliances for Saltags Works embraced by his wife, who had been wealthy widows, for whom he had present throughout the trial, and a special charm, and from each congratulated by a number of his of whom he managed to extract friends.

money.

Please address enquiries to the Chief Manager,

EK DYFB, B.Je, M.IN.A., KOWLOON DOCK, HONG KS1Q,