Religjous Bigotry.

Evening Post, Volume LVI, Issue 98, 22 October 1898, Page 2 (Supplement)

Religjous Bigotry.

4 As stated in our cable columns of August 26, Sieveking, the famous Dutch pianist, was arrested at Fachl, in Austria, for contempt of the ' Host.' The following is his own account of the occurrence :— ' On Sunday night, after 9 o'clock, I was walking in the dark, thinking of the concert for the following day. All at once I heard the tinkling of a little bell, which had no significance to my ear. A priest caught me up, stopped me, and cried angrily, "Take off your hat." I did not answer, so much surprised was I. He continued, "Whatever you are— a Jew or Atheist — you shall take off your hat." I answered with, "Je no voua comprends pas." Then he cried furiously, " I shall have you arrosted." It was then I lost patience, for, being a Protestant, I had no notion what I was to take off my hat for. I grew excited, and cried, ' ' Are you a rogue or a prieet ? ' ' The priest then cried at the top of his voice, •'Here is one who scoffs at our religion. He called me a rogue. " A hundred men, women, and children were around me in a moment, vociferating all at once. The priest went away ; I retreated to my house door, followed by the screaming mob.' Ai'ev the concert next day, the pianist was m rested, aud hurried to a cell without beiug given the opportunity of ohaugiug his dress clothes.