A GERMAN MESSIAH.

Auckland Star, Volume LIV, Issue 74, 27 March 1923, Page 5

A GERMAN MESSIAH.

n v-miinii muuginiii OF THE RASPUTIN TYPE. WOMEN FASCINATED. LONDON, March 26. The Berliu correspondent of the "Daily Express" reports that Ludwig Hausser was sentenced to 21 months' imprisonment on a charge of endangering the Republic. Hausser's career resembled Rasputin's. Ho preached in village market places, proclaiming himself the new Messiah. Women were fascinated by this handsome man in monk's garb, who promised everyone relief from slavery. One woman he hypnotised was Admiral yon Pohl's daughter, whom he induced to elope. Hausser was born in poor circumstances at Wurtemburg, and emigrated to London when he was 18. Thence he went to Paris, where he married a pretty Frenchwoman with a dowry of 10XLDOO francs. He became partner in a champagne factory, and organised bogus exhibitions which issued worthless diplomas. When the Avar* ended his profits, Hausser went to Switzerland, where he was "converted," and became an itinerant preacher. He wore long, flowing ha ir and > a beard. He went to Germany in 1919, and his revival meetings were crowded. He never flattered his audience, but called them dogs, pigs, and vipers, comparing the towns with Sodom and Gomorrah. When he reached Berlin he posed as an apostle of chastity.— (A. and N.Z.)