" HOLY JUMPERS."

Evening Post, Volume LXXIV, Issue 78, 28 September 1907, Page 13

" HOLY JUMPERS."

* THE REGENERATION OF NEW YOPJv. Some of the means suggested for the regeneration of New York lack reasonable prospect of success. Amongst these I (New York correspondent of the London Daily Telegraph) put the programme of the " Holy Jumpers " of New Jersey, whoso leader claims to have roceived a Divine mission, ordering him to despatch a flying column to Now York, and to follow within throe weeks with the main body of the army, 100 strong, and with supplies. The "Holy Jumpers" are now proparing to move from their idyllic country homo in Wostern. New Jersey to the wickedest quarters here, where demi-mondes rule. Between their clmccs, which incjudo every manner of frtop, 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 shape of a pillar of firo. The Junipers will make extraordinary efforts to interest the city in tho weird gyrations which givo them thoir name, and if they arc successful they will establish a colony and missionary school such as they have in Dsnver, their parent city. They rely chiefly upon their jumping and dane- j I ing, the men in bloomers and the women in blue flannel skirts, to gain the city's I notice. Thoir leaders say that they have no fear oi meeting the chilly reception that ftideted'the iato "Prophet" Dowie and his picturesque army. Once Now York seen their jumping enthiisinGin will overwhelm the most studied indifference, they say. .At any stage of the " Holy Jump- j crs' " meetings tho inspiration to ilanc-j j is likely to seize on lneinbers. With a j thout of joy one begins. Perhaps ho j starts by waltzing alone around tho j ring. Another joins him. They grasp | shoulders, and the waltz livens into n , movement, like a very rapid two-step. " Then they r,top, face each other, and whirl like Dervishes, ending their performance oy jumping "high in tho uir, and sometimes nalt turning before reaching the ground. Excited by the rfnnco and singing and ■ tho bhoats, others join, women skip about like school-girls, and seize and drag one another into tho circle. By and by the whole assemblage is whirling and jumping and shouting, but 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. It is strange commentary upon tho New York scare to reflect that propaganda like tho " Holy Jumpers and those of other eccentric bodies which in normal times are regarded almost dodisively, are now seriously discussed by many people.