THE DAILY CHRONICLE

27 April 1911

SECRET CHIEFS OF “ROSICRUCIANS.”

“Very Like Trial in ‘Alice in Wonderland.’ ”

IS JAMES IV ALIVE?

Some curious facts concerning the inner history of the ancient and mysterious Rosicrucian Order were given in Mr. Justice Scrutton’s court yesterday by Mr. C. McGregor-Mathers [MacGregor Mathers], the head of the Order. He was called to give further evidence for the defence in the libel action which Mr. George Cecil Jones has brought against the Looking Glass Publishing Company, Limited, and the editor and printer of the journal. The Looking Glass, in an article attacking the character of a Mr. Crowley, mentioned plaintiff as being one of his friends.

Mr. McGregor Mathers said Crowley was expelled from the Rosicrucian Order because he worked against witness and because of his moral character.

Cross-examined by Mr. Simmons, witness said he was christened in the name of Samuel Mathers.

You assumed the name of McGregor?—Yes in 1603 the name was forbidden to be used under pain of death.

Your name in 1603 was McGregor? (Laughter.)—Yes if you put it that way.

You have called yourself the Chevalier McGregor?—No (emphatically).

Have you ever suggested to anybody that you have some connection with James IV of Scotland?—I do not understand what you mean. Of course, every Scotsman of ancient family must have some connection with James IV and other Scottish Kings.

Were you asserting that James IV of Scotland never died?—There is an old tradition about that in Scotland.

So you assert that James IV is in existence to-day?—I refuse to answer that question.

Have you ever asserted that Cagliostro was one and the same person as yourself?—No. You are confusing me with Mr. Crowley’s aliases.

Do you also believe that the Count de Germain is living?—I am not responsible for traditions.

Counsel: When was he supposed to have died?

The Judge: The Flying Dutchman is another instance if you want to pursue the subject further. (Laughter.)

Witness: The Wandering Jew is another. (Laughter.)

SWORN TO SECRECY.

Further questioned, witness said that for a man of no occupation he was probably the busiest man living. (Laughing.) He had given the best years of his life to the establishment of the Rosicrucian Order—a work that required a knowledge of many languages. The “Rosicrucians” was a secret order, but he refused to give the actual membership; it was more than 200. He was the external head, and exercised administrative powers. There were secret chiefs with whom he was in communication, but he was sworn not to reveal their names.

Mr. Simmons: Are they living or dead?—I am sworn not to discuss them.

Witness admitted that he had expelled members, but declined to say how many, though counsel suggested 15 at one time. He was on terms of friendship with plaintiff until he backed up Crowley. Further questioned witness retorted, “I am bound to account for my actions in the order to you.”

After more cross-examination the judge remarked: “This trial is getting very much like the trial in Alice in Wonderland.” (Laughter.)

Mr. D. Migge, merchant of Eastcheap, said he attended the first séance conducted by Crowley at Caxton Hall, and paid five guineas for the series of screen performances. He did not like the performances and asked for his money back. The performances were supposed to be rites based on mysticism and planetary spirits, and that sort of thing. The one he attended had something to do with the planet Saturn.

The jury gave a verdict for the defendants and judgment was entered with costs.