THE KALGOORLIE MINER

Kalgoorlie, Western Australia, Australia

30 June 1911

(page 2)

FARCE IN COURT.

ALICE IN WONDERLAND TRIAL.

SECRET RITES.

"This trial is getting very much like the trial in 'Alice in Wonderland,' " remarked Mr. Justice Scrutton in London a few weeks ago, during the hearing of an action for libel brought by Mr. George Cecil Jones, a consulting and analytical chemist, against a weekly paper called the "Looking Glass."

The plaintiff contended that in a series of articles dealing with the career of a Mr. Aleister Crowley, he was charged with immorality. The defence was that the articles did not libel the plaintiff, but referred solely to Mr. Crowley.

A Mr. Samuel McGregor [MacGregor Mathers], a member of the Rosicrucian Order, gave evidence. He admitted that his name was Mathers, though he was known as McGregor, a name, counsel suggested, of great antiquity, and which in 1603 was forbidden to be used under pain of death.

James IV. Of Scotland.

In answer to Mr. Simmons whether his name in 1603 was McGregor, witness said counsel could put it that way if he liked.

Have you ever suggested that you had 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

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

Do you assert that James IV. is in existence today?—I refuse to answer that question.

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

Questioned as to other people long since dead, witness said he was not responsible of traditions.

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

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

Witness said that he had no profession or occupation, but that for a man of no occupation he was probably the busiest man living. (Laughter.)

What work is that?—The establishment of the Rosicrucian Order.

Head of the Order.

In answer to further questions, witness said that there were secret chiefs, and that he was the external head of the order, and exercised administrative powers. He was in communication with the secret chiefs, but he was sworn not to reveal their names. (Laughter.)

His Lordship: This is getting a long way from the issue the jury have to try. The jury are not here for amusement; they are here to do their business. I do not want this court to be turned into a place of amusement.

Counsel was proceeding to question witness with regard to a Buddhist monk, and also a member of the order, when his Lordship intervened with the remark: "This trial is getting very much like the trial in 'Alice in Wonderland' " (Laughter.)

Mr. Cran, a solicitor, who acted for McGregor in an action against Crowley to restrain the latter from publishing certain rituals of the Rosicrucian Order, said Mr. Jones knew what the action was about, and witness had an interview with him and read to him extracts from one or two of Crowley's books, and suggested that the latter was not a desirable person.

Mr. William Migge, a merchant, of Eastcheap, said he attended the first séance conducted by Crowley at the Caxton Hall. He paid five guineas for a series of screen performances. He did not like the performance, and asked for his money back. The performances were supposed to be rites and rituals based on mysticism and planetary spirits. The performance he attended had something to do with the planet Saturn. There was so much incense used that he could not see everything.

Dr. Berridge [Edward Berridge], of Gloucester Terrace, Hyde Park, who was called on behalf of the defendants, said he was a member of the Rosicrucian Order. He spoke as to the "ugly rumours" afloat regarding Crowley, and the character of his books.

The jury returned a verdict for the defendants.