THE DETROIT NEWS

Detroit, Michigan, U.S.A.

13 January 1922

CULT MEMBERS TO BE QUIZZED.

Prosecutor on Trail of O.T.O. Followers

Responsible for “Equinox.”

Action will be taken next week by Paul W. Voorhies, prosecuting attorney, against those responsible for the publication of the Equinox, the official organ of the mystic O.T.O., labeled by the prosecutor as the most dangerous book he had ever seen. A list of those who might be responsible for the publication is being drawn up, as is a list of men and women who may give testimony in the prospective hearing.

The statute under which a search and seizure warrant, for confiscation of copies of the Equinox, was issued Thursday provides a $1,000 fine and one year’s imprisonment for anyone publishing, exhibiting or even having in his possession any book found to be hurtful to the public morals.

The police department, through Dr. James W. Inches, commissioner, has been placed at the disposal of Prosecutor Voorhies in connection with alleged meetings in Detroit of members of the cult.

Because bankruptcy proceedings are being heard in connection with the affairs of the Universal Stores, Inc. and the Equinox was published by the company on the orders of Albert W. Ryerson, its head, the books seized by the prosecutor on the search and seizure warrant will be placed in the basement of the store at Grand River Avenue and Park Place under a seal. Paul H. King, referee in bankruptcy, who is hearing the case, declared he would see if it could be arranged to have the books turned over to the prosecutor without any Government strings attached to them as assets of the bankrupt concern.