THE DETROIT TIMES

Detroit, Michigan, U.S.A.

14 January 1922

CULT MEN FACING ARREST.

Postal Agents Ordered to Collect

Evidence for Prosecution.

Post office inspectors under Chief Inspector E. E. Fraser were put on the trail of the founders of the O.T.O. today.

All evidence gathered in the case was turned over to them by Frank Murphy, assistant United States attorney.

Bribery Is Hinted

Orders were issued to gather facts necessary for prosecution on charges of sending obscene matter through the mails.

Hints that the expose of the love cult—whose existence was revealed exclusively in The Detroit Times—had reached the stage where bribery began to figure in it, for the purpose of “having investigators shut up,” were made today following announcement of a federal inquiry to establish a violation of the postal laws by members of the order.

An attorney prominent in the disclosures of the workings of the cult found $700 lying on his desk a few days ago. There was a note with the money telling him to pocket the cash and “shut up” on the case. Who put the money on the desk the attorney could not say.

Branch Here Admitted

The creed, formulas and methods of worship of the cult have been brought out since the affairs of the Universal Book Stores, Inc. have been heard in bankruptcy court before Paul H. King. The book company published and distributed the Equinox, handbook of the cult, it was said.

Recently, it was admitted in the hearing that a branch of the order was started here at a meeting of several prominent Detroiters in the D.A.C. [Detroit Athletic Club].

Grover L. Morden, attorney for the stockholders of the bookstores, has contended during the bankruptcy proceedings that the publication of the Equinox was responsible for the financial difficulties of the concern.

Frank Murphy, assistant U.S. district attorney, said today he would probe the report that the Equinox had been sent through the mails, and believed he already had proof in certain letters written by officials of the firm that seemed to indicate the Equinox had gone through the mails.

“I consider The Equinox the most indecent and obscene book I ever have seen,” Mr. Murphy said.

“This is not the first time its existence has been called to my attention. More than a year ago I was approached by a woman who asked me to investigate the order. I did, but could find no violation of federal laws.

“This woman mentioned the names of five prominent citizens of Detroit. They are big men. The mention of their names would immediately bring on a scandal. I am not going to place their reputations in jeopardy without first being positive that a law has been violated.

“When I obtain from Mr. Morden the information he has, I will proceed. The evidence will be laid before a federal grand jury it if is strong enough, and I will subpoena everyone who has been mentioned in connection with this society. A request for the indictment of everyone who has had a part in placing the literature in the mails will follow, and this will include those who have accepted the book with knowledge of its contents.”