Theos-Talk Archives (August 2003 Message tt00152)

Aug 26 2003

Dear Katinka:

Re: Judge and Besant


You wrote: on Aug 24 2003 (in part)

"Though the material offered here is of value in studying
theosophical
history, it is far from impartial. It defends W.Q. Judge at the
expense of Annie Besant consistently. Unfortunately not many of
Annie
Besant's friends have taken it upon themselves to defend her, but
that does not mean that Judge was guiltless. Nor does it mean
that
the TS is supposed to be the Blavatsky and Judge admiration
society
that one might think it ought to be after reading the below (if
one
can get through it - personally I could not get through the book
based on this, but I read enough to feel I should say this.)"


Allow me to send herewith some bio-notes prepared from original
documents (and to which I have added my comments)

Since they speak for themselves, I will be glad to answer any
questions on them, if asked.

Best wishes,

Dallas


=========================================
Annie Besant reads the Fourth "Message" from HPB.

1891. Apl. 15 Fifth "Message" to American Theosophists --
H.P.Blavatsky

re: Judge - Read on HPB's behalf by Mrs. Annie
Besant

A special Fifth "Message" is read by her in connection
with HPB's valuation of Mr. Judge.
[This is significant view of HPB's death, within 2 weeks of this
event, and the "Judge Case" which was started three years later
in 1894.]

>From H.P.Blavatsky :]

"To the Fifth Convention of the American Section
of The Theosophical
Society

Brother Theosophists :

"I have purposely omitted any mention of my oldest friend and
fellow-worker, W.Q.Judge, in my general address to you, because I
think that his unflagging and self-sacrificing efforts for the
building up of Theosophy in America deserves special mention.

Had it not been for W.Q.Judge, Theosophy would not be where
it is today in the United States. It is he who has mainly built
up the movement among you, and he who has proved in a thousand
ways his entire loyalty to the best interests of Theosophy and
the Society.

Mutual admiration should play no part in a Theosophical
Convention, but honor should be given where honor is due, and I
gladly take this opportunity of stating in public, by the mouth
of my friend and colleague, Annie Besant, my deep appreciation of
the work of your General Secretary, and of publicly tendering him
my most sincere thanks and deeply-felt gratitude in the name of
Theosophy, and for the noble work he is doing and has done.
Yours fraternally,
H.P.Blavatsky /\

[NOTE: The significance of this letter which HPB sent through
Annie Besant, who read it on her behalf to the Convention, ought
not to be overlooked. HPB was aware of the approaching death of
her body, and that she would not see AB again in that body. This
and other hints she gave to AB, who had only been 2 years in the
TS (as compared with Judge's 16 years of unremitting toil), so
she would realize the trust reposed in him.]


1891 APRIL-MAY Judge Explains "Borrowed Body" at an
E S Meeting

[ This extract from a letter by Mr. R. Crosbie, dated Oct. 14th
l914 to Mr. Frederick Weed Flint of New York. ( bottom of p. 2 )
It relates to an incident at an E S Meeting in Boston in 1891.]

"I will now state something that occurred at a general
E.S. meeting in Boston after the Convention of 1891--a few days
[May 6th 1891] before the passing of H.P.B. [May 8th 1891].
W.Q.J. and A. B. were present. After exacting a promise that no
one present should speak of what he was about to say, W.Q.J.
said:

"You know me as Wm. Q. Judge, born in Ireland, but I have
to say to you all that this body is not mine. It is a borrowed
body for purposes of the work. My own body is of a different
sort and race. How long I shall retain hold of this ordinary
body depends upon your loyalty and devotion to the lines laid
down. Should these fail I go to another field."


1891, May 8 H P B Dies in London -- Age 60 years

Mr. Judge was notified by cable. He sailed from New York
May 13th. Before leaving, he sent a return cable: "I am sailing
for London. I am her agent. Seal her room."

It should be noted that Masters' "Seal" was not found in
HPB's box when it was opened by Countess Wachmeister and Annie
Besant before Judge arrived in London. [ This "seal" was found
used on certain letters sent to various persons after HPB's
death. This use of Masters' "seal" was later used by Mrs. Besant
as one of the "charges" made against WQJ in the "Judge Case."]
LUCIFER, Vol. 16, p. 164-5.



1891, May 27 E S Advisory Council Meets - Continuation of E S


In London at this E S Council Meeting, Mr. Judge
presented his credentials as HPB's "representative with full
powers as a chela of thirteen years' standing" (in 1888), and as
HPB's sole agent..." Annie Besant presents hers as "Secretary of
the Inner Group and Recorder of the Teachings." This appointment
of AB was made by HPB in April 1991, less than 6 weeks before her
death. Annie Besant had been only 2 years in the TS and in the
ES.

Judge proposes that A B and he work together as "Co-Outer
Heads" of the E S in close cooperation. Mrs. Besant goes to her
locked desk and brings out a package of letters that she had
earlier tied together and which had not been in any one else's
hands. From this package, when she opens it, falls a Note
written by the Master. It read: "Judge's plan is right." The
plan was put into effect. The Esoteric Section was continued
with Annie Besant taking charge of the "Eastern area," and Mr.
Judge of the "Western." The E S Council disbanded itself and
full responsibility for the conduct of the E S was placed on
these two who were to conduct it as "co-Outer Heads.".


1891, July 9 Convention of the European Section of the T S

Mr. Judge attended as Vice-President, Col. Olcott, PTS,
presided. A new, satisfactory Constitution was framed. Amity
and an urge to strong and united work were the keynotes struck
then. The continuation of the European Section, its neutrality
and autonomy, was affirmed. The growth of the work and spread of
Theosophy in America was praised.

Col. Olcott, though not a member of the E S, had been appointed
by HPB her "agent for the ES for Asia."

Judge and AB advised him in a general way of the program the ES
would now be following.
THEOSOPHICAL MOVEMENT (1875-1950), p. 160


1892, Jan. Col. Olcott Resigns from the Presidency

On receipt of a letter from Col. Olcott to this effect,
dated Jan 27th 1892, Judge places the matter on the agenda for
the Convention of the American Section to be held April 24th.
1892 in Chicago. Resolutions of regret and a resolution urging
Col. Olcott to revoke his resignation were passed, as also one
which elected Mr. Judge to the Presidency only upon the actual
retirement of Col. Olcott PTS.

In the meantime Col. Olcott heard from the Master saying
that his resignation was premature. Accordingly, he delayed his
resignation taking effect, writing Judge as Vice-President, to
this effect on May 28th 1892. A formal letter of revocation was
issued by him dated May 25th 1892.
PATH Vol. 7, p. 235-6;
THEOSOPHIST, VOL. 13, SUPPLEMENT to SEPT. 1892


July 1892

Mr. Judge had gone to Europe to attend the Convention of
the European Section of the T S on July 14th 1892. Earlier Mrs.
Besant without consulting Mr. Judge, had inappropriately
circulated the E.S. membership in England and Europe to have Mr.
Judge elected President. A joint circular adjusting this was
issued over both their signatures to those E.S. members after Mr.
Judge's arrival there, and after he had convinced her of the
injudicious phrasing of the original. The European convention
passed a resolution naming Judge President when the resignation
of Col. Olcott became effective.

When Judge received the news that Olcott was revoking his
resignation; he issued a Notice to the American members giving
his whole hearted agreement to the change, asserting his pleasure
at Col. Olcott's resumption of the burdens of the Presidency. He
noted that only when absolutely compelled by necessity would he
assume the Presidency.

Some have looked on this incident as evidence of Mr.
Judge's ambition. Such is not the case, as can be ascertained by
reading chronologically the documents available. One may wonder
how it could be possible for Col. Olcott to have misread Judge's
intentions so completely. Mr. Judge's health was poor, and he
did not look with any degree of favor on having to go to India to
take on the duties the Presidency would impose. He had his
particular work in America, and there he preferred to stay where
he was most needed. In a letter replying to Dr. F. Hartmann of
May 13, 1892, Mr. Judge says: "...For myself I would never wish
this office [of President] as it is very troublesome and
thankless, but H.P.B...asked me to take it if O. went out or
died." [ T. FORUM, Vol. 4, pp. 131-2 ]
[Note: Those desiring more details about this matter should
refer to THE THEOSOPHICAL MOVEMENT (1875-1925) pp, 326-350.)


1892, April 24-25 Sixth Annual Convention of the
American Section
T S

In reviewing the year, Mr. Judge quotes extensively from
HPB's first "Message" sent to the Convention of 1888. She had
passed away May 8th 1891. Her observations and advice about the
conduct of the TS in America was continuously and appropriately
valid. Her death, far from causing disruption had brought on
greater accord and renewed effort.

Mr. Judge also noted that Col. Olcott, who had tendered
his resignation owing to over work, had rescinded it thanks to
the efforts made by the American Executive Council through Mr.
Bertram Keightley who had gone to India.

Aryan T S (New York) purchased 144 Madison Ave for use as
American HQ and to be occupied by the Gen. Secy.'s office, Path,
and the Aryan Press, it contained also a Hall for lectures.

Col. Olcott's resignation as President--correspondence
sent to all Sections. Vice-President to be appointed. Future
assistance to Col. Olcott who will continue to write and work for
Theosophy. (A telegram just received from Olcott advises that he
cannot resign as of May 1st as projected.) The convention
Resolved to ask Col. Olcott to revoke his resignation. Judge to
be President only if and when Olcott's Presidential post becomes
vacant.

Work done during the year:

11 new Branches in America chartered during the past
year, 392 new members enrolled. All departments of work and
propaganda are flourishing: total of 109,000 tracts mailed. New
scheme is the supplying to the Press of articles and news briefs
on Theosophical matters. Every member should look on himself as
a "missionary" and take advantage of the material and services
made available: T. Forum, Tracts, Oriental Dept. Translations,
Branch Papers, Circulating Library, Path Magazine. Expenses are
growing, but donations have also grown and helped defray the
increased costs.

A "Lecture Bureau" has been opened for funds to take a
traveling lecturer to areas where needed. Great energy noted in
California. A "Lecturer" chosen to begin work. A minimum of
five will constitute a Branch. Below that and it is dissolved.
Central League of Theosophical Workers makes a report.

Resolution reaffirming the neutrality of the TS as
regards creeds and beliefs affirmed. Reports and letters from
American and foreign Lodges and Sections read.


1892 July Judge sails for London to attend the
Second Annual
Convention of the European
Section.

The European membership elects Judge as President in case
Olcott resigns. Judge reported that the American Section had
resolved to ask Olcott to rescind his resignation.

On August 17th 1892 Olcott withdrew his resignation, and remained
President till his death in 1907.


1893 April 23-24 Seventh Annual Convention of the
American Section held in
New York

Mr. Judge as Gen. Secy. reported that the Hall of the
Aryan TS was not the property of the Section but of the Branch.
Fees, rents and dues are all apportioned for payment for the
space used by PATH, the offices of the Gen. Secy. and the Aryan
Press.

Annie Besant's lecture tour of the U S was particularly valuable.

Bertram Keightley welcomed as Gen. Secy. for the Indian Section.

A Reference Library had been started in the Hall of the Aryan
Branch at 144 Madison Ave., there is also the Circulating
Library and the Gen. Secretary's library.

The use of a traveling lecturer has proved most valuable and
effective: Mr. Claude F. Wright.

All the TS property in India has been put in the hands of a Board
of Trustees. (Of which Mr. Judge was made one.)

The work of the Oriental Department being successfully carried on
in Europe.

A matter of procedure was redefined so as to avoid any semblance
of doctrinal acceptance in regard to a burial service, etc...no
officer or committee of the T S ought to appear in print as
endorsing any forms.

19 new Branches were chartered, 584 new members were admitted.
About 50 resigned.

Tracts distributed last year: 90,000. (Total number of tracts
mailed since the inception of the scheme: 430,000.) An
additional 88,000 tracts were produced and mailed on the West
Coast.


1893 April Mr. Judge Seen to be Overshadowed by
Master

A. W. W. wrote:

"I attended the American Theosophical Convention held at
New York in 1893. Sitting near the door in the crowded room I
had to pay particular attention to speakers at the other end.
The subject of the hour was the religious Parliament to be held
at the World's Fair [Chicago]. A good deal of enthusiasm
prevailed as Mr. Judge was relating what had to be done and
speaking of the importance of the matter. I was regarding him
very closely and only thinking of what he was talking of.

"As he went on I observed a form taking shape near his
right shoulder, rather nearer to Mr. Judge than to the chairman,
Dr. Buck. This shape became definitely that of a man of
impressive appearance. I had seen no pictures of the Masters and
could not connect the form with any picture, but I then at once
felt it was one of them. Since then I saw the picture of Mahatma
K.H. identically that of the being I have described. It is for
me proof of the existence of these beings and of their interest
in such movements as ours." -- A. W. W.
PATH, Vol. X, p. 127, July 1895.



1893, September 15 - 17 Chicago World Fair -- American Section
T S Participation in the Parliament of
Religions

Participation of the TS in this event marked a high point
in Mr. Judges' success at organization. Theosophists from India,
representing the Hindu Brahmins, from Ceylon, representing the
Buddhists and Mrs. Annie Besant from London were feature
attractions at the meetings. Mr. Judge, himself gave a landmark
speech: Theosophy Generally Stated -- which epitomized all that
the T S and Theosophy stood for.
JUDGE ARTICLES, Vol. 1, p. 1 (ULT)


1894 - 1896 Mr. Judge Under Attack

[ NOTE: One of the most valuable keys to an understanding of Mr.
Judge and his work is only obtained by the study of his
writings. ]

Many persons expressed their opinions concerning him.
What happened to him, when placed under pressure, from early 1894
until his death on March 21st l896 ? He continued writing for
The Path and elsewhere. Did his expressions, and did the nature
of his writings and choice of subjects change? The student of
Mr. Judges' life will seek for evidence in this area, to verify
the statement : that he did not change his objective or his
method of writing at all.

He answered such charges as were leveled at him clearly,
factually and without acrimony, as will be found by those who
read all the documents that are available.

Such documentary evidence forms the basis for the book
that covers 75 years of the history of the modern Theosophical
Movement, from 1875 to 1950 under the title: The Theosophical
Movement--1875-1950. Published in 1951 by associates of the ULT
at the Cunningham Press, Los Angeles. [ This book condenses the
material offered 25 years earlier, in the volume of similar title
and adds comments on the period between 1925 and 1950.]

The Theosophy Company in Los Angeles published in January
1992 a 53 page booklet in which is reproduced Two Answers by
W.Q.Judge. In these he deals fully with such "charges" as were
leveled at him. They explain and solve the mysteries involved.
[ a summary follows ]

As in all biographical writings, after the death of the
individuals concerned, we are left to consider the documents that
survive. The writer will have to offer his readers the
opportunity of seeing the facts, and considering whether the
opinions that arose during that time, and which, to some extent,
still color the minds of modern members of the surviving
remnants of the original Theosophical Society of 1875 are
reasonable. One might almost say that we are all burdened with
"traditions" handed down to us. It is necessary for each to
independently verify these. If Mr. Judge's work is incorrectly
valued, there will inevitably be a gap in understanding the
practical application of Theosophical doctrine in active life.

In surveying the incidents that culminated in the "Judge
Case," and which sharply divided organizationally the
Theosophical Society it would seem to be fair to say the
following:

Theosophy can be divided into two broad aspects:

1. That which could be called exoteric Theosophy,
covering historical narration, the modern investigation of the
invisible side of Nature -- energy, power, psychism,
"spiritual-ism," the invisible but potent beings that live in and
on the "astral-psychic" plane--and the relations of these with
the visible, tangible, physical nature we deal with daily. This
is the informational and intellectual aspect of Theosophy. One
might call it "head-learning" borrowing the phrase from The Voice
of the Silence. But, a deeper side can also be detected :

2. The 2nd aspect which could be called Esoteric.
It has been called : The Heart Doctrine. It takes a studied
look at the potential goals of evolution. It looks at the
"universal" and "philosophical," or metaphysical side of the
Universe.

It concerns itself with the moral and the ethical side of
living, and considers that the Law of Karma operates incessantly.
Therefore, it operates through all those correlations that the
first aspect describes. It looks at these from our "outside
world" of daily observation, which does not always take the
long-range effect of man's thoughts and feelings into account.

It is spiritual in the truest of senses, hence moral and
ethical above all else. [Ethics and morals, Theosophically, can
be defined as voluntary thoughts and acts in compliance with the
Universal Law of Karmic action]. It deals with the progress and
the potential goal of the individual, considering him as a moral
entity, and employing the whole range of Nature's Laws as the
ethical and ever interactive framework in which we all live. In
this it views the World as a school in which more advanced
students guide and assist their younger brothers, but, occultly,
they are debarred from enforcing their views. The
self-development of every free-willed human Soul-ego is a primary
law of progress.

It is difficult for some to see both of these views, and
the interdependence and interplay that exists between
"historical" events which involve the "Esoteric relations," (by
definition) with the exoteric T S. In other words, what may
happen, as an event in either of these two Sections, is not
necessarily a matter of consideration in the other, because of
the pledge of secrecy which forms a vital part of the occult
system of discipline that such members have assumed. Given this
as a fact, it becomes easier to understand the "Judge Case."

HPB and WQJ acted as agents in the world for the Masters.
They were independent of that world and of the Exoteric
Theosophical Society--a position that members of the T S found
difficult to understand.

They used the Theosophical Society as the best tool
available for the spreading of the philosophy of Theosophy.
They were not interested in the organizational operations of the
T S except as a useful framework through which great ideas and
principles could be publicized, and their value made visible.

Some others, who became deeply involved in the
Organization, its management, politics and the "offices," have
believed, that the organization was "Theosophy."

Many there are who find it difficult to distinguish
Masters' and HPB's Theosophy from that which later students have
presented and may have proclaimed to be "later teachings of
"Theosophy." Many are eclectic, broad, tolerant, compassionate
of others views, ecologically sensitive, and interested in those
aspects of knowledge that modern education, science and religion
had kept them from learning the inner ethico-spiritual
correlations of; but, they were, and are, in many cases,
nondiscriminative. A "foundation" in one's self of a knowledge
of Theosophical facts, laws and logic needs first to be
developed, by careful study.

The spiritual is intolerant of anything but the truth,
the honesty, and the ethical-moral applications of Universal Law
to all aspects of life. The Adepts and their disciples live in a
"fish-bowl" where their innermost motives, and thought-feelings
are transparent to the vision of their Teachers and Companions.
This is a vital part of the training implied by the purification
of the lower nature, and the impersonalizing and universalizing
of the attitude toward others. To become a successful occultist,
one becomes an impersonal force in Nature for the good of the
Whole. All selfishness has to be eliminated.

Doubts and suspicions arose in the mind of some of the
early "Theosophists," who noted that messages from the Masters
were not always tactful nor were they tolerant of abuses of
ethical and occult duties and responsibilities. A case of this
nature revolves around Masters' "Prayag Letter" (see MAHATMA
LETTERS, p.461-463) delivered to Mr. Sinnett by HPB to be passed
to the Prayag TS ( it is an excoriating indictment of the
Brahmins in Allahabad (Prayag) for their errors ). Col. Olcott
may have been fearful that the Brahmins, if antagonized, might
withdraw their support from the TS in India, thus damaging its
"success." Mr. Sinnett began to have some doubts of HPB's
honesty and integrity, in the matter of "phenomena" and the
"Mahatma letters"--which he had always desired to receive direct,
and not through any agency. He could not understand the occult
law that required the agent to always serve as transferor of the
Teachers' instructions to the student. There may have been a
certain amount of envy involved--that one should be able, and
others not, to establish such a direct relationship ! [see ISIS,
Vol. II, p. 93.]

Doubts and suspicions first circulated as gossip, and
curiosity, speculations, etc., began undermining the trust in HPB
and in Judge, that a number of persons connected with the TS gave
in those days. Further, the method of writing, recording, and of
delivery of such "messages" was sadly deficient of "purity" from
the physical point of view -- some were delivered inside sealed
personal letters. HPB, Judge and other "occultists" always
claimed that any true "message" carried an innate, inherent proof
of their validity, to which the sensitivity and recognition of
the recipient was all the proof of authenticity that was needed.
This was not provable to anyone who was not also an occultist,
and in many cases, not even by the ultimate recipient. [HPB and
WQJ both wrote several articles which explain the laws, rationale
and method of "precipitation." [ a list is attached and some
pertinent extracts given.]

With the death of HPB, Col. Olcott among others, hoped
that such mythic affairs as "messages from the Masters"
concerning the conduct of affairs in the T S would cease. They
did not. Judge now became the focus for such, although he
disclaimed any attempt at mystification or the "guidance" of
others. A simmering resentment and enmity seems to have
gradually arisen in some members, because of their personal
constitution. The "occult" laws and life, are one thing, and
ordinary explanations can not dispel doubts and suspicions that a
materialistic culture, and a disbelief in the astral and the
invisible side of Nature supported. Among others, Judge passed
on messages he had been asked to give to Annie Besant, to Col.
Olcott, to Mr. Sinnett, and to others. Some messages appeared in
letters that he wrote to others, apparently without his knowledge
while they were in transit.

Dr. Buck, Jasper Niemand and Bertram Keightley also
acknowledged receipt of communications from the Masters through
his agency, near or remote. It was a puzzle. It was also
proving embarrassing to those who desired to shine as
'authorities' in the TS, now that HPB and the power of her
knowledge was "gone."

Apparently, several such disgruntled persons got together
in India late in December 1893 (in violation of the rule against
"gossip" and the first Object: Brotherhood), to discuss this.
Annie Besant, saying she was acting in the best interests of Mr.
Judge, by making public the "rumors" (said to be secretly
circulating about him in the Society), lent her name to
"charges," which once decided on, she felt would "clear the
air.".


1894 February 6 Annie Besant in a letter dated February
6th 1894 from Allahabad, addressed Col. Olcott, P.T.S.:

"Some little time ago an appeal was made to me by members
of the T.S. belonging to different Branches, to set their minds
at rest as to the accusations made against the Vice-President of
the Society, Bro. W. Q. Judge, with reference to certain letters
and sentences in the alleged writings of the Mahatmas. As it is
to the detriment of the whole Society that these
accusations--believed to be true by reputable members of the
Society--should be circulated against a prominent official
without rebuttal and without investigations, I ask you, as the
President of the Society, to direct that the charges made shall
be formulated and laid before a Committee, as provided by Art.
VI, Secs. 2, 3 and 4."


1894 February 7 Col. Olcott sends a copy of this letter
officially to Mr. Judge as Vice-President. In this he offers two
options: to resign, or to stand before a "Judicial Committee" to
be convened in London, thus making public the whole proceedings.
He suggested a cabled answer. Judge cabled: "Charges absolutely
false. You can take what proceedings you see fit; going to
London July."

Note: Surprisingly, Col. Olcott PTS, allowed this to develop,
endorsed it, and proposed to Judge (as though he was already
proven guilty) that he resign or stand trial--completely
forgetting that he was in violation of the Rules of the TS:

1) that Annie Besant, a member, could not prefer
"charges" against another member who was not in her Branch,
(where, alone, a member could be so charged); and,

2) that everyone is presumed innocent until proved
guilty.

3) Later, a third un-brotherly, not to say illegal
situation arose--a concerted but obvious attempt by several
persons involved to withhold from Mr. Judge's hands and sight the
so-called "evidence."

One may only conclude that the delusion which swept Annie
Besant's rational mind aside, in turn...deeply influenced the
others.


1894 March 15

Mr. Judge rejected the charges, and made public the
accusation, the charges and the situation to the membership,
distributing on March 15th 1894 5,000 copies of his: "To the
Members of the T.S."
[ Reprinted in Two Replies by W.Q.Judge - Theosophy Company ]


1894 March 27

On March 27th 1894, G.R.S.Meade, General Secretary,
European Section TS, and Mr. Bertram Keightley, General
Secretary, Indian Section TS issued a joint letter dated March
27th 1894 to Col. Olcott PTS protesting his precipitate action as
it was in violation of the Rules of the T S.

Mr. Judge exposes thereby an active "plot" to deflect or
to truncate the power of the T S to change "the Manas and the
Buddhi of the race." Annie Besant seems to have been selected.
A brahmin delegate to the Parliament of Religions (Sept. 15-17,
1893) named G. N. Chakravarti lent his agency as instrument for
this. Mrs. Besant was known from the beginning by HPB to be "all
intellect...not psychic or spiritual" in her psycho-logical
makeup.
( HPB letter, Mar. 27 1891)

Mrs. Besant desired ardently to develop "psychic and
spiritual powers" of her own, so that she would be able to
contact the Masters directly. Chakravarti seems to have promised
this, if she placed herself under his instruction. In less than
two months he attained mesmeric ascendancy over her. Dr.
Archibald Keightley observed this. (see The Path, Vol. 10, p.
99-100, where he made an observation on this fact in the course
of a protest he wrote, in defense of Mr. Judge.)


1894, April 22-23 Eighth Annual Convention of the American
Section of the T S , San
Francisco

Mr. Judge as the Genl. Secy. reported that the 2nd series
of seven year cycles began with this year for the American
Section. It also marked the 19th year of the Theosophical
Society. In the past year the Parliament of Religions in Chicago
had marked the highlight of work. Acting as Vice-President,
Judge represented the far away Olcott. Judge issued a report on
the T S participation.

Work at the New York HQ increased and is strongly
supported. Judge pays rent for the activities of which he is the
proprietor: The Path, The Aryan Press, and the Theosophical
book business -- it would be advantageous to have the mortgage on
the building reduced. Much more has been paid out to support the
work than is collected by way of dues. Voluntary contributions
were asked for. As usual a full accounting for all funds was
given.

Three traveling lecturers were working in the field.
20,000 new tracts printed in the last year. Also pamphlets,
Theosophical Forum, Branch Papers, and the Oriental Department
Papers are issued. Annual meeting Dec. 27th 1893 in Adyar, Col.
Olcott reported on the success of the TS: 322 Branches.
Constitution revised, fixing the term for the president at 7
years. Continuity remains the same as before. In America 14 new
Branches were chartered this year, and 655 new members admitted.

Latest activity is a Correspondence Class. It has 231
members. List of questions on Theosophical subjects are issued
in writing. Answers are studied in the office, marked and
returned to the answerer. This idea has been well received in
Europe. Boston Branch bought a house to use as HQ. Countess
Wachtmeister, representative of the Indian Section, gave an
address in which she suggested that the HQ for the Society be
removed from distant Adyar to a more convenient location in
Europe or the Western part of America. Reports and messages from
Sections and Branches read and noted.


1894 June In "The T.S. and its Basis" Mr. Judge
wrote:

"As one of those who helped to form the T. S., I may
claim to speak with personal knowledge of the facts, and having
worked in its ranks ever since its first day, a few words
respecting its basis and spirit will be of use...( on autonomy,
toleration, 3 objects...). The main underlying effort of the
work of the members of the Society should be to furnish a real
and philosophical basis for ethics...a reasonable explanation for
life."
Austral Theosophist, June 1894 --
WQJ Art. Vol. II, p. 156


1894 July 7 A meeting of the General Council of the T S under
Col. Olcott is convened in London. As he was warned earlier by
Mr. Judge, the Council finds it has no right to make a dogmatic
statement on the existence of the Mahatmas (and/or their
"messages"). Judge, who stated and proved that he, acting as
vice-President, had taken no actions that were illegal, is
reconfirmed as Vice-President.

Olcott makes a statement concerning the Neutrality of the
TS in matters of personal belief.

Judge offers to produce evidence for those who desire to
see it. He objects strongly to the fact, that although "accused"
no actual charges or evidence has been made available to him
prior to the meeting, and, in addition, he has been prevented
from seeing any of the "evidence."

Dr. J.D.Buck, Vice-President of the American Section, was
the only official of the American Section to accompany Mr. Judge
to London, he was a witness, along with others, such as Dr.
Archibald Keightley and Mr. Pryse to all the proceedings,
including the fact that Mr. Judge had to force Mrs. Annie Besant
and Col. Olcott at the last moment just prior to their departure
on July 19th, to briefly show him some of the "evidence" before
Olcott left for India. Mr. Judge was given no time to make
copies of the longer pieces of so-called evidence.

Lucifer, Path and Theosophist carry the details of these
events. A summary will be found in The Theosophical Movement
(1875-1950) pp. 204 - 250 based on those documents.)


1894 July 10 The Judicial Committee meets.

No "evidence" is produced. Judge protests this again.
Judge offers to stand trial. The Committee refuses. The
"Neutrality" of the TS is reaffirmed by Olcott.

Unfortunately while the "charges" had been met on legal
grounds and disposed of, personal feelings were running high, in
a most un-theosophical, un-brotherly and intolerant fashion.


1894 September Mr. W.R.Old, Treasurer and Recording
Secretary of the TS resigned, dissatisfied. He was also a member
of the E S, and as he had been entrusted with the "evidence" of
the "Judge Case" by Col. Olcott. Without authorization, he made
copies of that, and passed these to Mr. Garrett of the
Westminster Gazette in London for publication. This created a
fresh furore, and as a result Judge's enemies resumed the
campaign to cause him to resign the Vice-Presidency. This
campaign was almost solely confined to Europe, America had little
interest in the matter.

Charges and counter charges, flourished and "the clash of
opinions" resounded. Anger and resentment were again whipped up
against Mr. Judge by the original "conspirators." Renewed calls
and "resolutions" passed by Branches in Europe and India for his
"resignation" were again published. All this severely weakened
Mr. Judge's precarious health.


1894, Nov. 3rd E S Circular Issued by Mr. Judge

[ NOTE ]
1. In the ES circular of Nov. 3rd 1894, WQJ
refers to A. Besant's knowledge of Master speaking to her through
him while he was conscious.

2. She is also aware of the Master's picture
given by Him to WQJ endorsing it to: "My Colleague, W. Q.
Judge."


1895 Additional Testimonials, are most probably
related
to Mr. Judge, although he is not named.

"At a lecture being delivered by a prominent Theosophist
I saw the Master's form overshadowing the speaker, and with so
strong an influence that it seemed to change the appearance of
the speaker. There is no doubt in my mind as to this event. I
was in all my senses and not excited."
-- A. B. C. Path, Vol. X, p. 44, May 1895


1895 January A. Fullerton stated :

In January 1895, Mr. Alexander Fullerton published a
circular, sent to members all over the world. Therein he stated
he had a message from the Mahatma, through another person in whom
he had perfect confidence, relating to the difficulties in the
T.S. As testimony, this is only the testimony of the
transmitter. Path, Vol. X,
p. 44 May 1895


1895, April 28-29 9th Annual Convention of the American
Section T S ( in Boston) and of
The First Convention of the Theosophical Society in
America.

At this convention the delegates from the various
branches of the T S in America, with almost entire unanimity
reorganized themselves. The vote was a majority of 190 against
9.
The Theosophical Movement (1875-1950), p. 250

Following this, a large number of Branches in England
followed suit. Some Lodges and individuals in Europe and in
Australia withdrew from affiliation with the T S at a later date
and reaffiliated themselves with the new Society in America, of
which Mr. Judge was elected President for life.

Work Done

These reports, (starting in 1886 with 12 Branches and a
total of 264 members) summarized important events and the
continuous work of promulgation that was sustained through those
years. By April 1895 the Society had 102 active Branches in
America, and numbered over 3,700 members, over 475,000
Theosophical Tracts had been mailed (as a total for 10 years).


1895 July 4

Mr. Judge, as President of the newly constituted
Theosophical Society in America sent a letter of greetings to the
July 4th 1895 Convention of the European Section of the T S,
which was presided over by Col. Olcott PTS. Olcott called the
letter discourteous and refused to read it to the assembly.
Debate ensued, but at the suggestion of Mrs. Besant the letter
was "laid on the table" without further comment. Theos
Mvt.(1875-1950) 253

In this letter, Mr. Judge said on behalf of the T S in
America :
"The Theosophical Movement, which began far back in the
night of Time and has since been moving through many and various
peoples, places and environments...does not depend upon forms
ceremonies, particular persons or set
organizations...organizations of theosophists must change in
accordance with place, time, exigency and people. To hold that
in and by a sole organization for the whole world is the only way
to work would be boyish in conception and not in accord with
experience of natures' laws...we come to you as fellow-students
and workers [in the field assigned to us by Karma]...of
Theosophical effort, and holding out the hand of fellowship we
again declare the complete unity of all theosophical workers in
every part of the world... Let us then press forward together in
the great work of the real Theosophical Movement which is aided
by working organizations, but is above them all...Mutually
assisting and encouraging one another we may learn how to put
Theosophy into practice so as to be able to teach and enforce it
by example before others. We will then each and all be members
of that Universal Lodge of Free and Independent Theosophists
which embraces every friend of the human race..."
Fraternally yours,
William Q. Judge, President.


1895 Judge's Bodily Illness Increases

The Chagres fever which Mr. Judge had contracted during
his trips to Central and South America earlier in life had a
debilitating effect, later tuberculosis is said to have set in.
He was hardly able to speak above a whisper; and yet his
indomitable will sustained his body in spite of its agony. The
concentrated enmity of some of his former coworkers added greatly
to the depletion of his already critically low physical strength.

Early in 1895 he spent some time with Mrs. Katherine
Tingly and others in Mineral Wells, Texas, where she had rented a
house and where she was of great help to him. He returned to New
York sufficiently improved to direct preparations for the Boston
Convention (April 1895).

October 1895 saw him ill again. He made a trip to
Asheville, North Carolina in search of warmth, but finding no
relief there, returned to New York in mid January 1896. On the
way, he passed two weeks with Dr. Buck in Cincinnati and another
week with Dr. Buchman in Fort Wayne, Indiana.


1896, March 21st Death of Mr. Judge's Body

Mr. Judge was sitting upright on a sofa in the company of
Mrs. Judge, Mr. E. T. Hargrove and a nurse. His body died at
around 9.00 a.m. Some of his last words were:

"There Must be Calmness. Hold Fast. Go Slow."


March 23rd 1896 Cremation on Long Island

Testimonials to Mr. Judge were received from his close
friends, and others who had been influenced by his example.
These have been recorded in The Path magazine, renamed by him:
Theosophy. They have been collected and reprinted at the back of
the Theosophy Company edition of Letters That Have Helped Me,
published in Los Angeles. (see extracts given below)


===========================

Addendum 1

On Precipitation


"Mr. Sinnett sought for an explanation of the process and
elicited from the revered Mahatma...:

...Bear in mind these letters are not written but
impressed, or precipitated, and then all mistakes corrected
...[ M L p. 19 ] I have to think it over, to photograph every
word and sentence carefully in my brain before it can be repeated
by precipitation. As the fixing upon chemically prepared
surfaces of the images formed by the camera requires a previous
arrangement within the focus of the object to be represented,
for, otherwise--as often found in bad photographs--the legs of
the sitter might appear out of all proportion with the head, and
so on--some have to first arrange our sentences and impress every
letter to appear on paper in our minds before it becomes fit to
be read..." M L p. 22

the modus operandi can thus be explained now more
fully...
Those having a superficial knowledge of the science of mesmerism
know how the thoughts of the mesmerizer, though silently
formulated in his mind are instantly transferred to that of the
subject. It is not necessary for the operator...to be present
near the subject to produce the above result...The work of
writing the letters in question is carried on by a sort of
psychological telegraphy; the Mahatmas very rarely write their
letters in the ordinary way. [see M L p. 460 ] An
electromagnetic connection, so to say, exists on the
psychological plane between a Mahatma and his chelas, one of whom
acts as his amanuensis. [ see M L p. 480 ] When a Master wants a
letter to be written in this way, he draws the attention of the
chela, whom he selects for the task...The thoughts arising in the
mind of the Mahatma are then clothed in word, pronounced
mentally, and forced along the astral currents he sends towards
the pupil to impinge on the brain of the latter. Thence they are
borne by the nerve-currents to the palms of his hands and the
tips of his fingers, which rest on a piece of magnetically
prepared paper. As the thought-waves are thus impressed on the
tissue, materials are drawn to it from the ocean of akas,
(permeating every atom of the sensuous universe) by an occult
process...and permanent marks are left...

...the success of such writing...depends chiefly upon
these things: (1) The force and the clearness with which the
thoughts are propelled and (2) the freedom of the receiving brain
from disturbance of every description...To turn to the sources of
error in the precipitation. Remembering the circumstances under
which blunders arise in telegrams, we see that if a Mahatma
somehow becomes exhausted [ see M L p. 422 ] or allows his
thoughts to wander off during the process, or fails to command
the requisite intensity in the astral currents along which his
thoughts are projected, or the distracted attention of the pupil
produces disturbances [see M L p. 423 ] in his brain and
nerve-centers, the success of the process is very much interfered
with."
HPB -- "Precipitation" -- HPB Articles II 505-7

"Through the means of the Astral Light and the help of
Elementals the various material elements may be drawn down and
precipitated from the atmosphere upon either a plane surface of
in the form of a solid object; this precipitation may be made
permanent, or it may be of such a light cohesive power as soon to
fade away. But this help of the elementals can only be obtained
by a strong will added to a complete knowledge of the laws which
govern the being of the elementals." Epitome, p. 20

"...an Initiate...is able to precipitate out of the
viewless air the carbon which we know it in it, forming the
carbon into sentences upon the paper, it is through this
knowledge of the occult higher chemistry, and the use of a
trained and powerful image-making faculty which every man
possesses..."
Ocean, p. 12


Rationale and Instruments - Will and Imagination

"Power over mind, matter, space, and time depends on
several things and positions. Needed for this are: Imagination
raised to its highest limit, desire combined with will that
wavers not, and a knowledge of the occult chemistry of nature.
All must be present or there is no result." WQJ Articles I. 453

"The instruments are in the body and brain of man. In
the view of the Lodge, "the human brain is an exhaustless
generator of force," and a complete knowledge of the inner
chemical and dynamic laws of nature, together with a trained
mind, give the possessor the power to operate the laws to which I
have referred. This will be man's possession in the future...A
knowledge of the law when added to faith gives power over matter,
mind, space, and time...the trained Adept can produce before the
eye, objective to the touch, material which was not visible
before, and in any desired shape...it is simply evolution in your
very presence. Matter is held suspended in the air about us.
Every particle of matter, visible or still unprecipitated, has
been through all possible forms, existing, as they all do, in the
Astral Light and then by effort of the Will and Imagination to
clothe the form with the matter by precipitation. The object so
made will fade away unless certain other processes are resorted
to which need not be here described, but if these processes are
used the object will remain permanently. And if it is desired to
make visible a message on paper or other surface, the same laws
and power are used. The distinct--photographically and sharply
definite--image of every line of every letter or picture is
formed in the mind, and then out of the air is drawn the pigment
to fall within the limits laid down by the brain, "the
exhaustless generator of force and form."

This, then, naturally leads to the proposition that the
human Will is all powerful and the Imagination is a most useful
faculty with a dynamic force.. The Imagination is the
picture-making power of the human mind. In the ordinary average
human person it has not enough training or force to be more than
a sort of dream, but it may be trained. When it is trained it is
the Constructor in the Human Workshop. Arrived at that stage it
makes a matrix in the Astral substance through which effects
objectively will flow. It is the greatest power, after Will, in
the assemblage of complicated instruments. The modern definition
of Imagination is incomplete and wide of the mark. It is chiefly
used to designate fancy or misconception and at all times stands
for unreality. It is impossible to get another term as good
because one of the powers of the trained Imagination is that of
making an image. The word is derived from those signifying the
formation or reflection of an image. This faculty used, or
rather suffered to act, in an unregulated mode has given the West
no other idea than that covered by "fancy." ...it may be pushed
to a greater limit, which, when reached, causes the Imagination
to evolve in the Astral substance an actual image or form which
may then be used in the same way as an iron molder uses a mold or
sand for the molten iron. It is therefore the King faculty,
inasmuch as the Will cannot do its work if the Imagination be at
all weak or untrained. For instance, if the person desiring to
precipitate from the air wavers in the least with the image made
in the Astral substance, the pigment will fall upon the paper in
a correspondingly wavering and diffused manner."
Ocean pp. 138-9



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