Theos-Talk Archives (December 2006 Message tt00026)

PERIODICALS REVIEWED

"THEOSOPHY," June, 1936, opens with an article 'Theosophists and 
Robert Crosbie.' This gives certain facts regarding Robert Crosbie 
but omits many, thus placing the former in a false light. A complete 
history of impartial statement would show that among his writings 
were many letters, public addresses, and articles in which he 
zealously declared his undying devotion to Katherine Tingley, 
successor as Leader of the Theosophical Society to H. P. B. and 
Judge. For references See the issues of Theosophical News (Boston, 
1896-7), of which he was one of the joint editors, particularly the 
issues published when Katherine Tingley was absent from the U. S. A. 
an her first world-tour; also issues of THE THEOSOPHIAL FORUM 
(especially Aug. 1932, March 1934, and Aug. 1934) which reprint some 
of many letters written over his own signature. Surely the editors 
of Theosophy must be familiar with these.

The article queries: "Was he [Mr. Crosbie] in error in his judgment 
of the course he should pursue when he was faced with the fact that 
Madame Tingley hadbeen saddled upon the T. S. in A., and its E. S. 
T. . . . as Successor?"

And gives answer: "Successor and satellites, leaders and led, he 
knew that time would disclose the harvest . . . . So, he worked, he 
watched, he waited thepropitious hour. Nor did he 'have long to 
wait.' . . . Between 1896 and 1904 aseptenary cycle had been 
completed, and 'an hour of destiny' come . . . ."

In 1904 he was asked to leave the Theosophical Headquarters at Point 
Loma for
good cause.

His acceptance of Katherine Tingley as Leader was, if we accept his 
own words, whole-hearted and complete. He writes (Feb. 2, 1898) : "I 
remember that the day I first saw you, I recognized you as the O. H. 
without hint or introduction as such, and in spite of the fact that 
I was not looking for a woman's form in that connection . . . ."

Also in 1901 in a public address given in the Fisher Opera House, 
San Diego, Calif., at a meeting held "In Honor of William Q. Judge," 
Robert Crosbie gave an address which was afterwards published in 
full in The San Diego Union under the title 'Facts of History.' The 
following statements are quoted therefrom:

"It should be noted here, that the Leaders of the Theosophical 
Movement did not become so by virtue of an election by vote - nor 
were they self-appointed. Mme. Blavatsky was the first leader, by 
force of her wisdom and power of leadership, and all the true 
students of Theosophy accepted her as such. And when she appointed 
William Q. Judge as her successor, his leadership was accepted for 
the same reason - and so, too, with Katherine Tingley, who was 
appointed by William Q. Judge as his successor. And when she dies 
she will appoint her successor who will be followed by the faithful 
members. - And thus is preserved the line of teachers and the 
continuity of the Movement.

". . . But egotism and personal ambition go hand in hand, and these 
qualities are pre-eminently active in the enemies of our 
Organization who call themselves Theosophists - blinding them to 
patent facts. The plotters and those who followed them have kept up 
a vilification of the Leader and members of this Society - the 
present Leader has fallen heir to all their maliciousness.

"Detrimental Statements in regard to this Society are continually 
being traced to this special class of enemies who have the 
effrontery to call themselves Theosophists in the face of such 
conduct.
 
"Their speakers talk philosophy, and decry the efforts of the 
Universal Brotherhood to give expression to that philosophy in daily 
life - to make Theosophy a living power in the life of humanity.

"It is because Theosophy is a living power in the lives of our 
members that the many educational and humanitarian features are 
coming into visible expression at Point Loma. Self-sacrifice and 
devotion to the needs of humanity has alone produced these results - 
results which, under this Spirit, will continue to grow, and remain 
as lasting monuments to the life-work of the immortal three - H. P. 
Blavatsky, William Q. Judge and Katherine Tingley."

Is it just to Robert Crosbie to ignore these Statements of historic 
fact, or to suppress them? They help to complete the true picture 
and must be included in an irrpartial - not imaginary - sketch of 
Crosbie's life.

Let it be remembered that Robert Crosbie after the death of W. Q. 
Judge, publicly and privately expressed his devotion to and 
supported Katherine Tingley, and this continued until 1904, when for 
good cause he was requested to leave Headquarters.

Suppressio veri, suggestio falsi!

The Theosophical Forum, July 1936, pp. 76-77.