Intro
John A. Lant began working for the Moslem World Publishing Company in July 1893, editing articles for the Moslem World (See Dannin and Singleton). Prior to joining Webb, Lant had spent decades as a printer and proprietor of several newspapers, which espoused his radical socialist and Freethought views. At various times he edited the Toledo Sun, The Impending Crisis, Labor, The Liberator, and Record of the Times. Lant joined with Lewis Masquerier and the Land Reform movement as well as the Knights of Labor. He was also a Comrade in the Grand Army of the Republic, a Civil War veterans’ organization, having served honorably with the 23rd Infantry Regiment of Pennsylvania. Lant and Webb seemed to have developed a genuine respect for one another’s work, and both men’s families interacted socially. Early in the relationship, Lant wrote to Webb, “If all your friends and inquirers would say a word you would have a great deal more than you could read…I hope you will not give way under the pressure, and will ever be inspired by the importance and benefits to come from your mission. Your task seems audacious and Herculean, but it is a task I am free to admit has its merits even in enlightened America.”
In 1875, Lant had come under investigation by an agent of Anthony Comstock for violation of morality laws, which made it illegal to distribute “obscene” materials. Lant
described his paper, the Toledo Sun, as “a radical, democratic, humanitarian newspaper,
advocating land reform, labor reform and economy and integrity in government, and
sincerity of practice in church”. Lant was charged and found guilty for selling the paper, which contained various articles found to be “obscene, lewd, lascivious, and wicked.” Lant spent 15 months at hard labor in the penitentiary at Albany, New York (See (See John A. Lant to Governor Grover Cleveland, undated, John A. Lant Papers, Missouri Historical Society, St Louis, MO., and D. R. M. Bennett, Anthony Comstock: His Career of Cruelty and Crime, New York: Da Capo Press, 1971, pp. 1023–1024., Via Singleton).
In 1892 (July), Lant was arrested by Comstock in the offices of his paper, the Record of the Times, on charges of selling the paper, which contained various articles found to be “obscene, lewd, lascivious, and wicked”. The case went on to a hearing, but Lant walked away vindicated (See Memoranda of Arrest, John A. Lant Papers, Missouri Historical Society, St Louis, MO; Hearing Testimony, 14 July 1892, John A. Lant Papers, Missouri Historical Society, St Louis, MO., Via Singleton).
In 1893 (July), John A. Lant began working for the Moslem World Publishing Company, editing articles for the Moslem World (See Singleton).
In 1893 (Aug-1) Lant and Webb seemed to have developed a genuine respect for one another’s work, and both men’s families interacted socially. Early in the relationship, Lant wrote to Webb, ‘If all your friends and inquirers would say a word you would have a great deal more than you could read . . . I hope you will not give way under the pressure and will ever be inspired by the importance and benefits to come from your mission. Your task seems audacious and Herculean, but it is a task I am free to admit has its merits even in enlightened America (See John A. Lant to Mohammed A. R. Webb, 1 August 1893, John A. Lant Papers, Missouri Historical Society, St Louis, MO., Via Singleton).
In 1893 (Sep), Webb’s attempt to discredit Lant aroused the ire of the latter’s longtime associates, who saw the Comstock affair as a politically motivated witch-hunt. Webb knew that Lant had more or less been wronged in the case, and he himself despised Comstock’s tactics, calling his efforts “blind bigotry.” Yet he still tried to use the episode to discredit Lant in the press as a former criminal (See “Unjust discrimination,” Moslem World, September 1893, p. 12., Via Singleton).
In 1893 (Oct-8), The New York Times of Sun, Oct 08, 1893 ·Page 21 reported that Mr. Webb had opened his “Moslem Temple” and was planning to open a “School of Morality”. Alexander Russell Webb, who recently returned to the USA from a long tour in Asia and intent on spreading Islam in America. It is reported that Webb has opened his Moslem Temple for his public lectures at 458 West 20th St, attendance was reported as “fair”. Emin Nabakoff, one of Mr. Webb‘s associates was wearing a roomy fez, Webb was also wearing the fez. John H. Lant (a new student of Islam) was there too and Leon Landsburg spoke on the morality, honesty and sobriety of Islamic life. Webb emphatically stated that he was not on a mission to get mass converts to Islam. Webb alleged that Islamic life was higher in morals. Webb proposes to open a “School of Morality”, which would be free to the public as well as free literature. Webb announces that there will be meetings every Friday evening as well as informal talks on Sunday afternoon. Webb proposes to create circles of 5 people which can help someone remain morally upright (via Singleton).
In 1893 (Nov), as late as November, Webb was preparing to send Lant to India as a representative of the Moslem World Publishing Company, stating, “I have full confidence in Mr. Lant and believe him to be reliable and trustworthy in every respect.” Nonetheless, by early December, Lant and Nabakoff had broken away and established their own rival organization (See Mohammed A. R. Webb to Messrs Strong & Trowbridge, 21 October 1893, John A. Lant Papers, Missouri Historical Society, St Louis, MO via Singleton).
In 1893 (Dec-11), via the New York Herald of Mon, Dec 11, 1893 ·Page 1, Islam in Union Square is reported on. Allegedly, Muezzin Nabakoff (aka Emin L. Nabakoff), gave the adhan (call to prayer). The headline tells the world that there seems to be a split in the white Moslems of New York, however, Webb says that he is the only Sheikh with the money and the others don’t count. On Dec-10-1893, at 10am, at 8 Union Square, NY, on the top of a stoop of an unpretentious brick building, was a grey bearded and of full figure was Emin L. Nabakoff, he recited the adhan. Muhammad Webb has called Nabakoff a fakir. A split in the white Moslem community is expected. It is mentioned how Islam in America has been financed by Haji Abdullah Arab (allegedly a merchant prince from Jeddah). The newspaper mentions how this money was used to start the Moslem World newspaper and the offices at 458 W. 20th St, Ny, NY. The newspaper explains how Webb isn’t interested in holding the 5 daily prayers, instead, Webb gives lectures on Friday evenings and on Sunday, meetings of inquiry are held. Western tours are being made by Webb‘s team. Within a few weeks, 4 teachers from India will be arriving and will help Webb with translations. Webb is not alarmed by Emin L. Nabakoff and his break-away group of white Moslems. Webb explains how he met Emin L. Nabakoff, Webb alleges that Nabakoff is 45 years old and is Russian and was vouched for by Quilliam. Webb even alleges that Quilliam is running an office for Webb in Liverpool. Webb accuses Nabakoff of being a “nickel-in-the-slot machine” which would yield a love letters and fortunes. Webb alleges to have received letters of warning about Nabakoff too. Webb alleges that he told Nabakoff to “get-lost” and he hadn’t heard from him until his adhan in Union Square. Webb also mentions John A. Lant and how he “conveniently” converted to pseudo-Islam when he heard how much money Webb had been given. Webb alleges that the newspaper reported that Webb had been given 100k and even 1 million (however, the currency is not mentioned, dollars or rupees?). Webb alleges that Lant showed up looking for work and is from Tarrytown, wherein he was running a newspaper. Webb alleges that Lant wanted $25 a week as salary and Webb refused, which caused Lant to leave and now team up with Nabakoff (aka the Union Square Movement). Webb is called “Sheikh ul Islam” in the USA. Webb scoffed at the adhan at 10am and called it blasphemy. Webb explains how 10am is never time for any daily prayer. Webb confessed that the daily prayers are not offered at his business offices. The Turkish consul in NY had heard about this meeting in Union square and sent a representative, who eventually made it to Webb‘s office (See also Democrat and Chronicle of Tue, Dec 12, 1893 ·Page 9)(See also Passaic Daily Herald of Mon, Dec 11, 1893 ·Page 1)(See also The Atlanta Journal of Sat, Dec 16, 1893 ·Page 6)(See also the Stamford Advocate of Mon, Dec 11, 1893 ·Page 2)(See also The Times of Mon, Dec 11, 1893 ·Page 3)(See also the Mount Vernon Argus of Mon, Dec 11, 1893 ·Page 2)(See also The Omaha Evening Bee of Fri, Dec 15, 1893 ·Page 4)(See also The Waterbury Democrat of
Mon, Dec 11, 1893 ·Page 4)(See via Singleton too).
In 1893 (Dec-11), via the Chicago Tribune of Mon, Dec 11, 1893 ·Page 2, Emin L. Nabakoff and John A. Lant are mentioned extensively as separate from Webb. Nabakoff delivered a lecture on “The progress of Islamism in the United States,” much of which the press dubbed as an attack on “Christian beliefs in unmeasured terms”. Webb had commented on Nabakoff‘s attacks on Christianity, stating that they were “most reprehensible,” did not represent the views of good Muslims, and were hurting the cause of Islam.
In 1893 (Dec-17), Lant never publicly expounded on the exact reasons why he left the group. It likely came about as a result of lingering financial concerns and philosophical differences on how to conduct the missionary efforts. Lant became aware that the American Islamic Propaganda was rapidly floundering; both he and Webb received letters from India detailing the need to curtail spending (See Budruddin Abdulla Kur to John A. Lant, 17 December 1893, John A. Lant Papers, Missouri Historical Society, St Louis, MO. This letter actually arrived after Lant’s departure from the American Islamic Propaganda., via Singleton).
In 1894 (Jan-5), when reports of the split between American Muslims reached abroad, the news discomforted most observers. Webb’s original backers never fully supported either party in the
quarrel, hoping instead for reconciliation. Upon hearing the news of the split, Hajee Abdulla Arab wrote to Lant, “[I] am very glad to see that you have also made a firm resolution of propagating the Islam in America. If you and Mr. Webb would conduct this missionary work together, it would I suppose, bring forth a more happy and satisfactory result than what your single, and individual efforts would do (See Haji Abdulla Arab to John A. Lant, 5 January 1894, John A. Lant Papers, Missouri Historical Society, St Louis, MO., via Singleton). A few weeks later, Haji Abdulla Arab was displeased with insults that Webb leveled at Lant. He wrote: As to Mr. Webb’s strictures against you, you must not be dejected at heart—our brother Webb is a plain hearted gentleman, and having no sufficient funds at his command he sometimes loses the presence of mind—but you, through the favor of God, are not so. You are possessed of means and firmness of character. From such a man much can be expected—I trust therefore you will not go against Mr. Webb in matters of religion. In that respect you & him are one and the same, and must therefore work together. Otherwise the Christian missionaries will make capital of this split (See Hajee Abdulla Arab to John A. Lant, 25 January 1894 and 5 January 1894, John A. Lant Papers, Missouri Historical Society, St Louis, MO., via Singleton).
In 1894 (Jan-15), finally, even domestic sentiment favored unity. A. L. Rawson, an associate of both Lant and Webb, wrote, “Harmony ought to prevail in the ranks when so much depends on friends to push the good cause in its infancy” (See A. R. Rawson to John A. Lant, 15 January 1894, John A. Lant Papers, Missouri Historical Society, St Louis, MO., via Singleton).
In 1894 (Jan-31), Budruddin Abdulla Kur, after effusive praise of Lant’s missionary efforts and The American Moslem newspaper, said, “I would have been very glad to hear had you but continued to offer your valuable services to [the] ‘Moslem World’. . . The funds of the Committee at Bombay under such strained circumstances, cannot pull on two movements at a time, when one of rather old standing has been very scantily fed” (See Budruddin Abdulla Kur to John A. Lant, 31 January 1894, John A. Lant Papers, Missouri Historical Society, St Louis, MO., via Singleton).
In 1894 (Mar-16), Hajee Riazudin Ahmed and his colleague Mirza Birjis Kader were influential Indian supporters of Islamic missionary activities in the West. Kader wrote to Lant, “my religionists are forming various opinions regarding the dissension that has taken place between you and Mr. Mahamad Webb. All of the Mohamadans of India feel discontented with the procedure of propagating Islam in America but as for me I pray sincerely daily that God may help you and prosper you in your hard undertaking (See Mirza Birjis Kader to John A. Lant, 16 March 1894, John A. Lant Papers, Missouri Historical Society, St Louis, MO., via Singleton). Explaining the situation in India, Snow wrote, “The Committee here seems tied to Webb & altho’ they distrust him are afraid to now own that they have been deceived or our people here will hold him responsible & they fear political complications. Quilliam writes me clearly that Webb is not to be trusted & gives good reasons . . . I have suggested to Hajee Abdulla Arab . . . that if he and Webb effect a reconciliation it should be on the condition that duties should be separated & you have charge of funds.” He further wrote, “M’d Webb has also written to Hajee Riazudin Ahmed repenting his conversion, saying that he has lost a lucrative post & is now about [to] starve, Lie! This does not show any delicacy of feeling let alone Islamic spirit” (See Hamid Snow to John A. Lant, 16 March 1894, John A. Lant Papers, Missouri Historical Society, St Louis, MO.,via Singleton).
In 1894 (Mar-20), Riazudin Ahmed confided in Snow, “in this dispute between Mr. Lant and Mr. Webb we should not side with either unless we can get a thorough knowledge of the whole affair” (See Riazuddin Ahmed to Hamid Snow, 20 March 1894, John A. Lant Papers, Missouri Historical Society, St Louis, MO., via Singleton).
In 1894 (Apr-10), In America, the First Society continued meeting, but by April 1894, attendance was falling. They were forced to end the Sunday meetings due to the disruptions by Davidyan’s group, and according to the proprietor of the lecture hall, they had fallen behind in paying rent (See Theodore F. Price to John A. Lant, 10 April 1894, John A. Lant Papers, Missouri Historical Society, St Louis, via Singleton).
In 1894 (May-3), the Brandon Mail of Thu, May 03, 1894 ·Page 3 of Brandon, Manitoba, Canada carried an essay by John A. Lant about “About Religious Rites”, wherein Lant wrote about sacrifice in general, he writes about the Brahmins too.
In 1894 (Apr-May-Jun), Hamid Snow, an Indian confederate, wrote to Lant, “The Moslem world now knows that the attempt to equivocate in calling you an ‘ex-convict’ was a dastardly outrage, for the word, in your case should be synonymous with ‘patriot’ or ‘martyr” (See “Send us Eastern teachers,” American Moslem, April, May, June 1894, p. 2, via Singleton).
In 1894 (Apr-May-June), although Webb was rarely confrontational towards Christianity in general, he often berated Christians and their behavior in the Moslem World and in lectures. Lant saw Webb’s kowtowing to the press as the utmost hypocrisy and felt Webb must be in cahoots with Davidyan’s group. Reflecting on this time period, Lant wrote, “We refrained from dispute, from contention, from public scandal, and suddenly left them both [Webb and Davidiyan] standing in a glare of light arrayed against the only honest effort yet made to spread the light of Islam in America . . . A society of earnest souls . . . have spies come among them secretly to plant confusion in the minds of inquirers assembled in obedience to the call to prayer; and these the emissaries of the paid propaganda misrepresenting their adopted faith in this unbrotherly manner” (See “To the friends of Islam in the East,” American Moslem, April, May, June 1894, p. 1., via Singleton).
In 1894 (Apr-May-Jun) Lant said he was on the verge of giving Webb an additional $700 for the cause when he left the American Islamic Propaganda (See “Who will help him to deceive, slander and falsify, now,” American Moslem, April, May, June 1894, p. 4., via Singleton).
In 1894 (Apr-May-Jun), Webb insinuated that Lant only became interested in Islam after errant newspaper articles reported that Webb had up to one million dollars at his disposal to spread the faith. Defending himself against these charges, Lant published one of the aforementioned IOUs purportedly written by Webb on November 11 1893, which stated, “I hereby certify that Mr. John A. Lant of Tarrytown, N.Y., has assisted in the editorial and business work of this office since July, 1893, without compensation, and has besides, helped the work with his personal funds to the amount of $472.74 as per my note to him, and an additional amount of $30.75 to this date” (See “Some personal matters that may prove interesting,” American Moslem, April, May, June 1894, p. 1., via Singleton).
In 1894 (Apr-May-Jun), Lant countered, “I used the desk everyday, and carried the keys. The only private papers in it were my own, and these consisted of Webb IOUs to me” (“Who will help him to deceive, slander and falsify, now,” American Moslem, April, May, June 1894, p. 4. The American Moslem, Vol. 1, No. 4 is available from the Ottoman Archives, Istanbul (Başbakanlık Osmanlı Arşivi, Maruzati. Yildiz Arsivi Sadaret Hususi 309/80), via Singleton).
In 1894 (May-17), Webb claimed that the row developed when Lant was caught “prying” into Webb’s desk and reading his personal documents (See “Far India Wants to Know,” New York World, May 17 1894, p. 8., via Singleton).
In 1894 (Aug-4), Lant’s associate, William Mac Nair expounded on Webb in a letter to Lant, “I have seen the name of the great prophet before his name, but he is not in my opinion worthy to bear it. . . . All honor to you and shame upon your unfaithful slanderers (See William Mac Nair to John A. Lant, 4 August 1894, John A. Lant Papers, Missouri Historical Society, St Louis, MO. Mac Nair was once the Secretary of the local chapter of the Knights of Labor, via Singleton).
In 1894 (Sep-26), Abdullah Quilliam suggested that Lant, Keep, and Nabakoff reorganize
and formally request affiliation with the Liverpool Moslem Institute. Quilliam
would then correspond with the Indian syndicate that originally funded Webb and ask
them to support the newly aligned group instead (See Abdullah W. H. Quilliam to John A. Lant, 26 September 1894, John A. Lant Papers, Missouri Historical Society, St Louis, MO, via Singleton). In 1894 (Sep-26) within a few months after Webb removed the offices of the Moslem World Publishing Company to Ulster Park, Lant began renting office space with Keep at the former Moslem World headquarters on East 23rd Street (See Abdullah W. H. Quilliam to John A. Lant, 26 September 1894, John A. Lant Papers, Missouri Historical Society, St Louis, MO, via Singleton).
In 1894 (Sep-26), it seemed that Lant and Nabakoff were intent to ignore Webb’s movement
altogether and simply speak about their new organization, at least until an indignant Webb came forth with his allegations. Webb drew the first blood in the press. Lant was resentful of Webb’s charges against him, since he apparently gave much more to the cause then he ever received in return. He later blasted Webb as a “propagandist for pay” who received a salary for his duties and who had squandered the mission’s funds from India (See “News notes,” American Moslem, April, May, June 1894, p. 2., via Singleton). This line of argument spoke with respect to Qur’anic injunctions against receiving one’s livelihood completely from religious work. Later, when Sheik Abdullah Quilliam of Liverpool was reluctantly brought in to the imbroglio, he stated: I regret to hear of the unfortunate misunderstandings between those in America who have accepted the faith. Personally I consider this way of slandering the brethren which seems to be used as a weapon by some persons to be most improper and un-Islamic and I am also opposed to persons simply preaching on behalf of the cause simply and solely for the purpose of gain, it then becomes simply and solely a matter of profession in order to make a living which was never intended to be part of the Islamic propagation, in fact, over and over again in the Koran you will find the passage “I take no reward for this my preaching” (See Abdullah W. H. Quilliam to John A. Lant, 26 September 1894, John A. Lant Papers, Missouri Historical Society, St Louis, MO. via Singleton).
In 1894 (Nov) within a few months after Webb removed the offices of the Moslem World Publishing Company to Ulster Park, Lant began renting office space with Keep at the former Moslem World headquarters on East 23rd Street (John A. Lant to Khalil Ibrahim, November 1894, John A. Lant Papers, Missouri Historical Society, St Louis, MO., via Singleton).
In 1894 (Dec-3), J.H. Livingston, former manger of the advertising department of the Moslem World, supported Lant’s claim. Livingstone wrote, “I knew that Mr. Lant advanced money cheerfully to Mr. Webb in his reported necessities and thanks at least were due him for that and for his valuable services for nearly five months, instead of unjust and untrue representations . . . During the past year Mr. Lant has proven the better Mohammedan of the two” (See J. H. Livingston to John A. Lant, 3 December 1894, John A. Lant Papers, Missouri Historical Society, St Louis, MO., via Singleton).
In 1894 (Dec-12), via the Buffalo Courier Express of Wed, Dec 12, 1894 ·Page 10 reported that Alexander Russell Mohammed Webb was ex-communicated by “The American Moslem Institute” because Webb instead of giving a lecture went and got drunk (See also The Indianapolis Journal of Sun, Dec 02, 1894 ·Page 12). This was posted from the New York Advertiser. The meeting of the “The American Moslem Institute” took place at No. 20 East 23rd St, ny, NY. Nafeesah M.T. Keep was also there as well as John A. Lant and Emin L. Nabakoff. There were also a few police officers on the scene, in case Webb showed up and tried to assault people. They were there to celebrate the 1-year anniversary of the first ever Adhan given in the USA in 1893. Princess Sophia Adelaide was there too as well as A.L. Rawson. Resolutions were passed which gave legality to the American Moslem Institute, it was a branch of the Moslem Institute of Liverpool (via Quilliam). By-laws were also established, Nafeesah was given salary of $30 per month. Nafeesah then accused Webb of being a drunkard, much to the confusion of Nabakoff and Lant. Nafeesah read from the “Commercial Gazette of Cincinnati” from Dec-1-1894. Webb was unanimously repudiated (See also the Baptist and Reflector of Thu, Dec 27, 1894 ·Page 1)(See also the Vermont Chronicle of Fri, Dec 07, 1894 ·Page 5)(see also The Times-Union of Wed, Dec 12, 1894 ·Page 4).
In 1895 (Jan-March), Webb restructured his organization once again. He had left New York and set up the headquarters of the Moslem World Publishing Company at his home in Ulster Park, New York. In January, he published the first issue of the consolidated Moslem World and Voice of Islam newspaper. He did not use this paper to attack his rivals. Ironically, during the brief squabble between Lant and Nabakoff, Webb mentioned the newly formed groups in his paper, and he remained agreeable toward their prospects. He did, however, refrain from noting the groups’ affiliation with either gentleman. Perhaps he struck a conciliatory tone for the benefit of Islam in America, or maybe his departure from New York City eased tensions enough to mollify the abject bitterness between the men. Regarding the International Moslem Union, he stated, “The fact that organizations, taking Moslem names, are being formed quite numerously in New York, and elsewhere, speaks volumes in favor of our Islamic Propaganda . . . if its real purpose is to promulgate the truths of Islam we are disposed to give it a cordial welcome to the American Moslem Brotherhood” (See “The American Moslem Institute,” Moslem World and Voice of Islam, January 1895, p. 4; “News notes,” Moslem World and Voice of Islam, March 1895, p. 3, via Singleton). Webb published his supportive statements, despite a letter from Nabakoff castigating Webb that appeared in the January 1895 issue of the Crescent. Nabakoff defended Quilliam’s reputation against Webb’s accusations of financial improprieties in Liverpool. Nabakoff wrote, “Mr. Webb is the successful author of so many astonishing lies, that it is beyond the capacity of man to hunt them all up. I make it a rule to treat his stories with
contempt, but I can’t afford a slanderer and backbiter to make mischief between friends” (“Nailing down a slander,” Crescent, January 2 1895, p. 2, via Singleton). Webb chose not to respond in kind and spent the remainder of the year publishing his paper, lecturing, and holding occasional meetings of the New York branch of the American Moslem Brotherhood. Increasingly, Webb devoted his limited column space to defending Turkey against charges of ill treatment of the Armenians and other negative characterizations of the Sultan.
In 1895 (Feb-6), The American Moslem Institute did not have the infrastructure and membership of the International Moslem Union. Lant and Rawson were the only players in the organization and were never able to muster much support. Beyond announcements that the organization had formed, no notices of events or other news of substance emerged from the group. On the other hand, the International Moslem Union set up shop on the fourth floor at 835 Broadway, and the arrangement included an office, library, and mosque. They held lectures on Sunday at 10:00 am, 2:00 pm, and 7:30 pm (See “Editorial notes,” Crescent, February 6 1895, p. 1, via Singleton). On January 22 1895, Nabakoff was nearly killed when a fire broke out in his
apartment. He escaped with singed hair but lost nearly all of his possessions, including
a Qur’an given to him by the Sultan of Turkey as well as his ubiquitous red fez.
In 1895 (Feb-21)(via the John A. Lant Papers, Missouri Historical Society, St Louis, MO, Abdullah W. H. Quilliam to John A. Lant, 21 February 1895), Mrs. Keep apparently wanted little to do with Nabakoff and Lant after their differences arose. Quilliam said of her, “She has been so be-fooled by Webb, that she became I feel convinced, suspicious of everyone in American
Islamic circles . . . In New York she would only be the ‘woman who spoiled Webb,’ here she is a representative of American Islam” (the John A. Lant Papers, Missouri Historical Society, St Louis, MO, Abdullah W. H. Quilliam to John A. Lant, 21 February 1895, via Singleton).
In 1895 (Mar-20), At various times, Quilliam’s newspaper, the Crescent, noted both Lant and Nabakoff’s groups as being affiliated with the Liverpool Moslem Institute. The American Moslem Institute was referred to as the “Western Branch of the Liverpool Moslem Institute.” “Editorial notes,” Crescent, March 20 1895, p. 1.
In 1895 (Apr-19), The American Moslem Institute ceased to be mentioned in the Crescent. However, after the reconciliation, Rawson noted in a letter to Lant that a British Muslim would be visiting to “open the way” for building a mosque for the American Moslem Institute in New York City. Nothing ever came of that plan (See A. L. Rawson to John A. Lant, 19 April 1895, John A. Lant Papers, Missouri Historical Society, St Louis, MO, via Singleton).
In 1895 (May-8), by April, Lant and Nabakoff had reconciled, and Lant once again appeared in news briefs about the International Moslem Union (See “News notes,” Crescent, May 8 1895, p. 146, via Singleton).
In 1895 (May-17), in America, the First Society continued meeting, but by April 1894, attendance was falling. They were forced to end the Sunday meetings due to the disruptions by Davidyan’s group, and according to the proprietor of the lecture hall, they had fallen behind in paying rent (See Theodore F. Price to John A. Lant, 10 April 1894, John A. Lant Papers, Missouri Historical Society, St Louis, via Singleton). At about this time, Hamid Snow sent a letter to the editor of the New York World trying to expose Webb as a fraud. However, he unintentionally drew negative attention upon himself and the First Society. The letter emboldened the World to investigate the state of both Islamic movements. Although Snow thoroughly castigated Webb, Webb in turn excoriated Snow and his American associates in an interview with the World. Webb said, “I know this man Hamid Snow, and he is not of the least consequence. He is a half-breed Mussulman, and is running a sort of independent church at Agra Fort. He is out for all the money in sight.” He further reminded readers of Lant’s run-ins with Comstock and reprised his version of the story of Lant’s departure from the American Islamic Propaganda. Webb said of Nabakoff, “He used to be an ice-cream peddler at Brighton, England, and knows no more about the religion of Islam than any other street fakir (destitute person).” Furthermore, he related, “When I turned Lant and Nabakoff out of my place they tried to establish a mission in Union Square. They made a failure of that, and now they are trying to injure me in India by writing to persons whose names Lant obtained from my personal papers.” He went on to chide them as “leeches,” “frauds,” and “sycophants.” Webb then focused his rage on Sheik Abdullah Quilliam, calling him “a charletan [sic] of the worst possible character” (“Far India wants to know,” New York World, May 17 1895, p. 8, via Singleton).
In 1895 (July-31), Lant lamented the slow progress of introducing Islam in America while referring to the Muslims in Liverpool. He wrote, ‘May like Moslem bands be found in due time everywhere, even in this great land of ours (See “What our foreign brothers think of the increased size of our journal,” Crescent, July 31, 1895, p. 75, via Singleton).
In 1895 (Dec), The New York Times of Sun, Dec 01, 1895 ·Page 2 dedicated an entire page to the failures of Alexander Russell Mohammad Webb in America entitled, “The Fall of Islam in America, ” New York Times, Dec. 1, 1895, p. 2. In 1895, the Nawab of Basoda was Nawab Omar Ali Khan, who ruled the small Central Indian principality until his death that year. Nevertheless, the Nawab of Basoda alleged that he gave Webb 40-50,000 british pounds. However, Webb says that it was only 2000 British pounds. The newspaper alleges that Webb is living in poverty. It seems that the Nawab of Basoda was in the USA and was wanting to see what was the result of his investment. Nawab of Basoda didn’t see much and never met Webb either. The Nawab of Basoda was accompanied by Mr. William Mackinnon (hard headed, a shrewd-spoken scotch man, secretary to the Nawab and interpreter). Before leaving America, the Nawab of Basoda told the New York Times all of this via Mr. William Mackinnon. The newspaper mentions how Webb travelled thru India and to Hyderabad, India, and how wealthy Indian’s had paid for him to do so. Among one of these was Haji Abdullah Arab, who personally gave 5000 British pounds. It is alleged that the Nizam of Hyderabad (Mahboob Ali Khan?) gave a huge sum of money for Islam to spread in America. The Nawab of Basoda confessed that he hadn’t given Webb any money, nevertheless, he wanted to see an update and was shocked to see nothing. The Nawab of Basoda also said that some of the money was given to Webb in India and lots of it was sent to America and all the records of that are missing. A man named J.A. Lant of Tarrytown-on-the-Hudson met with The Nawab of Basoda and Mr. William Mackinnon. Lant alleged that Webb owed him 600 British pounds for services rendered in connected with Webb’s newspaper. Webb’s failures in America are highlighted. Webb hoodwinked Indian Muslims! Webb’s business address in Ulster Park, NY is mentioned in detail. The newspaper mentions how Webb looked nothing like a Muslim who had been to India, he looked like a common farmer in New York in 1895. The reported for the newspaper met Webb and gave these observations. Webb said that he didn’t know that the Nawab of Basoda was in town, Webb questioned why the Nawab didn’t come to Ulster Park to see for himself. Webb denies receiving 40-50,000 British pounds. Webb alleges that 20k US dollars have been spent by himself and his mission in this pursuit. Webb denies that Haji Abdullah Arab gave him 5000 British pounds. Webb alleged that the Nizam of Hyderabad never gave him a penny, nor did any other Indian. Webb alleged that he never personally received even a single rupee and that he never received money in-person, whatever was given to him via “offering” was turned over to Haji Abdullah Arab. Webb alleges that he was offered 32k US Dollars in incremental payments of 13k for the first year, 10k for 2nd and 3rd year. This payment included maintenance for Webb and his family. Webb alleges that people thought he came to the USA with 1 million dollars and began to try to leech off of him and failed. Webb alleges that Lant was one of these leeches. Webb alleges that Hamid Snow was another. Webb alleges that Lant and Snow caused Haji Abdullah Arab to break his contract with Webb and thus left Webb in poverty. Webb alleges that a single Moslem in India is supporting him financially right now. Webb admitted to not preaching Islam in Ulster Park.
In 1896 (Jan-22), after the First Society for the Study of Islam ceased, Nabakoff and Lant continued to defend and promote Islam in America and corresponded with the Liverpool Muslims, albeit with ever-decreasing frequency. In January 1896, the Crescent announced that Lant supported forming branches of the International Moslem Union in the major cities of India, which would be affiliated with the Liverpool Moslem Institute (See “The International Moslem Union,” Crescent, January 22, 1896, p. 469). The following month, the same publication printed a letter from him scolding the American press’ reporting on the Armenian crisis in Turkey (See “The Armenian Fizzle,” Crescent, February 19 1896, p. 541, via Singleton).
In 1897 (Apr-28), the Crescent mentioned Nabakoff more than Lant, and despite his continued residence in New York the paper referred to him as a member of the Liverpool Moslem Institute. Nabakoff continued to lecture and debate for the cause of Islam. In April 1897, he debated at the Manhattan Liberal Club in favor of Turkey’s position concerning the Greco-Turkish war of the time (See “A Liverpool Muslim defends the faith in New York,” Crescent, April 28 1897, p. 268, via Singleton). Later that year, he appeared on the roster of speakers at the Tennessee Centennial Exposition’s conference of comparative religions (See “Henry H. Moore elected,” Brooklyn Eagle, October 15 1897, p. 7, via Singleton).
In 1900 (Dec-26), Hamid Snow sent a letter to the “Crescent” announcing “J. Muhammed Lant” as the first pastor of the American branch of the Church of Islam, Snow’s India-based mission (See “A voice from India,” Crescent, December 26 1900, p. 407, Via Singleton).
In 1901 (Sep-1), the St. Louis Post-Dispatch of Sun, Sep 01, 1901 ·Page 3 reported on an Islamic mission in the Philippines. The newspaper alleges that there are currently 9 Moslem missionaries in Manila, of which 3 are white, 2 are Philippinos and 2 Malay’s. The head of the mission is Emin Nabakoff. Nabakoff had a brother in the Russian military 15 years ago. Nabakoff was previously a bishop in the Greek Church of Sitka, Alaska. Nabakoff allegedly converted to Islam by himself in Alaska. It is mentioned how Nabakoff was previously working under Webb and how they collapsed. After Webb, Nabakoff got involved with the “International Muslim Union” or “Young Turks Party”. Nabakoff was hired by the “International Muslim Union” in Ludhiana, British India to manage their missions in Malaysia and the Philippines. Mohammed Price and Ali Lant are working closely with Nabakoff (both are native born Americans and veterans of the civil war). It is reported that Hamid Snow will run the mission from Ludhiana and Nejib Selim from Singapore.
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