es, however
exalted and unique in their character. May the National Fund so flourish
as to enable its Trustees to undertake such measures as will eloquently
testify to a sorely stricken humanity the healing power of God's Faith.

Jurisdiction of a Local Assembly

May I remind you regarding the situation in San Francisco that no two
independent Baha'i centers can possibly be recognized in the same city,
and that the center which bears my name should act in all matters only
with the full consent and approval of the San Francisco Spiritual
Assembly.

Voting Rights of National Assembly Members

Concerning the election of alternate members to the National Spiritual
Assembly, I feel that only the nine original members of the National
Spiritual Assembly are entitled to vote, whereas such alternate members as
may be elected should be asked to fill vacancies only in a consultative
capacity and not be entitled to vote. They should not be regarded as part
of the quorum (i.e., five out of the nine original members) which is
necessary for the transaction of the business of the National Assembly.
All secondary matters that do not affect the principle outlined are left
to the discretion of the National Spiritual Assemblies who will decide
according to the exigencies of their respective circumstances.

Assuring you of my deep appreciation of your continued efforts, and of my
unceasing prayers on your behalf,

I am your grateful brother,
SHOGHI.

Haifa, Palestine,
November 6, 1925.

Letter of November 30, 1925.

To the beloved of God and the handmaids of the Merciful in the East and in
the West.

Dear fellow-workers:

It is with feelings of overwhelming sorrow that I communicate to you the
news of yet another loss which the Almighty, in His inscrutable wisdom,
has chosen to inflict upon our beloved Cause. On the 22nd of November,
1925, that memorable and sacred day in which the Baha'is of the Orient
celebrated the twin Festivals of the Declaration of the Bab and the
birthday of 'Abdu'l-Baha, Dr. John E. Esslemont passed on to the Abha
Kingdom. His end was as swift as it was unexpected. Suffering from the
effects of a chronic and insidious disease, he fell at last a victim to
the inevitable complications that ensued, the fatal course of which
neither the efforts of vigilant physicians nor the devoted cares of his
many friends could possibly deflect.

He bore his sufferings with admirable fortitude