Reading 3182-1

TEXT OF READING 3182-1 M 67

Text

Date: 8/29/1943 Sex: M Age: 67 ReadingID: 10563

This Psychic Reading given by Edgar Cayce at the office of the Association, Arctic Crescent, Virginia Beach, Va., this 29th day of August, 1943, in accordance with request made by the self - [3182], new Associate Member of the Ass”n for Research and Enlightenment, Inc., recommended by Mr. David E. Kahn.

[Edgar Cayce; Gertrude Cayce, Conductor; Gladys Davis, Steno. Col. [3182] and David E. Kahn.]

Time of Reading 4:00 to 4:45 P. M. Eastern War Time. Washington, D.C.

1. GC: You will have before you the mental, spiritual and material development of [3182] present in this room; also his associations and associates. The entity seeks advice and counsel for his guidance and to serve his fellow man, to obtain security for himself and family, to aid him to serve God in the manner most acceptable. You will answer the questions, as I ask them:

2. EC: Yes, we have the body, the enquiring mind, [3182] present in this room.

3. Ready for questions.

4. (Q) Reference the publication of a book on my life, activities and experience, - please give the plan which will tell a fascinating story, of value and interest to the nation as a whole. (A) This would present a phase of human experience, a phase of human relationships that would be unique; not only fascinating but could, if properly written and presented, prove a helpful influence in the present emergencies; setting an example, an ideal, for many a young man, that would make such a life story most helpful to this day and age. For, it represents a unique experience in the history of the nation, and may be presented from an angle that will not only prove beneficial to post war experiences again but will clarify for many some of those experiences that have been in fear or doubt by some through many periods of development.

Those periods that would be stressed, as we find, would fall necessarily into two periods. Not that the whole experience isn’t to be told, - but that which will bring the most of human interest is the one least interpreted or understood - that of Coolidge. That which will bring the most benefits that may be derived from the spiritual angle is that at the Peace Conference. For, there - as we have indicated from here - the Prince of Peace sat - in that conference; and the world, and America, rejected same. This, when presented properly, may save many an error - when this is to come again.

Hence these two periods in the experience of this entity would be those which would be played upon the most - for the human interest and for the spiritual interpretation and understanding.

DO NOT present ANY political factions. For, as the entity in its abilities and in its activities acted - and is acting - in the capacity for the love of God and of country, - and the man directing the affairs of a nation perchance using the opportunity - as observed by a servant of the people - to the glory of God. THAT is the manner of presentation of this entity’s service to a nation.

5. (Q) Please outline the book to aid the author. (A) As just indicated.

6. (Q) What is best “main appeal” to the editor and reader? (A) The service of a servant to a nation.

This has not been - this is not - trying to make a flowery speech to the entity; but this has not been paralleled ANYWHERE in ANY nation! Why SHOULDN’T it be presented, then, as the experience of a servant of the peoples for the GLORY of God and to the service of his fellow man?

7. (Q) Would that be a good central theme for the book? (A) Isn’t it what has just been given?

8. (Q) Who would be the best publisher to do the job? (A) As we find, a serial in such as Collier’s; published by such as Simon & Shuster.

9. (Q) What is the best approach to Simon & Shuster? (A) Just that it may be written. They’ll be looking and waiting for it!

10. (Q) What is best approach to Colebaugh of Collier’s? (A) That it may be written, and here’s the opportunity.

11. (Q) Would Thomas Sugrue be the proper and most capable writer to handle this piece of writing? (A) This would not be amiss. For, as to human interest, as to a concept of the theme - TO THE GLORY OF GOD AND TO THE SERVICE OF HIS FELLOW MAN - you will not find a better individual. To be sure, there might be those who would seek to inject - some publishers would ask for - sensation. That is NOT the order of the day. Throughout the whole experience of each administration from the beginning with Roosevelt to the end in another Roosevelt, there are human interest incidents. The greater human interest stories should be about that administration least understood. Clarify some in others; not as political issues or as of telling or indicating even State secrets of ANY nature. Then present the GREAT OPPORTUNITY of the American nation, and missing the boat - in the Peace Conference. These are the great themes, and those that - when the entity searches his own self - find the greater appeal to the inner man.

12. (Q) Would anyone be of special help to Sugrue in preparation of material? (A) Necessarily, of course, there would be the body here and the individual or group or organization that would consider the story as a serial, or there would be some questioning. But other than the presentation of same, no collaboration is needed other than being closer to the entity [3182].

13. (Q) How much historical background should be placed into it? (A) Sufficient to indicate the variations, the unfolding of opportunities of mental, spiritual and material relationships; without there being political factions indicated.

14. (Q) Would it be better to open with the Wilson administration or the Coolidge? (A) Here it will require what might be said to be sentiment or human interest. Open with the Coolidge, and then begin at the beginning; and the climax, of course, in the Wilson administration, with warnings to the nation, to the peoples in the end, as of the present.

15. (Q) Is there any book now on the market to use as a guide? (A) As indicated, there is not a parallel in any of the nations. There is no book that might be used as a guide, save as in the human interest and the spiritual appeal to his fellow man.

16. (Q) How much of present administration should be dealt with and what would be best approach? (A) The beginning of the reaping of failures in the interpreting of spiritual meanings in opportunities presented in the last Peace Conference And this may be builded and left as to his fellow man, that the same errors not be made. This does not necessitate there being the admonition, as to whether this is to be considered from a political, an economic, a four point, five point or ten point relationship, but the one - “I AM MY BROTHER’S KEEPER!”

17. (Q) What would be the best and most appealing title for the book? (A) As we find, this might be best demonstrated by the variations as would be indicated in a serial and when such is chosen as the book. For these, as we find, might vary. But - A REPORT TO THE NATION, or A SERVANT OF THE NATION, or IN THE WHITE HOUSE.

18. (Q) To whom should it be dedicated? (A) This should be to that which is the ideal of the entity.

19. (Q) Please make that statement a little more explicit. (A) Here, as we have just indicated, is an individual who in sincerity of purpose, and in the fear of ideals, has served a nation, a peoples, in the capacity as a protection to those who, from period to period, have been the leaders of his fellow man. There are ideals that have prompted the activities of this individual. His mother, certain associates, certain principles. It is to these and not to an individual; though many an individual has had much to do - from time to time - with keeping the entity in the straight and narrow, if he will acknowledge it in himself - such as Baruch, such as others that questions were put to. But the choice of these would be that which is the ideal of the entity - or, it might be dedicated TO MY FELLOW MAN.

20. (A) How much of my political life in Kentucky, and on through life, should be touched on, if at all? (A) As we find, and as indicated, NO politics. There is too MUCH of politics at times. And these will be the demands, and these may be the faults to avoid. For, the purpose is to present a record of the years of an excellent service in such a manner that it may supply to the young generation an IDEAL. And politics is certainly not ideal in America, nor in Kentucky either!

21. (Q) What month is best to announce the coming of the book? (A) Early fall or in January or February.

22. (Q) What month should it be published? (A) This would depend, of course, upon just how it is to be handled. If a serial first, it may begin at ANY period - when the outline or the block has been set. Then, as to the period when it is to be published as a book - would be just before the end of the serial, to be sure.

23. (Q) Where best for Sugrue to live, considering his health and considering my connections and duties, also the location of the publishers? (A) This depends upon how it is to be handled as a whole. If it is to be considered by Collier’s, stay where he is! If it is to be considered by others, it may be necessary to change location. Considering the health, best to remain in Clearwater until at least the outline is set, see? Afterward - it would depend upon general circumstances.

24. (Q) What can the book do to aid the post war situation? (A) As indicated, it may be as a warning to the many - DON’T MAKE THE SAME MISTAKE TWICE!

25. (Q) Should the book contain my experiences before being detailed to the White House? (A) Should begin in the White House, but it may be necessary for certain experiences that fitted the entity for such conditions; as the experiences with Taft, with Theodore Roosevelt, to be told of, as to what happened before being detailed to the White House.

26. (Q) How much should be said of Barney Baruch, my friend? (A) This depends upon the associations and the stories used in connection with happenings during those special periods. But always as an ideal.

27. (Q) How much should be said of present day visitors at White House known to me? (A) Enough to indicate the needs of the warnings. This is to the fellow man! not to laud any particular President, but principles - principles! Not to belittle any, as it will not be the purpose of the individual entity here presenting same; nor should it be sarcastic nor anything bordering upon same - by the one writing the story. The truth, sure - but PRINCIPLE first! And it will be, then, not merely a Best Seller but - for many years - the ideal of many an American.

28. We are through for the present.

Three copies to Self (one for Mr. Kahn and one for Mr. Sugrue) Copy to Ass’n file

Reports

Reports & Follow-up

R1. 9/3/43 Col. E. Starling’s letter to EC:

THE WHITE HOUSE WASHINGTON

Dear Edgar:

Just to let you and Mrs. Cayce know how very much your kindness and generous understanding was appreciated by your humble servant.

No better people in the world than those from Christian Country Kentucky.

Had a nice visit with Dave on our return.

We expect to pay you another visit soon and hope to bring our better halves.

Best wishes to you and yours.

Sincerely [signed] E. W. Starling

R2. 9/20/43 Norfolk Ledger-Dispatch (?) Article:

PRESIDENTIAL PROTECTOR TO RETIRE

Washington, Sept. 20.- (AP) - Col. Edmund W. (Big Bill) Starling, 67-year-old secret service veteran who helped guard five Presidents, will turn in his shooting irons around November 1 and retire to a less exciting life of fishing and hunting in Florida.

Starling, six-foot, 200-pounder who is known as “Colonel,” “Ed,” and “Bill” to national and world figures and whose jovial, “Hi podner” has greeted thousands of White House visitors, is winding up 30 years of secret service work, and years of even more dangerous tasks in chasing train robbers in earlier life, for the peace and quiet of a white stucco home on Biscayne Bay, Miami Beach.

He likes lots of warm weather and plenty of fishing and bird shooting. Hence he intends to sell his 75-acre farm near his native Hopkinsville, Ky., and move to a territory which, while new for a home, is familiar to him from his days as railroad detective and of laying out routes for Presidential travel.

Starling joined the secret service on November 14, 1914, during the first administration of Woodrow Wilson. He became supervising agent of the White House detail during the first term of Franklin D. Roosevelt, but turned over that title to a much younger man, Michael F. Reilly, about a year ago.

Starling has traveled more than a million miles as a secret service man - with and in advance of traveling Presidents, investigating routes and arranging police protection for them.

While retiring from government service, he says he will hold himself in readiness in event his services are needed for the American delegation to the next peace gathering.

Although most of his 30 years as a secret service man were passed as a White House agent, Starling and his staff of husky young marksmen never have had to tangle with an attempted assassination in public. That, perhaps, explains secret service efficiency. Most of its work is preventive.

R3. 3/21/44 See EC’s (death?) dream of himself and Col. Starling recorded in his ltr. to Thos. Sugrue of same date under 294-207 Reports.

R4. 8/3/44 GD’s note: Col. Starling died.

R5. STARLING OF THE WHITE HOUSE came out in 1946, Simon & Schuster, N.Y.

R6. 3/46 Norfolk Ledger-Dispatch Newspaper Clipping [GD’s note: See STARLING OF THE WHITE HOUSE By Thomas Sugrue, Simon & Schuster, N.Y. 1946]:

HE GUARDED PRESIDENTS FOR 30 YEARS

Christian Science Monitor - THE BOOKSHELF

There is nothing else in the whole world quite like the White House detail of the Secret Service. These men are primarily guardians of Presidents, and they have successfully prevented catastrophe for nearly half a century. But more than guardians: they are comrades to Presidents, they are diplomats, they are friends and confidants and they have helped to lighten the weary, lonely load of many a Chief Executive.

Chief among these remarkable men, indeed, unique among them, was Col. Edmund W. Starling. I have never met a more engaging amiable, and utterly competent man. The first time I entered the White House, as a young reporter, I met him and immediately felt warmed by his welcome. And I was only one among many thousands in all parts of the United States who felt just the same way.

But I did not need friends, and sometimes Presidents did, Colonel Starling was one of Calvin Coolidge’s closest friends and companions. He taught the shy and stiff Vermonter to fish and humanized him perhaps more than anybody else ever did. He was deeply attached to Woodrow Wilson, although he spent many a cold night waiting on the sidewalk while President Wilson paid court to his second wife, Edith Bolling Galt. He felt a sympathy and pity for Warren Harding, and from direct observation he cleans up some lingering stains on President Harding’s memory. Colonel Starling was not able to bring friendship to another lonely man; Herbert Hoover. And Franklin Roosevelt had many friends already, although he and Colonel Starling were very close.

All this rich and important tapestry of memories is delightfully recorded in STARLING OF THE WHITE HOUSE, a book put together in Colonel Starling’s own words by Thomas Sugrue, (New York: Simon and Schuster, $3). It tells more of two Presidents at least, Wilson and Coolidge, than most of their biographies. It is a priceless aid to the historian.

The only other comparable book, the memories of the White House usher, Irwin (Ike) Hoover, is on an entirely different level. It is rather prejudiced, too gossipy, too much of the backstairs. Colonel Starling’s book is written by a dignified and honorable Kentucky gentleman who made a noble career of the protection and friendship of Presidents.

At the same time, “Bill” Starling puts lively wit and humor on almost every page. And he was no hero-worshiper. His judgements are independent and candid. The best stories are of Coolidge and Wilson. There is President Wilson walking down Connecticut Avenue dancing little jigs, after a courtship visit to Mrs. Galt, whistling: “Oh, you beautiful doll! You great big beautiful doll!” There is President Coolidge, asking Colonel Starling to lend him “ten.” “Ten dollars?” asked Starling. “No, ten cents,” said the President.

Always, Colonel Starling’s deep religious sense is apparent. And his great gentleness, as well as his extreme competence in his job. His sharp eyes saw everything that might endanger his Presidents. Yet best of all was not his negative job of protection, but his positive job of helping to enlighten and brighten the lives of these solitary leaders.

I cannot resist adding one footnote to this history. The most dangerous incident in his lifetime of protecting Presidents, says Colonel Starling, was in the mountains back of Las Vegas, Nev., when President Roosevelt was prevailed upon to drive up a narrow gravel road, got stuck, and had to turn around on the edge of a mountainside. I know, I was there. And Admiral Wilson Brown, who later distinguished himself in the South Pacific, and I busied ourselves in putting large rocks under the front wheels of the President’s car each of the many times it approached the precipice as it turned around. The incident would never have happened if Colonel Starling had not thought it safe to go on ahead one day to prepare the visit to Los Angeles. But it is a deep tribute to Colonel Starling’s wise and cautious skill that, in 30 years spent guarding Presidents, nothing more dangerous ever happened. E.D.C.

R7. 6/46 A.R.E. Bulletin Secondary article by Gina Cerminara:

A CAYCE PROPHECY FULFILLED

Prophecy was not Edgar Cayce’s specialty. Many times when asked point-blank about the future, he refused point-blank to answer. Often he offered this explanation for this evasiveness; that man’s will is free, and he has it within himself, each moment, to create the future.

However, on some occasions he relaxed his stingency and made a positive assertion about what would or would not occur. It is always interesting, from the point of view of checking on the validity of the Cayce clairvoyance, to find an instance where such a fore-seeing has been verified by later facts in the life of a person for whom the reading was given.

Just such an instance is found in the recent publication of Tom Sugrue’s book, STARLING OF THE WHITE HOUSE. Association members will undoubtedly feel a friendly interest in anything that comes from the distinguished pen of the author of Mr. Cayce’s biography. But their interest should be heightened when they learn that a reading taken on August 29th, 1943, for Colonel Starling, not only suggested the general theme and outline for treatment for the book, but named the very publisher who actually accepted and issued the book three years later.

The reading, which consisted entirely of questions and answers, began with Colonel Starling’s question: “With reference to the publication of a book on my life, please give the plan which will tell a fascinating story, of value and interest to the nation as a whole.”

The answer came, clear and forcible: This would present a phase of human experience that would be unique; not only fascinating, but could if properly written and presented, prove a helpful influence in the present emergencies, setting an example, an ideal, for many a young man, that would make such a life story most helpful to this day and age. For it represents a unique experience in the history of the nation, and may be presented from an angle that will not only prove beneficial to post war experiences again but will clarify for many some of those experiences of the past that have been held in fear or doubt…” It proceeds then to enlarge on the theme of the book and those aspects of Starling’s life which should be given particular emphasis.

In question 5, Starling asked, “Who would be the best publisher to do the job?”, to which the answer came: “As we find, a serial in such as Collier’s or published by such as Simon and Schuster.” Consult your copy of STARLING OF THE WHITE HOUSE, and you will find that it bears in unmistakable fact the imprint of the house of Simon and Schuster…

At the time of the reading, of course, Colonel Starling had already selected Sugrue to do the writing; but by way of getting confirmation of his choice from the reading he asked the question (Q-8) “Would Thomas Sugrue be the proper and most capable writer to handle this piece of writing?” The answer was: “This would not be amiss. For as to human interest, as to a clear concept of the theme: TO THE GLORY OF GOD AND TO THE SERVICE OF HIS FELLOWMAN, YOU WILL NOT FIND A BETTER INDIVIDUAL.”

Other questions and answers of general interest are questions 21 and 24:

Q-21 “What can the book do to aid the post war situation?”

A-21 “As indicated, it may be as a warning to many: DON’T MAKE THE SAME MISTAKE TWICE.

Q-24 “How much should be said of present day visitors at the White House known to me?”

A-24 “Enough to indicate the need of the warnings. This is to be for your fellowman! Not to laud any particular President, but principles, principles! Not to belittle any; nor should it be sarcastic nor anything bordering on sarcasm by the one writing the story. The truth, sure, but principle first! And it will be, then, not merely a Best Seller, but - for many years - the ideal of many an American.”

As the Bulletin goes to press, STARLING OF THE WHITE HOUSE has already gone into eight printings and sold some 60,000 copies, with orders constantly being received for more. The book is high on Best Seller lists all over the country, and on May 3rd ranked 2nd in the Non-Fiction Best Sellers in 46 leading American cities.

It is worth filing this instance in your memory for easy reference in moments of your own - or other people’s - skepticism. There are times when, in the experience of the most willing believer, psychic matters, clairvoyance, the readings of Edgar Cayce seem baseless, unreal, and out of touch with the seeable reality of life.

An instance such as this one, of clairvoyant prediction which was three years later substantiated by action of a New York publisher, would seem fairly convincing - especially in view of the customary hard-boiled detachment of publishers.

Skeptics, of course, - even after inspecting the typewritten document dated August 29th, 1943 in file No. … of the Cayce vault - could attribute the whole matter to chance or coincidence.

They may be right.

Perhaps it was a mere coincidence.

But one sometimes wonders if the accumulation of coincidence after coincidence is also a coincidence. If not, it becomes increasingly difficult to explain the matter away.

• Gina Cerminara

R8. 6/2/46 Richmond Times-Dispatch reported that one hundred thousand copies of “Starling of the White House” had been sold.

R9. 2/27/51 HLC’s note: Later it was announced that Sears-Roebuck had selected “Starling of the White House” as their book of the month club selection.

R10. 5/59 Article appearing in A.R.E PRESS:

NBC’S MONITOR NATIONAL RADIO SHOW ON THE EDGAR CAYCE STORY, now on 33 1/3 LP record. Two fascinating half-hour shows in the form of 15 interviews with people who were associated with the celebrated clairvoyant. Narration and interviews by NBC’s noted Monitor reporter, Walter McGraw. An ideal means of introducing your friends to the Edgar Cayce story. [GD’s note: Interviews include reports by David E. Kahn and Max Schuster re. “Starling of the White House” predictions.]

Background

Background

B1. 8/20/43 Letter from Thomas Sugrue to David E. Kahn: “This is the tale of one man’s observation of the most important events in the history of man. When Starling went to the White House for his first assignment with Roosevelt the civilized world was largely lighted by kerosene and gas. Telephones were uncommon. Movies were, like airplanes, in the experimental stage. Radio was unknown. Democracies were the exception to the rule in government…etc…we give a picture of the world about to make the big change.

“Now the rapid speeding up of industrial and mechanical evolution proceeds, with its parallel descent of religion and ethics. The center of the crisis swings from Europe to the White House.

“Often it has been said - ‘If the walls could talk.’ Now here is a wall or chair, or desk, as it were, which saw all of history unroll through the Presidents of the US from Roosevelt I to Roosevelt II. This wall now talks. Here is the story, the intimate story, of these men - how they came to office buoyant, strong, hopeful, full of faith and determination - how they encountered disappointment, tragedy, disillusion - how they went from office broken, ready to die - how the world rolled over them, a giant steam-roller which they tried with their pitiful efforts to steer away from the common people.

“It is the story of man’s fight against his own inclination to take the easy way - it is the record of man’s will, determination, prodigality, immorality, irresponsibility, and final achievement - told through its reflection in the personification of the American man’s character and thought - the White House.

“In writing it I would begin either with that first assignment or with a dramatic incident, such as Wilson in Paris, from which I would backtrack to the beginning. The editor in charge might decide that…” etc. [12/18/43 See 257-254, Par. 16-A—28-A asking further questions re: [3182]‘s book.]

B2. 8/29/43 Suggestion & questions for rdg.:

You will have before you the mental, spiritual and material development of [3182], present in this room; also his associations and associates. The entity seeks advice and counsel for his guidance and to serve his fellow man, to obtain security for himself and family, to aid him to serve God in the manner most acceptable. You will answer the questions, as I ask them:

1. Reference the publication of a book on my life, activities and experience, - please give the plan which will tell a fascinating story, of value and interest to the nation as a whole. 1 1/2. Please outline the book to aid the author.
2. Who would be the best publisher to do the job?
3. What is the best approach to this man?
4. Would Thomas Sugrue be the proper and most capable writer to handle this piece of writing?
5. Would anyone be of special help to him in preparation of material?
6. Should approach be made from a historical background?
7. Around which President would it be best to center the story?
8. Which episodes in my experience would be best to develop or expand?
9. Should the book be in any way spectacular?
10. Is there any book now on the market to use as a guide?
11. How much of present administration should be dealt with and what would be best approach?
12. Would a comparison of Wilson at Peace Table with me at his side be a timely discussion for guidance to present administration?
13. What would be the best and most appealing title for the book?
14. To whom should it be dedicated?
15. How much of my political life should be included?
16. What month is best to announce the coming of the book?
17. What month should it be published?
18. (If Thomas Sugrue does the book) Could he do the job better by remaining in Clearwater?
19. What can the book do to aid the Post War situation?
20. What experiences of Wilson, while with me at Peace Table in 1918, can aid President Roosevelt and yet prevent mistakes of last war?
21. How much should be said of Barney Baruch, my friend?
22. How much should be said of present day visitors at White House known to me?
23. How much should be said of the newspaper men who have been with me on so many trips and at White House?
24. What warnings to author to prevent criticism, especially considering the war?
25. Should Al Weisenback (Hearst man) idea of $1 paper book be considered for mass sales?
26. Would Simon & Shuster, Collier’s, Hearst, or Scribner’s be the best consideration for the publishing and merchandising of book?
27. How many copies can be sold in 1st year?
28. On what basis is it best to work with publisher for best returns to author and to me?
29. Please comment on the author’s plan, a copy of which I hold in my hand, and advise thereto.
30. Which editor is best to approach first, Colebaugh of Collier’s or Blossom of American?
31. What is best approach for David E. Kahn to make first to editors and suggest Sugrue, or have Sugrue approach editors and introduce Kahn?
32. Should Sugrue remain in Clearwater to write or better in N.Y. or Washington?
33. Is Sugrue’s idea of a total of 60,000—80,000 words right, broken into 8, 10, or 12 installments?
34. What should be the central theme of the book?
35. What is best “main appeal” to the editor and reader?
36. What should I do politically after November 1st?
37. When will the country be able to return to peaceful pursuits?
38. Could I engage in any business profitably? Where, what, how?
39. Should I maintain my residence in Washington for any part of the year or plan to spend all my time in Florida?
40. What could I do to help my business friends in Washington and yet not abuse the confidences and friendships in Government that I have made for years?
41. Will Japan and Germany be out of the war at the same time?
42. What effect will the end of the war have on the stock markets and business of the nation?
43. If the President decides to remain in office, what effect should it have on my plans?

Mentioned Entities

Thomas Sugrue, Ideal, Franklin Roosevelt, Entity (Cayce Term), Book of Job, David Kahn, King David, Clairvoyance, Gina Cerminara, Kentucky, Woodrow Wilson, Florida, Purpose, A.R.E. (Association for Research and Enlightenment), Free Will, Gertrude Cayce, New York City, Prophecy, California, Dreams

Source: The Complete Edgar Cayce Readings, A.R.E. CD-ROM (2006). Reading 3182-1, ReadingID 10563.