Temple Emmanuel of San Francisco was crowded to the last seat and hundreds unable to get in stood outside during the funeral services held at the temple for Dr. Martin A. Meyer, rabbi of the temple, who was found dead Thursday, sitting in an arm chair in his studio.
Those attending included representatives of virtually all creeds.
The theory that Dr. Meyer died of heart failure as first supposed has now been entirely discarded. Dr. John R. Clark, the autopsy surgeon found slight traces of cyanide poisoning. Late today. Professor F.T. Greene, the coroner’s chemist, discovered in the body enough poison to have killed several men.
Cyanide kills instantly. Dr. Meyer was found with a book open in his hands. The conclusion of the authorities is therefore, that he either comitted suicide or the poison was administered by some slayer. Perhaps the poison was in a cigar, they say, perhaps it was on the pages of the book and he may have put it into his mouth when he wet his fingers to turn a page.
Dr. Meyer’s friends scout the suicide thery. He was the life rabbi of Temple Emmanuel. He wielded an influence that was felt not only in San Francisco, but through the entire western coast. He had enjoyed a game of golf on the day of his death and remarked that he was feeling wonderfully well.
Dr. Meyer, it is said here, took out a life insurance policy for a large sum a few years ago. Reports vary as to the amount, but it is understood to be not less than $100,000.
The theory that some anti-Jewish influence is responsible for the rabbi’s death is widely held here. “There has been more than one rabbi and more than one Catholic priest killed mysteriously in and near San Francisco recently” the newspapers quote one holding this belief as saying.
The Archive of the Jewish Telegraphic Agency includes articles published from 1923 to 2008. Archive stories reflect the journalistic standards and practices of the time they were published.
