Alarmed by reports that the followers of the White Brotherhood were flocking to Kiev to join their leader in a mass suicide, the police have detained more than 600 cult members in jails and hospitals, and confiscated pamphlets and posters that proclaim that the end of the world is near.

Indeed, Dr. Pearl's followers - in their 20's to their 70's - flocked to the Crowne Plaza Hotel here last weekend to spend $250 for three days of healing and enlightenment.

Politicians, labor leaders, and their followers flocked to the streets in May 1956 to protest Magloire's failure to step down.

The followers are flocking to their sides and even fighting for a place holder in those parties.