Saturday Evening Mail, Volume 6, Number 33, Terre Haute, Vigo County, 12 February 1876 — Page 8

Page PDF (9.55 MB)

Back to issue view

PARER FOR THK

went to

^*1

I /X...»

I- «"*-J

IT, I

—1

THE MAIL

PEOPI.K.

SPIRITS?

v'J&l (Continuedfrom First Ihtfft.) FLORA PORNLEXT^:K. ^Tbis was a young women about sixteen years of age. Her mediumship was of the "physical" order. It IN related of her that she would sometimes take a position in the floor and all the men who could get hold of her couldn't budge her out of her tracks. She would be tied in a chair and the INSU IT the lights were extinguished she and the chair would be wafted OVER the heads of those sitting in the circle and placed in a corner or on a table or in some other unexpectod place where SHE would bo found, securely tied, the moment after, when the lights wore turned up to look for her. POOR Flora she foil in love with an ordinary mortal by tho name of Hoggs and married hinn

They

Kansas to live. HOGGS turned

out a lazy, disunite wretch, no'earthly aocount for anything. They have two children and are living in the most abj«5t poverty.

JENNIE FERRIS ». M1''^

succeeded Miss Poin E E Yind rfln tho show very successfully for

irt

five

months. Her mediumship was similar ill character to that of her predecessor, with the addition that her spirits talked. It was during her time that Miss Addie Iiallou, a "speaking medium." used to lecture in Pence's Hall, and it was also during her time that the celebrated •'woman in black" made her sensational appearance, and procured two indictments against her for living with a man who was not her husband, and who was not the husband of the "woman in black" cither,as many at tho time supposed. The story is too long

to tell

her®, but if Pence, Hook and others, are to bo believed, Jennie Ferris

was as

guiltless of any crime against the law, ifl that connection, as a child unborn. After leaving hero Miss Ferris married a man by the name of Holmes, and it was she and her husband who were detected ifl the famous "Katie King" fraud which npset Robert Dale Owen. Spiritualists here have no confidence in her husband, but believo that Mrs. Holmes is naturally a good woman and would not have boen guilty of perpetrating such an imposture had she not been unduly influenced by her rascally husband who only follows tho business to make money. They are at present giving seances

Philadelphia and are, so far as can be laarued, behaving themselves. Besides those mentioned there have been other medims on duty at Pence's Hall off and on at different times, but none of any note till we come to

MRS. ANNA STEWART.

The investigations of phenomenal spiritualism through the mediumship of Mrs. Anna Stewart was inaugurated by tho present committee, Messrs. Peace, ICook and Connor, Jan. 1st, 1873. Tho seance room if the KIIUO one which HAO boen used for the past eleven years it is located in Pence's Block, southwest corner of Second and Ohio streets, Tt is 16 by 24 feet, 12 feet ceiling. Tho cabinet, a plain box, fivo feet long, threo

feet

wtjle and eight feet high, stands at the we*t end aud in the center of tho room, and is snpjiorted on eighteen inch trestles. A carpeted platform eight feet square, and on a level with tho cabinet floor, extends out In frantofthe cabinet. Two doors extending from bottom to top of tho cabinet constitute the lront

one of which and near the top is an opening 14 by 30 inches covered by a dark enrtain swinging on the inside. WBRO THO doors are open the iutorior is fully exposed. One of these doors covers two-thirds of the front, the other the remaining third.

The committee jWrinsfi the IbUdwIng ifvfbnnation respecting Mrs. Stewart aud bar

WONDERVl l, MKIUUMSHIP, &<

Which Is given hero In almost their own words. The|medium Is a modest unsophisticated and unassuming "woman. THE family consist* of herself, husband (John W.Htcwart» and two small CHLLdfl&n. Nhe i»

y**™

T,1*-v

came from Washington county, Kansas, arriving in tbls place Mav«20,1H72. The husband is a "core maker," or molder, mi worked for several months at iSeath A 1 lager's foundry. We found them occupying a small tenement in the pastern part of the city. Upon our referring to bar menlnmaMr. she complained of bo incr the umwlluit victim of a strati gs Wfw-er. Being favorably impressed wiru her simplicity and anpanmt hon«stv. A proposition Offering inducements •fi financial character, forth© privilege ot investigating and developing her inatilumshfp was made. The family b«ituf extremely poor, after aome beeu tawcy the nffipr was accepted, and the dRfOiiwnt then made. haa not up to this dtto I**" changed, excepting I* was stipulated that the sotuices should bo plTvnie, she objecting to notoriety. Tfi rough the continual solicitations oi h^sc* eking friends her consent was ohUfaed to admit a sslect and limited naavbor to the eeances. Knowing thai fcuTtew mediums, however bone* they fniy be, can resist temptation to aid tho l^war, the snxWvon the part of irvve*JWtow to witness manifestation* as forcibly felt by the sensitive aud iw^ Ufo medium, an I is the strong in^oni TIVO -7. •PN FIUT'FT» lt^ftHxSrtig this as a fact, wade it impori"t that every avenoe through whict

SN w^WiWe should &> dosert this ruling. the medium was rsgUi TO exclude from

TSI cabinet, which had beep previously 2£ML*OD. MLNAU.'JN.R ^OJiftg the DOORS au LOWING U*E UGW, it an TESTATIONS commenced. Before the otoaeeight or ton white person® and

ONE OR TWO NEARORS

«p«*ared at the curUln, plainly «If*

tinctly, each in their own order, and female, at various ages of Hie. Ihe wearing apparel exhibited would make a good hi rod wardrobo, -T!»e examining committee gazed with perplexed Mton isbment at tne images as they caipo up ono after the other. At the close a reexamination with redoubled efforts was made. They searched in vain for the white robes, bonnets, cap8,ahawls, scarft, white bosomed shirts, hats, and heavily bearded faces, but all were gone.

Determined to find tho fraud, if fraud it was, the medium through our entreaties was induced to surrender her person, willing!v aud with- ul a murmur to the indignities of a prejudiced committee for the hundredth tiui.\ Soven months passed under these examinations, and nothing indicating fraud was found,

TIIK J'.OVE TEST.

Believing it useless to search lurther, the committee for examination, was dismissed and the following introduced, viz: A rope, three-eights Inch, cotton was drawn closely around the neck and tied, forming a square knot, which was followed by a succession of knots, making six inches of knotted rope a second rop® was drawn around tho body una being secured in the same manner, the medium seated closely against the cabinet on the inside, the ends of tlio rwpes were passed through openings mada for the purpose, and drawn as tightly as the last knot on the inside tie would admit, and sicurely fastened upon the outside of the cabinet. The images under the above test conditions appeared as before at the curtain, whicH was two feet beyond the medium's reach. Th© Investigation under these secure conditious^was continued several months, and before making a change, an additional effort to secure the medium was made by securely wrapping the knotted part of th6 ropos with twine. All being ready the doors were closed, and in a few minutes tho medium in an unconscious trancc, appeared at the curtain, tho loops in the ropes upon careful examination were found undisturbed. Again closing the doors and she was by tho same mysterious power replaced in the ropes as at first. We unhesitatingly acknowledge our inability to comprehend the possibility of performing this feat by any system of maneuvering known to us. Not satisfied with the first experiment it was repeated several times with like results. Couvinced that a fraud could not be detected by rope tieing, the medium was permitted to enter the cabinet Ireo of

TEST »'ON PITIONS.

Vow behold,

the

images that previously

appeared at the curtain, threw tne doors open and in full form and view of walked out upou the plattorm, remaining outside fifteen or twenty iniuuUs, tho medium plainly seen during tue time in her seat. She frequently, in an unconscious trance came out sido by side with them. Manv converse in an audible voico and are not unfretjuently recognized. Shaking hands is a common thing. Permission being granted to examine the hands and arms, we have repeatedly searched for the pulse, when found, it invariably fluctuated rapidly aud at times was imperceptible. On leaving the platform a seat is taken with the company, and toaU appearance thev are'llesh and bloods |V^

WEKJIIINt! THE*SiI'IRITS."

The weight, howev er, shows them to be something more. When standing on the open hand no difficulty is experienced in supporting the form at arms length, the weight seemingly not exceeding tenpountlXf whereas, one in mortal life of like smtue would tip the beam at 1'20 or perhaps 140 pounds. One after the other stands upon the scale showing that tho weight, like the pulse, fluctuates, the beam changing at times with astonishing rapidity. With the same form (luietlv standing on the scale, tho weight is made to varv from nothing to two hundred pounds. Each diHers from the other in size, age and geweral appearance. Two forms have repeatedly stood together upon the scale, one is known to be"the medium. That confederates could enter undo eeted i3 an impjs}ibility. Who are they and from whbnce do they oome? Will the skeptic pleasoanswer.

To the uninitiated what we toll you will read like a fiction, or a fancy sketch, OF

AN INFURIATED BRAIN

to the thinking deliberate mind, it will meet with distrust and doubt. By the investigating public it will be considered the most wonderful and startling phenomena of the 19th century. Our statements are supported and verified bv the advanced minds of the age, who report to have witnessed similar phenomena, now transpiring through other media at different points in tho United States and throughout the civilized world. To proaelvte, as may be supposed, is not our objoct. Spectators are not specially invited. The door, however, is open to the honest investigators the snoering unappreclatlve. dishonest skeptic, is not wanted, and if known, will not be admitted.

THE DARK CIRCI.E. .,L(

We will now briefly narrate our ex perience in the dark circles, in which the manifestations aro more exciting and convincing than those in the cabinet or light seances. The circle is formed with the medium, guitar, tambourlde, drum, bells, etc., occupying the center. All except the medium join bands, the light is ex Unfinished, instrumental or vocal music i« now introduced, and In from five to ten minutes tho manifestations which arc ushered in, first by .: ••,*!•* the band, introducing themy.,u.s in audible voices, and atter ext»re«i*ing a few words of caution to the Umid, inspiring them with confidence tha no danger awaits them, tho tumult commence* and for tho next half hour confusion and excitement reign supreme. While on tho drum upon the floor, is beating a tattoo, the guitar strings, as it is h«uril gliding on the celling over head, are picked, tho bells are cuiming and tambourine jingling, gently at first, gaining rapidity, and, when under full power they dart and fly through the room with astonishing velocity .whirling and whirring in close proximity to the S.W*RS.

If F. MKtimBKD ATJIOSPK RR

j| n*r «iblv felt, causing tho timid to dmle* and' tremble with fear. Becoming ai&ruH-d and frightened they frequently tho room. After a tlm® tho now tuft din ww. Quiet and order being restored, the over excitable are heerJ asking in pleading terms Jor a change. In seeming response to thor*a more pleasing and less exciting cd«r of manifestations are

{otTOdnmi,

inn first of beautiful bright mewhich are s««J footing, Parting aud dancing playfully A moment more, end whlapering ts beard at different points to the circle. Members of thewgSearo "What Is that? Wno is It?" Soft bends Art. f«it lovingly petting, caressing and sweeping over the face. Again, *Who is itT' asks the interrogator. "Lurtsn," one. The whispering drtfi nearer and mors distinct. Ah I lb* y»tne of l«ved one is revealed. A few minutes Of pathetio conversation ta&«* pise* in which recognition hi made a are. It* mis* Ion to earth being acoomraiahtd. the arms are thrown affecikmii*c»teiy aronnd the neck, a farewell 1:1",!«imprinted, with loving emotion,

on the brow and fhfi Itombitol one retarns to its boaoUfhihome-ki the Spiritlsnd. S

I'lr/1' ii/iY/ n.r: ivmtw'.'-.H ••ITtjbrke ttattte

Saturday

A Oil A NOB QOMKS OVBR T^GfB Of THEIR DREAMS.The timid recovering from, tKe fear felt at the beginning, become wild with delight. They ere heard, continually Importuning the band bring wme special and loved friend of theirs from the other ahore. The request, to the delight of these anxious friends, often meets with a Javorable response. In the midst of this time of feasting and rejoicing, Charles Smith, the director of the band, to the regret of all, in a distinct voice, proclaims the power exhausted and the seance closed.

This is but a tithe of the marvellous stories told by the committee as to what transpires but enough to give the readers a slight idea of their lunacy.

SOMFE ACCOUNT OF MRS. STEWART^. "BAND." Mrs. Stewart claims to be controlled by

an Indian woman known as Minnie. This Minnie

was

the wife of an Indian

chiel named Nimwon. Several yoars ago ho, with his wife and two children, was pursuod by

white men, away out

west somewhere. Ho

was killed

bullet from ono of their guns. Minnie, rather than be captured and misused

she bad good reasons to believe she would bo, plunged into the river with her two little ones, aud all were drownOD. She is bright, loquacious and full of humor and talksineessantly when there is an opportunity in a pleasant voice and broken, hesitating English. Her husband, Nimwau, only appears on rare occasions and is very grave and dignified as becomes a chief. Among the most active of tho other spirits composing the band aro, first, I

AI.ICE BELLE PURVIS,

years ago.

who died at Quincy, Illinois, about

She was

Bix

a young woman,

unmarried, had met with a great misfortune and committed suicide to end her troubles When she first came to Pence's Hall She seemed timid and frightened as if expecting a repulse. Sho was kindly received, and has ever since endeavored to show her gratitude in every possible way. She is dignified, intelligt nt and womanly, though extremely sensitive and attends almost every seance. "C KERSEY M'LAIN -3 is next in importance. But very little is known of his history, AS is tho case with some of the others. Then follows

AKAMINTA FEI^TZ,

a sister of the well-known lecturer Mrs. Matilda Fletcher, and who joined tho band at the latters request. She is tall and slender, has a well modulated voioe, and comes out frequently onto the platform and joins in tho singing ®r sings a solo herself. JSJ

DR. BROCK,

is another of the band of whom little is known beyond the fact that he lived in Cincinnati more than a quarter of a century ago lie is a very active and useful member.

MRS. STEWART'S MOTHER

vory rarely takes any part in the manifestations, but is constantly present and at the slightest intimation of any danger to the medium—as her fainting OR becoming exhausted—is tho first to discover and call attention to it, at which times she will throw open tho door

CHARLES

the cabinet, call for water and ass stance with the utmost solicitude and with every mark of maternal distress and alarm. -, I,

SMITn,

who should by rights have been first described, is the leader of the band, and directs tho entire business. Tho description and history of Mr. Smith has unfortunately been mislaid and will necessarily have to bo omitted hero, though wo trust ho will not take it as any mark of disrespect on the part of Tho Mail.

In addition to those mentioned above thero are a number of other spirits who attend with greater or less regularity, but who do not take so active a part as to warrant any special biography

A SPECIMEN BRICK.

As a sample of the marvellous stories told by people who have attended tho seances, is given the following extrsct from a letter published recently in the Chicago Times. The letter was written from Terro Haute by Mrs. Matilda Fletcher, *vho was at the time visiting hero and renewing her fttith, as It were. She says:

HLLLL the Tcrrc Haute mystery floarlshe*, bafflltm tho wisdom of the I^ILONS IW

the

dlaleet,sotenipeml

well

FININILC*. Hceptlw »ndbeliever*innplritual OOMLURSAND N»LNG», night after night are *entml HI front of that uncouth box milled a cabinet night after NLKHT Mrs. SUwart «»nten* the mine pnclsely at 7 oVIock. Twenty minutes later a voice speaks from the Inside, making qnalnt remarks, LU

we can generally nudenUnd tho meaning. It Is I THE VOICBOT JtlNNlK, f* THE Indian spirit who holdsthe medium In a deep trnnee during the evening. From MIL* time for nn hour and a half, big spirits and little spirits, white spirits and black ones, walk oat of the cabinet, each showltiK the medium plainly in view, and orteu rocking back and forth In her chair to Impress us wlUi the certainty of her continued though unconscious aressnee in her turns! corner, while the spfrlt sines or tallu or walk* about, identifying Itself to

atives

SEVERAL. NEW rHASKS

of the phenomena

have recently occurred

that may he of interest to yoer readers.

AT A MOHNINO FTEAXOS, I

a frwdars Jest after the medium was eeited, and oefure she had passed Into a trance or had clowd the doory* white clood appeared to rise up, filling the cabinet and furmifeg a vaponr white eurtaln titan top to bottom of the ingh door. While the medium and all presentwere expressing astonish men t, It gradually changed tt t&Jbrm of a beautiful young lady, who walked out and fully Identified herself to her father, who. bj the way, Is one of the wealthiest and mMt Indeeaifad men la lUlnots, as well-asone of the mainstays in a imminent churah. The medium was greatbrth»li#bt«0, as this was the dnrtttaBf she ever wituemcd materialising, being always btt a tranee dnring the pheiwmenon

SINCE THAT oocrmsci,

then flo&tcd up to 'lie top of f^ecafcieet end

the top of the eaWlnet.

evening mail.

In my Unit correspondence from here, I mestioued 7 A SISTER* who came alwnys dressed precisely like myself, changing her oestume from evening to oveniug to match whatever I happened to wear. She continues to do so daring my present visit, even changing her tnofle of wearing the hair as I change, sr the style of belt or collar, thus proving not only the wonderful powerof return, hot the fact that she attends me daring the day and reads my Intentions. One evening, not long since, she told me 1 migbt act on the platform. I did so, and the lnalan spirit nold

Turn your back to your later, »|Uaw, and see which Is much big." 1 did so, and my slater caino out and turned her back to mine, and proved to theihirty people present that she ts half a bead taller than I am. These same people witnessed alter the seanee that I am ahead taller than the medium. Thus did we demonstrate that it would bo impossible for the medium to person at my sister, had she been lost te sight durlnK tltls experiment, which she was not.

My sister snowed wonderful strength throuRhout this seance, coming out several times caressiug and kissing me, aud clasp ltitfiny bands so firmly as to draw me toward the cabinet. She stood within four feet of me,

FACE TO FACE,

and

Bang

with me in

clear, sweet velee,

four verses of "I'ome thou fount of every blessing also, the whole of the hymn beginning, "There Is a happy laud.

smiling. I said, "1 am so glad to you smile so happily. Do you remember what a happy laugh you used to have, and the little poem 1 wrote ftr you about it?" "Yes, I remember it all." ahe replied, "but I am far happier n«w/' Sho also sang tlio song beginning. "We are coming, sbster Mary," with Mr. and Mrs. Hoff, of SV at*eka. 11 wa«s hung to please their daughter Mary, who had been out eviouBly and identified herself perfectly to her parents, both by form, feature dress,aud words. They had also a son "Willie,'' and daughter "Frances," come out and toll their mimes, and caress them heartily. Beveral others were recognized, but as it would take two or three of your eolums to give the psrHftt:i»rs of one seanee, I must only present a i» important items.. j.,,,

A PERSONAL STATEMENT,

It will now be in order to tell what befell tho writer on a rccenfc visit to tho seance room at Pence's Hall what ho saw, what he heard, and what he thought. For the sake of convenience in telling it, ho will uso tho first person.

DESCRIPTION OK THE ItOpM.

PioSruring a ticket of Dr. Pence at his offico on the first floor, I

up stairs

made my way

to tho seance room half an hour

before the time at which the performance was to begin. The room was already well filled with peoplo, the most of whom were strangers to me,and whom, I afterwards learned, were from abroad.

They

represented all sorts of out-of-the-way places and at least a dozen different States, and had been drawn thither, as thbysdid, solely by a desire to investigate the truth or falsity of spirit phenomena as exemplified by the Torre Haute manifestations. As a preliminary, I sot about examining the room. Its size and shape and tho position of tbe cabinet has already been explained and I need not repeat that here. The first thing to clairii my attention, was, of

TUE CABINET.

This appears to be solidly built and with nothing suspicious about it. I looked into it. behind, under and on top of it, but could discover no sliding pannels, false bottoms, or clap-trap of any sort. An ordinary register, such as are used in houses warmed by a furnace,is placed in tho floor with a pipe leading downward and between the floor of the room and the ceiling of the room below and hence to tho outside of the building, for the purpose of supplying fresh air, required and received an explanation which was entirely satisfactory. Another pipe leading from the top of tho cabinet—A common six-inch stovepipe —to the chimev, serves to carry off the impure air from this cabinet. There was nothing unreasonable in the explanation given for the existeuco of either, and I could scarcely see bow either one could bo made use of by the medium TO produce tho illusions which I have no doubt she does produce by artificial means in someway.

TUB I.AY OF THE OROUNlV 1

There aro throe doors in the room first, the one by which we entered, which is in the northeast corner and two others in the west end. one on each side of, and perhaps three' feet to the rear of the cabinet. Tbe latter load to two empty rooms which have no other doom in them.

The platform out onto

other has a skull and

with Kngllah thai

Us rel

particular friends present, some

times ktaang MID caressinjg them forasihort time, and often seeming delighted to meet them.

which

the materialized spirits walk and distort themselves is, as has been stated, eight feet square and raised about eighteen inches from the floor. It is supported by ordinary trestles such as one sees in a carpenter shop. In lront of this is a row of soven chairs, so close to the platform that tho knees of tho persons seated in them would touch its floor, and this floor would be on a level with their laps. The first row of chairs also extends eround the north and south sides of the platform. Back of the

first

row of seven chairs is another row, raised six inches higher, and back of it another, and still another, each row raised six inches higher than the row in front of it. Back of these still, around the stove, is two plain wooden benches, making the seating capacity of the room, altogether about forty or forty-live.

ADORNMENTS AND DKCOUAtlON*. Tho walls of the room are adorned—if that is tbe proper word for it—by a number of J.iotures, banners, »FCC. A large banner Is displayed, boaring tbe legend, "Spiritual Phenomena, Tested by Science and JSndorsed by the leading Scientific Minds of tbe Age." An

cross bones, bal

ance, ITC., and the cabalist) words J'Mene, Mene, Tekeland in English, "Orthodox Theology, Weighed in the Balance end Found Wanting." On the north wall Is a clock,(stopped at twentyfive minutes past nine) ft chromo of Eastman Johnson's"Barefooted Boy," a portrait, cross,andarowof hooks for the reception of bats, overcoats, AC.

SPIRIT WKJIRNTORS.

On the south sido is a large frame containing, under glass, (1) a silk scarf or shawl 2 feet 4 Inches by 4 fleet«inches, In stoe, and weighing threo-quarter* ot an ounce, which was presented to the Association January 1, 1875, by Alice Belle PurviSB lock of hair clipped from the seme spirit's bead by a member of the committee, Jane 8, 1875 (3) three little stockings—one red, one while end one black and white striped —ell of which were knitted by the spfrit, Belle Purvlss, while seated on the platform in lull view of the audience end witnessed by over twenty persons 4) lock of African wool. clipped from the head of the negro spirit, Bill, while he was seated on the platform, and also witnessed by twentv persons. There were three or four other pictures, one of which is made especially conspicuous by its position over the cabinet. It represents an Indian, and is

THE WOR*T TTATR»,

without exception, that I ever saw I* my nf«. it supposed to be a portrait of Minnie, and was painted by the medium, controlled bv the spirit of the late antes D. Wrigut, of thin dty. And while upon thlssutgec* it way be »s well te remark that there are two other pictures—one of Charlie Smith and one of

Bill, the negro—which it is claimed aro portraits, and were painted by the same hand while under the same control. Btot one look at thein is enough to discourage anybody from wanting te bocome en angel, if he makes npiiie mind tbat he's got to look like that in the next world.

SHE COMES.

My observations were interrupted *t this point by the entrance of the medium. I had seen her about three years bofore, and marked a decided improvement in her appearance since that time. Contact with people bad evidently been to her advantage. She seemod to me easy, graceful, ana quite self-pos-sessed. The expression or her face was much more intelligent and refined than I had observed it to be before, and sbo really looked quite pretty and lady-like. She was plainly but neatly dressed and wore, as I saw, a modest amount of rather elegant jewelry. She stopped a moment to exchange greetings with a few persons who crowded around her, and then entered thecabinct and closed the door behind her.

THE BAND BEGINS TO PLAY. Wo all took the scats, pointed out to us by tho committee, mine being In the second row from tbo front. The

At a morning seance, she eame off the someTlmerrookmgUcloJl°y Vu'niy:'n.'rl'and most advanced seats—tbose on the sides

of the platform—were occupied by Hook and Conner on the south, and Pence and tbe medium's husband on tho north. The lights were turned down, Dr. Pence wound up his musii box and set it to grinding, first having explained that the medium was mtsch exhausted and tbe manifestations could not on that account bo expected to be as satisfactory as they might otherwise be, and we waited. Five or ten minutes passed in a silenco only disturbed

the tinkling of the music box and an occasional groan or long drawn sigh by some of the anxious.

Presently a slight

crcaking noiso began to be audible from

the cabinet, aud Dr. Pence requested the audience to sing some familiar hymn. Somebody started "Come Angel Band,"and we all joined in and sang it entirely through. Then the doctor struck up "Come thou fount

of ©very

blessing," and we helped him through that. Then we woke tbe echoes to the tune of "Rock of ages," and still we couldn't eutirely drown tbe crcaking in the cabinet.

HOW DARK IT WAS.

When the light had been first turned down, I bad thought the darkness a little thicker than I had before been led to believe it would be, and felt some what disappointed, not to say disgusted Still, I was able to seethe shape of the room and even to recognize Captain Hook who sat about five feet from me. But after tho medium had been in the cabinet perhaps ten minutes, her hus band got up and turned the light down full as much more. IT was

so dark then

that I actually could not see Hook, much less recognize him or anybody else. I could not even be certain that I saw the cabinet,{and afterwards, could not to save my life, tell at any time, whether the doors were open or shut except as something light colored appeared at what I supposed to be the opening '1 A VOICE.

About twenty minutes from tbe time the medium entered tho cabinet, a voice was beard which those present seemed to recognize as that of Minnie. I did not at first distinguish the words, but pretty soon understood her to say,

auswer to some question of Dr. Pence's, that we were to have a "good time." We want you to bring tho medium out on the platform tonight, Minnie," said Dr. Pence.

All right," was the response, "mo bring 'em medium or me break 'om neck."

This fine pieco of humor was received with great merriment. Some other talk followed and dircctly tho door of the cabinet opened about half way, hesitatingly, and then closed again. At least those sitting closer than I did, said so, and I have no reason to doubt it, but real 1 could not see whether it did or not. 'this was respeated three or four times when I didsoea farm standing in the opening.

THE FIRST GHOST.

It came out one or two paces and retired, came out again ana again retired, and at length gathered courage enough to leave the cabinet entirely and approach the front of the platform. By straining my eyes, and craning my neck as tar towards the front as possible, I could dimly make out the shape of a man. I was helped to this conclusion by the triangular patch of white about the lieighth of a man'sbreast and which I had no difficulty in convincing myself was intended to represent a shirt bosom AND AFTER this wassettloo, I p©rsuaded myself that I could discover arms and even legs. I never before that evening had any occasion to doubt that my eyes were as good as the ordinary run of eyes bnt I lost all confidence in.tbem before the seance closed. For I found that what I couldn't even see when jt was pointed out to me, W«W as plain as noonaay to all my neighbors. II

Seem

THE LOVELY BOUQUET

he has in his hand," cried an enthusiastic lady in frontof me. "Now, madam, vou'ro overdoing the thing," thought I, for I couldn't see oven his band, mncn less a "lovely bouquet." But I was wrong and she was nght, as prosently appeared when she discovered by the expression of his face tbat be wauled to let us all smell of it. Then this gay yonng ghost passed along the line of eager noses poked upat him a*d let us all take a smell. 1 got one. Afterwards the bouquet was passed over to those persons on the back seats and they were prlveleged to regale themselves on the perfume of those fadeless flower* from the gardens of the blest. This spirit as near as I oould judgt, was about tbe size and age of Mrs. SRewart. That it was her, I do not pretend to say. I only know tbat it might have been. If she wished to masquerade around in the dark in this manner, it would be the easiest thing in the world for her to do it. That much is plain to tbe most credulous but, of course^ does not prove tbat she does. ?,

ANOTH ERM ATBRIAM«AIrmit After this rather foppish young gentlemen had retired, and sufficient time had elapsed for htm to change his clothes if any such chango was necessary, a female form appeared in the opening. She came onto the platform and opened both doors of tbe cabinet, revealing What was annnosed to be the medium 223 ™.

pcETi°dK

far as my vtekm is concerned, as well nave been any common arneie of clothing thrown over it. An4 on this point there is no kind of qe«rtion. It WM absolutely too dark in the room for a»i/&oST to have distinguished the medium WORN WYBNODL««RF which mlgUt have Deen fixed op to represent her. Still, for all I knowlt may have been the medium. In feet I am rather disposed to think It was, and to account for the appearance of two forms on the supposition that ono,waa a confederate.

For soon after, the medium ard the spirit both appeared, standing Iin the deor together, and went through a Utile

Eression,

The

jugglery which might have been done by one person but had veiy much the appearance of being dtme by two.' It was very simple, consisting merely of opening and shutting opposite doors ot the cabinet at the same time and faintilv slapping tho hands together. They didn't venture on the platform.

A TALL MAN WITH WHISKERS.

This was what appeared next. I must confess tbat, when I was once able to see him, which was only by the hardest kind of looking, he did look tall to me much taller than the medium had looked, and like he had very long and very black whiskers. He stalked out on the platform and seemed waiting for somebody to recognize him. "Have you a friend here?" inquired some sympathizing soul.

The spirit bowed its head. Then from all parts of the room came theanxious question, "isit met". Is it me?"

Finally a gentleman two seats on my right arose and said: It is me. 1 know bim. It is my brother."

Tho spirit (we'll just call them spirits "for short") came forward, shook hands with the brother and returned to the cabinet without speaking. Almost immediately "Minnie"callod out from the cabinet.

He say 'era name William Beauchamp." Mr. Beauchansp acknowledged tbe cortectneas of this statement and Bank back on his setft very much overcome, fe"rsTH.vr YOUu, GRANDMOTHER

Pretty soon a tall female appeared in the door, and waited to be identified. "Isthat your, grandmother?'' said a lady near the front.

The spirit bowed its head as the other had done, and the bereaved granddaughter requested her to come out and embrace her. The spirit complied with TFCE request but after the performance had been GHEE through with, tbe granddaughter went

4'clcar

back" on the old

lady and claimed tbat she had been mistaken. The spirit retreated to the cabinet and the iajthful explained to each other how another spirit had suddenly tome in and taken the place of the first, beforo their very eyes which explanation seemed entirely sat isfaetory to everybody, the grand-daughter included. "DON'T YOU KNOW ME PA?"

Then camo a spirit ssmewhat shorter than tlie'inedium and stood on the platform near tho door. How they all knew, I don't know, but half a dozen or more of those sitting in front insisted that she wanted to see a certain gentlemen sitting against the northeast corner of the plattorm. At last the spirit approached this gentleman and said in a whisper,

Don't you know me, pa Well, "L—hardly—know—whether 1 do—or not," was the hesitating answer. "Conio closer and let me seo yon."

I will directly," was the whispered reply, and the spirit retreated to tbo cabinet. Prosently she reappoared, beaming a small b'oquet which sho presen

ted to her now thoroughly convinced I father. It was xeally touching, notwithstanding the absurdity of the thing, to seo and hear his manifestations of delight.

There were some other appearances, but these are enough to show the general character of all though I am told this particular seance was not considered a very satisfactory one, and mention tbe fact as a matter of justice to those who have charge of it, and who, in everything. treated mo with marked politeness and courtesy. There Is generally more talking than there

was

on this par

ticular evening. BY WAY OF EXPLANATION. It was the Intention when this article was undertaken to go through with the wliolo business, but tho unreasonable length it has already reached, utterly precludes tbe idea of saying much more on the subject. There aro one or two matters, however, which in justice to Dr. Pence and others, should mentioned in this connection. They

will bo

noticed in tho briefest manner. It seems to be the very general im-

not only in this community

ut elsowhere, that Dr. Pence, Captain Hook and others, are making money out of the seances neld at Pence's Hail that, as It has been expressed, thoy aro "having a good thing" of it pecuniarily. Only this week one of the «-ity papors stated that the net profi.es of the association were about $100 per week.

facts are just these: I)r.

Pencc

does

not receive, nor never has received one cent of tbe money that has been taken In at any of these seances, nor has an other member of tlie Committee. IT all goes, and has always

gone, every nickel

of it, to the medium. Further than this Dr. Pence has never charged a cent for rent, lights, fuel, janitor's services or anything else, since tbe Spiritual Association first began holding its meetings In his building. Instead of profiting by them he has spent hundreds of dollars every yoar, and three-fourths of his. time simply for the satisfaction of carrying on investigations in which he is profoundly Interested, and in which be believes thoroughly and Messrs. HPOK and Connor have been equally unselfish. And the medium is not making any fortune out of it. For two years it did not serve to pay her expenses. At prment it is better but FIO would be good receipts for any week, and $50 otter than ever they were.

AS TO THE HONESTY

of Mes«F* Pence, Hook and Connor in the matter, it cannot LIE questioned. As to their sanity, that is another matter. And vet it seems Incredible that they should be the

victims of a silly

ture continued year

come

impos

after year.

iWhapa this account cannot better be closed than by QUOTING again from Mrs. Matilda Fletcher's letter, the facts In which, by tbe way, can readily be substantiated. That part to whloh we wish I now to call attention reads follows: ••Lant evening Dr. Pencc and bis wife celebrated their illver weddiag. The many beautiful prewnts the gay if®0***' iionipi and tableaux the Bountiful supper

SSLV" PTOS of tbe family seance, held al dock, to receive m"m4rTofthV family wno,have paj^d to M.« spirit home. The doctor''s itrst »'fe and two children died when he was only years of ace Of hi* second marriage tnerowaH Onlyonc child, Albert, who died early. This one ha*

often to the aeancca, and Iden

tified himself In many way*. Tie wan the

trt M)m«

toai *v*tilnjc« And after the

^tln« w^o r^t«dngla tbC^or and improvised the following fr rot*, wtilch liealsoafterward controlled themedium and wrote, so you have it verbatim, as It from hi* tongue and pen.

I NOTE.—His mother had Jast presented him with a boouet, and this he neld In his hand as he «poke.J The flow*4!* you gave me will wither at last,: Tht yon sing may be last In the ps*u The bells that rang sweetJy ttay not ring ltome*Sk* must be broken In life'* golden chain. Yet, why need wemonm, looking back o'er WhetVfoiihVtt the future such bngh tnesa may stay.

[Concluded cn /w.rth puff*.]