The Press.
London, England, 1853-08-06 00:00:00

SUPERNATURAL STATISTICS.

THE facilities of communication which distinguish the present epoch
have extended of late, as is well known, to the world of Spirits. The
power of the Mesmeriser increases daily, while the Rappers place us in
direct correspondence with the departed. We understand that this
new medium of obtaining information has not been lost upon her
Majesty's Government. Lord JOHN LRUSSELL has had several inter-
views of lath with the Spirit of our ancient Constitution, while Sir
JAMES GRAHAM, on the other hand, has consulted, through the medium
of Mrs. HAYDEN, the Spirit of the Age. Before the ceremony was con-
cluded, however, we hear that the Right Honourable Baronet got
several raps over his knuckles, and was at one time, probably from
some passing ill humour, almost of opinion that the process was a
" large measure" of imposture.

The Ghost of JOE MILLER is said to have appeared to Captain
BERNAL OSBORNE, and to have mournfully reproached the gallant
officer for his silence.

Mr. GLADSTONE'S nights, we hear, have been very much disturbed
by a brace of apparitions—the Spirit of Progress and the Ghost of the
Conservative Cause. At times, we understand, the CHANCELLOR of the
EXCHEQUER has talked very wildly, and much alarmed Mr. HATTER and
Mr. Wasos ; but as, fortunately, there were no reporters present, no
very great mischief has been occasioned. When the access is at the
height, it is found that the presence of Lord ALFRED HERVEY has a
very soothing and tranquillising effect; while, on the contrary, when
the excitement has been succeeded by extreme depression, Dr.
PHILLIMORE has successfully cheered the Right Honourable Gentle-
man.

Among the " black spirits and white," an old woman, supposed to
be one of the witches in Macbeth, is in the habit of haunting the
principal apartment of the Prime Minister in Downing-street.
Lord PALMERSTON, during the spring, appeared to be very much
under the influence of the Spirit of Englishmen ; but of late, we are
sorry to say, it would appear that that Spirit was laid—whether in the
Red Sea, or the Black, is yet unknown. _ _

Lord CLARENDON for a long time has had no spirits at all at his
command, but has run about town wringing his hands, and whimper-
ing over his scrapes. But recently, we hear, he has tried to raise the
" Spirit of the East." _ .

The Duke of NEWCASTLE, being universally acknowledged to be no
conjurer, has not, consequently, received any supernatural assistance
in the transaction of his official duties, but has carried on affairs
merely by the aid of his Under-Secretaries.
The Duke of ARGYLL has entirely trusted to a Spirit of his own,
with whose aid he intends to put down Lord DERBY.
Sir WILLIAM MOLESWORTH, though he has become a Conservative,
does not yet believe in spirits ; but we are gratified to state, that he
has shown, on several occasions, a less incredulous and obdurate
temper than of yore. He consulted Mrs. HAYDEN whether she thought
he could send a message to Mr. BENTHAM, and whether that departed
sage could see him in his state dress as a Cabinet Minister. He has
practised too, more than once, at the tables, and has undoubtedly
succeeded in turning not only his hat, but his coat.

Lord ELCHO is entirely devoted to the Spirit of Ideal Beauty, and
never condescends to speak to any one else. When not in communion
with this Spirit, he is generally absorbed in reverie on himself, being,
according to his own estimate, the nearest approach to the Ideal he
has yet encountered.
Mr. FITZROY, in trying to lower the cab fares, surpassed all his
colleagues, for he contrived to raise the Devil.

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