New-York daily tribune. [volume] (New-York [N.Y.]) 1842-1866, 1850-06-29
MORE ABOUT THE "KNOCKINGS.U
The Rochester spIrIts-A Scene.

AtOtnt1tef tphFitS-A SfSu6s
To whatever cause those mysterious phenomena
known as the Rochester Rappings," may be-
finally attributed il appears that they do not Ia any
degree shrink from investigation. Repeatedly have
sceptcs, visiting the family whom these pbsnome.
ma accompany, been challenged to any attempts to
trace the sounds, or apparent rappings. to any
earthly origin; but falling 10 do this by any mode
Of investigation which the laws Of proprioty would
allow, they have frequently limited their suspicious
that machinery concealed under the clothing of the
young ladies whom these sounds follow, was con-
cerned in the operation. The writer is personally
knowing TO the fact that ia numerous instances
since they have been at Barnum's Hotel, the three
Rochester siaters have offered 10 subject them.
selves to the investigation Of any committee Of
respectable ladies, for the purpose OF testing the
question whether they carried machinery about
them provided that said ladies would agree to
publicly certify to such facts might be developed
In the investigation.
OnTuesdsy last, gentleman named Davies form
ally accepted this proposition, agreeing fully 10 the
terms specified, and promising that certain emf
nent lady Of this city should serve a. one OF the
Committee-the time and place Of the investiga-
ton 70 be subsequently liked upon by the mutual
consent Of the parties. discriminating the ap-
parent entire fairness Of all the terms OF this ar
rangement and the adequacy OF their provisions 70
test the matter in hand, Mr. Davies, for rea-
SON resolved upon a different mode Of procedure
such as Yves calculated to keep the Investigation 90
far as possible, In his own hands. Accordingly on
Wednesday morning be came TO the room Of the
Rochesterians, accompanied by his vito, and sp-
parenty armed cap ape for q deadly onslaught
upon the supposed kunLIg" In the presence of
large company, who were evidently b~ the most
part unfavorably inclined tow9d the spiritual the
Org Of the "knockiHgs," be proposed 70 Mrs Fish
.he elder sister Of the Fox family that the inyos
tigaton previously spoken Of should COON nor, tho
gentlemen leaving the ROOM and that his pifs and
three other ladies' who were present al Of whom
were total strangers, should otfciats az the Com
mittee. few moments Of hurry buriy ensued, du-
ring which time but partial and eqoivocal promises
were obtained that any facts elected should be duly
and publicly certified 10 by the Committee. Bat
though manifestly unjust 10 themselves and their
cause, the Rochesterians, when the clamor was
raised, promptly consented 70 have the inyestiga-
ton 20 on. The gentlemen Ter the room; and, a.
ter being GU. about three quarters Of hour three
or four of them were called In 10 examine the fQrni
ture, floor, &C. for the purpose Of discovering any
secret springs or wires by which the "rappings
ard other displays Of physical power might be pro-
duced. This part OF the Investigation being 40
complished, the whole company were readmitted,
and report Of the proceedings was presented BY
M Davies himself in behalf Of the ladies' II wss
10 the following effect
l. THAT the ladies' had been disrobed with the
exception Of their neither garments, and that the
most thorough investigation had failed 70 disclose
any machine by which the sounds might be pro-
d1ced
2. That the ladies, after being unclothed, had
been placed in variety Of positions and still the
sounds were heard. while the most careful watch
ing failed to detect any physical movements which
could account for their production
.. "That the furniture " toe room bad been over