Washington sentinel. [volume] (Washington [D.C.]) 1853-1855, 1854-04-21

beautiful, and benefcent beings. The spirits
of the olden time were malignant race, and
took especial delight in doing mischief; but the
new generation is mild and benigDant. These
spirits, as this petition attests, indulge in the
most innocent amusements and harmless recre-
atoms, such as sliding, raising, and tipping Ia
bes, producing pleasant sounds and yaregated
lights, and sometimes curing diseases which
were previously considered incurabIe; and for
the existence ofthis simple and benignant race
our petitioners are indebted to the brethren of
the Rosie Cross.
Among the modern professors of spiritual
ism. Cagliostro was the most Justly celebrated.
In Paris his saloons were thronged with the
rich and the noble. To old ladies he sold inn
mortality, and to young ones he sold beauty
that would endure for centuries, and his charm
ing countess gained immense wealth by grant
ing attending sylphs to such ladies as were
rich enough to pay for their services. The
Geographic des Contemporaries" work which
our present mediums ought to consult with
care says there was hardly fine lady in Paris
who would not sup with the shade of Lucretius
in the apartments Of Cagliostro; there was
not military officer who would not discuss the
art of war with Alexander, Hannibal, or Caesar;
or an advocate or counsellor who would not
arguelegalpointsw with the ghost ofCcero. These
were spiritual manifestations worth paying for,
and all our present degenerate mediums would
have to hide their diminished heads in the pre-
sence of Caglostro. 1t would be curious inqui-
ry to follow this most occult science through all
its phases Of mineral, magnetism, animal mes.
merism, &C., until we reach the present latest
and lowest phase of all spiritual manifesto.
tions. But | have said enough to show the
truth Of Burke's beautiful aphorism: "The
credulity of dupes is as inexhaustible as the
invention of knayes."
This speech was listened to with much at
tention, but frequently interrupted by laughter.
Mr.. WELLER, of California. What does the
senator propose to do with the petition?
Mr.. PETIT, of Indiana Let it be referred
to the three thousand clergymen. Laughter
Mr.. WELLER. ! suggest that it be referred
to the Committee on Foreign Relations. Laugh
Mr.. SHIELDS am willing to agree to this
reference.
Mr.. WELLER. 1t may be that we may have
occasion to enter into foreign relations with
these spirits. Laughter II SO, it is proper
subject for the consideration of that committee.
1t may be necessary to ascertain whether or
not Americans, when they leave this world, lose
their citizenship. 1t may be eypedient that all
these grave questions should be considered by
the Committee on Foreign Relations, of which
! am an humble member move its reference
to that committee.
Mr.. MASON, of Virginia. / really think it
has been made manifest by the honorable SEN
ator who has presented the petition, that he has
gone further into the subject than any of US,
and that his capacity to elucidate it is greater
than that of any other Senator. would there
fore suggest to him that it should either 60 to
a select committee on his motion. or be referred
to the Committee on Military Affairs, of which
he is chairman. Certainly the Committee on
Foreign Relations have nothing to do with it.
Perhaps it would be better to allow the petition
to lie on the. table.
Mr. SHIELDS. This is an important subject
and should not be sneered away in this manner.
Laughter l was willing to agree to the mo-
ton Of the senator from California but ! do
not wish to send the petition to the Committee
ON Foreign Relations, unless the chairman Of
that committee is perfectly satisfied that he can
do the subject justice. | had thought of pro-
posing to refer the matter to the Committee on
the Post Offices and Post Roads, because there
may be possibility of establishing spiritual
telegraph between the natural and the spiritual
world. Laughter.
Mr.. MASON. I move that the petition lie
upon the table.
Agreed to.