Southern sentinel. [volume] (Plaquemine, Parish of Iberville [La.]) 1848-1858, 1854-12-02
A MARVELLOUS STORY.
THE SPRITUALIST.


The Cleveland Plain Dealer has marvellous
account of the experience of sundry persons
who went from that city to place in Athens
county, Ohio, for the purpose of witnessing the
fantastic tricks of the spirits. We copy the
most striking portions of the evidence:
From Cleveland we went to Columbus BY
railroad, thence to Mifeld, distance of seven.
ty miles, by private conveyance over roads quite
rough and billy. On the third day from Coum.
bus we reached Millfeld. Here we found two
log houses fitted up as Spirit Rooms. These
houses are about three miles apart, and are
each composed of single room, about twelve
by fifteen n size. One house is on the farm of
Mr.. Kcons, the other OF the farm of Mr.. Tippie,
and both were built under the direction of Sp.
rits, and are used only for Spiritual Demonstra-
tons. We stayed two days and nights at Mr..
Tippies, and carefully examined each of the
rooms, and their contents, to prevent any col
fusion or deception. In each Of the Spirit rooms
stands table, on which is placed what is call
ed Spirit Machine.
Then follows description and cut, which
we must omit. fhe account proceeds:
Tho maehinery was constructed under the
direction Of Spirits, and Is used by them in col
lecting and retaining electricity, and is charged
at every circle before any demonstrations are
given. On the table, and by the side of the
machinery, lies violin, an accordeon, trian>
gle, two drumsticks for the large and two for
the small drum. There is also on the table
common sized dinner-bell, harmonic, a tam
borin, and trumpet about two feet in length.
After the company was seated, the lights
were extinguished and the room darkened as
much as possible, and in about FIVE minutes the
presence of the invisibles was manifested by
several very strong blows on the table, the cell
ing, and the walls. These blows were appar-
emily produced by use of the drumsiicks, and
their power and frequency rendered them ex-
ceedingy disagreeable and almost deafening.
A reveille was then bea. on the drums which
would do credit to experienced drummers. The
violin. an old one not worth fifteen cents, was
tuned. In the process of tuning, the keys slip
ped in the head number Of times. The bridge
also slipped out and fell to the floor, but it was
soon replaced on the violin. One of US found
fanlt with the tuning, as it was not on concert
pitch, and on his giving the true pitch the in
strament was quickly and accurately tuned,
when number Of airs were played on it, not
with bow. but pizzicato. The violin was not
on the table during the whole time, but was
carried by the invisible hands all around the
room, now passing near to our heads, now near
the ceiling, and now resting on our persons 1t
was placed on the knees Of one Of our number,
and turned over, so that the strings were on :he
under side, and while his hands were passing all
around it so a. to cut off ai connection with il,
n tune was played.
The accordeon was played on, not only while
it laid on the table, but while It was floating
through the air, through all parts Of the room.
A number of airs were given through the har-
monica with occasional bursts Of full harmony.
The tamborin was also used, and while moving
around the room, the various sounds usually
produced BY the instrument were heard. At
our request it was placed successively on each
of our heads. It was also passed completely
around the circle, and in its way rested on the
arms and hands Of each Of rs. We also heard
speaking, whistling and singing through the tin
horn. The horn appears to be the chief medium
used by the spirits at these rooms for vocali-
zing. It is impossible to convey an adequate
idea Of the musical performances While each
Of the musical instruments was used, the time
was regularly and accurately marked, now on
the drums, now on the triangle, now on the
tamborin, and with the bell, and now with the
use Of all combined; and when all the musical
instruments were simultaneously used, the ef.
feet was not only novel but highly pleasing
While this concert Of music was being given,
articnlate words were heard from the horn, in.
dicating that one of the invisibles presided
over the Others, and directed the arrangements.
Through the horn many amusing and interest-
ing comments on the instruments, the musi.
clans and their music were made, sometimes
and sometimes severely critics.
ing. as'e
The manner Of using the horn deserves mo-
lice. Before using it for speech is would be
raised into the cir, then sentences would be
distinctly articulated through it. when it would
fall to the table. When we asked any ques.
tions, which We did repeatedly, the horn would
rise, the answes b given, and the horn again
fall TO the table. At our request, tuey exlen.
ded the horn to ~, and allowed us to take hold
81 the large end Of it, while At the same time
was directed through it 70 us.
That is, the Spirits talked and sang sin
hosn!" Curious, but very likely.
But more misaculous development still
sams nsxt-nsmely, that the Spirits can be
,een and handled. So fss
One of rs remarked that we had heard it I
aid that Spirits had the power 10 exhibit
'pifit hand % % to BE- distinctly seen BY nat |
lraley but that Ne doubted their ability to |
10 %. Presently : piees Of sand paper wss
covered with phosphorus. producing strong,
Hear and steady light. which revealed to rs q
anA 8nsa tnA Ss,st