Vermont phÅ“nix. [volume] (Brattleboro, Vt.) 1834-1955, 1857-04-25
Extraordinary Phenomena,
From the Worcester Spy,

Extraordinary Phenomena.
From the Worcester Spy.
The DIVINITY School EXPULSION. Rev.
r. W. Higginsou, on Sunday evening last, in
speaking of the phenomena of spiltualism, adj
verted to the recent expulsion or suspension
from the Divinity School at Cambridge, of Mr..
Willis, the celebrated medium, Mr.. IL. states
that, so far as he conld ascertain, there was
nothing alleged against Mr.. Willis except that,
while sitting in "circle," and inadvertently
moving his foot beneath the table, it came in
contact with the foot Of Prof Eustis, his next
neiehbor, (Which was in similar position,
and was then seized by the Professors hand
Not particle Of evidence had been made pub
lie, connecting the offending foot with any Of
the phenomena produced, nor did he mir. ii }
believe any such had been brought before the
Faculty; for the Rev. II. f. Harrington of
Cambridge, who was present at the invesliga-
;tion, had protested against il, as furnishing no
grounds for important a proceeding.
Indeed, the Faculty had expressly disavowed
having made "any investigation, of such ma
ture as would authorize them, publicly, to pro-
nounce on the truth or lalsehood of the char
ges," and entirely refused to do so. But they
have suspended" Mr.. Willis, on the ground
that he has been charged with such an olfense,
thus reversing the maxim of law, which as
sumes man innocent till he is proved guilty.
Mr.. II. read the resolutions of the Faculty,
which fully sustained his statement. lie clos.
ed by asserting that these transactions sustain
ed the traditional character of ecclesiastical tri-
bunals, as being far severer than any legal
ones. So far as these Professors had power to
do it, the character and prospects Of this young
man were blighted, and there was not student
in the University, who might not, at any time,
suffer the same penalty, il single professor
chose to charge him with crime. Bot from
such injustice reaction would inevitably cume.
Annexed hereto, we print an affidavit from Mr..
Higginson, of his own experiences in connex-
ion with Mr. Willis.
For the spy.l
A STATEMENT OF FACTS.
To Whom il may Concern The public at.
tention has recently been attracted by the al
legged powers, as medium" of Mr.. F. L. H.
Willis, of Cambridge, and by the singular pro-
ceedings connected with his suspension" from
the Divinity School of Harvard University. In
justice to Mr.. Willis, and 10 an extraordinary
class Of yet unexplained scientific facts, wish
to state some phenomena, observed by me, dur
ing two evenings spent with him, at private
residence in this city.
There were from nine to twelve persons pre-.
sent, all, except Mr.. Willis, being respectable
citizens of this place, including one of our most
experienced physicians. We sat around leng
dining table. The room was not brilliantly,
but sufficiently lighted, so that every movement
OF every person could be distinctly watched
and |, at least, watched them very closely.
shall omit the details of the phenomena,
and give only the general heads.
l. The musical instruments which had been
previously placed, by the company, beneath the
tabe-a guitar, small drum, an accordion,
and two bels-were moved about from place
to place, lifted and knocked against the under
side of the table, and repeatedly and londly
played upon. Two were several times played
in unison, at opposite ends of the table, and en-
tirely beyond the reach of the medium. Dur
ing this proceeding, the whole table was sever
al times raised, and one slab of it (beng an ex-
tension-table,) was lifted altogether from lis
ssARn 81 thd and yibraisd in the air ri'L~
AhS u'SoiuCOH WIS EdlStu IUlO MT. w IL
lis's lap, and being held by him, ,ciih one hand,
between his knees, was played very skilfully,
and executed variety of tunes, selected by US
and even in answer 10 the alleged mental re-
quests OF some of the company, though rot mine
Excellent limitations of the Oboe, violincello, and
double bass were also given. 1t is well known
that the ACCORDION requires, in playing, the use
of two hands.
3. Upon our extinguishing the lamps, for the
sake of experiment, faint lights appeared upon
the table near Mr.. Willis, two at a time
moving about like glow worms, which they re-
sembled. Other lights Aickered in the air with
a more rapid motion, like fre-fies. Upon nv
obtaining and opening phal of phosphorus
the lights increased in intensity, gradually d.
minishing, when / re-corked il, to their origi.
nal amount. Everybody in the room perceived
them distinctly.
A. The room being still dark, the ACCORDION
was held on the table, by Mr.. Willis, as it play
ed in the manner before described, faint light.
flickered around the keys of the instrument
During the darkness, all the phenomena were
more intense, but ii seemed very disagreeablc
TO the nerves of Mr.. Willis, and he begged I,
have the lamps restored.
D. The room being again lighted, | proceed
Led to try some closer experiments. Taking Tho
accordion in my own hand. betw cen nv knees
and guarding, with my feet, against The posi-
ollity OF contact, found, to my surprise tina
The other end was seized by an invisible force
and the different keys audbly handled produc
ing at last musical sounds, but quite imperfect
~ Before long, however, it was pulled ava,
from me with very great force, and dropped OF
the floor. Others afterwards took the nstru
ment, but it was played in no other hands.
may add that simply held it by the end, will
one hand, and that have no knowledge of III,
instrument; also, that the hands of all the com
Pany were upon the table, and that was be
yond the reach of Mr. Willis's person.
q. Looking under the table while the puital
was playing, saw, acih perfect distinctness, N,
instrument IUnp on IFS hack ,,,loucboJ L 49,