, 1859-03-26
SPIRITUALISM.
CH1cAoo. March 9a, 1850.

CH1cAuo, March q, 1850.
Editors Frezs and Tribune:
As there is considerable interest manifested
at this time in reference to the subject Of mod
crn spiritualism, deem it good opportunity
to urge the investigation of the subject to our
citizens, aud 10 that end have been correspond
ing with one Of our clerical opposers, with de-
sire Of giving the matter proper hearing before
our community, and TO show that spirituaIists,
though assailed and denounced as inhdels to the
truth, are not afraid to meet their opposers, md
be tried upon the claims and merits of their be-
lief
Aswill be perceived hare as yet received no
answer to my last letter, urging one Of our city
clergy to debate on the subject referred to, and
concluding should receive no written reply,
last evening called On the Reverend gentleman
ane received q verbal one, informing me that
he would not debate. Ny proposition is still
open, and if he hereafter concludes "that the
interests Of the truth demand such course"
doubtless you will grant him the use Of your
columns to make it known.
If he does not, then will hold my offer open
to any Of the clergy Of this city who can to the
satisfaction of the community hold an argu-
Inent against the merits of spiritualism.
With these remaks, I subjoin the following
correspondence. Respectfully,
Jas. VAN 1swAcES.
Mr.. TAN 1HwAGES TO Dr.. RICE.
CHICAGO, March l.,h 1859.
Rev. n. L. R1cE-Utar SIR II was present
at Metropolitan Hall last evening, and listened
with attention to your lecture on Spiritualisu..
With due respect for your opinions On the SUBJ
ject must say the argument appeared to me
altogether one-sided aud unfair, unless an op-
portunity be offered for your statements and ar
guments to be replied to and criticised.
lou are well aware that the public press re-
fuse {almost without an c1ception) to allow any,
thing in favor Of Spiritualism tn pass through
their columns; hence it is difficult, with the pre-
sent prejudice existing against it, to bring the
other side Of the question, or arguments held
by those who believe in the Spiritual philoso-
phy, properly before the public; and, as you
spoke with SO much confidence against the phi
1osophy, doubt not you are fcarless Of argu-
meats being produced to sustain thu subject be-
fore our community.
With desire of giving the matter q proper
hearing before this community. l have pro-
position TO submit to you which hope it will
be- your pleasure to accept. II is that vou will
consent to hold an argument on tile claims und
reliability Of spirituaiism, at some convenient
time within the next two or three months, with
gentleman who llas sometimes spoken here in
fayor Of tic spiritual doctrine, and whom will
guarantee shall meet YOU in Metropolitan Hall
NA eoA4l osACt PuoH@ paw IL lAlS III
As searcher after trutl, feel that it is the
duty Of the Clergy to investigate this subject
thoroughly, and let no opportunity pass for cx-
posing il and its ftarAtrx, if they can be proved
in error; and if my recollection is right you as
serted the willingness, last evening, to oppose
and disprore this growing false System Of re-
lgion at every step of its advancement. I
ttllnk you will agree with me that better op-
portunity than the one offered for exposing
this "delusion" and setting the minds Of this
community Alright On this subject cannot he cx-
pected.
For myself think l have heard stronger ar-
guments in fayor Of this system Of religion than
yours, attempting to show its falsity, hut # um
wrong wish to be set right.
If you accept my proposition will then con-
fer with you in reference to time, place, 6c,, Of
holding the discussion. Pecuniarily, it shall be
attended with no expense to yourself.
Very respectfully yours,
lie Fa~ ix.p