Vermont watchman and State journal. [volume] (Montpelier, Vt.) 1836-1883, 1863-07-10
sPIhIrUALlsM-oR WHAT IS Ir,


medium Of power somewhat unusual, we ac-
oepted it and now we propose to publish
enough to crafty, not TO satisfy, the curiosity
Of others. On entering the room, we found
at the southern end small table, on which
were tamborine, guitar, bells, and glass ves-
sci containing water and flowers. At the
end Of this table was voloncello, and above
it a bass drum. fixed to the wall. In front Of
the small table was the seat Of the medium,
who sat facing long table. which extended
nearly to the north wall Of the room, but
with space sufficient on all sides for circle
OF about twenty persons, who we're seated at
the long table, lady and gentleman alter
mating around il. These persons were all re-
quired to Join hands, when the lights were
put out, and the medium commenced making
passes upon the hands Of the four persons
upon her right and left side-s gentleman and
lady on each side so placing their hands that
the medium could touch both at every pass.
These passes we're continued, and the hands
Of all were constantly in contact from the
beginning TO the end OF the sitting, so that
no person in the ring could possibly use a
hand to assist in any OF the things done.
Que gentleman was 10 the room who was no,
Joined in the circle and he was seated in a
corner remotest from the medium and had
both hands employed in playing violin. Az
ter few minutes spent by the medium in
passes, and the company in chatting, the de-
monstrstons we're commenced by discharge
Of musical instruments from the small to the
large tAble-all being thrown over the heads
Of those next to the small table. aud falling
with considerable force. Next several Of the
party wcte gently raped, sometimes with the
bow Of the violoncello, and sometimes with
a drum stick; one felt cold hand pattng
her gently upon he head o,hers were pelted
with flowers and we believe every one in he
room got sprinkling Of water
The fines, demonstrations were musical; the
guitar first and then the tAmborine, and
drum, and bell playing an accompaniment to
the fiddler in good taste and excellent time.
The bell accompaniment was particularly
beautiful-sometimes strong and sometimes
very soit-sometimes from near the floor. and
sometimes from over head-And ending by
the bell being thrown violently upon the long
table. Al one time two instruments were
played together in the accompaniment, the
second being the bass-drum, which gave the
time-beats 10 every other instance only one
instrument used as a second to the violin.
The medium appeared to swoon at the con-
clusion Of the performance, and was borne
from the room. On bringing in the light. the
musical instruments and flowers we're found
suewed over the long table--of course hsv-
ing been removed from the small one, our
senses had before testified
Now--what is it, The circle and passes
Indicate electric, or magnetic. or mesmerc
power. Cai ii what you will. But how
could this power be applied to the instru-
ments how toss them about' how play a
good accompaniment; and how rap members
OF the party round the table We cannot
suspect the members of the family Of trick
we cannot believe that any person in the
circle touched a hand to the instruments to
play upon or move them. It would perhaps
be possible, by person out OF the circle, or
by ingenious and complicated machinery
movable By the feet Of some one in the cir
Gle, to produce such thitgs; bnt We saw no
person out Of the circle except the fiddler,
whose hands we're otherwise employed, and
no machinery, aud we hardly believe it posi-
bic for any such means to be used without
the knowledge of the family at least. The
family is above suspicion.
The medium in this case calls these demon
STATIONS spiritual, and says the musical spirit
is that Of an Indian girl, named May Flower.
The idea is pretty, and the name is pretty.
Bot it is odd that an Indian grl-spirit should
be familiar with Dixie Yankee Doodle, and
Fishers hornpipe. Had she danced to these
tunes it would have been more natural than
spiritual. However, one can put no limit |
TO spiritual power, and if it be admitted that |
an inhabitant Of the spirit-world had anything
to do with this matter, it cannot be objected
that these tunes are beyond its power butralh-
er that something more and better was not
done. The theory of Spirituasts is that the
work is done by persons from the spirit-world;
and many mediums profess to have power to
recognize and converse with spirits, and in
woke the presence of any spirit desired. Nor
is darkness, or the circle of joined hands, or
magnetic or electric or any other influence
absolutely essential to bring them. The
spirits often come of their own accord. Home
says he became medium involuntarily, that
he has the power" only when it is given to
him by invisible means, and that he cannot
tell in advance what the spirits will do when
they come. In short, the inference is that
they control him. not he controls them. The
qoietude or common expectation of persons in
circle, and subdued light, are said to be
favorable for spiritual demonstrations. but
not indispensable.
On the whole. the scene was interesting.
but not very surprising, We have read OF
such things in these latter days, and of things
quite as surprizing in earlier times, sometimes