The new Northwest. [volume] (Portland, Or.) 1871-1887, 1876-06-09
EDITORIAL CORRESPONDENCE.

JOuIDeylngSi Wnlcn respite was spent,
when not writing the serial story, in
the busy preparation of a travelling
wardrobe for the Centennial trip, we
took run to Salem, starting on Thurs
day evening of last week, so tired out
with the new style of "resting" that it
was quite relief to lean back on the
car cushions, let our weary hands fall
listlessly, and gaze abroad on the deep
green country, among the foliage and
flora that abounded everywhere.
Commencement exercises were over
in the University, but we were in time
for the repetition of a pleasing cantata,
wherein the young ladies connected
with the celebrated Institute-on-the-
Willamette distinguished themselves,
each and severally, by such good music
as would make particuIarizing insidi-
Gus, unless we had space for special
mention of every performer. The audi
ence was large, respectable, and de-
| lighted one, and the proceeds of the en-
tertainment, which are for the benefit
of the University building, were quite
substantial.
Found the Salemites, as usual, hos
pitable, genial, and wide-awake, ready,
as in times past, TO aid us in every good
word and work.
Took train on Saturday for home, but
concluded TO stop over at New Era,
where a Spiritual camp-meeting was in
progress, and where we knew we should
have ample opportunity to preach our
gospel of peace on earth and goodwill
to men and women.
Found a small congregation of the
faithful assembled under the great fir
trees, and trance speaker occupying
the stand, who made an earnest and
practical exhOrtation to the people, urg-
ing integrity in purpose and action, and
harmony and justice in all things.
Mrs. J. A. Johns was next introduced,
who read a petition intended for pre-
sentation for the action of the next
Legislature, praying for the enfran-
chisement of the mothers of men, and
containing many cogent reasons why
the same should be granted.
A few remarks from your correspond
ent were followed by adjournment and
general social jubilee, during which
almost everybody signed the petition.
Accepted the invitation of Thomas
Buckman and wife, and embarking
with them in little open boat, were
rowed for two or three miles up the
Willamette to their quaint and cozy
farm, and landing, mounted the sleeps
leading to the Delectable Mountains,
where their home is, and where, with
other lady friends, we occupied the
chambers of peace, aud obtained the re-
pose for which we were sadly suffering.
Our friends deserve the good fortune
they have secured in their charming
rural retreat, where plenty, neatness,
and simplicity go hand in hand with
harmony.
Morning came, and brought with it
an Oregon mist that saturated earth and
foliage, and filled the air with driving
spray that bade fair to keep US prisoners
for the day. But before noon the veil
was lifted and we ventured forth, skirts
well in hand, and shoes wet and muddy,
and clambering into the boat, again en-
barked upon the river, reaching the
camping ground in good season, and
finding goodly number of assembled
citizens, despite the unpropitious out
look.
Again Mrs. Johns was in the stand,
and the essay with which she favored
the assembly was exceedingly well re-
ceived. Among the trance speakers
were DR.. Hewes and Mrs. Miller, of
Portland, both of whom made good ad-
dresses, so unlike the theology and
philosophy of infidelity with which We
were once wont to believe the expo
nents of Spirituallsm imbued, that we
were very sorry that every Christian in
Oregon couldn't have been there to hear
for himself.
After dinner came lecture from your
correspondent upon the moral necessity
for the complete emancipation of the
mothers of men, to which the increas-
ing crowd listened with rapt and re-
spectful attention during the hour and
half of its continuance.
After US came a short address from
Mr. Thomas Buckman, replete with
practical analogies drawn from the lab
oratories of nature, and couched in
chaste and well-chOsen language.
Music by the Heath family was
marked feature of the entire exercises,
Mrs. Heath especially singing with a
spirit and understanding that touched
all hearts.
Mrs. Hewes, NJ. D., being called to
the stand, made what she styled her
''maiden speech" drawing her illustra-
tiOns of modern magnetic healing from
the Scriptures, and proving the present
day methods of magnetic cure to be
identical with those in vogue among
the ancients in Bible times.
The meeting adjourned at p. NJ, and
the remainder of the day was spent in
tTcirplps ~ SINGING and cOnvarsa fiOr