New-York tribune., 1879-05-05
Mr.. KIDDLE'S SPIRITUALISM.

Superintendent Henry Riddles new book on
"Spiritual Communications continued to excite
much comment among school officers ana
teachers Saturday. Members of the Board
of Education divided In OPINION
IN regard to the effect which the book
would have on the public. 1t was be-
heved by some that the book would be dis
cussed at future meeting. The feeling among the
teachers seemed to be one of great surprise,
mingled with regret that Mr. Kidde had
become a convert to Spirtualsm. 1t was
the general feeling that Mr.. Kiddle would
continue to discharge his duties usual, but many
fears were expressed that the sentiments in his
book would raise up much opposition against him.
OPINIONS OF SCHOOL OFFICERS.
DISCUSSION OF THE BOOK BY MEMBERS OF THE
BOARD OF MISUNDERSTANDING ESTEEM IN
WHICH THE SUPERINTENDENT is HELD-VARI-
oUs OPINIONS ON THE EFFECT OF HIS SPIRITUAL
VIEWS.
The members of the Board of Education
naturally take keen interest in the publication of super
intendont Kidde's book "Spritual Communica
tons" While many hold the opinion tnat the efficiency OF
executive is impaired in no way by peculiar religious
views yet nearly all depOre the publicity which VIII DC
given the matter owing to the prominent position
held by Mr. Ktdde and fear that the public school sys-
TEN of this city, of which he is the head will be injured
by his action
Commissioner BENJAMIN F. Manierre said: The sale
Of r Kddle's book will depend his position as SUI
perutendent OF New-York schools. He is at the head
of the greatest school in this country, If not IN
tho world, having under his immediate supervision
about 5000 teachers. If be had been in less diguihed
position book would have been passed over with
contempt, appears he collection Of worthless
rubbish. consider Mr.. Kiddle's action In publishing
this book while he retains ms present position as very
unfortunate himself and for the Board Of Education
IoE rial ft,t pnfO fO nsa
give publicity to his absurd notions His usefulness
must be impaired by such step believe scme action
Will be taken by the Board OF Education regarding this
publication. doubt the sanity Of a man who becomes
an advocate Of spiIituasm. Mr.. Kidde is doubtless
sincere in the views which he publishes, but beheVe
that he has committed grave error"
What surprises me-" said Commissioner Samuel c.
Jellihe, that should be surprised In these
times at any form of religious belief NV idea is that
not controlled much by these beiefs IN ther
everyday le This is free country, and Mr. Kidde mas
the hight to believe any thing and to publish his belief
cannot see why he should be made martyr because
be chooses TO believe spirituaiism. may think his
belief absurd, but don't condemn him. When anyone
asks me what think Of spiritualism, answer that
don't think about it at ALL"
Rufus g. Beardsee, member Of the Board Of Educa-
tion was perusing copy of Mr.. Riddles new book in
his law office on Saturday. De said "It hard to say
whether this book will affect Mr.. Riddles position. II
he were medium his mind might be believed TO be fm
paired but Mr. Kiddle only edits what he has received
from He has been most efficient school officer
am sorry that lie published such book, because
esteem MIN highly. The only way in which his useful.
ness could impaired, far as can see would be by
this publication bringing discredit the system
OF which he tine head do moi apprehend that any
immediate action will be taken by the Board OF Educa-
ton Mr. Kddle does not hold his position subject 10
removal the pleasure OF the Boad He could be re-
or taxpayer aud II has been rule III the Board that
such charges shall not originate with any Of the com
Commissioner Julius Katzenberg, who is also a
trustee OF the Temple Emanuel, sald: am Ony sorry
that Mr.. X dde should have thought 1t his duty 10
publish such book. For man in his position to do
SO to wrong The leaders of our 1aith con
sder SpTituaism nOnsenslcal and have ever done So
something entirely IN the clouds having nothing
tangible about it, They have no iear OF It, t is an eX
element which cannot stand reasoning and appears 70
be the result Of Overheated Imagination The only
wonder is that MI. Kidde should become its prophet
for have always looked on him as man OF clear and
solid Judgment lie has done great deal to benefit our
school system Geng Eey "Ho at ic m @ Won1I ncined H a.
give more prominence TO religious teachings in our |
baua f osdcrd n a part OF his religious duty TO
publish this book, in which case consider very un-
healthy and unucky act. as. coming from tho 5uperin-
The hands ol the older scholars IL benefit them
and may be harmful to many think that the force OF
conviction which could lead a man of Mr. Riddles |
what akin to tie atuatiOn which led the man Free
Abraham woud raise her up IN three days"
Ex-MayOr Wickham said " have the highest respect
for Mr.. Riddle, but no ~ sympathy WIN lS uelsloh ou
/ do uOt what ugEt auy one has 10 say anything
Smrtuasu Just as much recognize mine 10 believe
in Presby terausm with its predesunaton, foreordna-
doc not interfere with Mr. Riddles duties superin
tendent Board has 10 rgnt 10 consider the matter
at all. II he should approve Ot the pactcts OF the
Oneida Community OF OF The Mormohs 1t would be df-
COMMENTS OF SCHOOL TEACHERS
BENJAMIN u. L. Southerand principal Of Grammar
School No. and president of the RewYork Teachers
Association said yesterday: Various rumOrs about
new book by Mr. Kiddlo were circulated among the
teachers some weeks ago. but when lHE TRIBUNE pub
shed extracts from this book on Friday there
orl surprise throug ghout the Educational Department.
so far as there is general feeling of regret
among the teachers Mr. Kiddle has been highly es-
teemed He has been connected with the schools 20
long that he knows everything about them.
He is sincere and fair in his action.
md adopts measure only when he has
weiehed il carefully suppose most OF the teachers
natural thing would be 10 say mat ne mas mace
fool OF hlmscf; Dut when we think df his past life
must believe that he has pubshed this book only after
mature thought o the subject.
lafayette Oney, prlucirai OF Grammar School No. u
and pr, sident of the Principals Association, sad: " We
havy looked upon Mr Klddle as an unusually clear
beaded and practical man. He is about the last man
youc nave expected q convert 10 sp!IltUtllsIn.
thsb his fecons rather than through his inte lcct
do uot believe that Nj. Kiddlo las lost his ba
inio aSy sncn weakness do not see how me book
or ms be ef need unfit him for the duties of School su
perintcn5cut He has no control over the religious
training OF the children in tne schools" 90
J. T. Whitehead. principal of Grammar schoql No 3s,
Was thundc struck when read tHEuIuBUSE
last Friday. had known for year that ir. kdd.e
was investigating the subject Of splrualism but dd
moi dream that be would become convert do not
think ms ability less than II used 10 be, but am
sorry that he ever published such work. nave no
dn6t hat many patrons of the schools have stood
by him IN the past VIII put themselves In array against
VIEWS OF PERSONAL FRIENDS
Professor David B. scott OF the Normal College
whose wife is the daughter OF William Beidon sr and
tie SISTER OF William Beden, jr, both Of whom are
,rominent figures in Mr.. Riddles book, said that he
had known Mr. Kiddle since 1915. "Of his ability as a