New-York tribune., 1879-05-23
mr. KLDDLE; HLS B0OK IND HIS Critics

A LETTER FROM 5. b. BR!TrAN-rHE DISPLAY OF
RELIGIOUS INTOLERANCE" TOWARD SPIRIT
UAfIsrs DEFECTIVE CHARACTER OF TIE COM
MUSICArIoSs-THE MEDIUMS AT FAULr
To the Editor Of Thc Tribune.
SIR: Since the announcement Of the con-
version Of the late HoU John W. Edmouds 90 Spiritual
ism in lsj2 startled the religious community, and so
alarmed Judiciary Convention that hiy just claims
10 the Supreme Court judy eship sacrificed to the
popular prejudice no convert has deeply stirred
the public mind as Mr. Henry Kidde, superintendent
OF the Department Of Public Instruction in this city
Following the example Of Judge Edmonds Mr. klddle
has published book, in which he has fearessy
related his p rsonal experience and the results
OF MS investigation. without any attempt to make
the facts acceptable 10 those who prefer their
own proconceiyed opinions 10 the unpopular truth.
Nr Klddlo enters nto no league with the enemies OF
truth HIS manly independence is omnentiy worthy Of
imitation and this, least, should command universal
respect.
The question OF the necessity or propriety OF ar KID
dies resignation or removal has been raised and that
question has been sustained in certain quarters when
n sboud have been denounced outrage nst the
most sacred rights and privileges OF the Individual
Why should Sir. Kddlo be required TO resign the Office
he has ned with 50 much ability What has he
ever done, or left undOne, that lie should be
removed from position which all agree that ne has
served the pubic the utmost fidelity IL impoS
sole 60 disguise the anmus which prompts all similar
suggestions It being settled, evidence that will not
he disputed that he ia stl perfectly able
rightly 20 dtschargs his duties now - the superin-
endent disqualified In the names OF Reason Liberty
and Law / respectfully demand statement OF the
reasons why this injustice Is practisod toward
Spirltuaists How long shall this unmeasurcd inso-
encc be tolerated by grea: people, that probably TO-
day outnumbers any religious community in the
country It IL TO be observed that man may
believe almost anything else, however absurd aud mon
strous and yet sanity hypoores and journalistic time
servers will never intimate that his views unit hm Tor
situations OF public responsibility. He may make hli
toms majestic devil stone Of his religious faith
be may embrace legions OF lite devils whose function
il is to torture the souls OF men, women' and little
children forever.
All this, and other nameess abomnations. one IS at
liberty TO believe and Scribe Pharssee who pronts
by the InammOn OF unrigbteousness" or Otherwise
sells his soul % Satan, will ever susp,ct that
bis mind s enfeebled or that MS religious opinions
disqunlv him for any cai position. either IA Church
or state Nor l. this all; he is quite likely to be re
gardca rs preGminenuy qualified 70 superintend the
education Of our children o. ye hypocrites ye strain
AZ n gnat and waow nest OF scorpions!
Mr. Kddle endeayors to justify the claims OF his
hook from internal and other evidence. In the
enthusiasm Of his first loyo he does not question
the rciut-d authorship OF the communications be has
recetv.j The method by which he essays excuse the
logical rhetorical and other defects, shows az once re-
arkable sincerity Of purpose. Little knowledge OF "a
laws gov errug spiritual phenonena, anu want OF
that mature ludsmcnt wnCh II developed by long t--
nereucc ard profound study O the facs and principles
al science. The present writer Is nOi pre-
0arcd t0 entertain the idea hat the next HE Is state or
varuIty aud gressiOn OF that the other world y
mere lum Tor drcam.rs, Gryelers and dotardh Acf
thc genuine aets uI 5plttuaieA dHoi" enJ "d4l'He
for such q conclusion.
The great Intelligence. fair,
Tnat range bove mortal state
In circle round she blessed gate"
ne,ther lose their power OF thought expression.
The Greatest pbllusop phers OF antiquity viewed
death as an honorable promotion. Tne apOtheosis
Elevated the mortal tho sphere ana society Of the
coda While this y not presumed 20 be the absolute
facf the idea true in qualified seIse. All the
faculties and affections renBed ad exalted by con-
,acf win more subtle principles nobler natures, aud
tie Inspiring atmosphere OF the Immortal lie aud
world. - =,
1 have not yet had opportunity 20 look into Mt.
kdde book beyond the perusa OF the extracts whiOh
nave appeared the city papers, aud FOR ths reason
am not prepared 10 express confident Judgment
of It's merits. one need not Dc greatly
surprised, however. To find that he mas over
estimated the intrinsic value OF It's eOntents.
A. "a rule the new convert has more heat than Dgh'.
Feryent feeling liable render him less critical IN the
obseryAnn OF facts and the analysis OF evidence; az
Inc same time intense desire. like every passion OF the