The Northern Pacific farmer. [volume] (Wadena, Minn.) 1878-1885, 1881-05-19
SHADES SPIRITUAL MANIFESTO.
TIONS.

20O 0C0&y OF IN AttempteQ exhibition I00S
Would not Stand Investigation.
From the New York Tribune.
The articles in the Tribune recently con-
corning DR.. Slade and his 'spiritualism"
recall an experience of my own, which, 40
the subject seems just now arousing re-
newed interest, may prove worth the tell
ing. Some years ago, in company with two
good friends, who were believers in Slade
and his professed "mediamship," visited
his house for the purpose of seeing an ex-
hibition of his wonderful power. I was
placed opposite the medium, with my
friends on either side of the table. He was
told that was skeptic, but was assured
at the same time that was open to con-
vici0n; in fact anxious TO be convinced.
First the slate performance was done, am
sure knew not how. One thing I
noted, that tho written communications
were never beyond the apparent ''Slads
plane" of intelligence, and evidently in the
Slade style of expression. Soon, however,
he requested the three of US to unite our
hands, without him, and see what would
come of it," What came of it, so far as my
observation went, was this: Slade having
thus freed his own hands, reached out to q
chair standing near, and took therefrom q
tablespread which had been carelessly
thrown there in the beginning Of our seance,
and drawing it into his own lap, made some
remark about hoping the spirits might
move the chair. Wondering a little why
the spread should be ikly to prove hind
rance to the mighty power said to be exert
ed by such beings, kept henceforth quiet
watch after that square of cloth, although
lost to my sight for the time. Presently
I was hit on the knee sharply. Then some-
thing flashed up from below, which Slade
said was hand. Soon, seeing, as believe
he did, that he was being watched, he de-
clared that none Of us was medium"
and so nothing of importance could be
done by US while his hands were
free from our contact. So the complete
circle was reformed, Slade having rolled up
the spread tightly and thrown it into an
other chair, standing little back of him.
mentally recorded a VOW to see what that
soon ended and while my friends were look
ing at some pictures at the other end of the
room, edged around toward the chair
which held the spread, quite indiferently,
as I endeavored to make it seem. But
Slade was too much interestedin my move.
ments even to respond to q call from the
other visitors to explain something to them.
He followed me, I made feint Of approach.
ing the window near which the chair stood.
He also did the same, placing himself be-
tween me and the chair. Then I looked
him smilingly in the face and said: DR..
Slade, I do not wish to seem rude, but I
am sure you will not object to letting me,
just to satisfy doabt, shake out that cloth
which is in the chair behind YOU" There
upon-my friends having come up in tho
meantime-he suddenly sat down upon the
poor suspected article, holding on to both
arms of the chair, and, turning all colors.
closed his eyes and said. in a sepulchral
voice: eco! all of you, quietly. Col" In
stead Of doing which waited, and stand
ing in front of the man said, sharply, ''Dr.
Slade!" He instantly opened his eyes, and
added, ''Will you permit me to see what
you have concealed in that spread, or not?"
Then, quite wide awake. he, Numbered,
"No! Go at once;" and we did, I for one.
quite satisfied that we had been dealing
with clumsy impostor as if he had been
forced, as he should have been, to permit
! our investigation, and which he surely
would not have refused had he been inno-
cent and the cloth empty. I need hardly
! add that rejoiced when heard that Eng
lish law had laid its grip on a person who
could for money ta1lper with the most
sacred of the hearts SORROWS, and play fast
and loose with the mystery Of death and our
hope of immortality.