Eureka daily sentinel. [volume] (Eureka, Nev.) 1871-1887, 1883-07-18
uxyEsrreArIxe sPIRlTUALlsM.

NVES Gl0A SrAh
At last s~piritualism is to be investigat-
ed at leisure and systematically. A
wealthy citizen of Pennsylvania. Henry
,eybert, has left to the University Of that
State a sum Of money, the income OF
which is for a number Of years, or SO
long as is necessary, to be devoted to the
investigating expenses of a commission
to examine into the phenomena Of spirit
ualism. The sum for present use amounts
to $4,000. The University has estab-
lished the necessary commission, and
filed it by one Of the ablest scholars at
command, DIR. William Pepper. As
aids he is assigned two scientists Of high
standing. Professors Liedy and Koedig.
and to assist these two as intellectual and
metaphysical consulting Professors, Mr..
Fullerton and Rev. Prof. Thompson, q
fair-minded Christian clergyman, have
been selected. This commission will
proceed methodically, and without any
~preconceived theories, to investigate the
whole range Of phenomena of modern
spiritualism, and will take such time as
they shall deem necessary, extending
certainly over . term of years. Their
researches will be given publicity from
time to time as the commission shall
deem them ct for public examination.
Specializing upon the result OF the In
vestlgation proposed the New York Mail
says:
We have reason to expect much from
this body. Il certainly appears to be
constituted on the proper basis, ana II
has at its command ample means to carry
on it's work. The money allowed 1t VIII
insure the Investigators good salaries,
and sufficient to employ all needed scien-
tific appliances and mechanical appara-
tus, and will be ample to enable the
commission, If need be, to visit any part
of the habItable globe. There IS no
question before the world that has
stronger claims for thorough investiga-
ton than modern spiritualism. What
ever there is OF truth or error In 1t, all
civilized races are DESTROYS OF knowing.
But while we may anticipate much from
this new agency OF investigation, we
must not expect, however much we may
hope, that as a matter OF course 1t Will
be able to clear up all the doubts and
mysteries Of spiritualism. 1t is Just
possible that it may defy investigation ac-
cording to the methods that the com
mission may employ; or, the body may
find, after years OF research, that the
phenomena deies scientific inquiry, and
that the whole subject will have to be
left exactly where it is now-one OF be-
lief according to the reception OF cvi-
dences.
As for ourselves, we believe that moth
ing will come out of the investigation,
unless. perhaps. some of the phenomena
of so-called s~piritualism which have been
used to gull some intelligent persons and
many simple.ons, may be explained aud
referred to natural laws. This would be
satisfactory as far as it goes. but that it
would affect the widespread belief in
spiritual manifestations regarded by many
a. direct communication from the dead
to the living may not be expected.
Spiritualism is a superstition and there
are only a few who will acknowledge
that they believe in it. They are
ashamed Of it, except among themselves,
and they ought to be. Not that it does
any harm either.
1t affords proper diversion for cranks
who run after strange things. They
chatter over it and it does them lots OF
good. 1t supplies a need that many
giddy heads feel, anG which would APP
pear in some other shape if ~spiritualism
were not handy. There is an element of
superstition in the mind of almost every
person, but in some it is dormant, while
in others it is abnormally developed.
The latter enjoy spiritualism. To them
the sight Of a hobbling table is a more
pleasing spectacle than that OF the pref
tiest girl dancing in the most graceful
manner. Discordant raps sound sweeter
to them than strains Of the most eloquent
music. 1t is noticeable that the spiritual
disease is more likely to attack old
folks-"nice old men" and those Of the
fair sex who have passed . delicate
period Of life, and whose ears being
dulled to the material sounds of this
world are quickensd by anticipation to
catch whisperings from their future home
near at hand.
Spirituslism has its positive advan.
tages, and is q harmless, toothless thing.
The scientists, we hope, will not do any.
thing TO render il less ridiculous, by
doing which they might impair it,
vitality. II is ~providentially silly. II
comforts = good many old folks who can
not get comfort out Of anything else. 1t
would be cruel for science to tread on the
corns Of the simple s~piritualists. We
believe the proposed investigation will
reveal nothing but well recognized alb
surdities, which are the sweet mind food
Of simple people, who may ~ we'll be left
TO enjoy IL a. il il.
P0EX BACKUs.
~ An-sx-v