National Republican. (Washington City (D.C.)) 1872-1888, 1884-05-01
MATERIALIzING MEDIUMsHIp.
spiritualistio Manager who Seems to
Dislike Certain Audiences.


SIR: Being much interested in the investi-
cation of spiritual phenomena, and, having
had my desire to witness something con-
vincing and substantial in the way
of spirit manifestation sharpened by the
seances of Mrs. Sawyer, | called at the
rooms of that lady on the 9TH instant to ar
range for a sitting on the following evening
for myself and numberof my friends. The
lady was not in, but her daughter said she
was authorized to speak for her, and explained
that it would be wise to secure tickets then
as the number of persons to DO admitted was
limited to twenty-five. / complied and pur-
chased tho tickets at 81 each. On the even
ing of the Sth instant wo arrived at the ap-
pointed time, and were somewhat surprised to
find forty-eight investigators present, and we
were met at tho door by man whe acted in
tho capacity OF ticket taker, but who also
took money from those who had failed to
provide themselves with tickets
When the performance was about to COM
mence this man suddenly developed into a
sort of ringmaster, who informed several
gentlemen that they must take back seats
and vacate the chairs they occupied for
ladies; and, when they did not move as
promptly as he thought they should, he an
nounced to the audience that he proposed to
run that seanco, and nothing should be done
until his command was obeyed.
The exhibition that followed proved to DO
tho usual cabinet phenomena-shaking of
hands and the appearance Inside the cabinet
only of shadowy figures in the very dim
light. This trial had not resulted satisfac-
torily; but we supposed that tho meagerness
of the manifestations was, in q great measure,
due to the large number present, and, what
we are told is always serious drawback, the
promiscuous character of tho assemblage.
In order to secure more favorable condi-
tions visited the medium on Thursday last
in company with prominent physician and
arranged with her for a private seance to
take place on the succeeding Tuesday even
ing, the time being selected by Mrs. Sawyer
herself. The terms of tho agreement were
that We were to select the company, the num-
Der to be limited to twenty-five, the medium
to have three of her intimate friends present,
and the sum TO be paid $50. The understand
ing was clear on all these points, and the lady
said, as we departed, Then shall put down
Tuesday evening for you"
Tuesday evening when tho ladies and gen.
tlemen of our company arrived at Mrs. Saw
yer's door they were met by the man before
referred to, who refused them admission,
saying that a prior engage nent had been
made, and that the arrangement with US was
made under misapprehension.
You say a prior engagement was made"
said the doctor. IF that is SO, Mrs Sawyer
knew nothing of it when we saw her on
Thursday last and you were out of the city,
she informed u.s."
IL am her manager" no replied, land |
made the engagement before went away"
But is it not a little strange that you did
not inform Mrs Sawyer that you had dis.
posed of Tuesday EVENING"" no was asked.
II don't acquaint Mrs. Sawyer with my
business arrangements" was the reply. "And
sent you note this morning saying that
the seance could not take place"
Ono of the party remarked that such treat
ment was not likely TO secure the attendance
of any of this company hereafter; to which
this courteous manager answered that he did
not care whether no ever say anw of them
again.
Now, Mr. Editor, | furnish this circum-
stantial account 10 acquaint your readers
with the true spirit that controls these dark
sessions, as but little shIewdnoss is needed
to discover the fact that tho chief manifesto
ton of the Sawyer exhibitions Is to material
i2e money. Although Mrs. Sawyor's manager
had made an engagement for last evening
over week ago, as he alleges, no went out Of
the city without appriaing hor of it, and
Notwithstanding he has been back several
days, he sent no notice of this prior engage
mcnt to us until the day appointed for the
sitting and then sent it TO the wrong address,
and ii was, therefore, not received.
Here was evidently breach of agreement
for some unaccountabe reason, and may pos
sibly be explained by tho fact that six OF our
party were we'll known physicians of this
city. One was professor, three were gem
tlemen of some prominence in tho depart
ments, and none very likely to mistake
hawk for a handsaw Further comment is
unnecessary. FAIRPLAN.