The St. Johns herald., 1886-09-02
VISIT TO AN AsTROLOaRR.
By a Writer Strongly Impressed with His
 Penetrating Sagacity.

I remember several years ago, writes Ella Wheeler Wilcox to the Chicago Tribune, that Winter of unusual SHOWS and Summer of terrific cyclones were said to be caused by conjunction of certain stars and their peculiar attitude towards the sun.
 Then, why may not the theory of this Dr. $. be true q do not give his name lest an uncharitable world accuse me of adver ising him), that many of the dis asters, financial and otherwise, that be- fall our Ives, are often due to similar cause?
 Several months ago, having heard great deal of the marvellous powers of of this man, l went to see him, moved by curiosity and interest. found his modest sign with 8 simple prefix of [" Dr." over an English basement on respectable and quiet street.
 Although early in the day, his recep- tion room was filled to overfiowing with eager and curious people, while the low hum of a mans voice in an adjoining apartment indicated that the astrologer was occupied.
 As looked about me saw pale and intellectual lady fin deep mourning, whose serious face expressed the earnest ness of her errand; a giggling girl in sealskin who said she came just for fun, ard ma would kill her if she knew it." a yelled lady who sat like sphinx in the corner; an unbelieving man, who came to expose a fraud, and brother from Wall Street, who came because he had come before and found it to his profit.
 The schoolgirl broke the silence by her nonsensical and delightful giggle (del ghtful, because it bubbled up from a light unharassed hearty the lady in mourning a-ked us eagerly if we thought the astrologer could give US any knowl- edge of the dead the unbelieVer scoffed at the whole l" concern :" and then the solid, matter-of-fftct broker from Wall Street spoke:
 "I can only speak from personal experience" he said. SC heard much of this mans peculiar powers, and I came at first out of curiosity, at time when I was about to make an important venture in business.
 "I entered the room; he cast my horoscope, and after a few moments study over it, he informed me correctly what occupation l was destined to fol- low Then he told me that a certain constellation was just crossing the path of my life star which would render my business venture dangerous or fatal, and advised me to wait until a few weeks had elapsed before l made any such venture.
 '' I was so impressed with his words that did wait and found that the in- vestment that had contemplated would have resulted most disastrously.
 Since then 1 always consult aim before taking any serious step in busl ness. So far he has never failed to advise me correctly. l have saved money, and made money, by consulting him. have great faith in his ability, which I regard as purely scientific, and in no sense supernatural"
 He told my sister she would have chance to get married in a year." gig gled tho school girl. [" I hope to good ness he won't tell me that"
 When at last l was admitted to the presence of the astrologer I saw a mid- dle-aged man. tall, inclined to be stout. of prepossessing presence and with @ German cast of countenance.
 As I had never before been in this par ticular locality, and as I was very small unit in the great sea of humanity which surges in New York, could not ilatter myself that was known to this man.
 Yet after casting my horoscope and studying it a moment he informed ma that the situation of the stars at the time of my bilth necessitated a public career for me, either in the dramatic or the literary world-the latter he should think; and then briefly he outlined the principal and most important points in my life with absolute correctness.
 Just now" he said, it will be i'm possible for you to make any definite plans about anything. A star affects you which would confuse any arrange menis you might make-especially plans for travel. It will move away in short time, however; but l would not advise you to attempt any journey just Ut present"
 As had recently been called back from tho West suddenly by telegram, and my entire plans for the season upset, could not but think his words serious.
 After few mora moments of silent study he made some predictions in mat ters personal and financial (every one of which so far has been verified), gave me some advice, and charged the very moderate sum of fifty cents.
 Why do you charge so small fee," I asked, "when you would have all you could do at twice that price?"
 Well" he said, often @ man from Wall Street whom have assisted to a fortune comes here and lays down a SlOO bill. 1 have received as high as $500. So can afford to keep my price down for the masses"
 Do you receive moro calls from ladies than gentlemen?" asked.
 Yes, although 8 great many men come heie to consult me on business many who would not like it known, no doubt-but l think as a rule women predominate. Sometimes a lady comes whose horoscope is almost devoid of events; and she goes away angry because l cannot predict startling adventures and a full life for her. I can only predict or relate what the stars show me-"
 It is rather curious" said, "that ladies patronize you so extensively, when you a Q the one person on earth to whom they are obliged to give the exact date of their birth"
 But forget it so soon, you know" he answered. !" I see so many people every day. I could not tell you to-mor- row the year of your birth"
 Comforted by this assurance I made my exit, and found ten new arrivals in the rtceptlon-room since l had left it.
 One of the fashionable modistes and female SpeculatorS of New York told me