The morning call. [volume] (San Francisco [Calif.]) 1878-1895, 1894-08-28
SPIRIT HEALING.
Doubtful Method in Use
by a Medium.
All Manner of Bodily Ailments Di-
agnosed and Treated by One
Peculiar System.

From all indications the average spirit is as
uncertain as the weather and the medium who
claims TO be on intimate terms with a dweller
of the other world, whose responsibility may be
depended upon beyond question. is inGeed a
lucky mortal. AS a matter OF fact, aud for
business purposes, all spirit mediums claim to
be in good standing with their particular set On
the other shore, but If the average man is 10
judge from earthly indications, the spirit COM
munication industry is resting on a very uncer-
tain foundation. This fact was brought out
quite strongly yesterday when Justice OF the
Peace Gray was called upon to try the case Of
Robert Elms against the distinguishes trance
medium, slate-writer and spirit communication
Mrs DR.. A. d. Howe. Elms had tale of woe
10 relate, and incidentally his narrative brought
to light some OF the interior workings of the
popular mediumistc craft. He brought an ac-
lion 10 recover $3.50 due Tor services rendered
and money advanced, and before he had fairly
started In upon his story. il became evident to
The listeners that Mrs. DR.. A. d. Howe had
made gigantic mistake from a business point
of view, in not effecting a compromise.
Fins claims TO have been at one time a sol
der in Uncle Sans standing army, and as be
had known Mrs. Dr. Howe for a number Of
years, she suggested that he leave The service
OF his country ana accept position in her Of
fee as cores pOndent. He was willing. and as
The law allows soldier VINO has served for a
period or thirteen years TO buy discharge in
consideration OF the payment of Sl20. he made
arrangements TO bid a0ieu to the barracks and
messrOOm. His cash possessions consisted of
S45, hut Mrs. DR.. Howe advanced the neceS-
sary balance OF S75, and lie commenced his
duties as correspondent.
In this capacity be worked for period of
four months, al salary OF $50 per month, and
during this time he received pointers enough
n'the spirit trade TO warrant him in engaging
ID business on his own account From his
story ii appears that Mrs. DR.. Howe, in her al
refreshments, makes a specially OF treating
diseases of all kinds by mail. She diagnoses
the most difficult case through the aid OF
spirits. and Fins was selected o write the let
ters. 1t was an exceedingly light task, mas
much as he stated that every letter which left
The office of The medium was Identical Al
first he had copy furnished him, but the let
tiers, containing a gOcd-siZed consultory fee,
became so numerous that he soon had the an
sweTing formula committed to memory. The
sufferer from he effects of grape seed lodg-
ing in the vermiform appendix received an
answer Identical with the unfortunate whose
liver had shifted Its position. and Fins soon
made an envlable name for himself as CORE
SpOndeDt for spirit medium.
But be claims that he received only $50 for
four months WORK performed. and 10 addition TO
back salary dating from May l he is now
anxious 10 recover $50. which he claims to
have advanced TO his patroness in some real
estate scheme in which they were interested.
Mrs. DIR. Howe holds receipt for $50 in full
for all services rendered by Fins, but Justice
Gray io-day Will hear the other SIDE of the case
and judge OF its merits.