Evening star., 1896-10-23
ITS WORK ENDED
The Convention Of the National Spir-
itualists' Association Over.
LARGE SUBSCRIPTIONS FOR A TEMPLE
One Of $4,000 Was From a
Washington Man.
FICE RS ELE T E d

With the conclusion of the fourth annual
convention of the National Spiritualists'
Association at Masonic Temple late yester-
day afternoon, the delegates congratulated
one another over what they regarded as
the most successful annual gathering they
have ever had. In attendance the conven-
ton had been larger than formerly. the
trying ordeal of electing officers had been
passed over without injured feelings and
5000 had been subscribed by two dele
gates toward fund for building q spirit
ualist temple In this city. with the pro-
vision that 100000 Is raised for this pur-
pose.
The Afternoon Session.
When the convention assembled at 2
O'Clock, state delegations were requested to
name members Of the nominating commit
tee in order that names of members for
election to Offices might be put before the
convention. This being done. the commit
tee assembled in the banquet room and re-
n.ained In session a couple Of hours.
The committee to report on ordination
brought in a recommendation that state
societies should be authorized to ordain
mediums. though the national association
should exercise a supervision over the
character Of those ordained. The recon-
mendation was adopted as a part of the by
laws.
A lengthy discussion was entered into
over the necessity for extending the period
for holding the annual meeting beyond
three days. but the question was finally
delegated to the board of trustees for
such action as they may see fit to take
1t was argued that the business of the con-
vention was growing that IT could not
be transacted in three days, but others
claimed that the manner OF conducting
business could be facilitated so hat the
allowed a -ntrld la
ample.
The Place of Meeting
A delegate suggested that the association
consider the advisability of holding meet
ngs in cities other than Washington. His
attention was called to the fact that the
associations constitution names this city
the place of meeting and the considera-
tion Of the matter was laid over until the
next annual meeting.
While the delegates We're waiting for a
report from the committee on nominat tons
they discussed the necessity for promoting
the establishment of children's lyceums in
order to bring their children up in the
spiritual way they desired them to 60 Che
report Of the committee was rendered
shortly before o'clock. and IL was adopted
unanimously, and amid much enthusiasm.
All the old officers were reelected except
the treasurer Theodore ]. Mayer of this
city, and Milan c. Edison and B. b. Iill
trustees, all OF whom wished to retire from
the offices they had filled. two of whom
Messrs Mayer and Hill, later on showed
their increased interest in the cause of
spiritualism by subscribing $1,000 each
as part of a fund for the erection of a
spiritualfsts' temple. The officers and trus-
tees elected for the ensuing year are: Presi-
dent, Harrison ID. Barrett, Lily Dale n.
Y: vice president. Mrs. Cora L. V. Rich
nond, Chicago, H.: secretary, Francis B.
daniel of this city: trustees. l.. v. Moulton,
Grand Rapids, Mich; Geo. 8. Fuller, Wor-
cester. Mass: Mrs. Abbie L. Pettengill,
Cleveland. Ohio; Henry Steinberg of this
city, and Frederick Fickey, Baltimore.
subscriptions for "a Temple.
The desirability of temple for spiritual
lists in this city had been discussed at va
rious times during the convention, and
about an hour before adjournment Mr.
Theodore ]. Mayer of this city stirred up
the convention to a high pitch of enthu-
siasm by subscribing sl0OO toward the
temple fund. provided s1W.00O should he
raised for that purpose. The words were
barely uttered before B. B. Hill. a wealthy
Philadelphia, was on his feet to duplicat tie
Mr.. Mayors offer. and various smaller
amounts were pledged for the building
fund provided sl00O00 is raised but no
move will be made toward building the
temple until the entire amount is raised,
as the spiritualists are opposed to con-
tracing great debt
Before adjournment Mrs. NJ T. Cadwal-
iauer asked permission to make a personal
explanation. She had had charge of rails
ing fund for the defense of mediums and
various rumors had gained currency re-
garding the manner of accounting for the
money; Mrs: Cadwallader explained the
method she had adopted for accounting for
contributions. and il involved so perfect a
system Of checks that all appeared well
satisfied with her business methods, and
she Was loudly applauded.
The Evening Session.
The evening session was well attended,
every seat and standing room being taken
by the delegates and curious visitors The
exercises were literary and musical as
well as s3iritual.stc in nature Miss
Bertha Keyser opened the program with a
piano solo, and ID. ]. Co-bin of California
spoke OF the gradual extension of spiritual
ism. Mr.. Whitney rendered q violin solo,
and Mrs. I-oe F, Prior OF California and Dr.
George Fuller of Pennsylvania delivered
addresses en- spiritualism, Mrs. Prior in
dorsng woman's suffrage during her
speech Miss Maggie Gaule gave spiritual
tests. Mrs. Cora V. l.. Richmond and J. W.
Colrille recited a poem on Universal Co
operation" which was proposed by some
ONE in the audience. The poets assured the
audience that their efforts were i'm
promptu.
The delegates who remain In the city to-
day will make up parties to visit Mt. Eer-
non and Sold .ers' Home. and tonight a sp.r-
ttualistic concert will be given.
What Mr.. Mayer Says.
In speaking to a Star reporter today
about the effort OF spiritual:sss TO secure a
handsome temple In this city, Theodore ].
Mayer. who subscribed S1O.OW for that pur-
pose yesterday, said:
I'VE are to. have q temple. There is no
doubt about that because our people have
made UP their minds on that matter, and
Will work diligently TO succeed.
THE Metho,lists have established their
university. the Catholics have a great edu-
cational institution under way, and the
Baptists have Columbian University. The
spiritualists want a university or develop
ment school for mediums. and the temple
will be the start in that direction MANY
partly developed mediums start out to give
seances, thinking they know all about in.
Then, too, the public is dis yIsted with the
frauds who make living by practicinx
tricks on credulous people We want a de.
veiopment school where mediums can be
developed thoroughly. to the great ad-
vancement OF sp:ritualistic knowledge
among the people"
HELEN FORsLAND's QUEER CAREER.
She Had Been n Border Outlaw and
She Became Salvation Army Luss
From fha nailr No,