The San Francisco call. [volume] (San Francisco [Calif.]) 1895-1913, 1896-05-25

ization. On the stage in easy groups sat
the leading spiritualists of the State, the
National president, Harrison D. Barrett,
occupying the post OF honor. Among
others present were:
William R. Rider, president; W. T. Jones,
vice-pIesident; Mrs. Elizabeth Sloper, secre-
taryi b. F: Small, treasurer. Mrs. Mary Dry
nan, Peoples Spiritual Society; Mrs. D; n.
siTi,,,a doTES ic socletyi Il - Howes FiTst
dren's Lyceum; DR.. C. II. Rin-Es, Independent
Spiritual Society," George l. Drew, Progressive
Mediums Society; W. I. Jones, Mediums Pro-
tective Society; William H. Rider, Progressive
spirituslists Society; Mrs. N. c. Richardson,
Iyceum Aid Society; DR.. A. L. Farnum, DR.. T.
A. Hudson, Dr.. C. Grafton and Henry Steen of
Stockton; Mr.. and Mrs. George Roberts, Mrs.
Carrie ID. Stone, Mrs. II. A. Griffin, DR.. and
Mrs. Barker, Mrs. II. c. Miller and Mrs L. Fales
OF San Jose; J. S. Mcdonald, Mrs. Charles
Lewis OF Vallejo; Mrs. Judge Hall and NJ. Mar
shall. of Yacaville; Mrs. r. Cowel and Mrs.
Matte Vein OF Oakland.
The stage was beautifully decorated
with roses, violets, lilies and ferns, light
colored silk draperies making up the back
ground.
Every seat in the auditorium was taken
when President William n. Ryder raped
for order. The programme opened with a
selection, "The Barrett March" exouis-
itely rendered by Young's orchestra.
President Ryder in q few well chosen
words then declared the convention open,
after which Mrs. Julia Schlesinger deliv-
cred the address of welcome. She said:
In the history of all nations, pies and in
dividuals are recorded marked events which
had great influence upon and in large measure
shaped their ultimate destinies. Some OF these
at the time OF their occurrence were rega rded
unimportant and insignificant; but later
on, in the light of succeeding events, were re-
gsrded as pivotal points upon which had GEN.
tered mighty changes and upon which had de-
pended future successes or defeats When the
history gnirltnaliSm
been written this day Will be marked as one Of
great Importance in having shaped and
directed the future of the movement along the
most advanced lines known to the workers OF
the present generation.
The fullest ana deepest significance of this
convention can scarcely be comprehended at
first glance. 1t is not merely to extend greet
ing and give royal welcome TO q noted CO.
worker in our ranks that we are here assem-
bled. The principle underlying this demon
stration is deeper, grander and more far-reach-
ing than the mere expression OF the courtesies
braces our sympathy with and cooperation in
the work in which he is engaged, OF the cause
of which he is the able champ ion and OF which
he is, by virtue of his office and own intrinsic
merits, the highest representative in the land.
In doing honor to him We express our loyalty
to the great organization, the National Spirit
ualtsts' Association, OF which he Is the worthy
and respected president.
For nearly half a century spiritualism has
struggled against all forms of superstition and
Ignorance and endeavored to take its proper
place as the leader in all reforms, the teacher
of the highest morality, the evangel of light
ana Liberty, the bearer OF glad tidings to hu-
mainly of the life that is to come. 1t has met
with opposition and ridicule from the time the
first faint raps at Hydesville startled the
whole world and inaugurated an era OF re-
search and investigation concerning the laws
governing and controlling our relations to the
superphysical universe, the continuity of life
beyond the grave and the possibility of hold
ing intelligent comm unication win the un-
seen intelligences OF the spiritual world.
This opposl ZION has been alike bitter and un-
reasoning from pulpit and press. The former,
especially, has hurled its anathemas thu
whole movement and denounced its represent
atives, its mediums and teachers as being
common and unclean"-ht emissaries OF the
evil one, doing his work, destroying the very
foundations of the church and society with
their heresies and infidel teachings Its most
bitter foes have been those who should have
been its stanchest friends and received it most
gladly as giving to the world the evidence
t ta and professed to beiieyeEthe immoF.
tally OF the soul-a state OF conscious exist
ence after death.
Notwithstanding the foes without and fool
ish ones within the fold spiritualism has gone
steadily along presenting its facts, demon
stratiDg every proposition and principle ad-
yanced, gradually commanding the respectful
attention of many of the worlds greatest
thinkers and their scientific investigation and
Endorsement of its claims. 1t has grown with
the flight OF time into powerful and eifectual
force for the amelioration of the conditions OF
the people in all the departments OF life wher-
ever wrongs exist and injustice triumphs.
turned toward that land of peace and promise,
anxiously waiting for some sign from their be-
loved, it has brought the tender answer; wher-
ever hearts have been broken and crushed by
cruel wrongs it has brought loves oil and wine
and poured ont its healing, balm-giving
strength, comfort and consolation. To the
mentally enslaved BY old dogmas and super
stitions it has given light and freedom; to
those in doubt and Ignorance OF their immortal
birthright it has opened the windows OF
heaven, until its shining radiance has illu-
mined their darkness and dispelled all doubt.
Within the brief space of forty-eight years it
has extended, until to-day there is not State
In the Union or spot on the civilized globe
where its pure teachings have not been advo-
Gated and where its adherents may not be
found.
II has gained a foothoid in the islands of the
sea and its truths have been scattered broad
east unto the uttermost ends Of the earth, and
are published in many different languages and
accepted by people OF every nation, kindred,
tribe and tongue.
We have strong. wealthy, incorporated So
sieties, public halls, Libraries and ordained
ministers.
But with all our brilliant attachments there
mas been lacking that thorough and Eorderly