The sun. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1833-1916, 1898-01-09

It Is we'll known that Mrs. Browning during
the last years of her life was a believer in spirit
ualism, including the phenomena of table-rap-
ping. SC. The editor of these volumes does his
best to excuse the alteration. His somewhat
labored apology he begins by reminding us that
Mrs. Browning's temperament had In 1t a de-
cidedly mystical vein, which predisposed her to
put faith In any alleged communications between
our world and that OF the spirits. Hence. when
a number of persons professed to have had such
communications. she was not only ready to lis
ten to their claims, but was by temperament in
| clineG to accept them. Tho immense vogue
which spiritualism had during the fftics tended
to confirm her belief. 1t was easy to say and
natural to think that where there was 30 much
smoke there must DO some fire. 1t was also
characteristic that what she believed she be-
lieved strongly. and with a perfect conviction
that no other view could be right. just rs her
faith in Louis Napoleon survived the coup d'etat
and also the treacherous peace of vnlafranca.
30 her belief in communications with the spirit
world was proof against any exposure OF fraud
on the part Of the mediums. Not that she was
guilty Of the nbsurdities which marked many of
tho devotees of spiritualism. She had a great
horror of submitting herself to mesmeric infu.
ences. She recognized that very many of the
alleged communications of the spirits were
trivial. perhaps false; but to the belief that com-
munications did exist she adhered constantly.
II the subject deserves more than a passing
mention in connection with the life OF Mrs.
Browning. this is because it has been said, and
apparently with authority, that "the only
serious difference which ever arose be-
tween Mr.. Browning and his wife referred to
tho subject OF spiritualIsm." 1t is certain that
Mr.. Browning did not share his wifes belief in
spiritualism; a reference to "SlndEe, the
Medium" Is sufficient to establish his position
in the matter. According to tho editor of those
volumes, it is easy to mako too much of the sup
posed difference" 1t has. he assures us, left
no trace In such OF Mrs. Browning's letters as
are now extant; there is no sign In them that
the divergence of opinion produced the slightest
discord in the harmony OF their life. No doubt
Mr.. Browning felt strongly as to the character
of some Of the persons, whether mediums or
their dcvotees, with whom his wife was brought
into contact. and he may have relieved his feel
ings by strong expressions of his opinion con-
corning them. but the editor repeats that there
is no reason TO lay stress on this as indicating
any grave dissension between him and his wife.
In a letter dated Feb. %. 1855. We find an in
t~erosting reference to Florence Nightingale and
her philanthropic experiences In the Crimea.
After protesting that she honors Miss Nightin-
gale from he7 heart. Mrs. Browning goes on to
tell her correspondent, Mrs. Jameson. that:
AT the same time I confess myself 10 be at a
loss to soc any new position for the sex or the
most imperfect solution OF tho 'woman's auos.
ton In this stop of hers. II a movement at all. It
Is retrograde. q revival of old virtues. Since tho
siege of Troy, and earlier. we have had princesses
binding wounds with their hands: 1t Is strictly
the woman's part. and men understand 1t so. as
you will perceive by tho general adhesion and
appreciation on this late occasion OF tho mascu-
limo diRnities. Every man is on his knees before
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