The Providence news. (Providence [R.I.]) 1891-1906, 1898-02-19

are numbered by hundreds of thou
sands.
One of the earliest converts to spirit
ualism was a distinguished member OF
the New York bar, Judge Edmonds.
Weekly seances were inaugurated at
his hospitable home. which was pre-
sided over by his beautiful and charm
ing daughter, Laura Edmonds. now
Mrs. Gilmore. Judge Edmonds resi-
dence was the rendezvous for all those
who wished to inquire into the truths
of the new revelation. Among the ha-
btues were Edwin Booth, Joseph
Jefferson, Mrs. Kellogg, the mother of
Clara Louise Kellogg; Frank Carpen-
ter. the artist; Mcdonald. the sculptor;
the sweet poets, Alice and Phoebe Cary,
and many others famed in literature
and art. Judge Edmonds wrote a re-
markable work on spiritualistio phe-
nomena and commenced an abstruse
law treatise which was interrupted by
death. 1t is asserted that his daughter
was enabled to complete it through
communications received from her ia
ther in the spirit world
Edwin Booth with his impressionable
nature, became thoroughly imbued with
the doctrine and. it is said. received
frequent messages from his dead father
and wife. This belief was quite in
keeping with the melancholy tempera-
ment OF Americas greatest actor. He
was also a frequent visitor at Charley
Fosters, the well known medium.
Joseph jefferson. after a thorough in
vestigation became an advocate OF spir-
itualism. He is a fine amateur artist,
and, his friends say, never took les
son. IL Is said that he believes that his
genius is an inspiration derived from
dead and gone masters in the spirit land.
His daughter. who was i'll for some time.
was cured through the intervention OF
Charley Foster.
President and Mrs. Cleveland. who
are close friends OF the Jeffersons, have.
IL is whispered, become convinced of
the truths Of spiritualsm. However.
this is tabooed subject except in the
intimacy OF the two families and a Sc
cret carefully guarded from the public.
Clara Louise Kellogg was reared in
an atmosphere Of mysticism and saw
nothing strange In the assertion that
she was guided by unseen influences.
Mrs. Kellogg believed that friendly spr-
its fostered the musical intelligence of
her gifted daughter and we're intimate
factors in her success. Clara Louise
was never oNerfond or study, and was
often soundly berated by her music
teacher. an excitable Frenchman. Mrs.
Kellogg would often poke her head
through the doorway and say: Never
mind. professor: go away and let Clara
Louise alone. She hasn't a bit of sense
today. The spirits will come to her by
and by and explain her lessons. Come
back tomorrow and she'll be all right"
The irate professor, who hadn't the faith
OF the good lady, would pick up his hat.
slam the door and leave the embryo
prima donna TO herself and her spirit
guides. When he returned for the next
lesson. his pupil would sing like bird.
Whether Clara Louise became repent
ant and diligently applied herself to her
task or whether she was really instruct
ed by disemboded spirits il would be
difficult 60 say. The professor shook his
head significantly when questioned
about the matter.
Frank Carpenter the artist, was the
friend Of Abraham Lincoln and spent
months at the White House while
painting his portrait. His book. six
Months In the White House." has gone
through many editions. Mr.. Carpenter
ia an earnest devotee OF spiritualism.
lie received the commission TO paint
the great picture OF the Alabama arbi-
sration through a medium who was in