The San Francisco call., 1899-04-18
|LOSOPHY OF
LIFE DISCUSSED
Universal Brotherhood'S
Work and Aims.
MANS DUTY TOWARD MAN
HELPING HAND TO BRIGHTEN
HUMAN EXISTENCE.
Views Expressed by Noted Theoso-
phists Before Vast Gathering
in the Point Iona
Amphitheater.
BY MRS. III. ii. SOMERS.
Special pigpetch to The Call.

SAN DIEGO, April 17-Fully 1000 peo-
pie gathered in the amphitheater on the
site of the School for the Revival Of te
Lost Mysteries of Antiquity on Point
Iona on Sunday afternoon to hear adj
dresses by representatives present from
all over the world on The Philosophy OF
Life" The presence of this large audi
ence, considering the rather inconvenient
means OF reaching Point Iona from San
Diego, indicated a strong interest among
the people of San Diego and vicinity in
the work and ideas of the Universal
Brotherhood.
AS soon as the meeting was formally
declared open by the permanent chair
man of the congress, Mr.. E. Aug. Ner-
sheimer, chairman of the Universal
Brotherhood, read a list of appointees to
the international council, which was soon
to extend throughout the globe, embrac-
ing all of the principal nations and many
minor countries. The names of the mem
bers Of the national council were then
read. This body is composed of represen-
tative Americans in all parts of the
Union.
+. NJ. Pierce, secretary general Of the
universal brotherhood read many greet
ings to the congress by letter, telegram
the previous session. These come from
lodges in Sweden, Holland, Germany
England, New Zealand, Canada, India
and other countries and from cities in
many States.
The orchestra rendered a splendid mu-
sical selection, after which The Philoso-
ply of Life" was taken up by number
Of speakers. The scope Of the subject ad-
mitted of discussion from many points of
view. 1t was accordingly treated, but at
the same time broad unanimity be-
tween the speakers was apparent. The
basic idea of all was the necessity of rec
ogniZing brotherhood as a fundamental
fact OF human existence, and the making
of 1t the rule of action in the life of man.
kind. All the great philosophers were
declared to have been raised UP on this
foundation, different systems of thought
having been evolved in all ages and peo-
pies as were appropriate to the needs
of the races and the time
Several speakers maintained the advisa-
bility of giving less attention to systems
of philosophy and depending more upon
sound common-sense, regarding such as
school of philosophy. Differences of Opln-
ion were regarded as unimportant and as
the natural outcome of different cOndi-
tions and development of mind, but in
essential wisdom OF making 1t the guid-
ing rule were insisted upon.
Mrs. Tingley said in substance that the great
need of lie now was to recognize and realize
conceptions. The weakness into which man had
drifted left him without the courage and
strength to battle with the force Of adverse
and aspirations. He felt that he had not the
time to work except on the prevailing lines, and
these led TO pain, suffering and helpessness.
She spoke of the people of Cuba, of their pow
erlessness unaided and alone 10 avail them
selves of the opportunity and the new life open
ing TO them; what this could be brought to
with some compassionate aid given with the
touch of common human kindness. She re-
ferred to all this as but the fuller expression
of what was prevailing IN less accentuated form
everywhere. When humanity through the en-
couragement of brotherly help and sympathy
and the higher education and deeper under
standing such would bring to pass, came to
know and fll the soul, then would men and
women arise with the power to lead human life
into its rightful heritage. This was the aim
and purpose of the Universal Brotherhood, and
already its work was producing results and was
witnessed by the rate at which the organization
growing by the presence of that large
assemblage, containing so many who in devo-
tion and love to this cause and to promote it
had come from the furthermost parts OF the
globe.
The Wagner recital was given Sunday night
by Mrs. Alice Leighton Cleather and Basil
Crump of London. a noted member of the Lon
Brotherhood The amphitheater was filled tc
overfowing. Splendid stereopticon views were
used to bring out and accentuate the vital
teachings of the great philosopher and the es-
sental characters of his most important
dramas Mrs. Cleather and Mr.. Crump when
speaking were practically in the dark, this
being necessary in the use of the stereopticon.
there being just enough light to give a glimpse
of Greek life depicted on the scenery behind,
great play, "Eumenides,' to come little later.
The darkness added to the impresstveness of
the occasion and aided the understanding to-
ward better grasping the real meaning Of the
Interpretation given by the lecturers.
Mrs. Cleather and Mr.. Crump alternately
spoke in the interval retiring behind the dimly
visible palms. whence the imposing soul-stir-
ring music rendered by them came as an in
spring power to the audience. No one present
could have failed to recognize somewhat of the
grand function Of the drama and Music in
union viii perform for the individual and for
the state when ii is rightly understood and
utilized and to see that such was the hope and
aim to which Wagner devoted the genius and
best energies Of his life.
Every preparation has been made for the first
presentation of "Eumenides," to occur on
Monday evening. To its production the Wagner
recital forms a fitting prelude. 1t will demon
strate in fuller measure than the Wagner re-
cital the truth of the ideal and profound con-
ceptions to which Wagner labored to give
birth.
A special congressional session of Universal
Brotherhood will convene Immediately after the
regular one now proceeding will have expired
by limitation. The special session will extend
through three days to Sunday, April 2S. 1t is
called because many matters of Importance
have not been reached and additional ones have
arisen which need prompt attention and con-
sideration More time for this is required than
Is left at the disposal of the regular session.
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