New-York tribune., 1901-05-05

Palms taken IN the census circular which has
been prepared for this purpose distinguish care
fully between belief in and q desire for i'm
mortality. Unless one has considered the point he
may think there is difference. But little
fection viii show that a man may eagerly desire
mntHUance Of existence after death while disbe-
Aeying that such a fate is possible. and the
aher hand, that one might be convinced that his
lie would continue beyond the grave and yet not
be pleased al the prospect. What the Society for
Fyehical Research wishes TO ascertain is how
general is the desire.
Dr. Richard Hodgs0n, secretary Of the American
branch CNo Boylston Place. Boston) has issued
q circular the subject. He remarks that there
is a widespread literary tradition that men natu-
rally desire future life" But both the ordinary
conduct Of men and the sporadic utterances OF
individuals excite a doubt on this point Indeed.
IN India ii is TO wish for absorption IN
TIE Absolute and the sacrifice OF individuality,
which fact creates even more uncertainty Hence
ihe STABILITY OF eliciting definite expression OF
sentiment from considerable number Of intell-
gent people.
The society has about one thousand members in
the United Kingdom. and nearly half as many
more this side Of the Atlantic II the majority
Of these persons would reply 10 DR.. Hodgsons
eatechsm a fair beginning would be made. But II
the members We're TO become canvassers. and dis
tribute the societys circular freely. il might be
possible TO get returns by the thousand. These.
says the American secretary would be instructive
70 both psychologists and religious teachers The
Information thus derived would enable the former
% outline human instinct with greater precision,
and aid the latter in adapting their exhortations TO
mans cravings
Although no effort is being made 10 ascertain the
Prevalence Of mere belief in distinguished from
desire for future life, the Trainer Of the circular
here mentioned recognizes the fact that some peo-
PIE accept the doctrine of Immortality readily as
natter OF faith, whereas others would Ike TO sup
psmsnt their faith with scientific demonstration
fsuch a thing were feasible That inclination has
ersTn a good many people scientific and un-
taentihe. 10 consult so-caled mediums. or, II
iAey could not get access to a medium in whom
hey had confidence. at least they were much in
isrested IN the published stories Of such expert
noes as Professor Ryslop has with Mrs Piper
L is said % the late r. W. II. Myers one OF the
apostles Of The Society for Psychical Research. that
MS chief quest was for scientific evidence OF
tiure life. These circumstances have LED 10 the
Introduction 81 question into the circular Just
Issued designed 10 ascertain whether the person
Who answers is willing TO take immortality on
taih alone would ike different kind OF eVi-
eence. The questions as follows;
FEst-Would you prefer TO live after death or
second-If yes do you desire a future life what
of future life what would its characte1 nave 20
- q make the prospect seem toeiaie i i, ,-o,,r
~ e content with life more or less tA a. Y5f
.fesent one Can you say what elements IN Hie
.snyl call for its perpetuityE -. -,
Ihrc-Can you state why you ieel IN tnis way
fourth-Do YOU now feel the question OF a future
torts
fifth-Have your feelings on question J. ana :
1naergone change? If so. when and In what ways !.
sixfh-Ivouid Tou IKE 10 know for certain about
u fEture ufe or wouid you prefer 10 leave IL a
~s'ier or faith2
he assurance is given by Dr. Hoogsoh thal an
a~aAes VIII be regarded as strictly eoihoeii'iai- al
nc advises collectors TO note negative as We 49, ~
suimatye answers. and adds that even fei e. U.s. Isl
y reply Is indication Of feeling winch IL = 'A
s'slant 10 record