The sun. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1833-1916, 1902-10-29
The survival OF Spiritualism.

The Spiritualists have been dropping
ont of notice during recent wears. Chris
tan Science and tho New Thought :"
have come in to take the first place among
eccentric religious novelties; but judg-
ing from the interest the Spiritualsts
displayed at the annual convention of
their national association held at Boston
last week, there is at least remnant %
them az full "a ever of hope and en-
thusiasm.
This national association was incor-
porated in 1893 and it lays claim to
having go local and subsidiary associa-
tons included in il. they being scattered
through this country and Canada, and
containing a bona tide membership of
5000" besides whom its president as
serts that there are million and a
half of people Interested in Spiritual
ISM" Reports discussed at the Boston
convention. however. seemed to nd-
cate that about one hundred societies
are in a state Of inanition, and accord
ingly, the most important of the debates
was on methods of strengthening the
organization To prevent its falling to
pieces.
The custom of the SpiritualsiS has
always been TO rely on local, volunteer
or circuit speakers, instead of settled
pastors, but the necessity of encourar-
ing the yearly engagement of competent
and approved lecturers and teachers was
urged as now absolute. Some central
lied system Of ordination was advocated.
on the ground that the present method,
under which each society is empowered
To orduin its own minister, is not
working well, in some instances, al least
For example, the president referred TO
one small society that had ordained
2S3 ministers in single wear. and
other instances where bogus or I'M
worthy persons had secured ordination,
and even where numerous ordinations at
so much a head had been made, were
cited by several speakers. The neces-
sity of having properly authenticate ted
ministry to perform valid marriages
was pointed out; and at the closing ses-
sion of the convention the president was
authorized TO appoint committee to
compile ritual forms for marriage, burial
and other ceremonials.
1t will be seen, therefore, that the
tendency of the Spiritualists, like that
of religious sects generally, is toward n
churchly organization, and at this con-
vention there were signs that, as usual
high church and low church par
, Gipnr thni,
that the old voluntary, please
way is bound to pass out Of vogue.
Another matter that engaged much
attention was the right of testators to
leave money TO Spiritualistic bodies. As
a rule the practice of the courts, the
repor, Of the president explained, is
rather hostile" Ii seems that several
suits are now pending in the courts
where such requests are in question.
two of the most important being at
Philadelphia and in California, res pee
lively The first is the McElroy will
case, involving a bequest of $1,000 to
a Spirtualist organization to build a
temple and found home for mediums.
II was brought up in the convention
by Mrs. NJ. F.. CADwALADER of that
town. The will was contested by rela-
tives and the case is now, on appeal,
before the Supreme Court Of Pennsyl-
vania. II was decided by the conven-
ton to make determined fight in this
case and all others. since the whole
question of the legality of Spiritualism
is involved" Among the resolutions
adopted was one, that we will, to the
full extent of our power, protect in the
courts and elsewhere all genuine me-
diums.'
Other resolutions were in favor of the
abolition of capital punishment, COM
pulSory vaccination and arbitrary SUM-
day laws, and expressive of uncompro-
missing opposition to war. II was also
resolved that, as the cause of reform
demands tho effectual work of women
and as women cannot work efYcctually
without the franchise, suffrage should be
granted to all on equal terms" Finally,
very considerable contributions of money
10 the Spirituaistic cause were made
and throughout the proceedings there
was much enthusiasm. All the same,