Los Angeles herald., 1906-05-07
TRUMPET ROW
ENDS SEANCE
MAN IN AUDIENCE MAKES DE-
MAND ON WOMAN
Howell Hall SplrItuallstlc Meeting
Abruptly Closed After Wordy Ex-
change Between Mrs. Roberts
and Mr.. Hale

A spiritualistic seance held at How
ellis hall on South Main street last
night by Mrs. Florence K. White, as
sisted by Mrs. Roberts, late of St.
Louis, ended with some abruptness
when an unfriendly influence was in
terposed by Robert T. Hale.
There had been rapping on all sides
and messages from friends. Written
questions were answered with salts
faction to all parties concerned, If
yelled and platitudinous responses can
satisfy. This part of the program was
under the auspices of Mrs. White and
when she had finished her demonstra-
tion she introduced Mrs. Roberts and
trumpet that was magical beyond
belief.
One, believing firmly and wishing to
communicate with those long dead,
could place the mystic trumpet to his
ear and hear, it was announced. The
trumpet was a semi-telephonic instru-
ment, because one had to say hello"
to start it, but when once started i
went on apparently without an end.
1t was of plain and humble tin, an
instrument of wonderful simplicity con-
sidering the results achieved. 1t tel
escoped much as a telescope pewter
cup folds up, and 1t was plainly to be
seen that no machinery, voice produc-
one end to the other and those skeptical
might look through it with perfect
freedom.
From Tubes Depths
All elements seemed to be harmon
ious, for several went UP and talked.
Just what responses came from the
depths of the tin tube no one beside
the person talking can say, unless it
be Mrs. Roberts, who held it before
her. gently as a babe. One man went
up and held a conversation with some
departed lady friend" He seemed to
be surprised to get a call, and then
when he had finished assured all those
who cared to hear that he was utterly
a stranger in Los Angeles, was known
by none and didn't know a soul.
The trumpet seemed encouraged by
the greatness of this praise and called
a young lady down from the extreme
rear of the hail. The damsel went
down front and had her talk and said
with great sincerity that she had been
amply satisfied, which statement was
greeted with applause.
Mr.. Hale lnterposes
And then arose Robert T. Hale and
asked If he might have the floor. The
privilege was granted him and he de-
clared that while he was a spiritualist
that he was opposed to fakes, not that
he sought to raise any invidious COM
PARSONS, but merely sought the truth.
The manner in which Mrs. Roberts
held the trumpet when those seeking
for a message from the dead were
questioning it, did not meet with his
approval. The large end of it was too
near her lips and gave her too much
opportunity for ventriloquism, should
she care to avail herself of it,
There was an exhibition of surprised
indignation upon Mrs. Roberts part.
She had no thought of anything of that
kind, but Mr.. Hale waxed warm and
made an offer of one hundred dollars
in coin of the realm If she would hold
the trumpet back of her and let him
hear but one small, tiny whisper from
the dead.
Mrs. Roberts was indignant and made
plain the fact by stating it.
Then Mr.. Hale made a speech.
Some auditors were in his favor and
some against and while the argument
waxed back and forth. the meeting ter
and the white winged dove of
peace came down, as Mrs. White de-
clared the meeting at an end and every
body went out.