The sun. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1833-1916, 1914-01-04

tenor. In recent interview. Most
persons deny the possession of the trait.
but those who deny 1t are often most
easily swayed by these inexplicablc in
fiuences."
Mr.. Martin in his travels through
many foreign countries and America as
well has been interested in investigat..
ing folk lore, legends and old super
stitions. He asserts that while Amer.
leans because of their materialistic TURF
OF mind have the least superstition OF
any race. they Individually possess
this quality in no small degree.
Many persons refute the charge that
they recognize omens or are influenced
In any way by them adds the opera
star, "and in so doing intend to speak
the truth. But by the very knowledge
of the familiar subjects of superstition
they unconsciously permit themselves to
be guided AT times when decision upon
a course Of action hangs in the balance.
l have never met an operator concert
singer or actor who has not been s,,per-
stitious in one way or another Most
OF them frankly admit their suscepti-
bility to the influence. Many frank talks
with individuals of various professions
convince me that no one is entirely i'm
pervious to these mute symbols BE-
lief In the supernatural. reliance upon
intuition and ignorance of esot, rio
causes in general, combine to place hu-
man kind within the pale of supers,i-
ton. Ii would he unnatural otherwise
superstition has its root in ignorance
To he sure. but who is not Ignorant
Who is prepared to say that he can
truce every thought and happening back
to its remotest cause? We have seen
convincing demonstrations Of thought
transference. spiritual phenomena and
prophetic power of which the ordinary
man knows little or nothing who is
without more or less respect for such
hidden influences?
me majority Of Americans will not
admit their superstition. Those things
which are most commonly REGARDED NJ
Significant of some future happening
are pleasantly derided In the closed
book of ones daily life. however. there
~ many an idol and symbol some small
happening of personal significance that
carries it's spell for good or ill.,
Persons who read much exciting fic-
tlon card players, entertainers. sailors.
soldiers. aNiators and brokers are among
the moro supersttious classes. Those
in whose lives chance is repeatedly play-
ing its part are especially likely to be
guided by intuitions that are traccable
To superstition Of IA pronounced sort.
Il am not defending this trait. which
is obviously weakness in its antago-
nism to sound reason but merely as
serting that II" one j. immune from its
domination That which truly guides
many must be recognized in one way or
another 10y all, and where recognition
exists. influence. Ice it even SO meagre.
is eNerted. Suppose | tell IA friend that
have not had fever for three years.
Ten to one he VIII reply Better knock
wood Whether follow this half
serious suggestion or not in my
thoughts has been placed a superstition.
'Pshaw'' say. and speedily forget the
| whole matter. but the little weigh, Of
the friends suggestion fast creeps upo.,
the brain and is subject to reCollect ION
The next time | speak uf my good for
tune in any particular. III. suggestion
knock wood arises with probably added
force. To be sure | may ridicule but
the very fact that the thought of UNI
pleasant consequence has arisen is
sufficient To develop the quality of
superstition in which unfortunately
many persons take morbid satisfaction.
I'm my own case. while the dread Of
easily affected minds has always amused
rather than appalled, me, | am obliged
To confess a feeling of respect for GER
tain obscure phenomena and sublatent
influences. Most of the ma or successes
of my artistic career have been marked
by the number =. 1t has occurred So
persistently that no one in my place
could fail To be impressed The number
10, undoubtedly the cause of much fool
ish fear has nevertheless been an I'M
fortunate omen IN my case. Naturally
when the former figure comes hcfor.
me ! feel easier than confronted by the
latter While . seems to give me strength
and courage l3 engenders IA little APP
prehension. enough to interfere with
proper concentration.
| THE same observance and obedience
Of omens that once moved men and ma
tons and controlled the early destiny
of the world, that which made warriors
90 to battle. IA hero to take his own life
or IA father Ia offer up his own son "A
victim still maintains in diminished
force. 1t stands directly in the path OF
Accomplishment and ruins hundreds Of
thousands of lives. 1t will take CEN
turtles to eliminate this evil factor; not
until the mind through evolution has
arisen To a higher plane of understand
ing and the knowledge and instructive
| "a la ,f on. sh