New-York tribune. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1866-1924, 1921-08-21

LANCTNG over the morning mail in
the breakfast room last Wednesday
Y we discovered most unusual COM
uluncaton. 1t was written on pale
white stationary. The postmark was Pat
chogue.
"Dear Madam" thus it ran, 'can You throw
some light on a matter which has a vital
hearing on our social position in this
~,xrity? One mrst be psychic to be really
sr,art these days. So I would like some in
formation on the proper method of address
mo Ghosts. Every third Thursday / am at
home to a few expert table-tippers Phillips
Brooks. William James and others have al
readv given us afternoons But there are
number Of points on which l need guidance.
"For instance, what is the correct method
~ salutation for disembodied spirits? Should
the hostess stand while receiving her guests?
r. the visitors from the other world appear
in uegigee, should the hostess full dress?
Should masculine spirits be invited to in
formal afternoon affairs? What is the really
correct thing to say when ghosts are leav-
ing?
"Is It good form to count the raps out
one sitting without crowding? Which is more
stylish-direct or indirect lighting?
"If ghost leaves unexpectedly in high
dudgeon how can it be brought back?
Should the most illustrious shades be en-
tertained deux or ensemble?
s'Your opinion is anxiously awaited"
It is only natural that we should feel some
reticence about assuming this role of Beatrice
Fairfax TO the ghost fans. But as our CORE
spondert says, some light should be thrown
on the subject at once. Correct social usage
in relation to the spirit world is the question
Of the hour And although it is rumored that
an encyclopedia of ghostly etiquette, contain
ing complete course of instruction in good
form, style and department, is even now on
its way to the printer, have not heard
the date Of publication.
Unfortunately, we are unable at this time
to give the lady in Patchogue authentic views
Of our greatest living psychic researchers on
the subject An unreasonable prejudice to-
ward the light-headed press seems to prevail
in certain quarters. After some weeks of
dgent research we are however, able to
quote precedents from the weightiest classics
Of psychic literature.
The following random hints and don'ts are
therefore presented as reliable:
Always speak to a ghost when it calls.
Never permit it to stand willy-nilly on the
doorsl for any length of time. This little
courtesy is only its due. The Oldest traditions
of the spirit world demand it.
Make your salutation perfectly natural
Otherwise your visitor may feel gauche and
i'll at ease. Act if you had an appoint
ment and the ghost had kept it to the minute
Say careessly and sort of oFhand: Hello
old man. What can do for your" Or, if the
spectre is lady: $50 sweet of you, dear, te
come" This will start things off pleasantly
and open the way for condolences. You will
soon find out what the call is all about any
way.
Our favorite authority psychic matters
Hereward Darlington, writes in True Ghos
Stories:
Some of them (ghosts) prove helpful
others seem to wish to right wrong; som
even seem to have sense Of humor! So Their
are all sorts of ghosts, just there are a
sorts Of people, and the variety is as grea
in one case as another"
You see how it is. Some ghosts we fea
will remain mysterious to the end, like Coons
House After only a few minutes converse
ton with others you are ready to burst OF
with:
Why I feel as if I had known you always
That's the way it goes.
If you begin correctly the ghost will folio
your lead, usually, and make its wishes know
Particularly is this true when 1t is of tt
fearful or helpful variety. If the message
Of Importance, you must conduct yourself a
cordingly and listen with an absorbed expire
SION
Purely helpful ghosts are often as harnlle
as the worthy ladies who urge you to wear
cam7hor ball right through the winter as
preventive for colds, or to make yourse
unpopular with your favorite beau by advisil
him to give up smoking. Treat them with t.
same gentle forbearance. When converter
change the subject.
By all means retain your mental al