'Twixt two worlds : a narrative of the life and work of William Eglinton

Soutli African Experiences. 49
Cape Times, an ex-reverend, and a Mr. Geary, the editor of a satirical paper—the Lantern—
to whom Dr. Hutchinson, honestly courting investigation, had extended an invitation to a series
of seances. They repaid this courtesy by violating all the usages of civilised society, and the
conditions which they had pledged themselves to observe. One of them attempted to simulate
the phenomena, and, when detected, created a disturbance, in the course of which he accused the
other members of the circle of imposture. Garbled accounts of the affair were subsequently
published in the columns of their respective journals, but the Cape Argus, coming to the defence
of Dr. Hutchinson and Mr. Eglinton, thoroughly exposed the discreditable conduct of these men,
and further proved the enormity of their offence by showing that on the occasion in question,
they were not in a fit state to associate with gentlemen.
The year 1879 opened very darkly indeed for Spiritualist workers. The state of public
opinion against Spiritualism at this time determined Mr. Eglinton, if possible, to abstain from
mediumship as a means of living. His projected tour round the world was therefore abandoned,
and finding it impossible to remain any longer in South Africa, with any interest to
himself, he returned to England in May, 1879.