Experimental investigation of the spirit manifestations, [electronic ...

84'CORROBORATIVEEVIDENCE, ETC.lies. While reason remains I shall never forget it; and it was given withmany encouraging words, to pursue my course in the measures in which Iam engaged; to endeavour to introduce the millennium, but also statingthe obstacles I should meet, and the great difficulties which were to beovercome.395. Much '^ more occurred, very interesting; but the post time expires,and I wish you to have this communication by this mail.^' Yours sincerely, Robert Owen."39G. I subjoin the following narrative of Mr. Rufus Elmer, of Springfield,Massachusetts, concerning manifestations through Mr. Hume, ascorroborating those described by Mr. Owen. Thus, on both sides of theAtlantic, we have evidence of analogous striking results by the samemedium :3Ir. Hume at Springfield.397. ^' Rufus Elmer, Esq., of Springfield, informs us that Mr. Humespent the nights of March 17th and 18th at his house. On the eveningof the 17th, thirteen persons were present, when a series of most extraordinarydemonstrations took place. First, two large tables standing together,around which the company were sitting, were lifted from the floor,while all hands were resting upon their tops. Then an accordeon, heldunder the table in one of Mr. Hume's hands, (the other being on thetable,) with the keys downward, was played in strong tones, three partsbeing maintained, and any tune performed that was called for—even foreignmusic. The instrument was also played upon while held in the samemanner by each person present,—all hands except the one holding theaccordeon being upon the tables in sight. (These manifestations were allmade in a room well lighted by gas.) A bell, weighing over a pound,was passed about under the tables, put in the hands of each person, takenaway again, passed rapidly from one end of the tables to the other, a distanceof eight feet, knocking loudly on the under side as it went ; and,finally, the tables having been -separated a few inches, and a cloth spreadover the aperture, the bell was held up under the cloth, while the companywere allowed to feel the hand which held it. Next, the bell wasslid out on to one of the tables from beneath the covering, and the handwhich grasped it was exposed to the view of all the company— the handsof each being at the same time in full view. To gratify one who sat atso great a distance as not to have a clear view, it was communicated that ifall others would for a moment avert their eyes, so as not to concentrate theirmagnetism so powerfully upon the object, it could be more plainly manifestedto this one alone. Acting upon this hint, each person was allowedto look singly at the hand— to the full satisfaction of all. One of thosepresent, mentally requested, unknown to all others, that the hand of her