Spiritual Phenomenon, 1878

Spiritual Phenomenon

Chenango Union, February 14, 1878

 

Last Sunday evening, ladies and gentlemen, numbering some fifteen, congregated at the residence of L.H. Bishop, corner of Pleasant and Miller streets [Norwich, Chenango Co., NY], to witness a Spiritual Meeting and Séance.  The particulars presented to us are as follows:  All being in readiness, a circle was formed, and the exercises were opened by singing "The Sweet By and By."  Mr. Bishop then took his seat in the cabinet, when the manifestations began.  Hands were seen at the aperture, raps were heard and names given and recognized.  The medium then stepped forth and allowed himself to be tied in a chair, by those who were skeptical.  He was then carried back to the cabinet, when the manifestations were resumed.  Musical instruments were played upon, and hands made their appearance, eight at one time.  The hands were of different sizes, from a child's to an adult's; also some dark hands, purporting to be those of an Indian.  The cords which bound the medium were thrown among the spectators, and Mr. Bishop once more made his appearance.

 

As some present expressed a wish to investigate further, a sack was used for this last and seemingly satisfactory test  As the Committee were about to envelop the medium, a gentleman suggested that as he had procured a pair of handcuffs for the purpose, he be allowed to place them on the medium.  Mr. B. willingly complied; and thus doubly secured, with the sack firmly drawn and knotted at the back of the neck--witnessed by all--he was left to himself once more.  At the same moment a hand and arm made their appearance between the curtains, whilst two were distinctly visible at the aperture.  A guitar was played upon, and handed out; rings were thrown among the audience; drumming, raps, and other phenomena occurred, as before.  Upon examination the knots were pronounced undisturbed, the handcuffs found as placed.

 

There is certainly no chance for deception in the line of trap doors, accomplices, etc., as a thorough examination in that direction reveals nothing of the kind.  Mr. Bishop makes no pretensions, one way or another, but seems willing to submit to any reasonable test.