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vol. title: Vol Four of The Theosophical Society of The Arya Samaj of Arya-wart vol. period: Sept 1878 – Sept 1879 pages in vol.: 350 |
< Modern Spiritualism (continued from page 8-171) >
medium. They remarked pieces of wood and coal which descended from the ceiling, and one day, a book which was placed upon a slate held under the edge of the table, was taken mysteriously from its position, and about five minutes after descended through the air in an oblique line.
The most striking case was that of a little round table, which being placed a little distance away from that at which Slade and Zöllner sate, moved itself gradually to their side and lowered itself obliquely to the floor at their feet. It then, suddenly disappeared; and some minutes later they saw it descending from the ceiling on to the table at which they were sitting. For further details of this remarkable phenomenon we refer our readers to the Wiss. Abh., Vol. III. p. 917.
The Professor then gives an account of other equally astounding scientific phenomena, which we reserve for a future issue.
A Medley
We live in curious times. We are surrounded by curious people. We breathe a strange atmosphere. We observe strange characters. We encounter strange notions. We worship strange gods. We witness wonderful phenomena. We act out-of-way parts. We talk incomprehensible philosophy. Undefinable motives enkindle indefinite quarrels. Nations mysteriously appear and disappear. Love and friendship have become obsolete terms. Human phraseology is undergoing sad modifications. The phrase—‘safe as a bank’—is the most unsafe to utter.
In England a Jew has turned Christian. The Thames is replaced by the Jordan. Monarchy succumbs to Imperialism, while Emperor William and Bismark wave their hats, and the Czar applauds with a loud huzza. The Government has become imperial. The subjects have become democratic. The ‘jingo’ has had its day; but it has failed to make a stand before the merciless ‘silver axe’. Carlyle forgets his philosophy, Bright his India, Gladstone his temper, Salisbury his honesty, Fawcett his figures, Tennyson his muse, George Elliot her romance, the Times its independence, the Pall Mall its meekness, the Spectator its sight, the Truth its truth, the World its men, the Punch its spirits, the Fun its frolic, and to mend all or mar all Disraeli forgets and yet remembers his extraction. Tyndall and Huxley are divorced from science, and wedded to crotchets. Newman abjures popery in silence. Freeman sides with slavery. Lord Chelmsford has received a letter of thanks from the Queen, for what amounts to the same, for the gallant slaughter of his troops, and will receive an ovation on his landing on his father’s shores.
In Europe Germany is undermined by the Socialists, and the Socialists are undermined by the Bismarkists. Emperor William is young in his old age, but is afraid of the assassin’s knife. Italy begins to tie on the protestant girdle, and the Pope is expected every day to summon Peter from the Hades to his rescue. France has become republican without bloodshed and Mac Mahon has resigned in sheer disgust at the indifference of the Gauls. Spain is rid of its bravoes, Portugal of its banditti, Greece of its Turks, and Turkey of its Cyprus. In Russia the Czar is afraid of the Russians, the Russians of the plague, and the Jews of the Russians. Politics can no longer amuse. Music is gone out of fashion, picture-galleries are closed, Italian Opera despairs of Europe and travels to Asia, and Europe is enveloped in impenetrable fog.
Asia has now become the cynozure of the eyes of the whole world; for Shere Ali has committed suicide, and Lord Lytton a foolish blunder. The English are taking a long time to reach Cabul; though Kauffman is inferior in generalship to Roberts and Brown. Roberts is above criticism, but does not particularly care to be criticized by the ‘Special’ of the Standard. Keshub Chunder Sen has become a prophet and will soon meet Jesus in the skies. It is whispered in heaven that he will have a lift back to our earth when Mahomet returns on his ‘Al Borak’, the wonderful Arab steed. Lord Lytton makes felicitious after-dinner speeches, which are preserved by means of Edison’s phonograph for the admiration of succeeding generations. Owen Meredith can write good verses and exemplary sermons, but forgets them invariably in the presence of the East India Association. Sir Richard Temple is less known as an administrator than as a rider. Baron Manchaussan must look to his laurels. Professor Wordsworth must know the worth of his words, for of late he has been very sparing of them. Sir Cowasji Jehangir has bequeathed his generosity to Mr. Byramjee Jeejeebhoy. The Parsees are becoming very pious and erecting Towers of Silence. The Mahomedans are learning to be loyal. The Hindoos are returning to the Vedas. The License Tax may take any license so long as it brings in money to the treasury at Calcutta; and the Gagging Act will immortalize the memory of Lord Lytton.
Editor's notes