Cortland County Express, Thursday, May 30, 1850.
PAGE TWO—EDITORIALS.
The "Rappings" in Scott.
A friend called on us, the other day, and invited us to accompany him to Scott, to hear the noises, which had occasioned such commotion in the region round about; and which had of late been so speciously represented in the Tribune. As we could have good company, and be subject to no expense, we readily consented to enjoy the ride, and should they be in rapping mood, witness the manifestations of the spirits. After an agreeable ride of ten or twelve miles, having descended a hill, we found ourselves opposite a farm-house, whose position and appearance, answering the description previously given us, indicated the locality of the ghosts. Now, it may be thought strange that we could approach such a spot, on such an errand, without levity— without betraying in our countenances ungovernable mirthfulness—but be it remembered we never so much as smiled—indeed, we scarcely winked! It may be seriously questioned, whether the gravity with which we entered the haunted domicile could have been excelled by veteran owls. And, at this time, we can only attribute the success with which we maintained this assumed dignity, throughout the entire interview, to previous practice; though it may be important to detail the process by which our visages were suitably elongated for such an occasion.
We were ushered into an apartment, that did not seem remarkably attractive, either to spirits embodied or disembodied; and there are thousands of places in which we sho'd have sooner sought an interview with the shade of good old John Wesley than here.
The man of the house wears, unless we have studied physiognomy to no purpose, an honest face; and in truth we could not but believe him sincere, while he related to us the wonderful manifestations which he had witnessed. He stated that he had frequently conversed with the spirits of his relatives in the night; said it was a satisfaction to do so; and he did not doubt the real presence of those spirits. The rapping, at such times, had usually come unbidden. When he heard them, he was accustomed to inquire the name of the spirit that wished to communicate, by the medium of the alphabet, pronouncing the letters in their order. When the right letter had been enunciated the spirit signified it by a rap.
But it is all important, at this point, to introduce to the notice of the reader, the character that figures most conspicuously in this ghostly establishment—the female head of the family. In person, she is not tall, though weighing about two hundred pounds. She has dark eyes; and a mouth of no stinted dimensions—of a type, too, indicating resoluteness, and very, very fruitful in speech. We were glad to find her so communicative, for we came on purpose to be taught, She gave us the following lesson, viz: the knockings were generally heard very near her; if she went into another room they followed her; they were usually heard directly under her feet; they were most sure to be heard when a certain clairvoyant was present; sometimes the spirit would respond to her knocking on the wall; and here we may add, that she tried, in our presence, to call up the ghost of somebody, by thus rapping with her knuckles, but, unfortunately, no response followed—not a solitary thump! Once, however, while snapping her fingers at the little uproarious sprig of humanity by her side, her ladyship informed us that she "heard a noise." She stated that it was quite common for her to hear the spirits when others could not! She said that the lad who had been with them, and aided as clairvoyant, had taken some money, and to this she attributed the reluctance of the spirits to communicate of late. However, if we would only remain till dark, she thought she might get them at it. But not thinking it would pay, we declined the proffered evening's entertainment.
These spiritual favorites expressed their regrets that the time of our visit should have been so inauspicious; "But," said they, "when the knockings are good again, we will leave word with Professor—and you can call and hear them." The Professor referred to is accounted, by this couple, as a believer in the spirituality of the knocking.
The above statement is strictly true, as we are prepared to prove, by the gentleman who accompanied us. Now our hypothesis concerning the Scott rappings is, that the woman hath far greater sagacity than her lord, and that by much cunning she deceiveth him; that she doeth all the thumpings, whether by night or by day; that by her hidden understanding she hath deceived many—even masters, and men of nice discernment; among others, one Greeley, a noted scribe, who hath published the matter abroad, from the east even unto the west, and given the people to know, seemingly, the whereabouts of one John, whose surname is Franklin, who hath been many days at sea; moreover, that the spirit which knocketh at that habitation is unclean, and that it chooseth darkness rather than light for good and sufficient reasons.
"THE STRING BROKE."
No little merriment was created in our city a few days ago by the announcement in the daily papers that the Rochester Spirits had come to New Brighton. Knockings were heard, it was said, and when questioned as to the number of persons present, the number of spoons on the mantle-piece, the hour of the day, &c., it answered by making the correct number of raps in each case. Unfortunately, as will be seen by the explanation of Mr. Wilson, the "string broke," and the medium of communication was broken off. We are surprised that our New Brighton friends should be frightened. We only feared the spirits would not stay till we co'd go down and see them.
MRS. SWISSHELM:—I see by the Journal of to-day that our friend Mr.—has been hoaxed sadly hoaxed in regard to the "mysterious rappings" in our quiet village. There were certainly knockings of a mysterious character, but not of a spiritual character.
Mr. C. wished to have some fun at other people's expense, and for that purpose made a couple of small hammers with a lever attached to one end and a string to the lever; placed one under the floor of his residence, the other under the parlor floor; and the strings, after passing over pullies, were secreted in various parts of the house. The family were all in the secret. They commenced their pranks on some children that were playing in the house; they became frightened and gave the alarm. It caused a great deal more excitement than was intended.
Mr. C. went to Pittsburgh on Tuesday, and on his return in the evening found some fifty or sixty persons collected in and around the house to hear the "Spiritual communications." Mr. C. thought the fun had gone far enough, and frankly told them the "string had broke.'' But that would not suffice; the company had determined to see the "Spirit," so he had to let it be seen, and the company dispersed, some with a string, and some with a bit of wood as a trophy.
I regret to say that persons were very much frightened. Mr. C. regrets it very much, he had no idea of its assuming a serious character.
On Tuesday there was scarcely any thing else talked of, but the "Rochester Knockings." At the corners of the streets small collections could be seen talking about the mystery, but now there is not one to be found who did not believe it all a humbug. Respectfully,
J. WILSON, New Brighton, Pa.
SMALL POX.
The disease, which recently broke out among the students of the College, has proved as we feared it would, to be small pox. One young man, since leaving the institution, has died of it. There are at present but three cases—two young ladies, nearly recovered; and a young man who, though he has been very sick, but is not beyond the hope of recovery.
As might be expected, the appearance of this disease has produced great excitement among us, notwithstanding there has been no case of it in the village, but only at the College and Mr. Palmer's [daughter].
We have not been disposed from the first, as journalists, to disguise the truth respecting the character of the disease; but we believe that those have been more careful than wise, who have not ventured among us for the transaction of all necessary business as usual. We have heard, several times, from different quarters that it was spreading through the village; that there had been several deaths, &c., which is not the case.
It is proper to state that the recitations which were temporarily suspended in the College, have been resumed, and the excitement in this community is subsiding. The Board of Health have authorized the above statements.
EDITORS' SANCTUMS.
Hoagland (musical soul) is in ecstasies at having been mentioned first, in our article on editors' sanctums. We allow, on taking the sober second thought, that it was a piece of presumption on our part to give him the "proud preeminence" which has so elated him. We shall hope to atone for the 'breach of etiquette,' by placing him hereafter in a position which he seems to think the 'craft' would so readily assign him, viz: at the bottom of the list. As to the invitation so cordially tendered, perhaps it were well to state that both 'halves' can not well leave home at once, unless the little ones can accompany. If the editor is not a bachelor—if he can endure the music of our melodeons—if he has not an aversion to dolls, rattle, boxes, and baby-jumpers—if, withal, his excellent lady understands the architecture of apple-dumplings and jonny-cake—and if he thinks it is possible to collect provisions sufficient to supply all our 'mouths' for a whole week—we may accept, the invitation. We should like to take a peep into that 'best parlor,' but a squint at the buttery would be quite as interesting. But hear him:
Ah, neighbor Benedict, we fear that in our case, at least, your imagination would be disappointed; anticipation often exceeds reality. In bestowing upon us the above compliment, and conferring upon us the honor of being placed at the head of the list—disregarding the far superior and preeminent claims of these who are our seniors in the use of 'paste and scissors,' as well its superiors in editorial talent and standing—we fear you have been guilty of breach of etiquette which some of the craft may not readily overlook. For your sake, therefore, we disclaim the proud preeminence you have assigned us, and pocket the compliment with becoming humility. If you feel any desire to inquire into our domestic economy, literary habits, or personal appearance, come with your better half, and make us a visit; our 'best parlor' is at your service, and an earnest welcome avails you. Our dwelling, perhaps, may meet your taste, but our personal appearance you must say nothing about!
◘ Hon. H. S. Conger will please accept our thanks for valuable Congressional Documents.
◘ Pierce, who established himself at Freetown Corners some time since, is becoming a great favorite of the people. In the line of Dry Goods and Ready-made Clothing he is perfectly at home, and bids fair to become "monarch of all he surveys." He is a fine fellow, "diligent in business," and ought to flourish. Read his advertisement.
◘ Gerrit Smith, Rev. S. J. May, and others, have called a "Christian Union Meeting," to be held on the 5th of June at Cazenovia in this State. It is to be directed in its influences against War, Slavery, Intemperance and Licentiousness.
◘ We learn that about 200 Hungarians, some of them elderly people, may soon be expected here from Europe. They have heard very exaggerated statements of the bountifulness of our people towards the few Hungarians who have arrived here, and are coming to share in the same hospitality.
◘ JENNY LIND.— According to the plan of the tour, which we have seen, she will employ the time allotted to the 150 concerts in about 20 cities of the Union, which gives to New York 12; Boston 8; Philadelphia 6; Baltimore 4; Washington 2; and so on to Charleston; and, as one of Mad'lle Lind's great inducements to see the Falls of Niagara, the Mammoth Cave of Kentucky, and other interesting features of our country, concerts will very possibly be given at Albany, Rochester, and Syracuse, Buffalo—north; and Cincinnati and Louisville—west; and so on to New Orleans. In London the price of tickets ranged from five to fifty dollars; in the Province of England, from three to fifteen; on the continent, the same.
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| Narciso Lopez. |
IMPORTANT FROM CUBA!
Landing of Gen. Lopez at Cardenas—Surrender of the Garrison—Havana under Martial Law—Troops marching against Lopez—Lopez on his way to Matanzas—Arrest of 150 prisoners by the Cuban Authorities— Every tenth man to be shot.
NEW YORK, May 24.—Gen. Lopez landed at Cardenas, about ninety miles from Havana, on the 17th inst., with about 500 men, and took possession of the town. The garrison consisted of one company of about 60 men, who made but a slight resistance. They were driven into a church, and after losing 3 men killed, surrendered.
Gen. Lopez landed from the steamer Creole, which left New Orleans on the 13th inst. Several other vessels, containing in all 1500 men, left New Orleans before the Creole but had not arrived.
The greatest excitement existed at Havana. The city is under martial law, and several thousand military had been enrolled, and arms were distributed among them. The resident foreigners were all called upon to enroll. There were 1500 troops at Matanzas—800 were dispatched from Havana on the 20th inst. to reinforce them and march against Lopez. It was rumored that the force under Lopez had increased to 3000, and that he was already half way to Matanzas.
On the 10th, news was received that a large force was collected on Woman's Island [Isla de Mujeres] near Catoshe, Yucatan. The General of Marines with several vessels and 3000 men started immediately for the point.
Just before the Ohio left, the Spanish steamer Pizarro, came in with 105 prisoners, mostly Germans and Irish. The report was, that they were to be shot, or at least every tenth man—the balance to be confined in the dungeons of New Castle,
It is known that some 10 or 12 vessels had left New Orleans, and different parts of the gulf.
It was reported that Gen. Lopez had broken up the railroad in Cardenas at several places. The bankers and merchants at Havana were removing their money to the Fort for safety. The Ohio, Georgia and Falcon, were compelled to anchor at the entrance of the harbor.
Capt. Schenck protested, through the American Consul, to the Captain General, and demanded a safe anchorage, but was refused and told he might go to sea as soon as he pleased. None of the passengers except those who had got passports were allowed to go ashore. No communication was allowed between the passengers, not even between the officers, until a permit was obtained from the Captain General.
The Ohio was obliged to wait more than 15 hours for a permit to transfer her passengers, after she was ready for sea.
The Ohio brings no later intelligence from California, there having been no arrival at Panama. She brings 147 passengers, 15 of whom are from Chagres, 71 from N. Orleans and 61 from Havana. [She] also brings $410,000 in gold dust and specie; she has also, $11,000 in Spanish dollars, brought from N. O. to Havana, which she could not land, as all business was suspended on account of the anticipated invasion.
DESTRUCTIVE FIRE IN CORNING, N. Y.
(From the Democrat of Monday morning.)
A most terrible calamity has visited the village of Corning, Steuben county. All the particulars we have are derived from Mr. Fowler, who arrived yesterday morning. A fire broke out on Saturday forenoon, between ten and eleven o'clock in the Depot of the Corning and Blossburg Railroad, near the Corning Hotel on Main street, both of which were destroyed. From those the flames spread across Main-st. and from thence to the River. All the buildings upon both sides were soon in ashes. The Bank of Corning, the Post Office, the market, and every Mercantile and Grocery establishment in the place are in ruins. In short, the whole business part of Corning is destroyed.
We have no list of the sufferers or the amount of losses and the insurance, but the loss can scarcely be less than one hundred thousand dollars, and perhaps much more. Near the Depot was an immense amount of lumber—probably worth not less than $100,000, and it is hardly possible that it was saved, although our information is indefinite.
Corning has recently and rapidly sprung up, and a large and flourishing business centered there. This calamity is one that its citizens, as well as many others, will feel very severely. We shall look with anxiety for further particulars.
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