Though many years have passed since the events recorded herein transpired, all who witnessed the phenomena are still alive, and all are well-known and reputable citizens of San Francisco. It was only a few days ago that the author met Captain W. S. Barnes, who was District Attorney of the City and County of San Francisco in 1893 (the date of the occurrences with which the book deals), and he said: “What I saw in the presence of the medium has puzzled me all these years. I can truthfully say that the things that took place at Mayor Ellert’s office are the most wonderful events that I have ever come upon. They are absolutely beyond my understanding.”
The circumstances with which the narrative deals are an important contribution to the history of psychic research, and they are presented for what they are worth while the witnesses and actors in the story are alive.
The Author.
San Francisco, September, 1900.
CHAPTER I.
THE AUTHOR’S STORY.
In the autumn of 1891, the author of this narrative was business manager of the Modesto (California) Daily News. One afternoon while he was engaged in an important consultation with the late Senator J. D. Spencer, one of the owners of the News, there was a knock at the door of the editorial rooms. In a twinkling an old gentleman entered; he was a venerable-looking, long-bearded man, with Hebraic features.
Before Senator Spencer and I could say, “Good day, sir!” the old man said something like this: “Gentlemen, I am Dr. Louis Schlesinger, the famous Spiritualist medium. It is well known that I can talk with the good angels, and I desire to have a series of seances here in Modesto.”