tted. I
regarded the decision as monstrous, but the Republican party when
in power said nothing and did nothing. I most sincerely hope that
the Democratic party will protect the colored people at least as
well as we did when we were in power. But I am out of politics
and intend to keep politics out of me.

_Question_. We have been having the periodical revival of interest
in Spiritualism. What do you think of "Spiritualism," as it is
popularly termed?

_Answer_. I do not believe in the supernatural. One who does not
believe in gods would hardly believe in ghosts. I am not a believer
in any of the "wonders" and "miracles" whether ancient or modern.
There may be spirits, but I do not believe there are. They may
communicate with some people, but thus far they have been successful
in avoiding me. Of course, I know nothing for certain on the
subject. I know a great many excellent people who are thoroughly
convinced of the truth of Spiritualism. Christians laugh at the
"miracles" to-day, attested by folks they know, but believe the
miracles of long ago, attested by folks that they did not know.
This is one of the contradictions in human nature. Most people
are willing to believe that wonderful things happened long ago and
will happen again in the far future; with them the present is the
only time in which nature behaves herself with becoming sobriety.

In old times nature did all kinds of juggling tricks, and after a
long while will do some more, but now she is attending strictly to
business, depending upon cause and effect.

_Question_. Who, in your opinion, is the greatest leader of the
"opposition" yclept the Christian religion?

_Answer_. I suppose that Mr. Beecher is the greatest man in the
pulpit, but he thinks more of Darwin than he does of David and has
an idea that the Old Testament is just a little too old. He has
put evolution in the place of the atonement--has thrown away the
Garden of Eden, snake, apples and all, and is endeavoring to save
enough of the orthodox wreck to make a raft. I know of no other
genius in the pulpit. There are plenty of theological doctors and
bishops and all kinds of titled humility in the sacred profession,
but men of genius are scarce. All the ministers, except Messrs.
Moody and Jones, are busy explaining away the contradiction between
inspiration and demonstration.

_Question_. What books would you recommend for the perusal of a
young man of limited time an