COMMON SENSE is furnished to subscribers for Three Dollars per annum, n advance To save trouble to subscribers in various localities, friends will receive and forward subscriptions, as follows: C. W. Hoit, Sacramento; Mrs. G. B. Kirby, Santa Cruz; R. W. Pontius, Seattle; W. J. Sweasy, Eureka; Mrs. Crane, Santa Barbara; Dr. E, Stevenson, Virginia City, Nevada: Dr. O. B. Bayne, Ferndale: R H. Allen, Chico; J. L. Hatch, Santa Clara; Dr. D. W. C. Franklin, Los Angeles; H. 8. Pope, San Buenaventura; P. H. Trask, San Diego.

In places where there is no agent, subscribers may remit in gold coin, currency, or by postal order. Address, AMANDA M. SLOCUM, BUSINESS MANAGER, Box 2163, San Francisco, Cal,

COMMON SENSE.

SAN FRANCISCO, CAL., SATURDAY, MAY. 8, 1875. The San Francisco Evening Post favors the election of women on School Boards. Good for the Post..

The San Francisco Chronicle says the cause of Woman Suffrage is advocated by the best minds of England and America, and that it is growing in favor.

Josiah Earl, after attempting to defraud settlers in Inyo county, and after being engaged in several extensive land peculations, is considered by Freelander, and other landgrabbers, just the man to put at the head of the Immigration Bureau! So we go.

The fact that the late violent utterances of Catholic priests against our school system are not rebuked by the higher authorities of the church proves that the course is sanctioned. There is evidently a conspiracy against our public schools. Will it succeed?

W. F. Jamieson, one of the ablest debaters in the spiritual ranks, recently held at Beaver Dam, Wis., a seven days debate with Rev. J. T. Willcox, on the question, first: "The Bible teaches that the spirits of departed human beings

have communicated with the inhabitants of earth;" Jamieson in the affirmative and Willcox in the negative; second, "The Bible contains a revelation from God;" Willcox affirmative, Jamieson negative.

TO SPIRITUALISTS AND FREETHINKERS.

It is now one year since the first issue of this paper. There has been a gradual increase in the subscription list, but the income is not sufficient, as yet, to pay the expense of publication. If liberal ideas on religious subjects could find expression in our daily press; if reports of lectures and discussions by Free Thinkers received as much attention as is accorded to the sermons of the "orthodox,” there would be less occasion for a journal of this kind: but every reader knows that it is the interest of the secular press to ignore or misrepresent Spiritualism and what is called Infidelity. The advocates of Rational Religion can find no hearing except from their own platforms, and through their own press; therefore we earnestly request our friends to aid us, not for our sakes, but for the sake of the cause we represent. Buy stock in the Company, even if it is no more than five dollars, and send us the names of new subscribers wherever they can be obtained. We cannot afford to send agents all over the State, and if we could they would not be as serviceable as local agents. One active friend in each county would assure speedy success; and our readers may rely upon this that just as soon as the income of the paper will warrant additional expense, COMMON SENSE will be enlarged and otherwise improved. W. N. SLOCUM. A. M. SLOCUM.

MEETING OF WORKINGMEN.

There was a fair audience at Dashaway Hall, on Sunday afternoon, to listen to an address by Hon. John M. Days. He spoke mainly on the necessity of paying some regard to men, as well as measures, in political contests, showing that some politicians consider platforms merely as means to catch votes, and that if the people are to protect their interests they must be careful in the selection of instruments. He spoke of our enormous taxes for governmental purposes, and of the extra taxes imposed by monopolies gas taxes, water taxes, etc. Brief remarks were made by Mr. McMann, Judge Heslep, Mr. O'Farrell and Dr. Swain. We regret that we have no space this week for a report. At the close of the meeting, in view of the fact that Sun

was the case! And as the contributions were made months after the election, and just as taxes were being assessed, it is quite certain that they were for election expenses, and not for reduction of assessment !

A man may conceal his name, his age, the circumstances of his life, but not his character. That is his moral atmosphere, and is as inseperable from him as the fragrance of the rose from the rose itself. In the glance of the eye, in the tones of his voice, in mien and gesture, character discloses itself.

Belief, theological or otherwise, is not elective with any individual, but inevitably follows those outworkings of life which come before our cognizance, and concerning which reason, sooner or later as unavoidably ultimates its formulas as the new born infant breathes.-Brinton.

ence can be had on a week-day evening, it was determined to change the time of holding the meetings, and a committee was appointed to take charge of all matters connected with them, such as securing hall, raising funds, distributing tracts, etc. The committee consists of J. D. Pearson, J. M. Days, Joseph Swain, Mr. Hentz, E. Dieren, Mrs. Dieren, G. Hardcastle, B. F. French, Thomas Watson, Mr. Phillips and Pat J. Healy. There will be no meeting but the next Sunday afternoon, the 16th, the last day meeton Sunday afternoon, on account of the picnic at Saucelito, ing will be held. After that the meetings will be held on Tuesday evenings.

Walter Hyde, of New York, will lecture, with panoramic views, in Liberty Hall, near Market street depot, Oakland, every Sunday morning at 10 o'clock,

nature.

LYCEUM PICNIC.

The Children's Lyceum, the members of the Lyceum for Self Culture, the "Friends of Progress," and all other Liberals are invited to visit Saucelito on Sunday, the 9th, to have a run over the hills, and a good time generally. The first boat leaves Vallejo street wharf at 8 o'clock; the second at 10 o'clock. There is another boat at 12, but as the early morning is by far the most pleasant, those will have the best time who take the morning boat. Members of the Lyceum for Self Culture can return at 1 o'clock, so as to attend the afternoon meeting, if they desire. There will be no charge for the younger children of the Lyceum. Only the two larger groups are expected to purchase tickets. Friends can be furnished with tickets at the Sociable, on Thursday evening; also at the wharf on the morning of the excursion. The price of tickets is fifty cents for the round trip. As this is merely the actual cost, it is not designed to furnish music; consequently there will be no dancing. In fact, Saucelito is not the place to go for a dance. It is one of the choice spots for those who love There are beautifully graded and shaded walks, pleasant groves, innumerable little nooks, where small parties can rest, and bright, sparkling water almost everywhere. There are fine views from the headlands; and beautiful glimpses of the bay, the city and the surrounding country can be obtained through the openings in the trees as one climbs the somewhat rugged hills. Far back from the landing there are canyons, where beautiful mosses and wild flowers can be gathered. If the day is windy it will not be pleasant; but the mornings are almost always calm, and at this season of the year the atmosphere in such woody retreats is balmy and delightful, fragrant with growing herbage, and inspiring to those who have just left the dust of the city. It is expected that each party will take its own lunch, though meals can be purchased at Saucelito by those who prefer. To save the trouble of carrying lunch over the hills, a place will be selected where baskets can be left, and at noon some signal will be given, that all who desire may gather in the same locality. Without such arrangement there will be no fraternization, as Saucelito, with all its varied attractions, is any thing but a promoter of union. It is the custom of visitors to separate into groups, each more or less congenial with itself, and wander apart, wherever inclination may prompt. This is almost a necessity, from the nature of the grounds, divided, as they are by hills into secluded nooks and shady retreats. Now that our readers know what to expect, we trust none will be disappointed at Saucelito when they fail to find music and dancing, and learn by experience that there is nothing there to promote unity of action and general sociability. It is not an inclosed garden, compelling close companionship a little 7 by 9 heaven, such as so many delight in-but it is "all outdoors," inviting to individual freedom and enjoyment. Let all Freethinkers who love nature be there.

THE TWO PROFESSORS.

Prof. Chaney, on Sunday evening, had a large audience, attracted in part by the notice that Mrs. Mary O. Hanks would speak on Physiognomy. Being disappointed in obtaining the drawings she expected to illustrate her lecture, Mrs. Hanks preferred to have the professor speak, which he did in an interesting manner on "Occult law," the hidden forces in nature. Mrs. Hanks then spent a half hour in delineating character, the subjects being chosen from the audience.

Professor Lavendar, at Charter Oak Hall, also had a crowded house, and his discourse on "The Coming Man and the Millennium" was warmly applauded. He assumed that the "coming man" is every man who is inspired to speak and act the truth-every illuminated soul on earth, and there are many of them, though often unrecognized. The millennium is every period of awakening; it may last a thousand years and be unobserved by all except the few seers whose interior senses are unfolded to perceive spiritual things. There have been many millenniums on this earth, and will be many more. We are living in the midst of one now. It is fraught with great changes for the people, which few as yet realize. The lecture was listened to with deep attention and decided marks of approval. Mr. Lavendar speaks again in the same hall Sunday evening, May 8th.

BROTHER YORK'S LECTURE. -Union Hall was well filled on Sunday evening, and Mr. York, after a brief overhauling of Rev. Rexford, gave a radical lecture on Superstition. We have no space this week for an extended report. He first stated his conversation with Mr. Rexford prior to his appearance before the Freethinkers, in which he fully explained the object of the meetings-that it was an effort to counteract the Hammond revival movement, and as Mr. Rexford in his own church had severely condemned Hammond's "method," he had every reason to expect his cordial co-operation, and did not hesitate to accept the terms laid down, because he had no reason to anticipate any abuse of privilege on Mr. Rexford's part. The result. showed that Mr. York had given Rexford credit for more manliness and honesty than he possessed. After making this statement, Mr. York proceeded to review Rexford's discourse, giving him a very severe handling. This, with the closing portion of the lecture, on Superstition, occupied nearly two hours, and must have been interesting, or the audience would not have sat under it so patiently. It was received with applause. Mr. York goes this week to Modesto, and soon after to Oregon. He has engagements for six months ahead.

It is reported that the spirit of Vasquez has been several times seen recently in the San Jose jail. Levia, towards whom Vasques had not a very kind feeling, is consequently very anxious to be transferred to other quarters.

A. F. Patten, Newsdealer, has moved from 773 Market to 600 Market street, North side fronting New Montgomery street. He

zines, &c.

Papers delivered free of postage.

*

Book Notices.

DRESS REFORM.

Roberts Brothers, Boston, have published a valuable volume on this subject, consisting of lectures given in Boston by Mary J. Safford-Blake, M. D., Caroline E. Hastings, M. D., Mercy B. Jackson, M. D., Arvilla B. Haynes, M. D., and Abba Goold Woolson, with an introduction and extensive appendix by Mrs. Woolson, who is the author of that excellent work, "Woman in American Society." It is by far the best book on Dress Reform yet published, treating the subject especially in its relations to physical laws, the writers (except Mrs. Woolson) being female physicians of ability and experience. The close study which they have given to the hygienic and aesthetic principles to which a proper dress must conform convinced them that the essential features of the fashionable lady's apparel are opposed to health, beauty and convenience, and that the remedy must embrace not merely the external costume, but the undergarments as well. Yet the improvements recommended are such as conform, as far as possible, to the conventional standard, not because a radical change is not desirable, but for the simple reason that to make it acceptable, it must, in a great measure, conform to established usages. Previous attempts at dress reform have been failures mainly because of their disregard of conventionalities. The mental discomfort of wearing a radically reform costume was so much greater than the physical comfort attending its use, that sensitive women shrank from making themselves conspicuous, and the result has been the utter failure of every radical

movement in that direction. This book does not assail Fashion, but it teaches hygiene. It gives instruction that every woman should have and should heed. The book is handsomely printed on excellent paper, and is finely illustrated. To be found at any of the book stores; or will be sent by mail. Address, Roberts Brothers, Boston, inclosing postal order for one dollar and fifty cents.

THE NEW DISPENSATION.

A pamphlet of fifty pages has just been published by Moses Hull & Co., Boston, entitled "The New Dispensation, or The Heavenly Kingdom," an argument showing that the prophecies supposed to refer to the millennium meet their accomplishment in modern spiritualism. The writer is D. W. Hull, author of "The Hereafter," "Origin, Nature and Tendency of Christianity," etc., etc. While the writer does not accept the Bible as the supreme source of knowledge on the expected millennium, he yet believes that some of its inspired seers, guided by the spirits, were able to point out the grand events that are now about to culminate. He looks upon the scriptures as a book of messages from the spirit world, some of which are reliable, others not. The writer anticipates a bloody war, and says "The most fearful struggle that ever crimsoned the face of

the earth is about to decide the future fate of the world. He also looks for a blending of the world of spirits with our world. The following is an extract :

The world of spirits will be brought so near that we shall not only see and feel their presence at any time, but we shall have the liberty of going into the spirit world at times, and visiting the homes of the loved ones gone before. Nothing so develops the intellectual faculties and thus brings us so near God, as communication between the two worlds. Whenever the moment comes that we become the constant companion of angels, we have so far outgrown all our prejudices that we are ready to investigate and recontinually more and more of God within us, as we evince ceive any truth that may be offered to us thus developing greater life forces with our increase of knowledge.

When the world shall have lived up to those high conditions now taught by advanced spirits, they shall attract the Spirit-world so close to them that the power for materialization will be wonderfully increased, and the fabled resurrection of the physical body will seem almost to be accomplished. I understand that this social reform, as advocated by all the angel-inspired lecturers of our day, will so develop us beyond our selfish natures that if we do not attract heaven to earth, we shall be able to develop heaven upon earth, and thus make it a fit abode for our risen friends, and by this means they will become so positive to the conditions of our earth that they will be enabled to materialize themselves at will.

Price 15 cts., postage 2 cts. Address, Moses Hull & Co., 24 Newcomb street, Boston, Mass.

THE SPIRITUAL PLAN OF SALVATION.

"The Two Ways of Salvation,-The Theological and The

Rational," is the title of a pamphlet recently published by Dr. Dean Clark, whose trenchent and logical writings are well known to those who have read the spiritual papers for the last decade.

Brother Clark's occasional articles in the Banner of Light have given him a merited popularity as a writer, and while associate editor of the Present Age, in Michigan, his racy and cogent editorials gave that paper character and influence. His arduous itinerant labors in the lecture field have undermined his health so that he is compelled to retire for a while, but his zeal in the cause of human progress has prompted him to use his potent pen in place of his now silent tongue, and the above named pamphlet is his first attempt at authorship. Its production was prompted by the recent revival mania, in which the notorious Hammond has played so conspicuous a pårt. Seeing how hundreds of children are being deluded by clerical cant and theological clap-trap, and how thousands of adults are clinging to a great theological delusion regarding salvation, Dr. Clark resolved to expose the untenable theories of evangelical religion, and especially the fallacy of the Christian "plan of salvation," and competent judges who have read his brochure pronounce it an unanswerable argument, overthrowing the very foundation on which orthodoxy rests. He first demolishes the Mosaic cosmogany, showing that the story of creation and the "fall of man" is a mythological fable; that God never

cursed the race through Adam, hence, there were no grounds for an atonement of any kind. Secondly, the scheme of vicarious atonement is shown to be wholly illogical in its premises and conclusions, totally at variance with mental and physical laws, contrary to all human experience, and to the united testimony of millions of "the people of the other world" who have revealed the future life. The climax to the argument is made by showing through numerous quotations from the represented sayings and teachings of Jesus, that he never taught that dogma, but quite the contrary. After demolishing the theological "plan of salvation," the writer, in a terse, comprehensive and logical manner, presents the "rational" method of outgrowing the imperfections of human nature, giving, "in a nut-shell," the gist of the Harmonial philosophy, which is based on science and natural religion. The work closes with a satirical poem-the first poetical effort of the doctor-which is dedicated to Elder Hammond, and was read at the recent Anniversary Convention, and received with great eclat.

This pamphlet is one of the best missionary tracts ever written, and we cheerfully commend it to all our readers, and suggest that, for their benefit, and that of their orthodox friends, as well as for that of Brother Clark, who needs the pay for his arduous labors, they send to 124 Eddy St., San Francisco, his present address, and obtain one, or several copies for distribution. Price, 25 cents, or $2 for ten copies.

LYCEUM FOR SELF CULTURE.-The speakers on Sunday last were Mrs. Carr, Geo. W. Lewis, Mrs. Parrish, Prof. Chaney, Rev. Mr. Simonds and Dr. Matthews. Mr. Hollister presided for the first time, and ruled more stringently than has heretofore been the custom, concerning liberties of speech. As there is some difference of opinion among members as to the proper degree of latitude that should be allowed speakers, of course there was some dissatisfaction. It is hoped, however, that the debates will proceed harmoniously. The subject for the next debate is "Our Public School System."

Popular Science Monthly, for May, contains interesting articles by Huxley, Mueller, Dean Stanly and others. There is a very interesting article on sea anemones, by Rev. S. Lockwood; one on the Harmonies of Science and Religion, one on Evolution, etc. The editor reminds readers that the May number is the first of a new volume, and says that although the Monthly has, for three years, been called the most valuable and instructive magazine in the country, yet the subscription list is far behind that boasted by periodicals which leave science out. The work was started not to make money, but to do good, and it should be

sustained.

Through the kindness of Mr. Hentz we have examined a well-conducted magazine for workingmen, The Coopers' Monthly Journal, Robert Schilling, editor, published in Cleveland, Ohio.

Mrs. Tilton asks leave to testify, and in a written letter to the Judge denounces her husband as a liar and hypocrite.

CALIFORNIA SOCIETY OF FREETHOUGHT.

A meeting of the Committee appointed by the late Freethought Convention "to devise a plan for a State organization of the Freethinkers of California" was held in Char

ter Oak Hall on Saturday, May 1st, James Battersby, President, in the chair. On calling the roll the following responded to their names: Jas. Battersby, H. L. Knight, Pat J. Healy, Joseph Swain, Mrs. Mary Hanks, C. B. Smith, Mrs. Augusta Perkins, A. C. Stowe, Mrs. O. M. Dawson Washburn, Wm. R. Joscelyn, W. H. Chaney, Madame Clara Antonia, J. H. Butler, and W. N. Slocum, of San Francisco; H. A. Manchester, of San Joaquin ; J. L. York, of San Jose; J. W. Mackey, of Alameda, and the following proxies: J. L. York representing P. H. Trask, of San Diego; R. H. Allen for A. F. Blood, of Butte W. N. Slocum, acting as secretary, presented a letter from Mrs. Helen W. Baker, of Lake county, as follows;.

DEAR BROTHERS AND SISTERS:-From the green hills beside the tranquil waters of Clear Lake, I send you greeting. I can hardly express my disappointment at not being able to meet you in friendly talk upon a subject that I have, from time to time. given much thought. That "union is strength," is an aphorism as old as the hills. That in union is also bigotry, intolerance and narrowness, let us not forget. In looking around we have everywhere examples of this last fact. See the organthey have subscribed their names and faith. What are they ized bodies of Christianity. They have drafted creeds to which now but the symbolic images of the time that gave them birth? The world of advanced thought has swept past them, leaving them petrified monstrosities and hideous blots standing erect in the broad light of a new era. But having these huge pyramids, each with its broad base planted firmly in the soil, to something that, instead of narrowing as it uprises, shall be the mark the dangers in the experiment we are making, let us build reverse of all precedent, and have its apex only upon this earth, while it continually broadens and expands as it ascends in the purer air of our more spiritual heaven. impossible to dogmatic creeds, is precisely the thing that any And this plan, utterly one having a just comprehension of a Freethought society would reasonably expect.

Our organization must be a sort of invisible bond, a soul brotherhood, holding paramount to every other consideration the individual liberty of each member, ignoring all prejudices, willingly following wherever truth may lead, and having in view continually the elevation of the human race.

Let no side issues nor private "isms" come into your meeting to mar its harmony and weaken its force. To those among you who wish to graft your own pet ideas upon this body poltio "wait." I would say With more than mathematical precision Time is working the problem at whose conclusion you have already jumped, and we will soon know whether you are right or not. Truth always comes safely home, while error dies by the wayside; and when we see things as you see them we will hail them with acclamation and crown you as the prophet of a new truth. But for the present let individual concession be the order of the day. Let your frame of mind be marked by the parative passivity, remembering that this is not your meeting grandest magnanimity, and put yourselves in a position of comexclusively, but that countless intelligences of the highest or der, though invisible to you. now fill this room, listening eagerly to all you have to say, seeking in every way to prompt you to words and deeds whose wisdom shall be approved both of men and angels.

With the truest love and sympathy, I subscribe myself, your sister, HELEN WILMANS BAKER. The Chairman offered the following, received by him from F. Woodward, of Sacramento:

Mr. James Baltersby, Chairman of Freethought Committee:

DEAR SIR:-Circumstances will prevent me meeting with the Freethought Committee on the first of May. Permit me there