So you perceive he exemplifies by his own actions the wise saying, "Once
a prophet, always a prophet." His original mind cannot keep silent, and
his thoughts find readiest utterance in speech.
Hawthorne is living here with his beautiful daughter, who devotes her
attention to art.
His mind is as active as ever. He informs me that many of the mysteries
that seemed inexplicable to him while on earth are now cleared up.
I have spoken of the noble buildings of this city, surrounded by spacious
gardens and beautified by trees and flowers, fountains and singing birds;
but I have not alluded to the way in which property is held, and the
reader will naturally inquire if these handsome dwellings are owned by
their occupants.
They are not, but are simply loaned to them. Spirits congenial to those
at present residing here lived in them ages agone.
It is true, each individual taste may alter and embellish the buildings
and surroundings, but these improvements belong to the city and not to
the individuals. The titles are vested in the community, and its members
can vote, as in the case of Abraham Lincoln, in reference to any
individual coming among them.
There are three daily papers issued in the city, and only three. One is
especially devoted to reporting news from earth,--revolutions that
transpire, changes in state and national politics, recent accidents which
have thrown individuals suddenly into the spirit world, and to recording
the names, as far as possible, of persons who have deceased from earth.
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