Punch,  47 (1864), 205.

The Black Art at Newcastle

Anon

Genre:

News-Commentary

Subjects:

Spiritualism, Crime, Charlatanry


    Challenges the decision of a Newcastle court to dismiss an application from 'a gentleman' who sought to prosecute William H H Davenport and Ira E Davenport under the Witchcraft Act, which 'enacts penalties or imprisonment' on those who use 'skills or knowledge in any occult or crafty science'. Thinks that the law should be changed so that it includes 'operations of "the Spirits"', not least to protect the 'few silly women and sillier men who believe in such things'. Claims that it is prepared to 'make allowance' for the feelings of 'Spirit-mongers', but insists on regarding them as the lowest type of 'knave'.



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