To the Editor of The New York Times:

These reported spirit messages from Lord Northcliffe really ought to be stopped, unless they are proved beyond a shadow of doubt that they really emanate from the spirit of that great editor.

Having known Lord Northcliffe for almost a quarter of a century, I am willing to pay to any reputable charity the sum of $1,000 if the medium quoted, Evan Powell, will get in touch with my friend and report to me the subject matter of which I spoke to him for three hours on two consecutive days at a luncheon in 1900 during my engagement at the Alhambra Theatre, before Lord Northcliffe was so prominent and he was seeking American material.

The mere fact of Evan Powell and the private secretary of Lord Northcliffe claiming they possess messages without being conclusively proved does not necessarily make it true. All this, I’m afraid, has a tendency to cause a certain class of people to lose their ability and keep them chasing shadows.

I would like very much to see Evan Powell come to America and show his “wares.”

HOUDINI
New York, Jan. 1, 1925

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