But whatever the origin of the de lusion, its development has assumed a peculiar resemblance to the fanatical rites which attended the outbreak of Hauhauism in New Zealand. The de votees ot the new religion engage in what is known as ."the ghost dance." We publish in another column to-day a description of this strange performance written by an eye-witness. The points of resemblance to the orgies con nected with the Paimariri fanaticism will forcibly impress those who are ac quainted with the history of that strange delusion: -

The connection between religious frenzy and dancing has always been regarded as a curious psychological pro blem. David, in the intensity of 'his religious zeal, we are told, danced be fore the ark of the Lord, and there are numerous religious bodies—such as the whirling Dervishes in the East and the Shakers in the West—among whom dancing forms an important reli gious ceremony. The Hauhau fana tics of Opotiki, when preparing to murder that devoted missionary the Rev. Mr Volkner, aggravated their religious intoxication by large draughts of the fermented juice of boiled peaches. After the murder, Kereopa gouged out the eyes of the corpse, and, filling the communion cup from the church with blood, passed it round among the frenzied people, who had always received the utmost kind ness at the hands of Mr Volkner, and who, in their sane moments, there is.no reason to doubt, cherished for him warm feelings of affection. There is no extremity to which men whose passions are thus inflamed, will not go, and telegrams from the frontier districts of the American States show that friendly Indians a month ago were warning settlers for whom they cherished friendly feelings to take refuge in the fortified posts which have been established by the, Government in Indian territories. ; The friendly Indians, indeed, were as much alarmed by the conduct of the ghost-dancers as were their white neighbours.
