--_The Post_, Washington, D. C., 1878. MRS. VAN COTT, THE REVIVALIST _Question_. I see, Colonel, that in an interview published this morning, Mrs. Van Cott (the revivalist), calls you "a poor barking dog." Do you know her personally? _Answer_. I have never met or seen her. _Question_. Do you know the reason she applied the epithet? _Answer_. I suppose it to be the natural result of what is called vital piety; that is to say, universal love breeds individual hatred. _Question_. Do you intend making any reply to what she says? _Answer_. I have written her a note of which this is a copy: _Buffalo, Feb. 24th, 1878._ MRS. VAN COTT; My dear Madam:--Were you constrained by the love of Christ to call a man who has never injured you "a poor barking dog?" Did you make this remark as a Christian, or as a lady? Did you say these words to illustrate in some faint degree the refining influence upon women of the religion you preach? What would you think of me if I should retort, using your language, changing only the sex of the last word? I have the honor to remain, Yours truly, R. G. INGERSOLL _Question_. Well, what do you think of the religious revival system generally? _Answer_. The fire that has to be blown all the time is a poor thing to get warm by. I regard these revivals as essentially barbaric. I think they do no good, but much harm, they make innocent people think they are guilty, and very mean people think they are good. _Question_. What is your opinion concerning women as conductors of these revivals? _Answer_. I suppose those engaged in them think they are doing good. They are probably honest. I think, however, that neither men nor women should be engaged in frightening people into heaven. That is all I wish to say on the subject, as I do not think it worth talking about. --_The Express_, Buffalo, New York, Feb., 1878. EUROPEAN TRIP AND GREENBACK QUESTION _Question_. What did you do on your European trip, Colonel? _Answer_. I went with my family from New York to Southampton, England, thence to London, and from London to Edinburgh. In Scotland I visited every place where Burns had lived, from the cottage where he was born to the room where he died. I followed him from the cradle to the coffin. I went to Stratford-upon-Avon for the purpose of seeing all that I could in any way connected with Shakespeare; next to London, where we visited again all the places of interest, and thence to Paris, where we spent a couple of weeks in the Exposition. _Question_. And what did you think of it?