National Republican. (Washington City (D.C.)) 1872-1888, 1875-03-16
THE BOYS AND THE Mopocs.
Elects Of An Evil Example-Arrows al

Effects of An Evil Example-ArrOws and
Beans.
Tho presence Of the MOdoc Indians in Wash
ington started anew an old-time mode OF enjoy
ment for the young folks-that is, playing with
bows and arrows, pop guns, &c.-a custom that
was to be hoped had died out and would never
again be resurreeted; but such has not been the
case. The fact OF the Indians being In Washing
ton brought bows and arrows back to the minds
of the boys, and for the past week every young
ster who could raise money enough had one OF
these weapons, and was shooting right and left.
The girls were not far behind the boys, for in
their hands could also be found these detested
things. The poorer clAss Of children, in order to
keep pace with those OF the Weather class, i'm
provided bows ont Of barrel hoops, cut their ar
rows from shingles, and for their spears or bal
ances resorted to tar from the hubs Of carts.
They sent their arrows into the air, hIgh-croWn
as much spirit as those fred from the costly bow.
For days the nuisance was intolerable, and nu-
merous cases ofinjury, such as
BEING "PLUeGKD"
in the eye hats ruined and even dresses Of ladies
tCrn, were reported. The fever became SO great
and the boys so reckless that It was found neces-
sary to cali the attention Of the police authorities
to the nuisance, and all boys found with them in
the streets. This had the desired effect, so far
bows and arrows were concerned. but they were
was pop guns, from which they shot beans. In
almost less time than 1t takes to tell the fact,
every urchin in Washington had provided himself
with pop" Beans were in demand, and all
kinds were bought. The question Of being select
never was asked; they were bought by the quart
pint and penny's worth; the neEsboys spent
beans. Boys went to bed with beans in their
minds, and the first thought in the morning was
beans: at the breakfast table they cried for beans
until they had become q mania. Mothers, not
knowing what was up, and to please their dar-
lipgs, had beans baked, beans stewed and beans
boiled on the table; bat this did not suit them.
They cTaYed raw beans-the harder the better;
and beans they would have.
The rage continued for q few days, when moth
ers began to get down TO the bean fever, when her
George shot his sister in the eye and complaint
fell like hail. Windows were patted and broken,
and the danger became very great.
GOOD DAY FOR BEANS.
Yesterday was a good day for the boys, aud
hardly had the sun peeped from under the clouds
than beans began flying thick In every
direction could be heard the crack of the popguus
and the beans when they came in contact with
some hard substance. The sight of head out OF
victims-doEs had no show for their lives. At the
corner of Thirteenth street and Pennsylvania
avenue about 3o'clOck there were no leFs than
eg hit boys with pops in their hands, peting dogs
as they turned the corner. The boys enjoyed the
fun-the dogs didn't; neither did the owner Of a
small terrier, who grabbed one Of the youngsters
and gave him good shaking. and sent him home
ward, somewhat disguised with beans. and feel
ing that person can even become tired OF this
amusement.
In conversation with prominent produce dealer
he stated that he never saw the time before when
the sale for beans was so great, and he thought
of starting corner in beans. The demand at the
present time was much greater than the supply.
How long the bean market will be on the rise
depends altogether on Major Richards and his
police but IL is very evident from the feeling in
Washington yesterday that a protest will be
made against beans, and the boys and beans will
resume their usual quiet, and "pops" can be
bought very cheap.