Shepherdstown register. [volume] (Shepherdstown, Va. [W. Va.]) 1849-1955, 1876-06-10

to the public by brief telegram directed
tothe Smithonian Institute; andthat is
about all the intelligenceswe have in re-
gard to the vitality of the concern. De-
casionally, also, our country cousins
wander through its expansive grounds,
and visit the fOSsiliferous show, wonder
ing what it all means; and their quaint
criticisms, upon their return home, form
the remainder of the intelligence that Is
made known about it. In former times
the people often had the pleasure of lis
tening TO scientific discourses from the
eminent scientists of all enlightened ma
tons, and also had an opportunity to EN-
large their knowledge by perusing the
learned volumes which now lie moulder-
ing on the dusty shelves for the want OF
friendly hand to turn over their fast fad
ing leaves. But what should be done and
what William Smithson designed TO do, Is
to diffuse knowledge in liberal and pop
ular manner, by means of lectures ana
exhibitions of scientific character; and
this can only be done by opening the
doors to the public; not only to the people
of the district but 10 the thousands OF
strangers who pass through Washington
every week. THERE'S no earthly reason
why this course should not be pursued.
CENTENNIAL NOTES.
June. l776, was the real month of the
practical separation of the colonies from
England. although the Declaration of In
dependence did not take place until the
4th of the following month. From the
first of June, all writs and public papers
ceased TO bear the name OF the hlnS OF
England; and Richard Henry Lee, offered
the resolutions of independence in the
Continental Congress-, which were sec
onded by John Adams, declaring any man
to be traitor who continued TO submit TO
the Government of Great Britain. These
resolutions were adopted later in the
month. after much elaboration and the
committee was then elected, with Jeffer-
son of its head, to frame the Declaration
OF independence.
REPORTER N A "FIN."
An interviewing reporter was found III
an interesting situation the other night;
A negro came to a policeman and begged
him 10 go with him ''aroun de corner
quick" Surprising IL to be i row at
.'cake walk" or something OF that sort,
the policeman followed his sable guide
''aroun de corner, ana there loIho
man leaning out of the second story win
cow Wlln a. TcNblNtl p'i''S' ~
man on his front steps. Policeman asked
the man OH the steps what he was doing
there. The latter responded that he was
newspaper reporter, and, having heard
that the house had been robbed, he had
come to see the proprietor, ana get the
particulars; but the party had mistaken
him for another burg.a ar.
"why don't you leave, then 2" said the
policeman. "l'm afraid to stir, y respon-
dted the reporter, "whilc that fellow points
his Internal pistol at me, in that way.
The policeman then brought his elo-
ouence 10 bear on the second story gueril-
la, and tried to make him comprehend the
situation: but the latter had been so re-
Gently attacked by burglars that it was
hard to bring him to reason. lie was
quite excited, and wouldn't let up on the
renorter for some time. When, 1T last, he
did, the reporter made tracks instead OF
notes, and walked Spanish III approved
style. DE-