davidaulloa/AmericanStories huggingface dataset:
National Republican. (Washington City (D.C.)) 1872-1888, 1877-03-26

The term "lunacy" came from the old su-
perstition that the lunar rays caused moodi-
ness to any person who sleeps exposed to their
soft, s.lvery light. We can hardly say super.
stition either, for the old belief seems 10 have
It's source in some undisputed facts. A gen.
tleman living In the East Indies has recently
furnished "Nature," the we'll known monthly,
with an explanation Of this phenomenon,
which seems quite reasonable. He says It
has often been observed that when the moon
lie full, or near It's full time, there are rarely
any clouds about; and If there be clouds be-
fore the full moon rises, they are soon dfssi
pated; and therefore q perfectly clear sky
with bright full moon, is frequently oh.
served. A clear sky admits Of rapid radiation
of heat from the surface OF the EARTH and any
person exposed to such radiation Is sure to DO
chilled by rapid loss Of heat. There is reason
to believe that, under the circumstances,
paralysis Of one side Of the face 10 sometimes
likely to occur from chill, as one side Of the
face is more likely to be exposed to rapid
radiation, and consequent loss of its heat.
This chill is more likely to occur when the sky
Is perfectly clear. have often slept in the
open air IN India on q clear summer night,
when there was no moon; aud although the
first part Of the night may have been hot, yet
toward two or three o'clock in the morning,
the chill has been so great that have often
been awakened by an ache in my forehead,
which as often have counteracted by wrap.
ping handkerchief about my head. and
the blanket over my face. As the chill Il
likely to be greatest on very clear night, and
IN alna III IIraI., 40. H.
which there is bright moonshine, II is very
possible that neuralgia, paralysis, or Other
similar injury, caused by sleeping in the open
has been attributed to the moon, when the
proximate cause may really have been the
chill, and the moon only a remote cause acting
by dissipating the clouds and haze, tif 1t dc
so,) and leaving q perfectly clear sky for tn,
play of radiation into space.
National Republican. (Washington City (D.C.)) 1872-1888, 1877-03-26

American people are as fond offun as duck
is of water. When MARK TWAIN presented
his. "Innocents Abroad" to the American peo-
pie for the benefit Of their mental and physi-
cal digestion he at once found large corner
In the popular heart. When JOHN T. RAY
MoSD was, by a marvellous transformation,
changed from a second. class actor TO the re-
nowned and iniritable "Col. SELLERs," he
was warmly welcomed wherever he presented
the fun, provoking Spectator to the public,
and at once become the favorite Of the comedy
stage. Whatever has fun In It always finds .
hearty welcome in the hearts Of the American
people. Among our prominent characteristics
iollity and mirthfulness can always be
reckoned. We are not given to sobriety Of de-
meanor. The American people know Q droll
thing when they see 1t. They love to laugh,
and always seem glad to laugh, though It be
In spite Of themselves. The fayorite of the
press to-day is the man who can say the fun
NEST things week after week. The pet Of the
lyceum is he who succeeds In convulsing his
audience with laughter at his marvellous
mimics Of the foibes and follies of the day.
The best appreciated in the pulpit is the man
who embodies honest good humor now and
then In his sermon; and In social conversation
he who can tell graphic story, with spice
Of fan dashing the satire of description,
always receives the undivided attention OF
those with whom he comes in contact, and he
is always sure to be sought after, courted and
admired. A hearty laugh is a far better tonic
than the prescription from the pharmacopn!a.
A merry twinkle of the eye is like the pure
ray Of sunshine.
National Republican. (Washington City (D.C.)) 1872-1888, 1877-03-26
SAMOAN ISLANDS.

Mr.. G. W. GRIFFIN. q ellknown au.
thor, and at present United States Consul
- the Samoan and Friendly Islands, is now
in this city for the purpose of comforting
with the Government respecting its rela-
tons with those islands. Consul GRIFFIN
received his appointment last year, and
when he arrived q! his consulate he found
that the German consul stationed there,
backed by German man -of. war, had lev
led tax of $50, 900 on the natives This
consul is q member OF q large German
trading house. and has, by his manipula-
tons, secured an immense trade, and has
made fortunes out of the natives by taxa
tons which were unjust. The natives Of
the islands have always shown great at.
tachment to the American people. Although
they desire selfgovernment, still they de-
sire the friendship of the American people,
and liberty TO trade wherever and with
whomsoever they please. They are anxious
to secure treaty with the United States sim.
liar to the one obtained by the Sandwich
Islands. That such treaty would be Of
benefit to this Government there can DO no
doubt, when 1t is known that the German
Government is anxious to control. with
nothing like the facilities for carrying on the
traffic which the United States has. Mr..
GRIFFIN, who visited nearly all the SA-
moan Islands, reports that they might do
good trade with the Pacific coast, and es.
pecislly with San Francisco, particularly
If the Pacific mail steamers were to stop
there.
The natives became alarmed some time
since at the appearance of a German war
vessel in the harbor Of Apia, and the Par
lament on the part OF the Samoans sp-
pointed Mr.. GRIFFIN their minister pleni-
potentiary to treat with the United States
Government, giving HIM full powers to
negotiate. This mission OF course he could
National Republican. (Washington City (D.C.)) 1872-1888, 1877-03-26
WHY DOES THE HOPPER H0Pp

The past few days have brought the
voracious grasshopper forth from his hiding
place, and he now sits perchcd up on the
banks of the sandy Arkansas and muddy
Mississippi, taking survey Of the country
preparatory to his eastward flight. At the
same time we are glad to announce that
the United States grasshopper commission.
with all the knowledge about the pestifer.
Gus hopper that is worth having, and,
besides, being armed to the teeth with micro
scopes, are in secret session here discussing
with due gravity the great national ques-
ton of "why does the hopper hopf"
Good men and able bugologists comprise
this vegetation protecting commission.
There is Professor PACKARD, who knows a
hopper in whatever shape he may appear,
and also Professor RILEY aud Professor
THOMAS, both Of whom can tell the de-
structive insect as far as they can see him,
and can dissect six d second. and tell Just
whose corn patch they are carrying around
in their respective crops. With such men
as these to repel the grasshopper invasion
the honest agriculturists can dream on,
enjoying an undisturbed quiet, with visions
of luxuriant fields Of corn and waving
grain end prosperous garden patches.
National Republican. (Washington City (D.C.)) 1872-1888, 1877-03-26
PLUcKY MONTENEGRO.

montenegro "a a nluckv lille State. fun
of vim. yipor, and updvinu courage sbo
il again preparinp for a tussle With the
fierce Mussulman power which has 40 long
held despotic sway over the Christians.
The negotiations for peace have fallen
through, and the white flag IA lowered to
give place to the red. Not only in Monte.
negro, but through all Dosui, and Hcrze.
govina, the ipsureen,s are ap.in in the
field In greater numbers and with strength.
ened purpose TO drive out at the point of
the sword their Ottoman masters who have
scourged them for years with unrelenting
cruelty.
This Eastern question is remarkable
mvs,e,v which seems bevord Tho nower os
National Republican. (Washington City (D.C.)) 1872-1888, 1877-03-26

The send rights OF woman have been
grossly irieTtered with by the Michigan
legislature That body has enacted law
prohibiting the publication in any form or
notice Of any kind TO aid in procuring q di.
vorce in that State or anywhere else. A
penalty Of one thousand dollars and i'm.
prisornen, for term of years is provided
for . violation of the Law. It is a we'll
known fact that eighty per cent. Of the
applications for divorces come from wives,
and this law. therefore, Ia 4 vicious stab at
one OF their inalienabls rights. And why
not inslisasbls: Slavery is believed to be
an .bridgnsnt Of the inalienable rights of
the human race. Our Constitution says
that every person Is born Tree and equal.
80 that We have . natural and law given
right which protects humanity from slsv-
cry. What right has q body of men,
clothed with legislative powers, to abridge
or In any manner to restrain those rights!
To Be the wife Of = man who is brute is
worse than being 9 slave. To be tied by
the holy bonds Of matrimony TO q crea.
tare whose very nature is dscord. and
whose conduct u intolerable, is far
more wrstched than to be in bondage, sub.
Jet TO bargain and sale, and all the
other cruelties which make slavery repul
Sye TO civilization and all the principles OF
Christianity. Ill mated means slavery. and
unleSs there be some avenue Of escape, then
life to IN i'll matched pair will be one bar
rSn waste OF dseord and misery and sor
row. To feel that marriage bonds are to
bind together two hearts which never can
beat as one, and compel the union, no mat
ter how false and pertidious ii may be, to
last through earthly existence, Is like being
chained to the cold grim pillars at Chillon
for life, with all chances OF escape cut Off
. hopeless bondage to q lifeIess and love-
less thing. Divorce in some cases is as
jastifable as homicide committed in sci :.
defense. and not half as deplorable. We
do not believe that Legislature would be
JUSTIFIED in legilating laws inducing disso-
luton Of the marriage contract, but they
should never refrain from allotting to
vretehed humanity every possible and
proper privilege through which they can
hnd relief from the bondage Of . luckless
and III starred matrimonial match.
National Republican. (Washington City (D.C.)) 1872-1888, 1877-03-26
Arsenic In Wall Paper.

Medical science Is making desperate war
on wall paper. They claim that house papers
stained with certain colors, and especially
green, are Injurious, from the fact that they
are more or less ippregnated with arsenic,
and that It is better to eschew paper hanging
altogether, aud particularly paper in which
can be discovered any trsc OF the pernicious
arsenic. This poisonous drug has been found
in number Of different colors, but It Is gen.
orally confined to green. This green Is not
natural color, or one that can be used to repre-
National Republican. (Washington City (D.C.)) 1872-1888, 1877-03-26

The smaller monitors of the United States
fleet which have been stationed 10 the Port
Royal harbor since the abandonment of Key
West as q naval station have received orders
to proceed to Savannah, and there remain I'M
til further orders. This is an extraordinary
course Just at this time, when smallpox Is
prevailing to so alarming an extent In Savan-
nah as to he epidemic; has caused the sur
geons with commendable precaution to insti-
tute general vaccination among the crews,
and the whole feet are In a condition Of slight
pyrexis from infamed arms and other portions
OF the body TO which the matter has been ap-
piled. What course is to be pursued to insure
immunity from yellow fever or malarious
fever, which usually commences In June at
that locality, remains to be seen. With the
experiences of last summer at Savannah,
when yellow fever prevailed almost as pes
thence, and in view of the perfect health en-
joyed by the officers and crews stationed at
Port Royal, 1t Is regarded as Of very doubtful
propriety to have the feet removed at this
time. 1t is a singular fact, aud commentary
upon the healthfulness Of Port Royal, that
dezvoused In that hsrbor not single
death occurred from actual disease during that
time, and compared with the death, rate at the
former station whence they were removed
comparison is most fsttering.
We quote from the report upon yellow
fever, as 1t appeared in Savannah in 1875, by
DR.. ooTAvIUs A. WHITE, distinguished ply
sicisn Of New York, who extended voluntary
aid to that afflicted city last summer, and
whose report has just been published In the
"New York Medical Journal" for March,
1877.
Savannah" says DR.. WHITE, "ls situated
upon sandy plateau, on the southern bank
o. 1.-THE river Of the came name. The site Of
National Republican. (Washington City (D.C.)) 1872-1888, 1877-03-26

The New York Inquirer says: within the
great and universal the small and tender
nestle and find rest. The prairie that has
kept itself all day to the lone traveller wide,
wild wilderness-space on the right of him,
space on the left and space before, broad,
silent, dead-at night shows misgivings for Its
inhospitable greatness. And as the darkness
begins to fall the vast stretch OF land relents,
comes lowering In and centres In pleasant
light seen ahead, and In a well-illumined
home, walled in, comfortable and tidy, from
the endless outreach. There, the feet grown
weary with the long, waste journey, ind re-
pose on ground reclaimed, domestic and not q
National Republican. (Washington City (D.C.)) 1872-1888, 1877-03-26

II NOV APPEARS that the report was
true that there was an Indian conspiracy
formed tor the purpose Of libsrsting the
Mountain Meadow murderer, LEE, from
prison the night before he was taken from
jail to the place Of execution. The con-
spirscy was melted by the head wife OF
LEE Her name is RACHEL, and she sue
oeeied il securing an agreement with the
Indians BY which they were to surround
n midnight the place Of confinement and
rescue the murderer. The plot was, how.
ever. discovered, and the scheme thwarted
BY informing the wild men that any at
tempt at rescue would bring down the
whole United States army upon them with
Syenging bayones and rifle.
National Republican. (Washington City (D.C.)) 1872-1888, 1877-03-26

TIE will Of MARY M. DANCER, In which
she bequeathed the greater portion Of the
fortune left her BY her father, is to be con-
tested by her uncle, SMITH J. DANCER, Of
Camden, Ohio. Mr.. DANCER claims that enc
will was made under undue influences. The
father of Miss DANCER, it will be remembered,
was notorious faro and stock gambler fory ears
in New York, and that he commenced his
large business on small fortune left him by
his father. Mr.. SMITH J. DANCER believes
that so long as the money originally came
from family sources, it ought to remain
In the family channels. He has retained "
o. BARTLETT, esq, Of New York, as his
counsel.
National Republican. (Washington City (D.C.)) 1872-1888, 1877-03-26

THE metric system OF weights and meas
ures, after having been taught In the Eastern
colleges for years, has at las. found favor In
the sight of the legislators, and the Msssa-
chusetts Legislature has ordered It's adoption
as the legal standard In that State. It Is safe
TO say, however, that its Introduction into the
practical affairs Of life will be no easy matter.
II is difficult to get people out Of their old
ways, and especially such ways As mechanics
and storekeepers have been accustomed to.
The difference between the meter and the
yard, between the liter and the quart, viii
necessitate change. OF prices to suit the new
measures, and all the old weights, the meas
ures, and the rules, together with other
means Of determining length, breadth and
thickness, will have to be discarded In favor
OF a system which, at present, to all but pro-
fessional men, Is entirely unknown. To in
sure the adoption Of the metric system BY an
easy and gradual process, 1t should be taught
In all the public schools, and the State gov
ernments, or the General Government, after
formally recommending Its adoption, should
provide specimens Of the new measures and
weights, go that everybody could become f.
miliar with them. This was the plan used in
several European countries where the metric
system has come into general and satisfactory
use, and there Is no good reason why 1t should
not be successful in America.
National Republican. (Washington City (D.C.)) 1872-1888, 1877-03-26

THE SPIRIT OF THr NEW FsrrH" n SsuuH-
ur SErnors BY OrrArIus TrntIrt Fuswu
INeHAn. II mo-, pm. III rub IHthpn ly q p
frTNAs soma New ferk-
Inc Work as senos or nnnqnin~n n .
oohen interesting snrmnnA W t-N- - -
frStnlnc c, ana eAh M I'm sah lnn.anf
r' - y
Kp,cS Rss1t.T Fn,i,.s fynni,.s,m ~, ...s
with notes, ~ DAVID a. wELIls. Gann. ap, .yu-
Snpp W " 'ffN M"
"Tbe Dismal scicurrr' is t-nrt-t m /, m,umrr
that makes n attractive. Tn. t-4uslpni,u 10
Mr.. Wells is such thrt unn. Of IN. irrs an
beauty Of style Of the author Is Inst ann hiE
notes are invaluabe-
TIVE BEST Rraprre: = n OlsssuruEr Enfnnp
oy CurHxs1 I1rnArrEn fafnsn ~ fI,zA
khlS BE- fnrkLrs iamns ~ h1 Nfw
~ q. -, n, ."n
Inc Work tnhhnrrhihg nssRfii'hh I'VE
easy reference. Thc Irresrnr sdisiEn ID af,t
fourth, and has been rrrissa md ENLARGED Big
the addition of m.py y.1u,,l, urr-rs ss-xii,rt
80, ,,,.,,,.,, - a -. -.
~ -, -. ~. -. ~, ,.,a...;,.. "a -.
On ~ ssrms-i,n ~ 1n,-s,,,.. - -, ~
cnr-ss. nr rn.sinr rar ,s,,,r,,,. ,,,s,,,I
inr ~ r..s rn.b t,- ,a.,s,-. s,,s -.-,,ts' :, \,
: s,,;de NJ nv. ra1ns ~ "
"A FLEA Ioh AET N 1HE bnusE EVIL
National Republican. (Washington City (D.C.)) 1872-1888, 1877-03-26
PERSON AZ.

Mr.. f. I. Ely, Of New Turk rs stIgglnr n
The Arlington.
Chas. D. Poston, Of ArixDnA, is rE-is-r-Ht II
the Arlington.
L. M. Parker, Of New Tnk, and family irs
At the Arlington.
John j. Parker End wife Kre sDjnurui.nr nj
the Arlington.
7. E. Lonergsn, Of New York hns sslIr--
ments n the Arlington.
Mr.. John Foord, of the New EmS Himrss
has rooms ~ ths Arlmg11n.
DR.. Dsmrossh owns . viilin mnr 1ihlr aSq
hundred years old and Talun1 NJ o. ,bh Vna
treasure WAS made ~ MErini III F-nEnik-
Hon. J. b. BDwmKn, recum al Tim Uuitpr
sty Of Kentucky, who has hrnn murir,mru ~ ma
Of the commissioners 10 Louisiklha- Do sIpmrning
at wnlsrds
Chief Justice Chasc's mKnsim nr In. Has-
dcnsburg road, near " AshnKim, Is IN be nEr,rFiHt
again by Mrs. KKtr Chase Slnsr-ur WIN N AZ
present In that city.
NJ. Bonrsut, one Cd the Trrnrih ezyiIrsrs
Of Central Afrns, has had = hing hlSrrwIrv wff
the King Of the BelgiEnk- WIN TAXES . wIrln III
terest in the general Development ID 4t.iirh.
Truhnsr, the booksnInr, ipxm str t,tilzsrihr
decorations bestowed upm him ny Kings ant an
perors. He has Tusi runpipse trun I'M Aui1zitn
Emperor the Gross Of Tim ororr al FrnnE BIiaph.
Miss Fletcher, OF Burlinr1nn, Vt, the mint
munihecni public banniHn1rrhs ihh1 Ssslls hIs
yet produced, has ADDED s2., nOU m hnr iIrmfr
gilt Of slSO,COO to found 1bH MEry FOphuhm hIs-
pitAl
In regard to Or. wiIIiEms, aht OriIsIrsll
scholar and missiunEry n q ibln 1iIn1 Hnnitifmfs
once asked Secretary Seward wig INN nnrtsur wa
National Republican. (Washington City (D.C.)) 1872-1888, 1877-03-26
RELIGIOUS NOTICES.

ssEoLY CROSS CHURCH. CORNER OF
Massachusetts, avenue aud Eixhte.ntli street-Hoiy
Week serVtess PAIN sunday. o. u and Il n N. and
I'D D. m. pnilv c.iehrlflan of Biesss Sac NJ
IN \. eNgept 6aOd FRIDAY. Litany At u m
uveninl privsr and sermon At IN Preachers 1t
dvaninu ssrviGvs Raw. Dr.. Lewis. RRv. DR.. Cark OF
chapel 90 H1iY Communion. A. Jackson. I. L. rouu-
sruG Ritthf Rsv. Bis-aop Pinsnry viii administer
-iigr1Insaflt Rifp Of Condemnation wednesday
cunning surviue. Hist Rsv. h Suuthsatc presch-
isiI -iflfrlnv- Hastsr eve. The intermediate
<tzint esIu,l Eriiliy-Ssrvirus II 4 m. u m.
mt gummrmnrIf1nu Of s41kree hours agouy''
iEnu N Il m.- illI IN D. m. SERVICE Choral. seats
tus. mhe5-g-
National Republican. (Washington City (D.C.)) 1872-1888, 1877-03-26

THERE is Frenchman in Paris who is
anxious TO have the flesh Of the horse and
the mule introduced to the British public.
he cfers . handsome reward TO any Eng
lssh butcher who will devote himself to
the tough enterprise. The English are q
people devoted to horse-hesh. but they
prefer seeing il before a sulky on the
Brighton raee-trsck than hung up bone
and sirer IN the London markets.
National Republican. (Washington City (D.C.)) 1872-1888, 1877-03-26

The author Of the Fair God" is going
to write . new novel This time he is
coming down on the ancient Romans Of
Tiherius' famous reign like an Assyrian
wolf on the fold, and will make Rome
houl over the philippe which he proposes
to hurl sgains; their wickedness and ex-
tr.vagsncs in ye olden time, when she was
Just getting ready to sit down on her seven
hills for the purpose Of ruling the world.
National Republican. (Washington City (D.C.)) 1872-1888, 1877-03-26

not accept, but he did the next best and
sensible thing; he came here Immediately
to consult with the proper authorities, aud
lay the matter fully before them. Mr.
griffin seems to have strong case. He
certainly has iustice on his side.
National Republican. (Washington City (D.C.)) 1872-1888, 1877-03-26

A CORRESPONDENT writing from this city
respecting the office. seekers says; "Among
those who apply in person notice many
robust and hearty looking young men. who
spend their time In q vain search for twelve
or fourteen hundred. dollar cierkship. 1t is,
think, a great mistake. Young men get In
National Republican. (Washington City (D.C.)) 1872-1888, 1877-03-26

PROFESSOR szxLrE is philanthropist. He
has donated his salary received while . mem
Der OF the House to the town Of Amherst, and
the grateful inhabitants give sigh of relief as
they see visions Of new sidewalks taking the
places of the muddy footpaths which have
heretofore "sdorned" the place.
National Republican. (Washington City (D.C.)) 1872-1888, 1877-03-26

The cloud Of trouble which has 50 long
been hanging like pail over the anthra-
cite regions is rapidly disappearing before
the influence Of the concilistIve spirit
sh;ch seems to have entered into the
hearts Of the miners. They are rapidly
going to work at prices agreed upon, and
everything looks favorable for 4 season OF
peace and harmony down in the coal
rnines
National Republican. (Washington City (D.C.)) 1872-1888, 1877-03-26

The English papers believe now that Tur-
key Is determined to make Russia give her a
sound thrashing, and they feel disposed to
stand off at distance and tell the Russian
besr to "pitch ill.,"
National Republican. (Washington City (D.C.)) 1872-1888, 1877-03-26

II SAILEk Should be Speaker Of the
HOUSE then THOMSON cannot be Sergeant.
alarms, That IS q fixed fact. The De
mocraey will no: let Ohio have both of the
plsoss. The probabilities are. however.
that the Democracy will not have the giving
OF either Of the offices.
National Republican. (Washington City (D.C.)) 1872-1888, 1877-03-26

THERE SEEMS to be considerable fear
that xe would be without President
should both HAYES and WHEELER die
No dan ser. there are plenty of men who
could be i.dueed to ill any interresnum OF
that kind. Possibly Mr.. TrLDAS could be
soax.d 10 do IL
National Republican. (Washington City (D.C.)) 1872-1888, 1877-03-26

AN ANONYMOUS Correspondent, writing
the subject Of starved car horses, says IT'S fairly
aRoniring to hear hungry mare squeAl for .
square meal.-CsmmsreisI Adps rfiser.
The assiduity the Adr.rfissr man worked TO
get that out shows he performs the duty of an.
ass like a man.
National Republican. (Washington City (D.C.)) 1872-1888, 1877-03-26

RATHER EARLr.-Two OF the Long Branch
hotels were opened Saturday morning about
O'Clock, and were closed as soon as the police
were heard coming.
National Republican. (Washington City (D.C.)) 1872-1888, 1877-03-26

Coz VALENTINE BAKER is lonely away
down there on the Golden Horn, and in
Consequence has sent word to Major RESo
offering him position in the Turkish army,
pzUyitsd he Is court-martialei.
National Republican. (Washington City (D.C.)) 1872-1888, 1877-03-26

THERE is q young lady in this city 30 high
church" that she has hsh. hooks and eyes on her
dresses during Lent--Bos'On COMMERCIAL BuL-
isfin.
Yes, We believe you, button occasions like
Lent such jokes should DO left loan for
forty DAYS.
National Republican. (Washington City (D.C.)) 1872-1888, 1877-03-26

HAS AMY one noticed whether the Goldfish
aristocracy Of this country are keeping Lent
This Is important, and 1t is hoped will he In,
vestigated.
National Republican. (Washington City (D.C.)) 1872-1888, 1877-03-26

Is 1T Foley to give the president of life
insurance company as much as the President
OF the United States gets,