davidaulloa/AmericanStories huggingface dataset:
The New Orleans daily Democrat. [volume] (New Orleans, La.) 1877-1880, 1879-03-02
MIRROR WORSHIP IN JAPAN.
Why the Bronze Mirror IL so Important
an Article in Japanese Houses.
London Tim Of

Prof. Aryton lectured last week at the
Royal Institution, his subject being 'The
Magic Mirror OF Japan" In Japan there ls
he said, an absence Of house walls, interior
and exterior, the houses consisting OF q ROOT
supported on only a few posts incloslng a
very little but empty space, and sliding alone
divide off compartments. Why Ia this COM
paratiye absence OF all that we should call
furniture. does one article pertaining to
the ladies' tOilette-the bronze mirror with its
stand hold SO prominent position? This
mirror is usually circular, from three inches
to twelve inches in diameter made OF
bronze, and with bronze handle,
covered with bamboo. The rejecting face
is generally more or less convex, pol
ished with a mercury amalgam, and the back
Is beautifully ornamental with gracefully
executed raised design. Some for the rustic
population have also polished letters.
The explanation OF the fact that the mirror
Is almost par excellence the entire furniture is
found partly In the elaborate head dresses of
the Japanese ladies' and the pain ding OF their
faces, and partly from the Oelief that as the
sword was the soul OF the Samouri," so Is
the mirror the ''soul OF women" 1t therefore
constitutes the most valuable OF all her pos
sessions, and two mirrors form part OF the
trousseau Of every BRIDE The characteristic
qualities OF the mirror must, it Is believed, be
In accordance with the constitution of the
possessor. and second sight" Is resorted to
10 the selection OF a mirror. But why Is the
mirror 50 important in the Imperial palace
where the Court ladies, still preserving the
fashion OF old days. comb back their hair in
the simplest style? Why does the fortune
teller. instead Of looking at a girls PALM re-
gard the reflection in a mirror Why in
stead OF referring to the book of the record
ing angel, does the Japanese Plato nring be-
fore the boatman his evil deeds reflected in
mirror? And why does the mirror hold so
important place in japanese temples? The
mirror ranks far higher in Japanese history
than has been supposed; it, in fact takes the
place of the cross in Christian countries
Prof. AyTtOn read the myth OF the origin
OF the worship of the mirror The main
points In it are that when gods alone inhab-
tied the earth the sun goddess one day hurt
her hand with her shuttle, having been sud-
denly frightened by practical joke of her
brother, the god Of the sea. She Indignantly
retired to cave. Darkness followed, and the
goddess had to be appraised The wisest Of
the godS suggested making an image of her
more beautiful than herself The Japanese
vulcan fashioned mirror in the shape of the
sun, and all the gods laughed, and shouted:
Here Is a deity who surpasses even your
glory. Woman's curiosity could not stand
TINS: The goddess peeped out, and while ad-
mlrlng herself In the mirror was caught and
dragged out by rice rope. The national
traditions have it that this sun goddess
tAmaterasu 0 mi Kami), sending her adopted
grandson, who was also the great-grand-
The New Orleans daily Democrat. [volume] (New Orleans, La.) 1877-1880, 1879-03-02
GAMBETTA'S GREATNESS.
The Marvellous Rise of the French States
man-HOw He appeared as Presi-
dent Of the Chambers
tLondon Times Paris letter.

tLondOn Times Paris letter.
At fifteen minutes past two the beating OF
drums and the rattling OF arms were heard
from the Hobbies, and presently M. Gambetta,
with the ceremony usual after an election of
President, took the chair. His entrance was
eagerly watched. He was, according to Gus
tom in evening dress. He had evidently,
moreover. been particular over his toilette.
His grayish beard was trimmed short, and
his hair, generally left to itself, was careful y
combed behind his ears showing to adyan-
tage his wide forehead and keen and intell-
gent glance Few Of those present could help
rejecting on the advance he has made In ten
short years, since he defended the Baudn
memorial. Everybody remembers that We
hement speech, his consequent election, his
republican speech In the Corps Legislatif,
his Inclusion In the government of Ma
tiOnai Defense, his balloon trip his Tours
and Bordeaux dictatorship, his r, si9nation,
departure for San Sebastian and election to
the Assembly, his speeches there and at
Belleyille and Grenoble, his meeting with NJ
Theirs in the Luxembourg COnservatories, his
Lille speech and the subsequent prosecution,
his role since the 1877 elections. Some, too
can measure his rise by the quarters he has
occupied since 1871-first second floor more
than modest, No. Is Rue Montaigne, where
his democratic simplicity exceeded the most
austere ideas; then the comfortable entresot
OF the same house added to the upper story,
marking an advance and allowing of more
select receptions; next the premises OF the
RepubHQne Frdncaise, so Rue Chaussee dan
tin, where a secretary stopped you in thu
passage and valet ushered you into library
worthy OF party leader; now the Palas
Bourbon, where everything still reminds you
OF the most luxurious of the authors OF the
Coup d'Etat," the Due de Morny-t palace
whence the hero of this fairy tale starts for
Versailles in order, with drums beating and
military escort, to assume his presidential
chair. The spectacle struck every imagna-
tion, and 1t may be foreseen that, in the alb
sence Of too great impotence or some serious
blunder, the fortune which first smiled on this
.poilt child In police court will not stop
here Nearly all henceforth depends on him
self. 1t depends on himself to be equal to his
new position; to avoid controversies, to re-
press disorder, to moderate discussion; above
all, to remember that he Is one of the organs
Of the gov, rnment and Is bound to protect 1t,
and to satisfy Europe Of the stability of the
Republic. The French law forbids doctors to
become legatees of the patients whom they
treat-d fortiori Of those whom they Kill.
That law the new President of the Chamber
should not lose sight OF, and France will re-
member L. whenever the chief magistracy Is
again vacant
The New Orleans daily Democrat. [volume] (New Orleans, La.) 1877-1880, 1879-03-02
A MALE CLEOPATRA.
story or Sir Thomas Gresham, who
Drank a $4,000 Pearl nj HIS Dlnner.
tLondon Society.l


Gresham is good subject to begin his
tory with, for 1t has what Is earlier than his
tory-tradition and romance. The story Of
the Grasshopper Is a pretty one, only the
rude hand Of the antiquary set it all aside by
sternly proving that Gresham was no found
ling, but born in wealth. There are plenty OF
tales left. How is it with this 1t Is gravely
related In work called Lawson's History OF
Banking" that the Spanish ambassador to the
English Court having extolled the riches OF
his King, the master Of the Indies and of the
grandees OF Spain before Queen Elizabeth.
Sir Thomas Gresham, who was present. told
him that the Queen had subjects who at one
meal expended not only as much as the daily
revenues of the King. but also OF all grandees
and added, This | will prove any day and
lay you a heavy wager Oh it," So Gresham
uutbr8gged the Spaniard in his own line. The
ambassador, hiding his time, came unawares
to the mansion Of Sir Thomas in Bishopgatp,
and dined with him, when finding only All or
binary meal he said: well, sir, GU have lost
your stake" mot at all" answered Sir
Thomas, land this you shall presently see"
He then pulled box from his pocket, and
taking out one of the largest Eastern pearls
showed it to the ambassador. After which he
ground it down and drank the dust in glass
Of wine to the health OF the Queen, his mis-
tress. MY Lord Ambassador" said Sir
Thomas, you know | have often refused
$4,000 for the pelrl Have | lost or won =
II yield the wager as lost, said the ambassa-
dor, land do not think there are four sub
lects in the world that would do as much for
the sovereign"
The New Orleans daily Democrat. [volume] (New Orleans, La.) 1877-1880, 1879-03-02
PETITIONS.
The Curious Petitions Presented TO Cong.
ress Every Year.


Washington Gazettel
A much larger proportion of legislation
than is generally supposed Is founded upon
petitions and memorials presented In Con
gress. The Committees on Commerce, Pen
sions, Claims, and Post-oflices and Post-roads,
as well as other committees, report bills, a
large number of which are founded upon petit
tions. These petitions and memorials come
from private individuals, aliens, corporations,
literary, scientific and labor reform societies,
boards OF trade, Territorial and State Legis-
latures, and. in fact, from almost every branch
Of trade and industry
1t Is the custom for any person or CORPORA
ton or society seeking relief at the hands of
Congress to forward petition to q member
or Senator, setting forth the facts In the CASE
This paper is referred to an appropriate COM
mittee to consider and report upon 1t. Some
times bill granting the relief sought is in
trOduced at the same time; but as 1t Is not
always possible In the House to obtain leave
to Introduce bill. the petition is sent to a
committee, under the rule, which allows 1t to
be- SO referred at any time the House Is In
session.
The number of petitions introduced In the
House during the Forty-fifth Congress Is
10, 167, which have been analysed by J. FL.
Francis, resolution and petition clerk OF the
House aS follows
The New Orleans daily Democrat. [volume] (New Orleans, La.) 1877-1880, 1879-03-02

-. "a 1n5 frst Emperor OF japan. to sub
due the world, made him three presents-the
maga-tdmG (the precious stone. ennblematical
OF the spirit OF woman) the sword tembiem-
atical Of the spirit OF mani, and the mirror
(embem Of her own SOUL. LOOK, she said,
" on this mirror as my spirit, keep 1t In the
same house and on the same floor witt, your
self, and Worship 1t as II you were worshiping
my actual presence"
The New Orleans daily Democrat. [volume] (New Orleans, La.) 1877-1880, 1879-03-02

Next to lace in favor comes embroidery and
KmAny handsome dresses they ara used To-
ther. great deal Of gold and silver EN-
o{unry Will be worn. and for such en,hroid.
gold or silver threads are twisted around
lily cord oil white silk, giving the effect ~
oed embroidery without the weight which
been Its great drawback Gauges shat
~ gold and silver threads are to be- used
Rau dresses at watering places this sum
Satin will still reign, and will be the
Ql1te material to combine with silks and
Qner faorics- A beautiful evening dress is
HACK dotted net, trimmed with black Breton
- and Topped with purple violets over a
81 &0dation OF black satin.
p1rl embroidery. which Is SO effective. is
expen 1--we Tor even rich people, 80 imita.
pearls are used. and an attempt IL being
~ ~ Introduce mother-of pearl for fht
purpose. An elegant white satin wa
lined with mother-of pearl lilies-of-t the val
Nth good effect, but the ornaments INNS,
1t TO look well. For instance. mother-ns
3nponicas looping a lace tunic lool
and unsuitable. or two elegant Pari
ming dresses, one Is Of pale pin
The New Orleans daily Democrat. [volume] (New Orleans, La.) 1877-1880, 1879-03-02

The city Of Springfield, Illinois, has pass
ed the interest on its bonds;" Elijah tn.
New Jersey, has done likewise; Memphis is
Illinois, has employed counsel to oppose
any measure that may be taken to force the
payment OF its debt: and Atlanta, Illinois,
held meeting and voted that all It's people
are honest, but 1t will never pay its railroad
The New Orleans daily Democrat. [volume] (New Orleans, La.) 1877-1880, 1879-03-02

| Quite a number OF petitions have beer
classed as miscellaneous relating to the
| fol owing subjects: Woman Suffrage, Adul.
ITERATION of Food, Education, Labor, Public
Lands, Indian Affairs, Pacific Railroads, and
matters relating to the District Of Co
| lumbia.
The number OF petitions presented to Con-
gress In the House Of Representatives in
creases rapidly every year. The average
| increase for the four last Congresses over It's
predecessor has been about Is per cent.
Among the curiosities In the shape of me-
MORALS and petitions that have teen present
| ed this Congress are the following:
Memorial Of the common council of Louis
| ville KY, asking that the HOwgate exploring
| expedition be directed to take the vessel MAX
| ing the exploration, after the colony leaves
the same, out into the Polar sea, and test
| the truth OF the Symmes theory, and that
Americas Symmes, u son OF the author of
! said theory, be permitted to go on said vessel
Another: The petition OF George f. Inball,
that In the next census the necessary vital
statistics be taken as will definitely settle all
controversy upon the question of the effects
upon the offspring of consanguineous mar
riage.
Another: The petition OF j. H. Brown and
Others OF Illinois. for the appointment of a
commission 10 inquire into the qualification
Of English photography.
Also: The petition of c. G. Hall. of New
York, for securing an Intelligent ballot
through the publication by the government
H paper, WHICH snail ne sent each week
free, to each family in the United States: in
which paper shall be printed in the course
Of the year the constitution of the United
States and OF the several States, the proceed
lngs OF Congress, the duties OF the officers of
the government and their salaries, the re-
ports OF all government expenditures. the
amount OF money received by ths govern
ment, from what source and the purpose to
which applied, a monthly statement OF the
public Debt etc.
Also: The petition Of the Monumental Asso.
citation Of Tarrytown, n. Y, for an appro-
ton for the erection Of monument to the
captors of Major Andre.
Also: A petition Of the New Jersey H!stor-
ical Society for an appropriation for the cree
ton OF monument to Christopher Colum-
bus.
Also: Memorial of the New York Commits
sion for the Prevention of State Regulated
Vice for legislation to prevent the abuse of
official power In connection with the existing
ana proposed national quarantine regulations
to regulate and legalize social vice.
Also: The petition of the Lowell Opera
tives'' Reform Society lowell. Massl for O.
territory where mongamic law shall not
prevail.
The New Orleans daily Democrat. [volume] (New Orleans, La.) 1877-1880, 1879-03-02

me Ohio Prohibltonists have already
thased their ticket in the field, headed by
n Tnent perpetual candidate, Mr.. Stewart. The
the roets seem to be taking less interest in
and ane movement oS TO ominate Governor Bishop
nrohabI,, was understood last October would
Rice ae }h ~ me case-talk Of selecting Gen.
exeent,o LIT candidate. He would prove an
eraI Tai, u say strong one. Ex-Attorney-Gen-
| Republican side, 'iie coming man on the
Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1879-10-14

according to the New York Tribune CORES
ponaent, no one is able TO draw Mr. Blaine into
conversation On the subject of the Presidency
In connection with himself, but In Iowa yester.
Gay ne SAID In conversation quite publicly ..that
tne popularity and prestige OF General Grant
ID tnls country Were far beyond those of any
otner man, ana would prove Irresistible But
the correspondent ADDS that all the tra,ns ~
the immense Blaine meetings In Iowa ware
profusely decorated with flags bearing the in
scrption CT "Iowa for Blaine In 1885," and In.
Vulnerable banners were borne In the process
sions expressing the same sentiment in every
variety OF language.
Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1879-10-14
Dentist 0uacks.

A few days ago a man died In New York, so
his attending physician declared, from the poi
sonous effects OF arsenic put in his tooth By
dentist to kill the nerve. This case has led to
general discussion Of the laws governing the
practice OF dentistry, and in many states they
are pronounced very defective. In the District
of Columbia there is no law whatever for the
regulation OF this practice. Any man. or
woman. no matter how ignorant, or unskillful,
may hang out a sign and undertake to ope-
rate upon the teeth. The reputable den-
lists OF Washington whose skill has estab-
lished for them excellent regulations and good
practice, united in an effort last winter to have
Congress enact law prescribing some kind
OF test of the qualifications OF persons prac-
ticing dentistry, but owing to the press Of other
business the bill failed. They intend to bring
the matter before Congress again next session,
and hope to succeed. The dentists who are
urging such law say that the number OF I'M
posters now practicIRg, or rather pretending to
practice, that profession In Washington
is large and continually on the In
crease. Dental Quacks driven from other
places by the operation Of wholesome laws,
come to Washington, where they can
carry on their business without fear of inter-
ruption. Ore Of the most reputable dentists of
this city states that he is called upon daily by
persons who have suffered at the hands of
quacks. He says large proportion Of the
practice OF the regular profession here comes
from persons who have been injured by i'm
posters, who, in their ignorance, frequently do
serious injury. Yet for the honor of the pro-
fession, tie reputable dentists desire the enact
ment Ct law that will forbid any person to
practice who has not diploma from some
regular dental college.
Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1879-10-14

Kearney has made a business proposition to
his followers in San Francisco, which he says
is for the beneft Of white labor. He proposes
to establish factory to turn out coarse shirts,
overalls and other articles Of apparel usually
worn by working people. He wants 100 work
tngmen to furnish 500 each for this purpose,
and says 1T shall be run by white labor only.
OF course kearney proposes to handle the
money and manage the factory
Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1879-10-14

In the past year the consumption of cotton by
mills In the south increased 26 per cent. over
that Of the preceding year, while that of the
northern mills gained but two per cent.
Georgia manufactures the largest quantity, and
several new mills are now being erected in that
state.
Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1879-10-14

The coroner's jury which investigated the
causes OF the recent falling Of the grand stand
on the fair grounds at Adrian, Mich, by which
fifteen persons were killed and two hundred
injured more or less severely, have returned
verdict fixing the responsibility Of the affair On
the owner Of the grounds, the architect who
planned and the builders who constructed the
stand. The charge against the former is that
he employed an incompetent architect and
builders, and that he neglected to assure
himself Of the safety OF the building before per-
Knitting its use by the public. The architect
who designed the building and prepared the
working plans is held equally guilty with the
constructors for negligence in not putting or
causing to be put in adequate supports to the
floor ttmbers. The jury recommended that all
the persons implicated be held to answer crimi-
nal charges, and they have accordingly been
arrested on the charge OF manslaughter, and at
last accounts were in jail. This.is a hopeful
sign. Now let the grand and petit Ju:ies Of the
county In which the disaster occurred do their
duty as well as the coroner's jury did theirs,
and we shall be exempt from fair ground
casualties Of that class for some time to come.
Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1879-10-14

Senator Chandler, OF Michigan, in a speech
at Worcester, Mass, the other day, declared
that " Of all the frauds that God ever permitted
to curse this earth, Samuel j. Tilden is the
biggest This declaration has given mortal
ofTense to the democrats of the state, who are
preparing to resent 1t In a way that may have
marked effect upon the result of the election.
Last year thousands of democrats voted for
Gov. Talbot, the republican nominee, to defeat
Gen. Butler, and the republican committee
have counted upon receiving, for their present
candidate, the same support this year. The
race, as everybody knows, lies between Long
and Butler, Mr.. Adams having been nominated
simply to maintain regular democratic organ
izatton. The Boston Post, organ OF the regular
democracy, and hitherto bitter opponent of
Gen. Butler, quotes Senator Chambers declara-
ton about Tilden, and, as a choice between
Long and Butler, advises democrats to vote for
the latter 1t insists that the voters Of its party
should support Adams, and "let the conse-
quences be what they may 1t says, that with
all Gen. Buffers hostility to the democratic
party, he has never heaped such an insult upon
It as that uttered by Senator Chandler, and
substantially urges democrats who will no
vote for Adams TO support the General. Should
this advice be followed by even one-half Of the
democrats who voted for Talbot last year, it
may have very decided effect upon the result
Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1879-10-14

Tonight the long agony In Ohio will be over
Tomorrow we shall know all about the result,
and by that time good many sanguine poll
ticians will wish they hadn't been so free with
their prophecies.
Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1879-10-14

Hop Bitters Is prev 4ntive and cure for Agua: IL
u Your own fault you have IT,
CH0M CASES OF EVERY DESCRIPTION. OF
C "a DE 6E FUROAAsEp ABROAD. saving freight,
n II. PRINCES MARBLE Bur,.n1ua.
WSss" C0r Sth and Pc ace.
Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1879-10-14

ENOR RENT-735 9th st. NV,
Il Alaree 12-reom BRICK, with modern
improvements and in good repair.
FOR RENT-2O05 81 st. n W.,
Desirable Sstory, II rooms BRICK. with modern
cory en- ences. TROS. ]. FISHER 90.
r, FOB REN T II" g n.y..
ern conyenences. THOS }. FISHER & 90.
FOR RENT-Large BUILDING, containing "a
rooms. Just south of Ebhitt House.
THOS. J. FISHER h 90.
FOR SALE-Two Handsome DWELLINGS, near
"Iowa Circle"
JHOB. J. FISHER & co.
MONEY TO LOAN at low rate OF interest, on
fIstclass real estate security only
THOB. ]. FISHER l. CO.,
Cctl0 1923 street NV.
Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1879-10-14

The republican papers of San Francisco are
not done with ex-Secretary Gorham yet. The
Alta California Of the It'll instant speaks of the
'froZen assurance OF this schemlng politician
who sought to pull down the man he had helped
to nominate" That paper, apparently, does not
believe that ''while the lamp holds OUT even
backslider may return to the fold of the repub.
Hcan party.
Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1879-10-14
llQL Y ara 80 aas

have Furnished Houses, in good locations, for
rent to private families only
Il make no charge to landlords for advertising
their property. and keep 1t before the public con-
stantly.
Houses and Lots In every section Of the city for
sale, ut prices from 81 600 TO $4,000, and easy
terms. AL property for sale ct my oface hag been
b O. HOFFMAN,
oct11 10th and sts. NV.
Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1879-10-14

The Chicago & Alton railroad company have
offered $4,000 reward for the capture Of the
Missouri train robbers. That ought to be enough
to induce one OF the gang to talk
Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1879-10-14

The republicans feel confident Of electing
their governor In Ohio, but are not so sure Of
the legislature. The democrats feel sure OF the
legislature, but are not betting much on the
governor.
Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1879-10-14

The Womens Congress, in session at Madi-
son, Wis, last week, refused to admit reporters
to their business meetings. The average re-
porter is inclined to mix too much criticism
with his report, to suit the members of this
UCongIeSS"
Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1879-10-14

THE STAR is connected with the wires of the
National Telephone Exchange and with the
Western Union Telephone Exchange. Both
these agencies can therefore be availed OF in
sending TO TIE STAR advertisements orders for
the paper 10 be served, news, or any inf orma-
ton, at any hour of the day free OF charge.
These facilities are q great convenience, and
will be appreciated by the customers OF THE
STAR.