davidaulloa/AmericanStories huggingface dataset:
The Evening critic. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1881-1885, 1885-02-07
rHR NEW posroFFicE SITE,
How IL Came TO be Selected som
Interviews on the Subtect

How IL Came TO be Selected Some
Interviews on the Subject.
CRITIC reporter to-day interviewed
some Of tho gentlemen composing tho Con-
gressional Committee that is negotiating
for the City Postoliice site. Each one was
asked in what shape the proposition came
to the committee to buy tho square in
which is THE CRITIC block whether it
was understood that the property could
DO purchased for $500,00O, aud whether
that was larger sum than the committee
desired to oxpond.
Senator Cameron (Wis.) said that state
ment was shown the committee, represent
ing that tho square and every building
upon il could be bought for S500,00 that the
statement was largely based upon proposi-
tions mado by tho property y-owners, and
also upon estimates made by well-informed
| parties. No objection was made TO the
| price. The committee expected that site
would cost that much, and would 70 be-
| yond those figures If necessary.
Senator Morrill, said the proposition of
| 100000 was based partially upon informa-
| tion from the property-owners, but that
upon further inquiry IL was learned that
| the square would cost somewhat above
| 100000; that written agreements to soil
were being secured from tho property
| OWnerS IN pno square. nc ulu uOb ODlBcb
TO the price, but wanted to get the prop
erty as low as possible. Probably the
| whole sguare would not be condemned.
The building to bo erected for the City
Postoflice might not mako the total cost
over $S00,000.
Senator Vest was not so buoyRnt. He
said the committee had expected to got the
SQUARE for 100000. "When we come to
enter into written agreements with the
| property owners however" said he, some
| Of them began to go up. A halfdo1en, bo-
| lieving we had settled upon that square, and
| must have 1t, are putting up thoir figures
| until | don't think we can get it for less
than 100000, If at all. l am not in favor
| of those figures. / think about S5000O0
enough for the block or square," He had
no idea of the cost of the building to be
| constructed, as nothing had been submitted
| on that proposition.
! Representative Stookslager was very
slow to say anything on tho subject, con-
sidering the proceedings of the committee
private. He did not think the square
could be bought for less thun Sl000,0O0,
however, because several prOperty.owners
wanted to squeeze the Government in
fixing their prices; did not believe the conf
mittee would pay over 100000. Ii the
whole square was purchased the Postoillce
Department. would be extended over It aud
the cost Of the building would be very large.
He thought tho present House would be
slow to authorize the purchase Of site at
any price, and especially for over 100000.
The Evening critic. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1881-1885, 1885-02-07
SOCIETY MATTERS

Mrs. Carlisle is suffering again from rhou-
matism.
Cards have been issued by Mr.. and Mrs.
John A. Rhecm for the marriage of their
daughter Lulu to Mr.. Alexander I. Hen
sey, at st. Pauls Church, this city, on
Thursday evening, 10Th instant.
The monthly class reception Of Professor
Marini last evening was we'll attended by
young society people.
Mrs. General Ricketts, had n lot of win.
some girls to assist her yesterday afternoon
at her weekly reception.
The Russian Minister and Madame De
Struve gave their final reception of the
gay season at tho embassy, on Connecticut
avenue, last night.
Willard's Hotel was the scene of another
distinguished gathering last evening at the
weekly hop given by the proprietor to his
lady guests many Congressman aud their
ladies being present.
The Evening critic. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1881-1885, 1885-02-07
SOUTH WASHINGTON.

THIEVES FRIGHTENED AwAY.-TwC
thieves attempted TO effect an entrance in
the woodshed of Mrs. Brent, No. l6j G
street southwest, late yesterday evening
but were frightened of by two white boys
giving the alarm.
The RIVER OPEN.-The ice has entirely
disappeared from the river, and navigation
has been resumed. Tho w. w. Corcorat
made her first trip yesterday morning tC
Mount Vernon, taking down quite mum
ber Of passengers. The George Leary ar
rived at her wharf yesterday morning on
time. The arrival Of score or more o.
oyster pungies has made things in the
oyster line quite lively at the wharves.
The Evening critic. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1881-1885, 1885-02-07
LRAuoHs GRAND oPERA-HousE.
"Much Ado About NOthIng.''


The audience that Allied Albaugh's Grand
opera.House st evening has never been
equaled in Washington. Every seat In pro-
scenium boxes, In orchestra, orchestra circle
and galleries was occupied, and many people
stood throughout the evening. The popular
demonstration last evening cannot be re-
garded as an unqualified compliment TO
Irving, but II was supreme triumph for
Miss Terry. The presentation OF "Much Ado
About Nothing" was unquestionably the great
eet event OF the week. Criticism In this case
seems like sacrilege. An American audience
has meyer Witnessed performance so closely
approaching absolute perfection. II Mr.
lryipg did not appear TO the greatest advant.
age as an actor, he certainly did AS q man.
nger. There was not scene, character, q
costume, nor movement IA the play that did
not tell OF great mind and great manager
controlling and perfecting every detail and
rendering the whole conception more abso-
lutely harmonious and an execution more
purely artistic. Every scene was a revelation
Of taete and artistic effect. The shady path and
dim Vista in the wood was as perfect as though
an evening wind had really been swaying the
spreading branches OF the trees; the cathe-
oral scene was as realistic as II tho altar and
chapcel had really been designed for sacred
service, and every ray Of light, every piece OF
scenery, every note Of music, added perfect
harmony and pictureequeness 10 tho exquisite
effects,
Mics Terry's Beatflcc cannot be described;
no praise can increase the admiration Of those
who saw III no tribute can convey an idea OF
Its charm and perfection 10 those who have
not seen It, or f1rvlng's Beaedick little can be
said. II was not great piece OF acting. 1t
could not compare with Booths exquisite rem.
dltlon OF tho part Mr.. IrYing's Beaedick Is
not undeserying OF praise. 1t is original, and In
come respects striking. There is no defect
for which the actor is responsible. Dame Ma.
ture decreed that Irving should not be Bene.
dick. lie cannot attain the requirements OF
the role with his tragic stride and hollow
tones. Unfortunately for Irving his audience
cannot forget that no had the same manner
isms wnen the sleigh.bells and the voice ol
conscience were ringing In his ears and tell
ing OF bis crimes they cannot forget that the
same voice uttered the hatred OF ShBiOR aud
the misery OF Eugene Irdin.
The Evening critic. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1881-1885, 1885-02-07
A ROYAL WELCOME.
serennde rendered by the EI

A royal welcome and serenade was ten-
dered Mr.. and Mrs. N. G. Mccormick on
the return from their Northern wedding
tour at their residence, No. 427 Seventh
street southwest, by the Elks, of which
order Mr.. Mccormick is prominent mom-
ber. The party assembled at the Office of
DR.. II. u. Leach, which is almost immedi-
ately opposite, and lookout man posted to
watch for the arrival Of the happy couple,
who arrived on tho 1910 p. M. New York
train, and proceeded in carriage to their
home, little dreaming Of the welcome await
ing them.
They had scarcely closed the door of their
residence on this cold, deserted street, when
tho Elks filed out of their temporary
quarters, accompanied by tho Marine Band,
and proceeded noiselessly to tho house, and
the band struck up Home Again." fol-
lowed by several other liveler, appropriate
airs. Mr.. Mccormick was taken complete
ly by surprise, and his voice trembled as he
stood upon the threshold and invited the
party to come in and join him in toast,
and soon after tho capacious parlor was
fairly alive with the many friends of the
couple. The toast was by DR.. Leach, chap
lain Of the lodge, and was "To our absent
brothers," after which Mr.. Mccormick was
called forward, and Mr.. Justus II. Rath-
borne read the following letter:
~. G.. Mccormick, esq.
DEAR DnoTIIER: We have assembled, as
brothers, Elks and as personal friends, 70 vel
como your return to our midst and to rejoice
with you In the new happiness which has
come into your life. In expressing our con-
gratulations for the present, we earnestly
pray that your future may be crowned with
increasing Joys. Your interest In and good
work for tho order, TO which We are 30 deeply
attached, makes II eminently proper that
some expression or our friendly feeling To-.
ward you should be made manifest, as your
intereet for all that makes our brotherhood
noble and moro beneficial has won our ap-
proval and admiration,
Therefore, In behalf OF those hore assembled,
l extend TO you hearty, sincere and fraternal
welcome.
WASHINGTON, D. O., Feb. @, 1885.
The following names were signed to the
letter:
Hamilton L. Loach, b. d. whitney, Robert j.
Walker, A. u. Flthian, John j. Arnold, Robert
Callahan, W. Il, Arrick, Ed Abner, ]. NJ, Wheat.
ley, f. X. Ward, John q. Maxwell, julius Lans-
burgh, william d. Mack, Hanse II. Smith,
George p. Gan2horn, "A. De Grummond, Thos.
7. Jacobs, j. II. Rathborne, ]. Y. Potts, NJ. ID,
Jacobs, Joseph III. Gracy, William Il. Horton,
II. s. Hinkee, George D. Scott l.. u. Smith, ID,
E. Cahill and Benjamin Engel.
All of those named were present. Mr.
Mccormick replied in a few words, in which
he expressed his heartfelt thanks for the
welcome. After many congratulations and
good wishes for the future the party dis
persed in a body.
The Evening critic. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1881-1885, 1885-02-07
A Brazen Liar.

TO me EdHor Of me Erening Grille.
noticed few days since, In the New York
llWfd, an Interview with a resident OF this
clly ms represented in regard 10 the clerical
force OF The dinerent Executive Departments
here at the Capital. This FELLOW stated that
tho clerks, as general thing, were lazy, In
encient, lmpunctual and idls; that most OF
them did not reach their desks till o 80 or 10
0, M; that they spent tho most OF their time
In talking, smoking aud gossipping; that they
quit work at 3 or $3.50 p. IN, at the outside,
etc, etc. Now, can only speak for one De-
pariment, but II this slanderer Will take
charge OF any one OF score or more OF desks
that know Of and will do the same work that
any one OF The clerks who are assigned y
those deeks does, and he willlhud time 10
smoke, talk or gossip" after his work Is
done each day, VIII admit that he Is more
rapid worker than the average OF men, And
II ne will visit the PostolIlce Department du
ring business hours he VIII see for himself
that the lazy aud idle ones are not to bo found
In that Department. whateyor may be the case
elsewhere. There are TOO many men like thie
lO1dlY-minded man-ready 70 talk great
deal OF what they know very little.
The Evening critic. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1881-1885, 1885-02-07
CITY nEnrlsnt prices.

The following prices are furnished THE
CRITIC by O, Engels Sons, Nos. 5S7, 5SS, $50
500 and 591 Centre Market;
VEGETABLEs.-Greenp peas, - y PIX; rhu
barb, 2Oc. bunch; apples, 30960c. Z PIX
pk.i sweet potatoes, 5oG60c. : pk.; turnips
30a40c. z PIX; parsnlps, 30a10c. = pk.i
beets, 39ld50c. v pk.i carrots, 100000. = pix,
kale, 20GOOc. q pk,i onions, white, 76c.G)f1
' PIX. onions, yellow, d5G5Oc. y PIX; marrow
squash, 3GD1c. ' l6.; Hubbard squash, 4Gl0c. y
III; oyster plant, 5CG15c. Y bunch; leeks, ga
new, 50c.Gs1 q doz; Brussels sprouts, 50 4
PIX; radishes, new, Si01Oc. v bunch; lettuce
5@12}sc. mead cucumbers, 1595Oc
apiece egg plants l5adoc, spieee; parsley,
Zoe. qt' Lima beans, 15c. at.
CANNED GooDs.-Oorn, 10G20c q can; TO-
mntoes, 1Oc. can; peas, 20d35c. = can;
string beans, l0@l5c. cam peaches, 20a
25c. can.
GAME. Canvas back ducks, $3.50 y pair
ed,head ducks, 50 pair; Mallard ducks,
Si.25 = pair; small duck, l0c, ] pair pleas
ants, 800 pair grouse, 81 80 pair; quail
FISH, Boiling rock, 25c. ' lbi red snapper
I2lhc. ID; white fish, 15c. ' 10 trout, 15c. n
fresh shad, S1.5o = pairs black bass, 20c. 2 lb
pickerel, l2isc. 7 lbi diamond back terrapio
s5G25 ' doz.i shrimps, SOC. ' ID; scallops
20c, = lb; Holsters, 15c. = n.
FhuITs, s. -Cranberrles, 20G25c. qt.; lem
on5, 2UASOc' doz' Malaga grapes, SOC. I
lb; Catawba grapes, SOC, box; oran ges, 260
75c. do2.i bananas, 25G40c. z doz.
BUTTER AND EGGS Best print, Soc; croam
cry, 1OG15e.i dairy, best 1Sd35c.; eggs, SOC
MEATS. Hams, large, l2hc. III; small
~; lard, l2hc. q ID; pork, l2l1c. = 10
tongues, 05c. piece; beerl30c. y ID chopped
beer 2Sc, ID tripe, sc. ~
pigs feet, sc, ID; country sausage, 17c, ID
hank, &c. lb; rough meat, Sc. ' ~ prlm
RIB, 1SG2Oc. e ID; butt cuts, l2laGl5c. ' lb
porter house, 25c lb; sirloin, 2Oc. ' lb
lamb, 12l2nls lsc, lbiveal, 15925c ' l6i nut
ton, 12iaG1Sc. %.
poULTnY.-ru 1Sc. lb: chickens, d
15c. y lbi wild geese, II EACH Wild turkey
1Sd20c. 9 ~ squads, S3A3.50 3 doz,; viii
pigeons, ~ q doz'i common pigeons, 81 = doz
The Evening critic. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1881-1885, 1885-02-07
saturday, February Z, 1856.
To-NiGH1,s ENTERTAINMENTS.

GRAND OPEnA.HousE.- Mr. Horny irving
ana company in "Louls X1.' Matinee Satur-
day,
FORD's OPEnAHousE, Carrie swain In
"Little Joker" MGtinees Wednesday aud
Saturday,
NATIONAL TiIEATHE. Fannie Davenport In
"Fedorn." Matinee saturday.
llrMOG's MUSEUM. - Jennie Calet In
"Fanchon." Matinees daily.
THEATRE CoMIouE.-Brltish Burleeque and
specially Company. Matlnees Thursday aud
Saturday,
DINE MusEUM.--J. II. Keane In "Airs. Part.
iDgton." Matinees daily.
MASONIC -Mesmerlc exhibition by
Professor Carpenter.
The Evening critic. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1881-1885, 1885-02-07
10 wed NnI,lennn

Two lovely girls were driving down the
Avenue this morning in dogcart, when a
CRITIC reporter observed to a prominent
society man Fine turnout very pretty
girls"
"Yes," was the response "and their
pa-they are sistors--the old fool, has
solemnly resolved to marry them or TO
titled Foreigners
Who are the lucky individuals ?"
Don't know but | guess two Italian
barbers.n
The Evening critic. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1881-1885, 1885-02-07

ESGLAED learns but one lesson from her
disastrous defeat in tho Soudan. She does
not pause to consider whether mistakes
baye been made sho does not hesitate for
an hour. 1t Is only known that reverse
has been met with and must be revenged
The only impulse of the nation is to carry
out with overwhelming forces the policy
which was weakly and inefficiently at
tempted and disastrously defeated.
The Evening critic. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1881-1885, 1885-02-07
A Great Mystery

surrounds the selling of 5i-inch all wool
Foule, recently $1.50, at 75c.; Androscoggin
Cotton at 73c.; elegant 4-button Paris Kids
at 81, and regular made Hose, in black and
colors, at 25c., but 1t is done at Brodhoad &
Co.'S. 007 L street Masonic Templel.
The Evening critic. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1881-1885, 1885-02-07

AN important reduction Of tolls on the
Chesapeake & Ohio Canal is a subject OF
much local interest. Tho reduction agreed
upon yesterday was necessitated by the
railroad competition, and decreases the
charges to figure lower than that charged
for land transportation. By this means
the canal managers hope to secure pros
porous season aud infuso new life into the
sluggish trade on the time-honored water.
way.
The Evening critic. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1881-1885, 1885-02-07
WEATHER INDICATIONS.

The special bulletin Issued from the Signal
once to-day Gays:
For sunday: Warmer, partly cloudy weather
and light SHOWS are indicated for New Eng
land ana the Middle Atlantic statos.
Ell MAHDI, the false prophet, is not
modest in his claims nor unpretontious in
his assumptions. He sends greetings to
England that it is his purpose to wipe her
forces from the face of the earth. I'll Mahdi's
claims in this direction are only rivaled by
tho threats of the dynamiters. If both can
bo believed England is in Immediate peril
of being blown up and wiped out.
The Evening critic. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1881-1885, 1885-02-07

THE dramatic events of the present week
are not without their teachings. Albaugh's
Grand Opera-House and the National The
atre have been crowded nightly with audi
ences equaling any in the country. Every
evening has witnessed an assemblage of dis
tinguished, prominent and cultured people.
At one of the theatres the rates of admis-
sion were double. At both the weeks busi-
ness scores as great success as the manager
Of any theatre in the country can boast.
. The lessons drawn are very obvious.
First, that Washington is as great au
amusement centre as any city of its size in
the world, and as inviting field to au
actor as any in the land Second, that
frst-class attractions, and these only, can
reap rich harvests by insuring the attend
snce Of the best element Of Washington So
ciety.
The most inviting social events of the
week were foregone for the attractions of
Irving, Terry and Davenport There is no
good reason why the experience of this
week cannot often be repeated to the bene-
fit of the public and the profit of the thea.
tres,
The Evening critic. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1881-1885, 1885-02-07
Louis MI

Henry Irving and the IIyeeum Company
will appear this evening in Louis XII
regarded by many as afording one OF
lrying's greatest roles.
The Evening critic. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1881-1885, 1885-02-07

TIE agonies of chilblains are perma.
nently cured by Salvation OIL. Price 20
cents bottle.
The Evening critic. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1881-1885, 1885-02-07

"WHAT NEXT" by Osborne Hunter, ir,
will be discussed by Hon. Frederick Doug
lass in the Republic tomorrow.
The Evening critic. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1881-1885, 1885-02-07
CAPITAL PRIZE, $4,000.


Application tor rates TO clubs should be made
only TO the ofnce OF the Company In New Or.
leans.
Fer further Information write clearly, giving
full Rddreas. EHOSTAL NOTES, ETpress
Money orders or New NUrk Exchange In ordl
nary letter. Currency by Express (all sums of
t5 and upwards At our expensel addressed
n. A. DAUPHIM,
Now Orleans. La.
Make P, O. Money Orders payable and address
Registered Letters TO
NEW ORLEANS NATIONAL RANK,
Now Orleans, Las
The Evening critic. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1881-1885, 1885-02-07

CUTS, sprains, scalds and burns speedily
cured by Salvation oil. Price % cents.
The Evening critic. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1881-1885, 1885-02-07
EDOCAJOiSsL.


Il L. HOWARD, FORMERLY CONNECTED
II with Howe's Businees School, will In
struct limited number OF pupils IN single
and double-entry bookkeeping, no text.books.
Night session. Tuition, 81; at 1860 B street
southwest. open February2. ja26.1m
THE HOWE BUSINESS SCHOOL, 517 SEW
Il enth street D. W. short, condensed course
In practical bookkeeping, rapid penmanehip
and Engllsh branches at moderate rates OF
tuition. Morning, afternoon and night ees-
sions. CiyllService preparation q specially.
ia20-3m
CPENCERIAN BUSINESS COLLEGE, cor.
- 9th and ID tts. n. W. Young and middle.Rged
men and women trained for business, Rapid
wriiinR, bookkeeping, business practice, rapid
calculations, Hnglish language, btenography,
type. writing, ETC., thorougbly taught. Admfs,
sion ct any lime. Liberal terms adapted to the
umea. Year nom date OF entrance, day or night,
SO three months, day, t9Oj night, slli one month,
night, S rapid writing y Lessons e. Call or send
for circuArr, HENRY o. SPBNCEB, Principal,
SABA a. SPENCER, Vlce-Prlnciphl.
CTR1CTLY PRIVATE LESSONS GIVEN DYeA
~ young lady OF experience in arithmetic,
grammar, spelling, writing, geography and
similar etudles to adults, or any whose early
education may have been neglected. Address
at any time, Miee L., box 240 City Postonlce.
no22.t
The Evening critic. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1881-1885, 1885-02-07

Boys Suits, cut rates. Eiscman, 7th and E
The Evening critic. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1881-1885, 1885-02-07

Incorporated in 1858 for Is years by the Leglsla-
latuTe for Educational and Charitable purposes
with u capital of ~ ,000, ,0o0-to which n reserve
fund OF over l55o000 has since been added.
BY an overwhelming popular vote it's franchise
was made part Of the present State Constitution
adopted December 2, A. d. 1879.
r The OnIy L0tCerv 6rer U0teQ on and tadoTsed bD
the peoTle or any State.
Hneuer scales or posr,ones.
Its Grand Single Numbe Drawings take
place monthly.
A SPLENDID OPPORTUNITY TO
WIN A FORTUNE. SECOND GRAND DRAW
ING, GLASS b, IN THE ACADEMY OF
MUSIC, NEW oRLEANs, TUESDAY, Feb.
10, I886-IT7th Monthly Drawing.
Sacramento daily record-union. [volume] (Sacramento [Calif.]) 1875-1891, 1885-08-29

Fact, however, is stranger than fiction, and
fact so strange as this could not be unno-
uced IN the region of myths.
II must not, however, be supposed that
any one takes to hedri or arsenic-eating
quite openly. On the contrary, il is gener-
ally begun IN secret and at the increase of
! the moon, and in some villages with super
| Stihous obServances. A very small dose is
at first taken once week-bread and but
ter IS the fayorite medium-then twice
week. and so on, until, when the individual
arrives at dose daily, the dose itself is in
| creased till as much may be taken as in or
| binary circumstances would kill two or
| three individuals. But it must not be IN
! derstood that those people can consume the
drug altogether with impunity. When
| they first begin with their very small doses,
they are seized with nausea and burning
pains IN the mouth, throat and stomach
and are probably very much more uncom-
Portable than a boy who has taken his first
cigar. But one popularity of arsellic-e eating
| Is this, that when q man has once begun to
indulge in it, he must continue to indulge
for if he ceases, the arsenic in his system
polsons him; or, as il is popularity ex-
pressed, the last dose kills him. Indeed,
| the arSenic-eater must not only cor tinue
| his indulgence but he must also increase
the quantity of the drug, SO that it is ex-
tremely difficult 20 stop the habit, for, as
sudden cessation causes death, the gradual
cessation produces such q terrible heart
gnawing, that ii may probably be said that
! no genuine arsenic-eater ever ceased TO eat
arsenic while life lasted.
1t IS curious that while, on the one hand,
the human organism is so remarkably SEN
siuve to arsenic, man may on the other
hand, indulge in those poisonous doses for
years This is probably owing to the fact
that arsenic acts on the skin, and thus is
being constantly carried out of the system
and also because it is readily eliminated by
the kidneys. Now, this prevents any accu-
mutation going in the tissues, and thus
what might seem almost mythical is at
least brought within the range of POSSIBLE
ity. It has been calculated that this pro-
cess OF elimination has to be carried on for
fourteen days before given dose is entirely
remoyed.-tChambers' Journal.
Sacramento daily record-union. [volume] (Sacramento [Calif.]) 1875-1891, 1885-08-29
PIymouth, August "a, 1ss5.
The Arsenic Eafars.

It has long been acknowledged by the
best authorities that arsenic-eating is extern
siYely practiced in the southwest corner of
Austria-that is, in Upper and Middle Sly
ria-especially in the districts Of Hartberg,
Lamprecht, Leoben and Oberzkirung- also
in Carinthla, Salgburg, the Tyrol, Lower
Austria and the Erzgebirge 1t is 70 o GER
tain extent acknowledged that these people
attain green old age; and it is even sug-
gested that in some sort they owe their
longevity to the baneful practice, though
there is room for the gravest doubts on this
score. When arsenic-eating was first
brought before the notice of the world it
was treated as gross imposture would be !;
and the stories about it were elassed with
those of Welsh fasting girls and universal
remedies +; indeed, the profession confident
ly asserted that these Syrian peasants par
took of nothing more unwholesome than a
piece of chalk, for it WIS deemed utterly
impossible that a man could, unscathed,
consume enough poison to affect dozen
people, and certainly enough to kill three.