davidaulloa/AmericanStories huggingface dataset:
National Republican. (Washington City (D.C.)) 1872-1888, 1885-12-25
PERSONALITIES.

PROF. II. C, BOLTON, of Princeton, is at the
Riggs House.
Ex-senator TABOR will arrive In the city
this morning,
Mrs. J. ELLEN FOSTER arrived in the city
from Iowa last evening,
LIEUT.. W. NJ. WooD, U, s. NJ, has been or.
dered from the Washington yard TO the Jmlata,
PASSED ASSISTANT ], P. 8, LAwRRNog has
been ordered from the bureau Of navigation
10 the Juniaia.
SENIOR ASIcETo VERGERA ALBGY will be up.
pointed Chilian minister either to England OF
to the United States
Mr.. AND MRs. sTErHES VAn have returned
to the city, and are located at Wormley's for
the remainder Of the winter
AMONG tho Presidents callers yesterday
were Senators Dolph and Mitchell OF Oregon,
and Van Wyck; Representatives Herbert,
Carleton, Perkins, James, and ex-Representa-
tive Willitts,
RRPREsENTAIIvE WHEELER who introduced
In the house the bill for the relief OF Gen. Fitz.
John Porter predicts that II will pass by a
large majority this session.
LIEUT.. c. II. JUDD has been placed on the
retired list of the navy, lie was on the Ga
lena during the recent disturbance at Panama,
and the excitement had the effect of unbal-
ancing his mind,
JuDdE LGwREScE's family arrived here yes.
terday with the intention OF remaining during
the'winter. The ex.comptroller has been in
the city several days and viii devote himself
to the practice Of law.
National Republican. (Washington City (D.C.)) 1872-1888, 1885-12-25
The Holiday Season.

From the settlement Of the country up to
a recent date Christmas was practically ig-
nored by the descendants of the Purtaus,
as was Thanksgiving day by the descend
ants Of the Cavaliers. With the exception
Of Catholics and Episcopalians, the people
Of New England, and the north generally,
paid no attention to Christmas, not even
interrupting the sessions Of public schools
for single day; but they made much Of
the Thanksgiving festival, the gift Of their
Pilgrim progenitors. The southern people
took to Christmas festivities with enthusl-
asm, the custom being to give the slaves
twelve days for their great annual merry
making. The process of natlonnlizlng
Thanksgiving was begun by President Lin
coin in the dark days Of our great war and
has made good progress under the benign
influence Of peace. simultaneously the OBJ
servance Of Christmas has spread north
ward and eastward, so that both of these
great "institutions" have lost their old
time sectional character.
In nothing else'nre the benehcent results
Of our great sectional conflict more appar-
ent than in making the people homosene-
ous--in extending the GOOD customs of
each section over the entire Union. When
freedom boeamo unlversal tho chief barrier
disappeared, and. for the first time In our
history. the people of the north and south
were SO situated, with reference TO each
other, that intimate ACQUAINTANCE and thor
ough mutnal appreciation were possible.
1t is a pleasant thought to-day that this
beautiful festival, with its wealth OF pre-
cious memories and noble inspirations, will
be observed in almost every home from
Maine to Texas, from Florida to Wash
ington territory; pleasant to remember that
the bars Of sect and tho barriers Of section
alsm are prostrated, and that we are becom-
ing in fact us well as In name one people.
"From seeming evil st,ll educinp good,
ond beftar tbonoo Il, ,,,t,,ita ,,rorrrasstn,r,,
National Republican. (Washington City (D.C.)) 1872-1888, 1885-12-25
INDIANS AND oRDNANoE.


Two Important Reports to be Pre-
sented to Congress when IL Meets.
Two important reports are to DO made 10
Congress very soon after the holiday recess.
One Of them Is that by.Mr. Holman In regard
to Indian affairs, which will he ready about
themiddle Of January. The other IL that Of
the ordnance commission, composed Of Messrs.
Randall, Hewitt, Crisp, Hiscock, Phelps and
Reed. which will be presented In q few days
after the reassembling of Congress. Mr.. Iiol-
mens Recommendations In reganl 70 Indian az.
fairsnre not yet quite matured, but II Is not
Snlilsy thst he VIII sy9S dstripgson Of
such manner as. TO preserve all their rights
and at the same time TO permit American
settlers 10 acquire homosteads in the Indian
The House ordnance commission will report
that oil the steel needed for armor platos,
either for ships or land fortlfications, and nll
the steel ingots needed for the mauufacture OF
guns for the navy or for coast defenses, can be
manufactured In this country. They will also
recommend that the necessary appropriation
be made Of once. Mr.. Cameron, from the
Senate ordnance commission, has already In
tfoduoed bills authorizing contracts for % 900
tons OF steel-l0,0Uo each for the army and
navy and Appropriations 81, ,0oo. 900 additional to
CONSTRUCT at the Washington navy yard and the
Watorvliet arsenal (Sl 100000 for eaoh) plant
suflicient 10 finish the heaviest ordnance In
accordance With the recommendations of the
Gun foundry board. The recommendations OF
the House commission viii not vary mate.
The testimony taken by the House comDis-
sion shows that American manufacturers nre
rendyto take contracts now for steel guns at
20 per cent. advance on KruPp's prices and
the number OF firms ho would be glad to take
such contracts Is large enough to make 1t al
most certain that unless they combine amoug
themselves TO keep prices up and divide the
profits. the United States can purchase the ma
terials for heavy ordnance or the cofnplntnd
guns cheaper and of better quality from
American manufacturers than in Europe.
National Republican. (Washington City (D.C.)) 1872-1888, 1885-12-25
A Question of Evidence.

"The fool hath said in his heart there is
no God" The agnostic says he does not
know whether there is or is not God.
Recently the question whether one who
avows himself to be either an atheist or
an agnostic should be permitted to testify
in n court of justice was raised in Illinois,
and the judge decided in the affirmative.
Thereupon an exception was taken, and the
case has gone to the state supreme court for
final adjudication.
We believe the judge was right In his de-
cision, and this belief will not be changed
even II the court Of last resort decides the
other way. The object of trial by jury is
to get verdict based on the fullest possible
knowledge Of case and the law relating
thereto. 1t is sound policy to permit any
witness who knows, or processes TO know,
anything about the matters In question TO
tell his story and let the Jury decide
whether, or to what extent, his statements
are entitled to belief. In most states In
dicted parties are permitted to testify 10
their own behalf, and 1t not infrequently
happens that before they leave the witness
stand they have made an impression on the
jury utterly fatal to hope of acquittal.
1t is not so much in the interest of the
atheist or agnostic as for the cause of jus
tice that we object to his being ruled out.
II might be the reverse of u hardship for
him to be excluded, but his testimonymght
be of the utmost importance, and his ex-
clusion might infict the most serious in
jury on lltigant. If 1t were feasible for
any person TO excuse himself from testify
ing by merely saying, II have some doubt;
do not feel that positively know there is
q God, how long would it be before the
course Of justice in all our courts would be
seriously interruptedP
The chief value Of the oath is not that IL
binds the conscience, but that it brings the
pains and penalties Of perjury on him who
gives false testimony. The Friends, com
monty called Quak ers do not take the oath
by reason OF conscientious scruples, but
they are pledged to speak the truth under
the same penalties that are provided for
false swearing. II would be best TO pledge
atheists and agnostics In the same way.
The profession of belief In the Deity is
not preventive of pejury. Some of
have proven to be the greatest liars. The
person who is habitually hypocrlte orllar
in his daily life will lie on the witness stand
If his own interest will be thereby pro-
moted. Religious tests are very far from in
fallible, as the experience Of our courts has
shown.
The true policy is to seek information in
all directions, trusting the jury to sift the
incongruous mass and eliminate the false
There are men who arc honest In all trans
actions, ard whose word is as good as gold,
who would not 10 willing to swear that they
have no doubt as to the existence of a deity.
This may be deplorable, but It would not be
made less SO by shutting them Off from Civ
ing testimony in courts of justice, while tho
witness stand may be freely mounted by any
liar or scoundrel who will say that he does
believe what they hold In doubt.
National Republican. (Washington City (D.C.)) 1872-1888, 1885-12-25
CommIssioner Colman Protests.

Commissioner Colman is somewhat annoyed
over the statement made by some of the news
papers relative to the disallOwance of an ac-
count Of 81 500 by Comptroller Durham against
him. lie says that on the same day he took
the oath he started for his home In ST. Louis to
arrange his private business preparatory to
moving his family 10 Washington, leaving the
department In charge of Gen. y. A. Carm ln
chief clerk, who for many years had filed
that position, and who became acting com.
missioner, under the law, In the absence of
the commissioner. lie says the dlsallowed ac-
count was for the payment of the employees in
the seed room, who were putting up seeds at
the time lie took his Office; that said nccount
was approved by said Carman and by him Ger.
tifed to be correct and payable ont OF the labo-
Tntory fund, and that he, Coman, never saw
itnor was he consulted in regard to IT,
Commissioner Colnlan says IL Is true the seed
fund had been exhausted, as he afterwards
learned, and there was no other fund out OF
which 10 pay the employees; but this was not
his fault but the fault Of his predecessor. II
was legacy left him by the former admins.
tratiUn. As soon as he learned the true stua.
tion of af1hirs, the commissioner dismissed
Cnrman, illrlOughod all who were On the seed
roll and, very coon after DR.. Lorlng was noti.
fed Of the illogalily of this expenditure, he
(COlmnn) had Il conferences with Comptroller
Durham on the subject. II was the commits.
sioner, and not the COMPTROLLER, who discovered
the present Gtato of affairs. Commissioner Col.
man claims that as CarInan had given bond to
the government for the faithful and proper
discharge of his duties that he alone is re.
sponblble on his bonds ifho had violated them.
National Republican. (Washington City (D.C.)) 1872-1888, 1885-12-25
Appalling News
FROM BURMAH.

FROM BURMAH.
The Sacred White Ele-
plant is dead; turned his
toes up to the daisies and
gone to join the great
Jumbo in the realms of
elephantine bliss, there to
await the coming Of the re-
naming member of the trio
Washington's White Ele-
plant, who is feeling pretty
sick. about this time. A
consultation of physicians
has developed the fact that
he is suffering from "pe-
reetus," which is the medi-
cal term for having bitten
Off more than he can chew.
Meanwhile the Golden
Eagle Clothing Company
are pursuing the even tenor
of their way; contributing
their efforts to make thou
sands of happy homes in
Washington by the rare
bargains in Men'sand Boys
Clothing which are on ex-
hibition and for sale at the
northwest corner Of 7th and
d SITS.
This week especially we
would respectfully ask you
to take a peep in our hand
some show windows, or, bet
ter still, stroll through our
extensive establishment. 1t
will take but little time; it
will place you under no OBJ
legation to buy, and you
probably will learn some
thing it will benefit you to
know. Of one thing you
can rest assured-you will
see or be shown with polite
ness and attention a COM
plete assortment of clothing
for men, youths, boys, and
children, the equal of any
in the land in point of ar
tistic excellence, and at
prices that will at once con-
vince you we are ''par ex-
cellence" the pioneers of
fine clothing at popular
prices. If you see in our
house an oVercoat marked
$15 that you have been
asked $25 for elsewhere, do
not be surprised /; tits a fair
sample of relative prices.
National Republican. (Washington City (D.C.)) 1872-1888, 1885-12-25
CHRISTMAS CHIMES.

Sweet air rhymes,
Hark the chimes.
showering from the stceplc,
Round about,
Finding out
Hearts OF happy peoplel
They rejoice,
Like voice
Heavens high love expressing;
Yet they fnll
Not on all
With an equal blossiugl
Some there be
Sad to see,
Some who crouch and shlyer.
Whom Despair
Urges there
There where sweeps the river.
Those TO whom
Dismal Doom
Holds the fatal speeding,
Bares the blade,
Darcs the shade,
Niocks the Day suoccedlngl
II our land
own the grand
GIFT Of Gods dear beauty,
All, To-Day
Shall be gnyi
Wealth, do thou thy dutyl
sEATos DoSoHo.
National Republican. (Washington City (D.C.)) 1872-1888, 1885-12-25

IT Is the habit of detectives in most OF
the great cities whenever murder is com
mitted and there Is doubt as to the per-
petrOtor Of the crime to start out with a
theory and then proceed to collect and man
ufacture evidence to tit II. When large
rewards are offered there is strong tempta-
tions to forge chain of evdence--or sup
ply missing llnks-around any suspected
person. The detective business generally
needs good deal of reforming, and until
II is reformed courts and juries cannot be
too careful in testing the evidence prepared
by those whose trade 1t is to make convic-
tions.
National Republican. (Washington City (D.C.)) 1872-1888, 1885-12-25

ing artisans that even deg muzzles are
made abroad and enter our ports without
paying duty. Is this statemanship, to starve
our artisans for the benefit of the for
eignerY" or course It is statemanship of
the most exalted type, else how could IL be
taught by the Golden Club in England and
by Democratic national conventions in the
United States.
National Republican. (Washington City (D.C.)) 1872-1888, 1885-12-25

STRONG light is thrown upon the manner
in which commissions were awarded in
some Of the states during the war Of the
rebellion by case now pending in the pen
sion Office. An enlisted man who was dis
honorably discharged for leaving his com
mand when 1t was approaching the enemy,
subsequently re-entered the service as cap.
tain. The fellows who didn't leave got no
commissions, Of course.
National Republican. (Washington City (D.C.)) 1872-1888, 1885-12-25

blows fall on the innocent, the near rela-
tives, and dependents Of the guilty. And
It may be doubted II the state of Maryland,
in which poor men, especially black ones,
are lynched on suspicion, and rich men buy
immunity from punishment, has much adj
vantage over Utah.
National Republican. (Washington City (D.C.)) 1872-1888, 1885-12-25

PERSONS who still entertain do1bt Of
the confirmation Of Mr.. Sparks as com
missioner of the general land oflice-and
they appear to be numorous-can obtain
full and reliable information on this sub
ject by applying to the executive clerk of
the Senate.
National Republican. (Washington City (D.C.)) 1872-1888, 1885-12-25

LASD COMMISSIONER SPARKS should not
plunge the country into despair during the
holidays by rendering his resignation. Let
him brace up and hold on till search can be
made for some other Democrat willing to
take his place.
National Republican. (Washington City (D.C.)) 1872-1888, 1885-12-25

THE temper of good many Democrats
IN Congress Is illustrated by the statement
made by Washington correspondent. He
says that prominent Democratic senator
approached Republican recently with the
offer to furnish him with plenty of data to
fight certain of the Presidents nominations.
~ cannot do 1t openly" said the Demo-
cratic senator, "but I'll give your side all
the evidence you want against the men sent
i'm This is style of fighting much in
vogue among the noble red men. Our
army officers say it is very effective.
National Republican. (Washington City (D.C.)) 1872-1888, 1885-12-25

UNLESS Congress gets up number Of in-
vestigations there will be serious disappoint-
ment on the part Of hundreds of good citi-
Zens who are accustomed to make witness
fees and mileage defray the expenses at
tending winter visit to Washington. Is
this industry to languishP
National Republican. (Washington City (D.C.)) 1872-1888, 1885-12-25

''IN these Christmas times" says the
Baltimore American, "let us rejoice that
the prosecution Of the Mormons is going
sctiSely on" II our contemporary of the
Monumental City would pray for the ref
ormation Of the -Mormons, instead Of re-
ioiciDg over their prosecution, he would
show more of the spirit of Him whose birth
Is celebrated Sin these Christmas times.n
OF course, the laws must be enforced
sgAiust all offenders, but there is nothing
very Jolly in sending bigamists TO prison
or hanging murderers, Criminal prosecu-
tions are sad business, for the heaviest
National Republican. (Washington City (D.C.)) 1872-1888, 1885-12-25

IT would be distressful indeed If the ad.
ministration were compelled to skirmish
round on the Republican side of the Senate
10 find able champions of its policy on the
silver issue.
National Republican. (Washington City (D.C.)) 1872-1888, 1885-12-25

IN a communication TO the London Morn
ing Post, a dlsgruntIed but loyal subject
Of II. B. NJ. writes! "Being in London for
the day, / entered several shops to try and
buy some dog muzzles. The invariable an
swer received was, You cannot have any,
sir, until Lthey come from Germany 1t
seems to me q cruel thing on our poor starv-
National Republican. (Washington City (D.C.)) 1872-1888, 1885-12-25

ANENT the effort to get up a panlcliy
feeling over the exports of gold to Europe
which began three OF four days ago, the
New York Sun says: "Considering that our
banks and the United States treasury are
both loadedup with millions Of useless gold,
and that the rate Of interest for money here
is lower than it is in London, the exports of
the metal have none but the ordinary com
mercial significance. They are the legItl-
mate results of the action Of the Banl; of
England, and will cease just as soon as that
Institution has replenished its stock Of bull
lion." This is common sense view Of the
subject, but these shil ments Of gold Will,
nevertheless, precipitate and intensity the
impending and irrepressible silver fight.
National Republican. (Washington City (D.C.)) 1872-1888, 1885-12-25

WHILE the Rev. Henry Ward Beecher is
in town, it is hoped that he will try to ex-
plain to anxious and curious politicians
how 1t happened that the New York Mugs
did such queer wumping at the November
election
National Republican. (Washington City (D.C.)) 1872-1888, 1885-12-25

IT is believed there is going to he
lots Of fun in the capitol before the
middle of january. The gentlemen billed
TO furnish the sport do not occupy seats
on the Republican side Of the respective
houses of Congress.
National Republican. (Washington City (D.C.)) 1872-1888, 1885-12-25

TnE wearicd clerks In the stores will well
come this holiday after the incessant grand
rush Of the past two weeks.
National Republican. (Washington City (D.C.)) 1872-1888, 1885-12-25

IT might smooth few Of the wrinkles
out Of the front of the grlm-yisaged silver
war If the administration would telephone,
through the Department of Justice, a
"merry Christmasn to Senator Beck.
National Republican. (Washington City (D.C.)) 1872-1888, 1885-12-25

LADIES who propose to receive calls on
New Years day will please send their names
and address, also those who receive with them,
TO tho Office Oft NATIONAL REruBLcAN.
National Republican. (Washington City (D.C.)) 1872-1888, 1885-12-25

THE positive assurance that, in spite of
all temptations to accept other employ
ment, Mr.. higgins will hold the fort at the
Treasury Department, adds a peculiar
flavor TO the joy of the nation in these festal
National Republican. (Washington City (D.C.)) 1872-1888, 1885-12-25
DIR. HALE's PARTNER, HERMAN.
His "Thrift' Absorbed in the Gravel
Ier," and He Gets Left.

1er,' and He Gets Left.
Jno. II. W. Herman, by bill in equity filed
against Wm. II. Hale ct al, seeks the dissolu-
tion ofa copartnership and the appointment of
receiver. In September last Herman and his
wife entered into an agreement with Hale, pro.
prietor Of Health and Home" by which they
sold all their right and interest in a weekly
publication called "Thrit." also their printing
plant and job printing business, and were to
business Further that Herman aud his wife
were 10 board at the residence Of Hale and for
1t pay 500 per month out of their share of the
profits of the business, and Herman and wife
ing of the papers, &c. 1t Is charged that
Hale, by instrumentation and fraud
induced Herman TO enter into the copartner.
ship, and thereby obtained control of the busi-
ness. Alter gaining possession complaint IL
made that Hale, against the wishes of Her.
man, changed the name OF the Thrift into the
Washington Traveller, and proceeded to use
its columns for the purpose Of advertising a
ducting, asserting i TO be perfectly lawful
scheme. On the 10Th of October last the
dwelling house of Hale and the printing office
were raidcd by the police and Herman and
his wife arrested, charged with conducting q
lottery or gin enterprise scheme, but subsc.
quentiy they were released and Hale arrested
and convicted. Herman says that since the
commencement of the partnership Hale has
fGGeigSd GlSslSS ., Gnd oPened, the mails al
be has from time to timc appropriated to
his own use large sums of money and-has
failed TO enter the amounts in either the books
Of the firm or deposit the same In the Second
National Bark Herman says that when the
agreement was entered into he wns but
slightly acquainted with Mr.. Hale, but be.
lieved him to be an honest law-abiding cit
izen, though he has since discovered TO the
contrary; and Is desirous to sever his connec-
tlOns with him
National Republican. (Washington City (D.C.)) 1872-1888, 1885-12-25

IT is not cruel hardship on those faith
ful public servants, the treasury clerks, TO
require them TO stand not upon the order Of
their going, but go atonce, when the clock
strikes four
National Republican. (Washington City (D.C.)) 1872-1888, 1885-12-25

TnE London press supports President
Cleveland's administration with unanimlty
and enthusiasm. 1t counts for good deal
TO have a statesman like Mr.. Phelps in the
British capital.
National Republican. (Washington City (D.C.)) 1872-1888, 1885-12-25

Seven Hundred Families TO be Fed.
The central Office OF the Associated Charities
7O7 q street, will be open Christmas morning
from TO II a. m. TO accommodate the 500 poor
families for whom Col. o. @. Staples OF Will
lard's Hotel, has provided turkeys and chick
ems, and the 200 poor families for whom viii
linn II. McIRAn has prOYided dinnnr.
National Republican. (Washington City (D.C.)) 1872-1888, 1885-12-25

SPEAKER CARLISLE will respond to the
administrations assault Oh the Bland dollar
by placing Mr.. Bland at the head of the
coinage committee. "Lct brotherly love
continue
National Republican. (Washington City (D.C.)) 1872-1888, 1885-12-25

A NUMBER of senators freely express the
opinion that no spenslon-of-coinage bill
can pass the Senate. They give a careful
count of noes which confirms that opinion.
National Republican. (Washington City (D.C.)) 1872-1888, 1885-12-25

THE country is ignorant of the name of
the Democratic senator who is prepared to
be the Administrations anti-silver leader in
the Senate
National Republican. (Washington City (D.C.)) 1872-1888, 1885-12-25

He who has no desire to make others
happy-and we fear there are thousands Of
him-does not deserve merry or joyous
Christmas.
National Republican. (Washington City (D.C.)) 1872-1888, 1885-12-25

Why should not the new estate of Da-
kotan tender her friendly Offices to settle
the oyster war between the state of Mary
land and her fierce foesY
National Republican. (Washington City (D.C.)) 1872-1888, 1885-12-25

The croakers are beginning to admit, in
n morose, despuiring way, that there is a
genuine business revival on the boards.
National Republican. (Washington City (D.C.)) 1872-1888, 1885-12-25

IF the retired statesman who wants for
eign mission finds ight-watchmanship in
lls stocking this morning, let him rejoice,
for others have Jared worse.