The Indianapolis journal. [volume] (Indianapolis [Ind.]) 1867-1904, 1893-12-24
BLOOD ON THE MOON.
A Louisville Reporter BehO1ds
Strange and Booty Sight.

Louisville Commercial
Blood on the moon! This rare sight was
witnessed last night by many citizens or
Louisville much to their edification. In some
quarters the sight caused great excitement
The phenomenon did not last over an hour,
but while il existed 1t was the center OF
attraction for many a pair of eyes. For
many OF those that saw the abnormal re-
Election from Luna IL caused a feeling or
i'll portent. Upon the minds OF the super
stltious 1t wrought great effect or de-
pressing and fearful nature. Many shud-
dered as they viewed the crescent In the
blood-red color until II sunk in the horizon.
Even then the awe that the unwonted sight
had caused still affected them as they asked
each other what did il mean and what dlo
II presage If not evil.
AS soon as IL became dark enough .ast
evening for the moon to become visible;
which was about 6:45 o'clock, IL appeared
In the Western sky at an elevation OF about
thirty-five degrees. By o'clock the eyes
of many pedestrians had become riveted
upon the quarter moon. Well might they
stare, for a band of crimson straight across
its middle, ilumined by the reflected lunar
light, formed CHASTITY foil to the paleness
Of the horns of the crescent.
A reporter was passing Third and Chest
nut streets shortly after o'clock last even
ing when an acquaintance turned his at
tention down Chestnut street, Look at the
blood on the MOON he said in a hoarse
whisper. Not far above the horizon could
was very distinct, and the redness OF II was
awful. A slight haze about the moon.
gII@bmsTIinSS the ribbon ss of red %oEs
than one passer-by stopped TO look and
wonder. Groups gathered on the street
corners and discussed the phenomenon in
whispers. Clerks ran out of the few Chest
nut-street stores TO gaze at the mystery
and then ran in to put on their heavy wear
and rushed out TO look longer. The omen
was viewed with more than interest till the
moon sunk below the horizon, carrying its
badge of red to terrify others more remote.
Down about Ninth, Tenth and Eleventh
and Chestnut streets. many negroes noticed
the moon. The effect on them was one OF
terror All regarded ii as sign of APP
preaching fatalities. bloodshed, pestilence
and death.
Many rushed to their homes and locked
themselves in. Excitement was at high
pitch. Old people of the race told how they
had similar signs in their youth, and
remarked that evil always followed close
behind.
The display did not last longer than s
o'clock, when the moon disappeared behind
the horizon. Speculation as TO the cause
OF the condition of the moon was much in
dulged in, but always ended unsatisfactory
lily. Scientists have failed TO account for
the phenomenon, and so ii has become a
popular superstition that the display fore
tells war and misfortune generally.
Several men in discussing the matter
made guesSes as to what would follow as
the result of the blood on the moon. One
thought there would be a strike on the l..
the world would go to wreck. Its Ha-
wall" said another. The Falkland Coun-
Gil meets next Monday" said another. 1t s
an omen of joy said one hopeful citizen
1.-The deadlocks will be broken pretty soon
right off"