The morning news. [volume] (Savannah, Ga.) 1887-1900, 1898-06-26

felines, handed down from the early ages,
W hitc House cats are protected because of
their useful qualities as rat catchers. If
any one doubts this assertion let him call
at the navy department and refer TO the
records, and he VIII see under a specified
heading, relating to appropriations for the
Eoston navy yard the significant tem, 1926
FOR $50 pounds of fresh meat furnished
cats While there Is no question as to
the reliability Of this expenditure, officials
OF the government are wary of discussing
the subject in consequence OF q serious
controversy that arose several years ago
In this connection. DESTROYS Of reducing
expenses, the secretary proposed to strike
out this clause, when such strong argu-
ments were made by the oommandant as
TO the Importance OF pussy's obligations
that the subject was finally reconsidered
and the appropriation allowed to stand.
Every one familiar with the extensive
promenade that for more than quarter
OF miie follows the shore, parallel with
low sheds, in which all the cordage OF the
government is stored In Boston harbor
must realize that "rcm and Tabby duty
TO the protection OF property is no sine
cure. When it Is known that not only all
the roping used in the navy, but rigging
ana flags, as well, are here manufactured
and stored, the wisdom Of this provision Is
manifest. With the exception of Mare ISL
and, Cal, the Boston navy yard Is the
most completely appointed of any in the
United States
Mr.. Fister, the White House head gar
dener, can verify the statement of the
presence OF five tailegs kittens among the
dried bulbs and seedlings stored IN the
propagating gardens for spring planting.
At least five such curiosities were born
and reared there few years ago, and be-
came general pets among the employees.
one day, without warming they all disap-
peared as mysteriously as they came. hmv-
ing been born in the night and never APP
preached by their mother until the houses
were deserted each evening. Mr.. Fister
always ayowed that these queer little
creatures deprived by nature of their eau
dal appendages were the offsprings of a
tramp cat who had haunted the eonserya-
tories for years and when, the next spring,
pusa appeared as the mother Of a fresh
litter, deposited in the se3f-same corner
Of the not room, her sagacity was uuques-
toned The strangest part OF the story
Is that puss has never been tempted 20
remain for more than an hour or so at a
time. even when guarding her kittens, but
would invariably scamper off without re-
gard TO her comfort, as soon as She had
been fed returning the next day at tho
same hour. This habit has been kept up
for nearly ten years, ana despite every ef-
fort 20 discover her real abiding place, 10
Is SIN a mystery.
That she IS no idle phantom Of the inn
agindl0n rs proved Dy the presence OF sues
ccssive generations of kittens, whose safe
keeping she invariably intrusts to her hu-
man friends. realizing the good provender
and kind treatment furnished them MIR.
Flster as well as others Of equal yeracity,
has been allowed tho privilege Of strolung
pugs's soft white fur and they unhesisat-
ingly assert that while VA the flesh she
is a substantial body, though her mop
perfume disappearances give rise 20 doubt
The mystery OF her nUmadic habits IN
creases with time, Ia spite Of the familiar
ity with which she approaches each noon
hour for a share Of the mems luncheous
That both the President and Mrs. Nc
Kinley have a rooted objection to cats and
dogs Is an open secret. and for this reason
all living pets nave been forbidden IN the
mansion. So far thus puss has escaped the
knowledge OF the mistress, and carefully
has the secret been guarded among the
servants. Were the knowledge 10 leak cut
1t is feared that poor puss' fate would be
sealed. IN spite OF her useful qualities in
Kidding the basement and stOrehouses CT
destructive vermin. The fat of the shief
magistrate would be sufficient TO condemn
her under the Jaw
Didn't Cali IL Thay,--"Were you
guest az the hotel while you were away.