The times., 1901-04-14
A SPIRIT-HAUNTED PLACE
Unc }nny Traditions Concerning an
Old Capitol Hill Mansion.
The Ghost of Woman That Is Said
to Have Driven All Tenants Away.
Now an Abandoned Habitation-A
Former Occupants Strange story.


There is a certain house in this city
which is the subject of much interest to
SpiTitualists. The members Of this cult
IN Washington are more numerous than
many who have not investigated the sub
5ect would suppose, nor do they consist
entirely of designing persons and their
credulous dupes.
Indeed while by far the larger number
OF so-called spiritual mediums may safe
iy be pronounced fakes" and their dis
ciples, 70 say the least. very gullible in
dividuals, there are others on whom il
is not so easy to pronounce judgment.
Many Of the leading people here, who
have given some attention 70 the matter,
will agree that they have Witnessed things
so extraordinary, 50 unaccountable, as
either TO fool the senses or set at naught
the power Of reason. To return, however,
to the house in question, and the strange
facts connected with ii.
In the Southeast section Of the city
on southwest corner stands a man
sion, which, albeit kept in a very
tolerable state OF repair, shows evi-
dent signs Of having received none Of
that unmistakable attention and care
which can only be bestowed by an occu-
pant But the greatest neglect is appa-
rent in the back garden which is visible
from a side, being slightly elevated
from the narrow strip Of parking which
separates it from the sidewalk. and sur
rounded only by an iron railing, eaten by
rust, and standing only IN disjointed sec
tions This garden is Overgrown with
weeds and tangled brambles and presents
a truly dismal appearance which is fur
ther enhanced by a dilapidated stable in
srE.r Eaf
garden. but the glass disclOses no dainty
flowers or well-Kept plants, and so only
add TO the general dreariness Of effect.
The small cellar windows are almost
thoked with the rank overgrowth Of grass
and weeds.
The house Itself is plain, old-fashion-
ed brick structure, and has lately been
painted staring yellow. Victor Hugo.
that wonderful physiognomist Of the in
animate. was wont to read the express
ions OF houses as ne did those of men.
one wonders what he would have made
out Of this strengthening abode which
is vacant, and which seems not made TO
be occupied: which looks. with its ghastly
stare. upon the beautiful grounds Of the
Capitol opposite. now budding with the
delicate green Of spring and contrasting
the responsiveness of the mansion with
earthly loveliness. Few persons have re-
maiHed long in the house although it has
been yariously occupied. The Red Cross
Society after having an Office there for
a few wekes. moved away some six
months ago This was the last tenant the
house has had
There is q lady, at present living IA this
city who, about twenty years ago, resided
with her parents in the now abandoned
porter understood that she had a very
remarkable experience therein, he visited
her, not as u representative of the press,
but as one interested in the phenomena Of
spiritualism. and eager to increase his
store OF knowledge in that direction
with remarkable quickness, however, the
lady OWNED the visitor profession. This,
however. did not deter her in the recital!
CT her story, which was, substantially, as
follows:
Il fear there is something so grotesque
in what am about 10 tell you as 10 make
IL appear almost ludicrous; however. /
can only assure you that that was not
TIE way II appealed 10 me at the time,
and ! doubt II J have ever recovered from
the shock ! received In that horrible
house.
We'll, my father used to keep a store
there, and, although persons in the neigh
boFhGod warned him, especially in refer
ence to me against taking the place he
paid no heed 10 what he regarded as mere
idle gossip. ! ought, perhaps 10 here eX-
plain the phrase in reference to me The
fact is. the malignant spirit, or at least,
one Of the two which were supposed 10
haunt the house was said to be that of n
man who had been murdered by young
woman. and who IN the spirit form, cher
ished an intense hatred toward those OF
the same sex and age as his slayer. The
murder was committed, IL was stated, in
the cellar Of the house. Certainly, we, none
of as, ever went down into that dreadful
place after the first time. 1t was so dark