The Washington herald., 1908-06-22
OLD TOWN HARD HIT
Alexandria HasQuiet Sunday
with Blue Laws.
MANY CASES OF THE BLUES
Pink Ice Cream md Other DcIicacies
Not Accessible for the AIhIdens and
Their Beaux-ThOse Who Want 10
Tickle PnIates Come 10 washing
ton-May Test the Obnoxious Law.

In ancient Alexandria. a city on the Vir-
ginia bank OF the Potomac River. history
was made yesterday. Alexandria teens
with history. and Is overrun with legenOs
and fables, in addition 10 other things
but never since the days when Indians
prowled about the little village and stole
settlers cows has there been day re-
plete with less stirring events.
Peace reigned supreme in the one-timc
famous river port. From the first flush
Of dawn throughout the long day. until
the setting sun tinged the Potomac with
its blood-red rays, Alexandria was quiet,
peaceful. slumbering Little birds. infect
ed with the tranquil feeling, flew Isuessiy
among the tops Of the big oak trees
which shelter the inhabitants from the
heat Of the summer sun, and sang IN low,
almost inaudible tone. Alexandria slept
basklng in the halo Of goodness and
dreaming Of days gone by.
Put on the Record.
When the shutters were put up for the
night and the town crier lighted his Ian
tern. the ancient town chronicler pulled
down dusty roll Of papyrus from a shelf
in the kitchen cupboard. and under the
date. Sunday, June p, ammo Domini 1905
inserted the following record:
BE IL known, ye sons and daughters Of
our honored towne, that this day Of
grayce has been ye quietest-yea. most
peaceful day-in the annals OF the hos
toric Alexandria"
The old man was right. Since the days
when George Washington tossed the IA
bled silver dollars across the broad ex-
panse Of the Potomac there was never a
Sabbath more rigldly observed or the
laws Of the Commonwealth more religi-
ously obeyed; for the blue law-so-called
/ because of its tendency TO make human
| ity blue" or disconsolate-was put in
! effect.
1t was decreed that all marts Of trade
should be closed, including the grocery
store; the baker shop. where hot rolls
were at one time sold for a few hours
/ in the carly morn; the fruit stands
where boys and girls purchased oranges
and bananas and delighted in the eating
/ thereof; the parlors, where young men,
and sometimes old men, were wont TO
roll varicoloTed balls about a table; the
/ store where men go to obtain the world
| famed Virginia weed that has a fragrant
odor and 10 join IN a game of dominos
and swap yarns; the ice cream parlors.
where lads took their lasses and bought
/ big plates Of pink ice cream; the candy
store. where tbe girls bought fudge. and
all the stores where men, women. and
| children purchased that which tickled
their palates most
Nearly all the stores were piacarded
with signs made with the blue mixture
| IN evidence on wash day and yellow
wrapping paper. The signs bore the in
/ scription:
This store IS closed IN compliance with
! the blue law. We told you TO buy your
supplies yesterday. Now. will you be
good"
Thoughts of other Days.
While practically all the dealers were
at home. thinking Of days gone by and
! speculating on the decrease in bank ac-
counts. others, through force Of habit,
went to their places Of business, and,
locking themselves IN. thought OF the pro-
ceeds from the preceding Sundays trade.
! A cigar dealer with store in a prin-
clpal street had an exciting experience.
Enterprising and audacious. he thought
| It a wise scheme 10 write 10 big chalk
letters on the pavement. This store will
/ be closed tomorrow"
| A few minutes later a deputation OF
prominent citizens called on the cigar
dealer and demanded the reason for the
outrage. why, YOU are maxim fun of
we uns." they said. in tones OF utter
astonishment at such audacity. Say not
So" replied the dealer whose hands were
/ showed deep into his pockets as he Sc
renely surveyed the scene. Get out a
warrant for me If you can, and if you
can't, beat H."
Because they had advance information
/ that nothing would be sold hundreds of
! persons left Alexandria and came 20
| Washington in such numbers that the
city looked as If it had been depopulated
/ by a plague.
! At No. engine house. where the fire
men can view the passers-by in King
street. small group OF indignant citizens
gathered TO discuss the chances OF the
4 law being repealed.
Calls Ii n Dead Town.
Steven B. Taylor, who has lived in
Alexandria more than fifty years. serv-
| ing on the police force for number OF
years, and now driver OF No. engine,