davidaulloa/AmericanStories huggingface dataset:
Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1909-11-14

revealed some curious glimpses into the
past history Of the place, and an inspec-
ton of the interior tended further to
heiehten the impression that the story
of the old tavern which has become
church is no ordinary one.
Save on occasions of church services or
meetings. the front OF the building upon
Wisconsin avenue presents. necessarily,
little or no indications Of occupancy. One
notices that where the yellow paint-sup-
posed by some to have contributed toward
the popular name of the inn-has in one
place been worn scratched away. the
word market occurs. This. as is later
explained by the occupant of the rear
portion of the premises. is due to the fact
that just prior to the purchase of the
property by the church people ii had
been used as family grocery and provi-
sion store.
Around the back building is a small but
we'll kept garden. An entry into this
garden brought forth very precfpitate
dog. which. its mistress explained. con-
fined it's diss greeable attentions merely
TO barking
1T was the garden said the woman,
who acts as caretaker of the place,
which attracted me when, with my hus-
band, ] came here at the time the church
people bought the building and fitted 1t
up
Looking down a side area view was
afforded of the old foundation walls and,
through a cellar door. of A gloomy laby-
rinth of vaults. such as are TO be seen be-
meath more pretentous colonial struc-
lures.
Yes" replied the woman to a question.
''it is said that these cellars we're used,
when the building was a tavern, in the
days before the civil war. to cOnfine
slaves. You know that there was a slave
market near the corner OF ed and .
streets. and those vino had these human
chattels to dispose of would often stop
at this house overnight and cOnfine their
slaves in these cellars"
In effect. some recent alterations and
additions that have ben made in the
church. which occupies the first floor of
the front building, are said to have re-
Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1909-11-14
ALhak1M7EDN1yE -7zdNoRArZLE

smallpox. as well as Ia color candies
while still another plant is found inds-
pensable in curing boils and strengthening
the hair.
From castor oil beans the Chinese. it
appears, express an oil which is used in
the manufacture of medicated candles.
A very costly gelatine is made by boiling
down deer horns. after which IL is en-
ployed as a tonic. One medicine, taken
i'm liquor, Is believed TO heal fractures Of
any kind. Petrifed crabs are used for
boiIs, sores. ETC.: snake skins for smallpox
and caterpilars are employed in bron-
chial complaints. Dried cows gall is
used as an expectorant The refuse or
tobacco mixed with straw is considered
a stimulant and cows glue. made from
buffalo hides. is a sedative. Glue is used
for healing generally. being taken inter-
nally even for fractures.
Tortoiseshell glue, small quantity Of
which is to he seen in vial in the col
lection. is considered a tonic, while that
made from tigers bones has also great
virtue and fetches 81 500 per picul u33iz
pounds)-a well-nigh prohibtive price in
China.
Among the odd contents OF the jars IL
Illustrative of the stock in trade of a
Chinese drug store may be noted sailed
scorpions. which are considered excellent
in cases OF smallpox. Ant eaters scales
are kept for rheumatism, and, although
the use OF live leeches Is unknown, thes
creatures are made into a decoction. be-
ing hrst put into water or spirit, and the
result taken Internally as a purgative
or applied Outwardly to heal bruises.
Dried toads are in the list OF tonics and
are sold at a price equal to cents each.
A tigers skull is believed to chase away
typhoid fever, ague, rheumatism and
rheumatic headaches. and ENSURES its own
er against the danger OF being bitten by
a mad dog. Pearls are prescribed in dis
eases OF the heart and in cases OF deaf
ness. The Chinese physician evidently
goes on the principle that the human ma
crime. being .fearfully and wonderfully
made remedies for its impairment
should be of like description.
The National Museum has a case full
Of queer little objects, all of which
Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1909-11-14

this exhibition of magnetic or suggestive
medicine. Still stranger, however. are the
means shown as favored by the Chinese
physician for the recovery of his patients.
II is noted that cantharides is employed in
the celestial Kingdom as "A sure cure for
hydrophobia. The fruit of cardamon is
supposed to increase knowledge by
strengthening the stomach, which organ
the Chinese identify with persons dis
position and mental capacity. The dried
skin of a certain sort of orange is used as
a sedative. The dried aloe flowers are
used in pulmonary affections and are also
as a tonic or relish. The honeysuckle is
given i'm cases of rheumatism. and the
dogbane in diseases of the kidneys.
Almonds are sedatives In the Chinese
pharma copoeia and cassia buds tonic
and astringent. Melon seeds are taken for
coughs, colds and asthma, while the MORN
ing glory root is used in severe dyspepsia.
Pumpkins are believed to possess soothing
properties. and are used in cases Of COLES,
spasms. etc. Quite a number OF vegeta-
bles are considered cures for consumption
and remttent fever. The under shell OF
the land turtle is taken as decoction by
the aged and weak, and is used generally
as stimuant. as is also the mustard
seed To oleanders are attributed reju-
venating and highly nutritive qualities.
One vegetable, with an unpronounceable
Chinese name. is used TO recover from the
effects OF overdoses of alcohol.
Fragments of fossil crabs. crushed and
powdered. are considered as specifics in
affections of the eyes. Rhubard Is indi-
genous TO China, and in former times
Canton was the only port from which the
drug was exported. The Chinese dig the
roots early In the spring. before the leaves
appear. cut them into long. fiat pieces. dry
them for two or three days in the shade.
and then string them on cords. Tumeric
is used for diseases of the skin. also as
a yellow dye in the preparation Of to-
bacco. and. mixed with indigo or Prus-
sian blue is the means employed for COL
oring green tea and also to season cur
ries. Another OF the Chinese vegetables
il employed 10 bring out the eruption OF
Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1909-11-14

Turkey, never had such a chance to
progress as now, for Ferdinand is wise
and able. and has the confidence OF his
fellow monarchs OF Europe.
He has now Been the ruler OF the Bull
sarians for a matter OF twenty-five
years.
Ills predecessor was Prince Alexander
OF Battenburg, who by the treaty of
Berlin was made titular prince Of Bull
garia.
But he was not destined to WELD the
power long, for Russian intrigues dis
placed him. and in 1857. Prince Ferdi-
nanl of Austria. in spite Of Russian pro-
test. took the regency.
His worst foes canot deny that his
control has been patriotic and for the
good OF a people who in the past knew
only the saddest of misgOvernment.
Only one argument could be made
against Ferdinand, according to the strict
letter OF the Bulgarian law. His religion
is not that Of the country.
Between the Roman and Greek CathO-
lies there are differences almost as mark
ed as between Protestant and Catholic. 4
Russian coming into the regency would
have In the natural course of events been
follower OF the Orthodox Church, but
Ferdina nd, coming from a Roman Cath
olic country. held TO that faith.
But SO justly has he dealt by all mat
tiers of public policy that this difference
has not been permitted to initiate
against the affection I'm which he 10 held
by the people.
But when il comes to bringing him
before the holy synod OF Bulgaria to give
him their blessing. that Is another thing.
That IS an issue where the strictest
questions OF church law are involved. and
II would hardly he reasonable TO expect
The heads Of the church TO give way on
such a vital question.
The Bulgarian church recognizes only
Orthodox monarchs, and Ferdinand finds
himself in the disagreeable position of
having 10 Join the Orthodox Church or
have his coronation without the blessing
OF the church.
The latter course is admitted to be
virtually impossible. for II is feared that
It's adoption would bring not only the
Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1909-11-14

placed upon the coffin OF dead man.
In some parts of the south, i'm case OF
headache, an AK is brought in and lad
under the bed TO insure relief. and in
placed under the bed. the steam being
expected to dissolve the fever.
An old and universal cure for nettls
stings was to rub with dock leaf and say:
Ont nettle. in docN:
Dock shall have q new smock.
and also:
''Nettle oat. dock In:
Dock remove The nettIe sting.
To escape a curtain lecture the old
Saxon considered IL necessary tn taste
bit of the root of radish. After that
lie would not be harmed or annoyed by
dumbness. an ashen leaf should he put
under her tongue. The wood OF the ash
tree had wonderful virtues in Germany,
England and Scotland. Ash sap was
given to children. They were bathed in
the dew from its leaves: the sap tapped
on certain days held unrivaled potency
in the case of snake bites. the Scotch
folk lore contains more superstitious
rites than that OF any other nation save.
perhaps, the orientals.
The belief that the dead cause the ILL
ness of the living is forcibly illustrated
by the inhuman dislikes to the saving
OF drowning persons manifested alike in
Scotland and China. The Chinese be-
lieve even to this day that the spirit OF
one who has died violently VIII return
to earth if a substitute can be found.
The last man dead Is supposed to Keep
guard over the land of the dead: TO save
a drowning man would be to deprive him
OF his substitute and incur the dis
pleasure of a mysterious enemy.
Among the Hindus. Malays and many
other peoples the idea prevails that I"
snatch victim from the clutches OF the
water spirit is a rash defiance of the
Deity which will not pass unavenged.
Drowning persons supply the occasional
necessary offerings to keep the water
spirit appeased.
Cancer was accredited to Tho bite OF
pig To kill a toad in New England
was to incur as many warts the toad
had spots To step upon a hidden grave
was to produce incurab BILE cramps i'm tn"
foot In Ireland. when scarlet fever APP
peared. some of the sick mans hair must
be passed down the throat of an ass and
the animal will Immediately receive the
disease.
Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1909-11-14

n RINCE FERDINAND cannot become
r Gar of Bulgaria. unless he recon-
4 Giles himself to following the his
toric example OF Henry " OF France.
and renouncing his religious beliefs for
his material advancement
He is In almost the same dilemma as
the noted ruler of France and Navarro.
whose famous speech that decided the
issue OF whether lie should remain loyal
10 his Calv!nist teachings and give up
the throne or waive his beliefs to OBJ
tain it will never die out OF history.
When finally the debate waxed warm
and Henry. torn between the two alterna-
tives. was unable TO decide what 10 do.
lie suddenly ended the matter with one
sentence.
Enough he cried. after all. Paris il
Wei. worth a mass.
The speech made him king.
Ferdinand's case presents some diff
ferences. In tine first place, ne Is al
ready on the throne. In the second. he
- now 4 Roman Catholic. But before he
can nave what he wants he must revise
his religious beliefs.
one year ago he declared himself car.
hut unless he becomes "A member OF tie
Greek or Orthodox Church he cannot get
the blessing OF the bulgarian holy synod
lis coronation.
Hence the ceremony has been delayed
more than a year. and there is no imme-
diatc way to tell when il will take place.
Ferdinand has great ambitions for Bull
ysria The fact that IL was tributary 20
Turkey till 1873 cannot. he thinks. he
thoroughly wiped out until its ruler wears
rho title of cZsr. as proof of his COM
nJcte domination over the nation and alb
soluie independence of all other powers.
The mixed population Of his own peo-
Mo gypsies Jews, Turks and Greeks,
makes IL important that all the circum-
stance OF mower should ne added to his
throne.
Bulgaria during It's long ana oioody
bistory mart Of the time tributary to
Hungary, and part Of the time subject TO
Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1909-11-14

over some massive recesses OF brickwork
in the cellars. where, ii may be con-
jectured, slaves were, during the very
different uses OF the place. confined In
iron letters. in one Of these recesses is to
he noticed a small modern pumping ap-
paratus and engine.
In the cellars, which are of an extent
and massiveness Of construction rather
surprising, considering the dimensions OF
the upper portion of the building, are to
be seen the huge foundations of the Chin
neys and. in particular, a vast oven, now
bricked up OF size such as might be
expected in a modern bakery esta blish-
ment. In the front cellars are openings
which at one time must have led to an
area or continuation OF the vaults into or
under the pavement of Wisconsin avenue.
These openings have also been closed,
and as the pavement above abuts upon
the front wall of the building there are
no other indications OF the previous ex-
istence of an area or an extension Of the
cellars in this direction.
somewhat curious incident pertaining
to the huge chimneys I'm the cellars was
related by the tenant
"A few days ago" she said, "a lady
visited the place and asked permission
TO examine. in particular. these cellars.
She sad that her great-gran dfather, a
German, had erected the building as a
tavern. That he was remarkable char
acter, in some respects. ! gathered from
one or two hints she let fall and from
her actions while examining the cellar
walls and the chimneys These she tap
ped repeatedly. evidently seeking indi-
cations of hollow portions. She asked
me II I had ever heard of the discovery
OF money or documents in the masonry Of
the building, and whether l myself had
ever come across ANYTHING of the kind
i answered her. as ! was compelled to do,
in the negative.
After a laborious investigation herself.
She went away evidently greatly disap-
pointed. Considering the number OF peo-
pie who have lived here. 1t occurred
to me that her quest was well nigh
hopeless one as II was probable that. in
the event of anything Of value having
Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1909-11-14

purposes being Baptist Chapel or
church. while a portion of the premises
also serves for the living quarters of
couple who rent the same from the own
crs A casual glance at the building would
scarcely lead the passer-by to take any
especial interest therein. save that prac-
ticed eye would readily detect the fact
that. in part at least. the structure is old.
as such things 90 i'm this city. the brick
work and general design denoting an age
OF a century therea bouts.
For scores OF years this old building
Was known TO residents of the vicinity
yellow Burgess Tavern. Few IL any.
however. even among the Oldest inhab-
itants Of Georgetown or Washington, re-
call that previous to the occupancy of the
place by Burgess, a mulatto and an ex
slave the building was used tavern
wayside inn, having been built as such
ny al German. vino acquired considerable
amount Of property in the vicinity at the
commencement of the last century In
It's early days the hosiery was known as
the White Horse Tavern.
Although few definite facts are known
concerning this strangely metamorphosed
building it at one time suffered most
sinister reputation. being associated with
the commission OF a mysterious crime. A
talk with the wife of the present tenant
Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1909-11-14

Stairs. As the latter locality may he as
ISOLATED in the minds OF A later genera
ton only with the famous London place
of that name. IL may be observed that
the term was. in the early days OF the
history OF GEORGETOWN. applied to that
portion of the Rock Greek road near the
Potomac. 1t is a striking example of the
survival of English traditions among the
people. even after the revolutionary war.
for. as is generally known. the Mapping
Old Stairs OF London is located I'm the
eastern portion OF that city. where. in the
times long since gone by, rowboat was
often in waiting for the purpose of con-
veying Struggled goods from the vessels
which had managed to escape the Wig
ilance of the custom house officers upon
the Thames.
II may readily he coniecture1. IN
the event OF there being any truth in
these traditions regarding the White
Horse. that that tavern was eagerly
patronized by the initiated who were
possessed OF a liking for Teutonic de!l-
catessen. The German landlord Is. how
ever reputed to have been character
Of extraordinary eccentricity. and Ia
have rendered the dainties of his richly
stored larder available to but very few
of his visitors. lie Is said to have been.
in all other matters. save his secret
stores of good things TO eat and drink.
great miser, and to have hidden
his vast wealth away with that mag
pie-like waywardness and secrecy pc
cuIiar to persons of his ilk.
Whether the riches thus disposed az
were obtained by the relatives of
the landlord, or by any of the numer-
Gus persons who have since inhabited
the place, or whether they are still
lying hid away somewhere under the
crumbling walls or in the grounds. is
now matter for the conjectures of the
curious
Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1909-11-14

tries, ana IN iirSt cases WHICH the Ni7''o'
encounters arc devoted to what are per-
haps the most striking features OF the
show For although such EXHIBITS DIS
the constituents of the human body, rep
resented by the exact proportion or the
several chemical substances. the amount
OF food assimilated normally by the aver
age adult man, the various drugs used
as remedies In our pharmacopeia. etc,
are instructive the, magnetic and magic
treatment of divers ills and the weird
doses employed today by the physicians
Of China may claim the distinction of be-
ing remarkably grotesaue.
As regards magnetic or suggestive heal
ing. il is rather surprising to note that il
has attained today a recognized scientific
status, being employed in various mod
ern hospitals and sanitariums devoted to
the reception of pstients suffering chiefly
from nervous and mental disorders.
known later as mesmerism and hypno-
tism this phase OF healing is traced back
several centuries to the time of the royal
touching and the laying on OF hands.
Thus there is an actual touchpiece OF the
time OF King Charles III of England. such
as was used by that monarch and his
predecessors in the ceremony of touch
ing for the cure of scrofula or kings
evil The coin is about four-fffths of
an inch in diameter and bears on one
side figures of st. George and the dragon
and the legend .Soli Dec gloria" and on
the other the figure OF a ship under fun
Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1909-11-14

HE various uses
10 which an old
building may have
. been put are well
illustrated by a
somewhat unpreten-
tious structure at
the corner OF Wis
consin avenue and
Q street in George
town. At present
this structure is de-
voted TO religious
Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1909-11-14
Observation-Disclosures

sail. with the legend Car Ill. DIG. VI. b.
FR. EFT. HI. REX.
The ceremony OF touching tor king
evil as practiced by Charles III. is de-
scribed by Evelyn in his memoirs as fol-
lows: July s. 1890. His majesty sitting
under his state in We banaueting house.
the Outrageous cause the sick 10 De
brought or led up TO the throne, Wnere
they kneeling. We king strokes their
faces or cheeks with both hands at once,
at which instant a chaplaine in his for
malities says. He put his hands upon
them and he healed them This is SAID
to every one in particular. Nnen theH
have all been touched they come up
againe in the same order. and the other
chaplaine kneeling. ard having angel
gold strung on white ribbon on his arm,
delivers them one by one to his ma tie.
who puts them around the necks OF the
touched as they passe. While the first
chaplaine repeats, That is ye true light
who came into We world Then follows
an epistle las at first gospelD with the
liturgy, prayers for the sick; lastly We
blessing: and then We lord chamberlaine
and comptroller OF the household bring
basin. ever and towel for his matte
10 wash" II is noted upon the attached
label that this royal touch piece is the
gift of Edward Lovett Of Croydon. Eng
land
Curing by touch or laying on Of hands
occurred evidently, in the reign of King
Charles II, not kingly prerogative, for
1t Is shown by an old print, how one
Valentine Greatrakes, esq, performed the
same benefcent stunt Greatrakes' pro-
ceeding is described in an old work, no
longer in popular or general demand. en-
titled 1.-The Miraculous Conformist, or an
Account of Marvellous Cures Performed
by Stroking Of the Hands of Mr.. Valen-
tine Greatarick" BY Henry Stubbe,
Physician, Oxford, 1868.
1t appears from this book that Falen-
tine Greatrakes was born in Ireland. of
good family and that he bore a reputa-
tion for exemplary honesty and sobriety.
He attained great prominence about the
middle of. the seventeenth century on
account of his marvellous cures of dis
Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1909-11-14

of refractory slaves in the cellars, and
they were probably harshly and cruelty
treated in some instances. The treatment
of runaway and malcontent slaves, often
accompanied by logging, confinement in
chains and bodily mutilation, is too old
and well known story to require repeti-
ton. Certainly most ghostly reputation
attached 10 the place in this regard for
long while
The floor of the new baptistry recently
installed in the cha pei is laid directly
Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1909-11-14

suited in the finding of some gruesome
reminders of the treatment of those con-
fined by chains and letters In these
gloomy subterranean compartments III
was i'm one of these cellars, too. that the
traditional murder of slave woman IS
said to have been perpetrated.
The exact details OF the murder of the
slave woman I have never been able 10
learn said the tenant. There seems TO
be no doubt concerning the confinement
Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1909-11-14

their temper too we'll to affront 1t.
But for him to part company with the
Roman Catholic Church seems equally
Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1909-11-14
A Motor Problem.

9 A. MILES, the general manager Of
Ne the National Association OF Automo-
bile Manufacturers. gave. at a recent BAN
quet OF New York automobilists, an anus
ing problem anent speeding.
Mr.. Miles problem was, How fast
was the automobile really going?' And
these were the conditions from which A
solution was TO he drawn:
Chauffeurs priv opinion. Up miles
His nnininn when talking IN his
Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1909-11-14

Ne OF the most in
teresting collections
in the National
Museum IS that
pertaining TO the
history and prac-
tice OF medicine.
The exhibit Illus
trates some queer
phases Of the heal
ing art as prac-
ticed i'm different
periods and roun-
Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1909-11-14

all their great love for the ruler, the
Bulgarians are tenacious on the subject
of their faith, and Ferdinand knows
Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1909-11-14

dynasty but the internal peace OF the
country into grave peril.
For all their simplicity OF life and for
Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1909-11-14

The National Museum has a case full
Il queer little objects, all of which