The Washington herald., 1913-03-02
WHITE HOUSE is NOTORIOUS HAUNT OF GHOSTS;
NOBODY EVER MINDED LIVING THERE, HOWEVER

weight upon her pet cat. which was at
her skirts 1t uttered veil, and she
fell down the stairs. When she was
picked up. il was found that her neck
was broken
Another old-time Washington residence
was that Of the Meade family. and some
thing of the supernatural was supposed
to be connected with it for no other
reason than that a likeness OF the desd
and gone Mrs. Meade was plainly 10
be distinguished in a pane of one of the
front windows. 1t was clearly the
figure OF an old lady. and the more re-
markable because this was the very win
dow at which Mrs. Meade was accustom-
ed to sit every day during many years.
Such images in windows. however. have
been occasionally observed elsewhere.
and the explanation of them seems to b.
that they are actually photographs.
Glass contains substances which are
sensitive to light and thus a permanent
impression may conceivably be made on
window-pane by a person sitting near
ii for a long period of time in one at
titude.
Ghost in Theater.
The New National Theater in Wash
ington has a well-authenticated ghost
that of John Mccullough, who made his
first appearance there September l. 1873
II is said to have been his favorite
playhouse. He was greatly admired in
Washington. and his last appearance on
the same stage was in 1854. when. in the
decay OF his wonderful powers-he died
rot long afterward from paresis-he pre-
sented a pitiful spectacle. in the role of
Nirginius.
Old employees OF the theater declare that
n
again and again costumed as Virginius
his favorite part. Appearing from tbs
wings at one side of the stage, In soma
hour when the playhouse Is darkened
and empty. he struts across in long
strides. strikes an attitude. and present.
!y vanishes behind the wings opposite
Watchmen. it is said. will not go on the
stage OF the New National if they can
help it after the lights are out
1t was on this very stage, by the way.
that Wilkes Booth played on the nishs
Of April II. 1853 and Abraham Lincoln,
seated in a box, applauded with cordial
the man. who could he have
only known it, was destined to be his
murderer.
Strangers who visit Washington always
go to see Mount Vernon, the home Of
the Father Of His Country, and ther.
they can find a ghost or two If they look
hard for them. The ancient kitchen ~
connected with the mansion by a colon
made. the floor of which is hollow be-
meath, and here, on quiet and moonless
evenings, footsteps are sometimes dis
tinctly heard pacing to and fro. Those
who ought to know most about tho
matter are confident in declaring that
they are the footsteps OF the immortal
George himself
But 1t Is the bedroom in which he died
that is positively known to be haunted
His ghost, it is true, was never seen
there, but many people who have slept
in the room have been awed by a view
less and brooding presence There IL q
feeling as of the nearness Of an invis-
lble specter. And. indeed, WASHINGTON
might appropriately haunt this chamber.
the furniture of which is the same as
when he Occupied II. The bed. with its
four slender posts and IL original cur
fains OF white dimity. is the one in which
he died: and in a corner near by is his
Did camp chest: also his liquor case, with
bottles big enough to hold nearly a gall
on apiece.
One night not very long ago. Mrs.
William Beale and friend slept in
bedroom. or tried to do so.
Being nervous, they surreptitiously
lighted candle In basin of water
lights of any kind being forbidden in the
for fear OF fire. When at length
went out with u sputter. both women
we're startled and frightened. and then
1 discussion began.
My dear. you are on the side OF the
'ed where Washington lay when he died.
aid Mrs Reale
NO. am not" replied her friend. He
lied on your side!''
RENE DACHk