Show SIGNING THE DECLARATION Flies Pestered the Fathers of the Republic as They Created It Jefferson was fond of telling a story which illustrates in a forcible manner the importance that absurdly insignificant insignifi-cant matters may sometimes assume When the deliberative body that gave the world the Declaration of Independence Independ-ence was in session its proceedings were conducted in a hall close to which was situated a livery stable The weather was warm and from the stable came swarms of flies that lighted on tha legs of the honorable members and biting bit-ing through the thin silk stockings then in fashion gave infinite annoyance It was no uncommon sight said Jefferson to see a member making a speech with a large handkerchief in hand and pausing paus-ing at every moment to thrash the flies from his thinly protected calves The opinion of the body was not unanimous in favor of the document and under other circumstances discussion discus-sion might have been protracted for days if not weeks but the flies wero intolerable Efforts were made to find another hall free from the pests but in vain As the weather became warmer the flies grew worse and the flapping of handkerchiefs was heard all over the hall as an accompaniment to the voices of the speakers In despair at last some one suggested that matters be hurried so that the body might adjourn and get away from the flies There were a few mild protests pro-tests but no one heeded them tho immortal im-mortal declaration was hurriedly copied and with handkerchiefs in hand fighting fight-ing flies as they came the members hastened up to the table to sign the authentic au-thentic copy and leave the flies in the lurch Had it not been for the livery stable and its inmates there is no telling when the document would have been completed com-pleted but it certainly would not have been signed on the Fourth Philaflel nhin Press Gold and Silver Prom Ice Cut into pieces the gold silver lace tie them tightly and boil in soap lye till the size appears diminished Take the cloth out of the liquid and after repeated re-peated rinsings in cold water beat it with a mallet to draw out the alkali Open the bundle and the free metal will be found in all its beauty Jewelers Jewel-ers Circular |