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Show BIGNiNG THE DECLARATION. Flies Pestered the Fathers of the Bepnblta as They Created It. Jefferi-on was fond of telling a stor, which illustrates in a forcible nitoiner 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 wero 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 ths 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, discus-Eion discus-Eion might have been protracted for days, if not weeks, but the flies were 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 slight adjourn and get away from the flies. There were a few mild protests, pro-tests, but no one heeded them, the im-raortal im-raortal declaration was hurriedly copied, and, with handkerchiefs in hand fight ing flies s they came, the members Hastened up to the table to sign the authentic au-thentic copy and leave the flies in thj 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 ha been signed on the Fourth Philad Prs9 |