The Nation's Debt To Dolly Madison

The capture, invasión and burning of our National Capital by Britisli forces under Admiral Cockbarn are graphically recalled by Clifford Howard in the July Ladies' Home Journal in its notable ".Great Personal Events" series. Mr. Howard lucidly tells of the incidente leading up to tiie invasión, and pictures the terror and excitement of the people of Washington, who fled shouting, screaming, jostling one another under foot, into Virginia as the enemy approaelied. President Madison had gone to the front, and his wife was anxiously awaiting his return, in fear forhissafety. The White House attaches had nearly all deserted their posts, but Mrs. Madison had packedall her husband 's papers ind records, and as she was about to abandon the house, bethought herself of General Washington's portrait. The heavy frame inelosing it was broken by a servant with an axe, and she removed the canvas with her own hands, keeping it trom falling into the hands, of the enemy. "It was then," writes Mr. Howard, "just as she was in the act of hurrying away, that "Dolly Madison was seized with an inspiration thatwill ever cause her name to live in the heart of every true American. She stopped to think. What if the White House should be burned? Did it contain anything of value to the Government that she had neglected? The Declaration of Independence? In a flash she called to mimi tliis most precious of all documente. Carefully treasured in a case apart frorn the other papers it had been overlooked in the worriment and confusión. It must be sa ved at all hazards ! Without a moment'shesitation she turned and rushed back into the house. "Stop! for Heaven's sake, stop!" cried her friends, vainly endeavoring tointercept her. Regardless of their commands, regardless of her danger, the brave woman sped to the room containing the treasure for wbich she was willing to sacrifice her life. Without attempting to open the glazed door of the case she shattered the glass with her denched hand, snatched the priceless parchment, and, waving it exultantly above her head, hurried to tlie door, where she entered her carriage and was rapidly driven awny in the direction of Georgetown." ■