"A Republic Without a President, and Other Stories" by Herbert D. Ward is a collection of short stories reportedly written in the late 19th century. The opening story centers around a fictional and dramatic event where the President of the United States and his wife mysteriously disappear from the White House, causing national panic and intrigue. The unfolding mystery delves into political implications, abduction, and the reactions of the public and officials in response to this chilling circumstance. The beginning of this story reveals that on June 8, 1893, an announcement of the President's disappearance sends shockwaves across the nation. As newspapers publish front-page headlines detailing the events, the atmosphere is thick with suspicion and fear. Several witnesses recount strange occurrences, but the investigation leads to wild speculation and confusion, hinting at a political conspiracy behind the abduction. The narrative sets the stage for a blend of mystery, suspense, and political commentary that invites readers to ponder the implications of such an unprecedented calamity. (This is an automatically generated summary.)