davidaulloa/AmericanStories huggingface dataset:
Raftsman's journal. [volume] (Clearfield, Pa.) 1854-1948, 1862-12-17

and increasing the efficiency and extent of
the delivery and collection of letters by car
riers in cities. ~ s
The attention of the public is called to the
great Importance of good postal officers for a
successful administration of this Department
If the Postmasters and their clerks are selec-
ted without chief reference to their efficiency
and personal fitness, no amount of good legis-
lation will secure public satisfaction. An en-
voted to the interests of the service, should
be retained as long as he illustrates those quail
tiles in his administration of the office.
He attributes the success of the English
system largely to the permanent character of
their officers, and their familiarity with the
to which other motives to appointments have
prevailed in this country. He urges a return
to the old standard of honesty, capabiIity and
fidelity. and anticipated more public satisfac-
tion and administrative success from the a.
doption OF such principle than from any 9TH
er single act of reform. He uses this language :
1t is my intention to adhere firmly to my
determination to displace Incompetence and
indifference wherever found in official posi-
tion under my control, without any discrimi-
nation in favor of appointments myself have
made under misinformation of facts
The document as whole will be read
with unusual interest and contains numerous
suggestions of great Importance to this branch
OF the public service.
Raftsman's journal. [volume] (Clearfield, Pa.) 1854-1948, 1862-12-17
CLEARFIELD. PA. WEDNESDAY. DECEMBER II. 1862

therefore submitted an estimate of the amount
that will be necessary for that purpose.
The Commissioner alludes to sscertain erro-
neous impressions which have prevailed in
some quarters'' of the existence of obstacles
in the way of the ready transaction of business
in the prosecution of just claims for PENSIONS;
and that officer clearly explains, for the nfor-
nation of all parties, the forms prescribed for
the convenience of applicants under the vari-
GUS pension laws, and shows that any one of
ordinary Intelligence can, by following the in
of his claim without difficulty.
Considerable difficulty has been experience
ed in prescribing mode of authenticatng
pension claims which shall be sufficiently lib
eral to claimants, and at the same time pro-
tect the Government against frauds.
To require all applications to be authenti
Gated before court of record, causes much
trouble, and in many cases unreasonable ex
pense to the applicants. If the authentica-
tiOn before any person authorized to admins
ter oaths shall be admitted as sufficient. expe-
rience has demonstrated that the Government
is exposed to gross frauds. Large sums have
been obtained from the Treasury upon fraud
ulent certificates of Justices of the Peace, and
notaries.
To remedy these evils, it is recommends ed
that the Department be authorized to appoint
Pension Commissioners, who shall be author
lied to receive applications, administer the
neces sary oaths, and certify the papers to the
Pension Office, under proper regulations. The
Commissioner should receive from the appii-
cantS reasonable fees for their services, and
pension certificates should be forwarded to
them to be delivered to the pensioners
commissioner may be appointed in each coun-
ty where it is probable any applicants for pen
sions reside.
The adoption of system like this would
protect applicants for pensions from the un-
just charges which, in many Gases, are now
made by agents and attorneys.
The attention of Congress is invited to the
accompanying able report of the Commission
er OF Pensions.
Raftsman's journal. [volume] (Clearfield, Pa.) 1854-1948, 1862-12-17
posT.MA5rER GENERALS REPORT

The Report for this year exhibits very
healthy financial condition of the Post Office
Department, and shows il to be thoroughly inn
pregnated with the spirit OF Improvement.
The efficiency of the service has been main
tanned at the highest point, accompanied by
great diminution of expenditures. The gross
revenue of the Department for this fiscal year,
including the standing Treasury credit for
free mail matter, and a small amount appro-
priated for the relief of individuals, was
S9,012. $40 Sc. The expenditures for the
same year amounted to Sll, ,125 ,364 49, The
regular postal revenue for 1862 is only S40,-
470 so less than it was for the fiscal year 1861,
during large part of which year revenue
was paid in from all the States of the Union.
This fact shows laige increase in the CORE
spondence of the loyal States. While the
revenues have been SO nearly sustained at the
highest standard, the expenses have been
largely reduced. For the preceding year the
expenditures were 50 ,48l 1894 SO greater than
last year. The following comparisons of fig
ures are interesting
Expenditures of 1860 for service in all the
States, Sl4s74.772 80; revenues for the same
year S9,218, ,067 40 deficiency, SIS 656 ,7O5 40.
Expenditures for 1861 : service interrupted
in 1861, SIS 606,759 II; gross revenues for
1861 +: service interrupted in 1861, SO ,049, ,296
40 deficiency, S4,557 ,462 II. Expenditures
for 1862. Sll, ,125,364 l3; revenues for 1862,
S9,Ol2 $40 Sc deficiency, 50 1925 81. Re-
ducton of expenditures as compared with
1860, S3.749. .40S; reduction of expenditures
as compared with 1861, S2.4sl 1894.
The Department has not been for many years
so nearly self sustaining. This result is large
ly owing to the suspension of postal expendi-
lures in the South, which were greatly in
cess of postal receipts, but not alone to that.
a revision of all discretionary expenses has
been made, and large reductions ordered The
pay of agents has been regarded and equal
lied. Economy has been established in
the large offices where waste was found. In
competency, wherever found in official posi-
tion, has been removed, and an effort made to
adopt standard of merit and of administra-
tive efficiency, in lieu of other and inferior
motives for appointment. The Postmaster
General expresses his determination to ad-
here to this course.
Inc uumoer oi postage stamps isSueu 10 post
masters during the year was ,078, lSS. The
value of letter envelopes was $733, ,255 so.
The value of stamped newspaper wrappers,
S23 ,64S so; increase of issue over 1861, ST.
l44 S5S %. The total value sold was S6 ,0lO,-
l3l SO.
The increasing demand on the part of the
public for the stamped newspaper shows that
their Introduction has satisfied public de-
mand, and promoted the convenience of cor
respondents.
In the first quarter of the current year end
ing September 80, the number of stamps is
sued to postmasters was 1O4 900 600. Their
calls for about 2OO, 600 600, which would have
been nearly sufficient to meet the usual de-
mand for year. This extraordinary demand
Newbern weekly progress., 1862-05-10

sndle might go so far as to disinh, ri
gou, II you wed . bride So far beneath
him. q err n
'Alice, ! ask but this. Tell me
That you will be my wife if he gives
bls consent, and | shall be happy.
! will said the maiden, placing
Der hand now in his. off the old
Judge gives llis consent, 1 will bs
tour wife, Ralph ''r' ~f
ION, Alice, you make me so glad =
ana the young man imprinted q kiss
tInpon her glowing cheek. @
\ Long they talked Of the future, and
Vt last, as the sun was going down he.
bind the wcstern. hills, and golden
arrows lay on the glowing apples
|aestlIng among the green leaves, they
walked up, srm-in.arm, with Towser
.honnding on before them, to the cot
Naess siers they .faand.AApper await.
ing them, the trout fried 20 . most
delicious brown, and with warm bis.
cult and golden butter, and honey
fresh from the comb, to tempt their
In the hush of the evening Ralph
climbed to the hilltop, happy in the
love of sweet Alice Gray, and bright
looked the future before him.
Newbern weekly progress., 1862-05-10

passion. "Never shall a son of mine
or one that bears my name, thus dis.
grace the house of Thornton, by mar.
rying an offspring OF the widow GRAY,
or any of her cast"
But, father, there is not a lady in
all the neighlcrllood about lis, whose
accomplishments or heauty equals that
of Alice Gray, and--" n
Stop, Ralph Thornton | Not
another word about that low.born
girl. My determinat on is fixed unal.
terably, and nothing on earth can
move it one jot. Never, with mycon.
sent, do YOU wed that girl and If you
40 from that moment, you are no son
Of mine!"
"Thank God, old man, I am no son
ofyonrs, let me be what anght | am 2"
exclaimed Ralph, springing to his feet,
Eass as tasf sSgallsS ssI sS tlss & s1s
Gray shall be my wifS, apd no power
on earth shall prevent ita =
Sand the momentyo dothis thing,
the roof of Thornton House shall no
longer shelter.you."
Coneladsd on tho Third Pegs.
Newbern weekly progress., 1862-05-10

"JcoesF Taoesvos--Cars for tn,
little ole who 10 thus thrown upon
your bounty. You are childless--
adopt him as your own. He will
never be claim cd !. and, to appease
your proud heart, ! can say, and tha,
| truthfully, that he was born in lawful
wedlock, and Of people higher in sta.
ion than even you. Again allure
you tc net cast him of. God will
abundantly reward you II you comply
with The wishea of r."
The nots was written In q mascu-
line hand. and the penmanship unex-
lceptionable.
Ring the bell for William, wife,
He shall carry the child to tho poor.
house THE very night"
Hark, Henryi just listen to how
|it rainsl The storm has just BET In.
L Ni1d81 ~ top iIs6ii .llDr nd w iiliiasn,.
and tho babe would perish ere il could
reach the village"
"Bat what shall bs done with it to.
nighta"
Let old Hepsy have the care Of it;
she will watch it tenderly as a
mother"
"It is quite pretty child" said the
Judge, gazing long at the little sleep
sr; and the frown gradually died from
his brow, as the wife took it tenderly
from the basket and gazed affection
ately upon it.
"It is, Henry; and, oh, my hus-
band, grant Inc this as birthday pres
ent. Let US keep this little one fol
our own son, since God has denied lii
any of our own;" and the wife gaze'
ple,dingly up into the face Of he'
husband.
For n moment tho Judge hesitatcd
and it was Oh his lips to say nay, bu
something in his own heart was LEAD
ny for the little stranger, and th
wIsttul gaze OF his wife conquered,
and he said:
III you wish it, we will, my wifo.'
Thanks, my husband! you hav,
ina le Inc so happy" and in the hap
piness of his wife the Judge was re.
paid.
A few minutes later. behold til,
proud Judge lacking over the babe,
wardrobe as handiIy as a woman, to
find, ii it bore u name. On one corn
er Of its robe they found "Isalph RI;
and SO the babe Was called kaiph Il.
ThpSata@R1k h4aat @sk& Ry lls t9slsE parents.
both dreamed of q brave, noble youth,
that would be an honor~tD the line o
thornton and peacefully they slel
nneath the root Of the House On til,
Hilltop.
Newbern weekly progress., 1862-05-10
CHAPTER II.


The Sst'sGs Uaacr ihr "H',
An author has a wonderful faculty
Of abridging time and space. He tra,
els miles and spans years in one sing
da.h Of the pen and, kind readers.
ask yon to skip lightly over score o
wears and look in with me again up
on our friends of Thornton ilvuse.
The old mansi IN looks much as
| d t twenty years ago. though it has
more time-worn look than of yore
and the trees have twined their arms
closely together. Ms if 10 protect "l,
support each other against the wild
wind-storm. The creepers and c"lun
bine still cling to the walls, and stretch
their hands away up over the moss
covered roof in a loving embrace.
And how have the household fareds
low is it with them this golden Ocio
er afternoon. and after twenty yea'
nave come and gomez
Inc oldJuuge and his wife are bot
| , the wide nall near the doorway
~. knitting, as we saw her once "'
,,t; and he, reading the daily pap
at has Just been brought from tt,
| liage. /,
| Mich look they as Of yore, thoug'
% Judge's hair was white as sn'
\ ID he has grown quite portly Wit
assing years yet he is as h"'
|, and hearty as many o man OF fitty
Ills wife is his counterpart, and on lie
I pleasant face lies smile Of content
iinent and happiness.
A footstep sounds along the grav
G elled path by the vine-clad porch, an
e a young man, equipped with fishing
g tackle, pauses by the door. 49,
o "Where away now, Ralph 2" 81
b claimed the Judge, looking over tn
TOP Of his paper. Fishing again, els
!. "Yes, father. l thought | would tr
10 those trout again down in the meade
le brook. Hope shall have better LUG
o. than | did yesterday" 10, ~
10 With pleasant smile tho youn
o man nodded his head to the old CO
n. pie, and went down toward the orc
til ard, humming agay tune as he d
90. Abeautiful white hound, whit
re was laying in the shade by the doc
,te way, arose and bounded after i
ps young master, joyous at tho thong
10 Of a ramble through the fields.
it's And this young man Ralph, WI
his smiling face and dark blue ey
he and short brown curls clustering lou
rn his high, wide forehead, was the lit
babe that twenty years ago we 81
pt- lying in the basket--a wait cast up
|, l the cold world by its natural paren
y but now the pride and joy Of the d
riaed old Judge who once, but
Newbern weekly progress., 1862-05-10

r% On Saturday las, Acting Brig Gen.
F.rrero, reviewed the ID Brigade OF the I'd
Division Of tlis cOrps fArmse. They were
reviewed and drilled in a field on the opposite
side of the Trent, and gave evidence ef great
proficiency in discipline and dill. Zen Fer
rero has good reason to be proud oE his CONS
mapd.
Newbern weekly progress., 1862-05-10

tY- Our thanks are due 10 Rice, Kendall d
Co., whose card will be found IN another col
umn-- for present of three leams of the mic.
white aud finely finished paper, on which the
Progress is this day printed. 1t present
lat we highly value.
Newbern weekly progress., 1862-05-10
"1ts fFSoasAs NiGs WsHd.1
RALPH,
The Adopte d;
Yaast OFT tie Ylltop
A STORY OF NEW ENGLAND.
RY ARTHGR T.. MEsERyE.
A STORY OF NEW ENGLAND.

L y /
"Ding, dong! ding, dong |" again
spoke the bell, louder than before
and again the echoes scampered up
the stairway, and, after going the same
route pursued by the former, hid them
selves away in some dark closet, or
went off in the night after their COM
panions.
"Whoever it may be, they are in
urgent haste to ring two such peals MS
th0ae." remarked the Judge. II Won
der where William can bcw
"He is now going to answer it,"
said the wife, in reply, as tho sound Of
footsteps, slow and heavy, weaded
The Judge resumed his reading.
his vito her knitting and several
minutes elapsed before they heard the
hall door swung to it's place, and the
returning footsteps Of William.
The door of the sitting-room was
thrown open, and the old servant, who
had served the former master OF
Thornton Housc many years and for
his faithfulness had always been Re-
tained by the Judge, entered the room
bearing q basket in his hand, which
he deposited upon the table between
his master and mistress. :,
"Who rang, William 2" asked the
Judge. @ ,,,
Il do not know, sir. When
reached the door no one was there
and it was 60 dark that could no
ice very far from the door-steps.
stopped out and looked around, bu
could see no one; but as | went Il
close the door, found this baske
hanging to the door-knob" I" :.
"'rhat will do, William. Undoubt
edly it is . birthday present to you
mistress, by some kind friend VIII
wiAhed to puzzle us as to whom tn
giver might be-"
The old servant ,,saluted his maste
and mistress with low bow, and re
tired from the room.
"Now, wife," said the Judge, 'lst
see what sort If q present you hav
received from your unknown friend.
.. Something valuable, witho'
doubt," replied the lady, Is she Dire
the basket towards her:
I Untying the ribbon that lightly hel
the cover in it's place, the Judge
wife removed it; and there, close
wrapped in snow-white flannel, Il
calmly sleeping a beautiful male infa
Of perhaps month Of this life.
Had tho basket contained an inft
nal machine, the Judge could not ha
started quicker than he did at t
sight of the sleeping babe; for, as
had never been blessed with one
love, he had come to regard them W
aversion.
Not 90 with his wife. She had
ways longed for child on whom
bestow her affection; and the lii
stranger spoke to her heart the 7
ment she saw the baby face peep
out from the folds Of the flannel.
a What does this mean 2" excla
ed the Judge, his face flushed "
anger. =
Indeed, know not, Henry, m
than yourself. But ali! here is a
.., pinned to the flannel, which perh
win explain all. 1t is addressed
vop,n And taking the note from
resting.place, she passed it to HIM
The Judge cast his eye. over
n,issive, and ss he finished, a fr'
wss on his face.
Decidedly cool J" he said, abr
". Wonder if the scamp thin
= am fool enough to do as he wisl
Jus. listen, wife," and he read;
Newbern weekly progress., 1862-05-10

A religious tract, headed Come, SINNERS
Come = Was found IN The camp Of one ot Inc
Wisconsin regiments. upon Whrh one OF inc spe
eially invited had written. Can! DO 1t. Co'
&ogsgs won't sign ny pass.
The daily Wabash express. (Terre-Haute, Ind.) 1857-1867, 1862-09-18
FROM WASHINGTON

WASHINGTON. Sep. 10 The following ex
tract from letter received at the War De-
parsaent. dated Messilla. Arizona, August
10th, ls62, shows with how little an army
may be moved. IL must be remembered
that California troops have marched through
desert country where no provisions or for
age could be obtained. and therefore every
thing for horse and man was carried with
them, and yet with train with less than
bali OF regiment not marching fifty miles
from Washington. they have averaged ff.
teen miles day for nearly sixty DAYS The
lst Infantry and Cavalry California Nolun-
teeis Ave suce 'uily marched one thou
sand mile, over fOa:c - - Colorado
Desert, Gila River. Tucson and the Mil
trcze, from the Pacific to the Rio Grande.
This they hayeI done. without the loss oflO
men in Indian and Rebol skrmishes with
abundant supplies and serviceabe train.
and reached the western border Of Texas in
condition for immediate contest with the enc
my. Officers and men have stood the hard
ships of the march alike without tents and
without baggage. one wagon suficing to
transport ten DAYS rations, and the property
OF each company for fnlly half the distance
over burning deserts IN midsummer with A
scarce supply Of water. The men have IN
complainingiy carried their knapsacks They
have only been too we'll satisfied at every
step carried them nearer 70 the heart ofthe
rebellion.
The daily Wabash express. (Terre-Haute, Ind.) 1857-1867, 1862-09-18
IRON NEW YORK.

NV lOKK. Sep. 1.-THE morning pa
pers contain nothias additional to What Vas
ieleeraphed last night. ~ith tho following
exception.
Washington dispatch 10 the Herald, SAYS
the following important intelligence has Just
been re ceived. IL puts a new phase on the
condition OF Affairs at Harpers Ferry. and
shows that although there has been no di-
rect intelligence from Mcclellan during to-
day, the enemy are panic stricken and IN
willing 10 await the approach OF his vic,ori-
Gus army, even 10 strong positions. By dint
OF overwhelming numbers. the small garri-
son under Miles anu White. were compelled
70 surrender, after nearly three DAYS Of hard
hghting. and after Miles had been seriously
wounded aud incapacitated for further par
ucipaiion IN the defense Of the position.
Information Is telegrsphed 20 night from
inc Herald correspondent AT Frederick. as
follows
An oihcer who has just arrived from Har-
pers Ferry reports that the rebels had evac.
uated TIE place Ia great hurry. They are
sending everything across the river "a fast
as possible. They left Harpers Ferry in
such haste that they lad no time 10 complete
paroling the prisonoi-. and a number were
Internationally reieas a in consequence
Nav York, Sep. l. The Times CORES
pendent states that Longstreet was killed
amt Hill captured by ou forces.
The daily Wabash express. (Terre-Haute, Ind.) 1857-1867, 1862-09-18

Mk. Fseok As several of our citizens
have friends sui relatives in the region of
the Indian Troubles" Tor whose safety
they entertain strong fears. she following.
from the Cleveland f<sdsr. may excite
hope. II it do not in fact poiat cut the means
Of their delivsrance n. ]. kKKLu-
Tnx iSpIAS TxcvsIe.-A r. Murch, a
erofher-sn-lss Of J 4. kecler OF the city
writes to the latter from ST Paul ~ith re
xsrd Ia the late Indian outbreak Tic was
AZ that true On his way ~i,h the kensllle
Rangers 10 Fort Saelling % enter the ser
vice. The news reschias them A. ~ Pc
ssrs. The company turrel back 10 Fort
Ridxely ard assisted N is defense. saving
the post. When reinforcemenss came the
eonrspv proceeded - 81 Paul. A. =.
Paul. Mr. Nurch found be wife. Mr.. Keel
srs sister, Who had escaped from an Ageney
among the Sioux Indians. where BE had len
her. With q party Of sissy-t~o. guided By a
friendly Indian named Anpetu- TokecS (uth-
er Dsy) whose photosr--h = n Me. kesler .
possession he rescued the partySfron Yes
iov Medicine. Minnesota. and plotted then
safely % Shakopce. August 18Th. lses.--
They le-t everything. Mrs. Mgrch ss,;ns
eas the dress she had on Mr.. Aurvh
spesss Of the atrocities ccmmit;ed BY TIE
indiaas As exceeding anything IN the history
Of Indian warfare.
The daily Wabash express. (Terre-Haute, Ind.) 1857-1867, 1862-09-18

Ohio. knee: Lieut. Company x. sd ohio
knee Lieut. Harris. On Wisconsin Lieut.
Raciden. 18th Indiana. Lee Lieut.. Hun
nell. 18th Ohio. leg Col. Rallinger. 18th
Pennsylvania Reserves, arm and breast
LATER
Fsn'ERIcK. Sep 10. x.-Our los al
hArper's Ferry j. light. Less than 200 killed
and wounded. The forces captured were
The s1th, Goth and 32d Ohio. 9Th Vermont,
Syih, ll5lh, I26Gh New York, 18th New
York State Militia. an Indiana battery. be-
sides tho Maryland Home Brigade
Heavy fighting Is going Ola TO-DAY in Pleas
sui valley. north of the Ferry
SPECIAL TO rHE TINE>.
HARRISBURG, Sept. l6. We have Just re
eeived tidings OF the portions OF the rebel
army having united on this side OF the PotO-
mac, numbering It Is supposed 10000 men
LATER, 40 p. m.-A battle j. reported a.
going all this p. N. The resul, j. rot yet
known
The daily Wabash express. (Terre-Haute, Ind.) 1857-1867, 1862-09-18

Orr Hal. Sept. is. is62.
Common Council met al the usual hour
His Honor. Mayor Stewart. presiding.
Present: CouDcilmen Coats. Hough. Eng
Iss. 0'Boyls. Paddock. Walker and Wilkin-
son.
The minutes OF the last meeting ~er'
read and approved
The Finance Committee reported tha
they had borrowed al 600 from W. r. he
Keen. ct four months. and deposited the
proceeds rith the Treasurer.
The report ~as accepted
The Finance COMMITTEES to whom sAs re
ferred the claim Of $40 against the school
Trustees, asked and MAS granted further
time To report
The bill Of the Terre Haute Journal Tor
So 90. Was reported correct. and. on mo
ton Of Mr. Heugh. allowed
! The Cemetery Committee reported the
bill Of II. ID. Min (sl.D0) incorreet-think
ing ~. 80 fair price for the: service render
ed
The report was accepted. aud the btil thus
reduced was allowed.
The Committee appointed at the last
meeting 10 investigate the shooting affair. OF
the 18th Of Aug, between Deputy Marshal
Hoffman and others. made lengthy report.
which was, after some discussion. on motion
Of Mr.. Hough. laid on the table. aud Mr.
Hoffmans resignation. rendered at our last
meesing-accepted.
The following was offered By Mr. D Boyle:
Resolsed, That Ind seat Of John q. Was.
son, councilman from the 81 Ward. be aud
the same h hereby declard vacant, on &C
count of bis removal from the city. Adopt
ed BY an unanimous vote.
I. J. Hoffman's bill for salary 20 the ii
Of Sept 81 81. was. on motion of Mr.
o Boyle-allore
J. b. Ladowici Was allowed SIS for his
superintendent OF Market House improve
msnts.
Hough. Paddock aud Wilkinson voting
No.
On motion OF Mr.. Wilkinson. bids we're
opened for the grading and gravelling of Wa
bash street, between 9th and 7th sts.
There were four bids presented-Chris- /
tian Seanans being the lowest.
On motion Of Mr.. Wilkinson. be vas
awarded the contract
Said bid was 81 so per running foot. for
both grading aud gravelling
The Marshal announces the name Of
Thomas 3. Snapp as his deputy.
On motion Of Mr.. Hough. said appoint
nent was confirmed
After disposing OF suuery small bills the
Board adjourned.
W. II. STEWART. Mayor
ATTEST J r. Quick. Clerk.