davidaulloa/AmericanStories huggingface dataset:
The evening telegraph. [volume] (Philadelphia [Pa.]) 1864-1918, 1871-02-28

ment, last year, were some 81, SEQ 900 less
than in 1869, averaging about eighteen per
cent. upon the gross premiums received.
OF course, there are all sorts of variations
from this reasonable percentage when the
figures of individual companies are con-
sidered; for many of these admit having ex-
pended forty, fifty, and even sixty per cent.
in keeping themselves alive. But as an indi-
cation of average economy, there is some
satisfaction in knowing that the ratio of ex-
penses TO premium income was considerably
less than it has been since 1866.
But we will not further pursue this subject
now. Our readers can draw their own con-
illusions from the figures given above. It
may be worth while, however, to print in
connection with the foregoing statistics some
further figures drawn from the official reports
of the Insurance Department. by way OF
exhibiting the steps of past progress in life
insurance, and thus proving our position as
to the deoadence indicated by last years re-
ports:-
The evening telegraph. [volume] (Philadelphia [Pa.]) 1864-1918, 1871-02-28
WHAT GOOD WILL COME OF TIP

From the N. Y Tribune.
The perfectly good understanding which
now subsists between the various corporations,
companies, and individuals whose capital is
invested in mining anthracite coal and bring
ing it to market is a phenomenon which
ought to excite the most jealous attention on
the part of the public. 1t may as we'll be
known now as at any other time that the OBJ
jeet of those who have entered into this ex-
traordinary alliance is to conduct the coal
trade hereafter as a monopoly, result which
will be attained should the present cordial
understanding continue. The capitalists
were forced to unite by their dread of the
Miners Union, and il is probable that the
same power will keep them together. There
is not one of the great transporting COM
panies which has not lost within the last two
years from 5 l, 600, 900 to So, 600, 900 by the
action of the labor unions. The fear of en-
countering like experiences in future must
have a strong tendency to strengthen the
capitalists league.
The curse of the anthracite coal business
has been that for years everybody engaged in
it has worked in direct defiance of the natural
laws of trade. Over production has been
stimulated by transporting companies like the
Reading, for the purpose of increasing ton
mage; and by mining companies, like the
Delaware and Hudson Canal, and Delaware.
Lackawanna, and Western Company, for the
purpose of crushing out their weaker competi-
tors All the natural limitations to the growth
of the trade have been held in abeyance
Wsges have been regulated by treaty be-
tween the leaders of coal associations and
labor unions, and have, consequently, ruled
high Stserage tickets and drafts have been
sent over to Europe in abundance, and fresh
miners have been imported by the thousand
The capacity oproduce coal has been brought
The evening telegraph. [volume] (Philadelphia [Pa.]) 1864-1918, 1871-02-28
THE HISTORY OF THE NAVAL STAFF
QUESTION.

From the \. Y Nation.
There is just now good deal of discus
sion at Washington, kept alive elsewhere by
occasional articles in the daily papers, upon
q subject which, considering its real impor-
tance, is surprisingly Misunderstood namely,
the reorganization of the navy, more COM
monty called the ''Staff Question" Mainly
because the discussion relates to "spe-
cialty, and is therefore gladly left for argu-
ment and settlement to those specially con
cerned, and partly because of the ill-advised
efforts of too-zealeus advocates who rush
into print on either side, the real matter at
issue has been lost sight of In fog of side
issues and technicalities, until the interested
public has been narrowed down to
the small number whose rela-
tives and friends are directly affected by
the present status of the navy, which part
of them desires TO change. Yet, if it is worth
while to have navy at all, it is worth while
to see that it be efficient; and the smaller the
number of ships and officers to which it is
reduced, the more important becomes the
state of efficiency and readiness in which it is
maintained. No doubt, small quarrels and
petty conflicts of authority and precedence
will inevitably and frequently occur among
gentlemen whose bile is daily stirred up and
temper soured by the discomforts and con-
fnement of sea voyages, and the public has very
senslbly ceased to take much interest in naval
squabbles. But the present dispute
really appears TO be rooted too deeply
TO be lightly disregarded. On shore as well
as at sea, and during more than two years,
the division has been growing wider and
deeper; and it is persistently alleged that,
unless certain points are settled definitely by
law, and no longer left to the elastic rules Of
The evening telegraph. [volume] (Philadelphia [Pa.]) 1864-1918, 1871-02-28

PHILADELPHIA, Feb. %, 1871.
NOTICE TO STOCKHOLDERS. = The annual
Election for Directors will be held on MONDAY, the
9th day OF March, 1871, at the Office OF the Com
pany, No 23S S. THIRD Street The polls will be
open from 10 o'clock A. M. until O'clock p. M.
No share or shares transferred within sixty days
preceding the election will entitle the holder or
holders thereof TO vote.
92si lit JOSEPH LESLEY, Secretary.
The evening telegraph. [volume] (Philadelphia [Pa.]) 1864-1918, 1871-02-28
THE LIFE INSURANCE BUSINESS OF


From the NJ Y. Times
At length we have some trustworthy facts
by which to judge of the progress of life in
surance in the United States. The impress
sion has been general that the frantic efforts
of promoters and solicitors had reached their
worst point year ago, and that the returns
for 1870 would show, if not an actual retro
gression, decided check as compared with
previous years. And the facts appear to
bear out this conviction. The issue of the
Spectator Ltfe Chart, which contains the au-
thenticated annual statements of some
seventy life companies, (including all of any
prominence in the United States supplies
the figures for 1870, and we have taken the
trouble to compare with these the figures
for 1869, as given in the last report of the
Insurance Department of this State. 1t is
obvious that such statistics cannot be abso-
lutely correct, bat they are nearly enough SO
for purposes of comparison, inasmuch as
they cover the transactions of all the life COM
panies doing business in New York during
the two years. We may state that in 1869
there were sixty-nine companies operating
in the State, while in 1870 there were seventy
two or seventy three; consequently the re-
turns for the latter year are the less entitled
to be deemed progressive, because more COM
panies did less business than in 1869. The
following are the figures for the two years
aa4s
The evening telegraph. [volume] (Philadelphia [Pa.]) 1864-1918, 1871-02-28

1t seems clear enough that the Gigantic
strides" of which we have heard SO much,
must have undergone a change last year.
There was more done, we admit, than in
1869; but not the proportionate amount of
progress to which late years have accustomed
us. 1t is about time to bring the life insur-
ance business down to the level of an econo-
mical, comprehensive, simple operation.
That it needs some reform in these directions
we think nobody outside of life insurance
Office will dispute.
The evening telegraph. [volume] (Philadelphia [Pa.]) 1864-1918, 1871-02-28

pss- annnnr11ON or CIVIL BONDS Q
STATE OF CALIFORNIA,
TREASURY DEPATMENT,

STATE OF CALIFORNIA,
TkEksURY DEPATMKNT,l
SACRAMENTO. February l. ISL
Whereas, There is on this day In the State Trea-
sury thes sum of twentyeight thousand s2s,OOO) dol
lars which, under the provisions OF an act Of the
Legislature OF said State entitled sAn act to pro-
vide for the paying certain equitable claims against
the State OF California, and TO contract funded
debt for that purpose" approved April 80, $780, is
set apart for the redemption OF Civil Bonds of said
State, issued under the provisions OF said act notice
is hereby given that
SEALED PROPOSALS
for the surrender OF said Bonds will be received at
this Department for the amount above specined
until the
10TH DAY OF APRIL 1871,
OF IL O'Clock A. M
No bid will be entertained at more than par yaue.
and responsible guarantee must accompany each
proposal which must be indorsed ''Sealed Proposals
for the surrender of Civil Bonds Of 1s6Or
Said bonds will be redeemed and interest paid in
gold and silver coin OF the United States and must
be surrendered within ten days after the acceptance
Of the proposal for their redemption
A. f. CoRONEL,
14eod t4 10 State Treasurer.
The evening telegraph. [volume] (Philadelphia [Pa.]) 1864-1918, 1871-02-28

RGy- REDEMPTION OF STATE BONDS.
STATE OF CALIFORNIA, !
TREASURY DEPARTMENT,
SACRAMENTO, Feb. /, 1871.
whereas, there is on this day In the State Treasury
the sum OF two hundred and fifty thousand (s2b0 OOO
dollars, which, under the provisions OF an act OF the
Legislature Of said State, entitled "An Act to pro-
vide for paying certain equitable claims against the
State Of California, and to contract funded debt
for that purpose approved April 9s 1861; and also
under the provisions OF an act amendat1ry OF said
act approved April "a, 1s60 is set apart for the re-
demption Of Civil Bonds OF said State, issued under
the provisions OF said first mentioned act notice is
hereby given that
SEALED PROPOSALS
for the surrender Of said Bonds will be received at
this Department for the amount above specified,
until the
10TP DAY OF APRIL A. d. 1871,
at II O'Clock A. NJ. .r
No bids will be entertained at more than par
value, and a responsible guarantee must accompany
each proposal, which must be marked 'Seaed Pro-
posas for the Redemption Of Civil Bonds of 1851,
Said bonds must be surrendered within ten days
after the acceptance OF the proposals for their re-
demption. A. f. C0RONEL,
214 eodt State Treasurer
The evening telegraph. [volume] (Philadelphia [Pa.]) 1864-1918, 1871-02-28

These returns go far to justify the impress
sion that the life insurance business is droop-
ing, while its administration gives indications
OF Generalization. We have, indeed, more
policies issued in 1870 than in 1869; but the
amount they cover is less by $i5, 900, OOO
Yet the total amount at risk at the end of
1870 is apparently $3.50, 600, 900 more than at
its beginning. The premium receipts were
seven per- cent. more thana those of
the previous year, but those of 1869
were nearly thirty per cent greater than
the receipts of 1868, which clearly proves
that progress has been effectually stopped
1t is noticeable, too, that the great curse of
the business, expense of management, has
done much to injure the companies. An inn
provement begins to be visible in this re-
spect. Upon an increased income (however
slight the increase, the expenses of manage
The evening telegraph. [volume] (Philadelphia [Pa.]) 1864-1918, 1871-02-28

nSs- OLIVER AMES, PRESI ENT.
S JOHN DUFF, Vice President.
JOHN M. &. WILLIAMS, Treasurer.
E. III. ROLLINS, Secretary.
UNION PACIFIC RAILROAD COMPANY,l
SEARS BUILDING (PosT-oFFIoE Box No. s3II)
BOSTON, Feb 4, 1871.
The annual meeting OF the stockholders of the
UNION PACIFIC RAILROAD COMPANY will be
held at the office OF the company in BOSTON, on
WEDNESDAY, the Sth day OF March, 1871, at 10
O'Clock A. M, to elect officers for the ensuing year.
OLIVER AMES,
214tS-s President Union Pacific Railroad 90.
Staunton spectator. [volume] (Staunton, Va.) 1849-1896, 1871-08-01
------7--------=----------
Deaths.


Emma A, wife of John G. Patterson, was born
June 26, 1849, was dedicated to God, by Holy
BAPTISM, in early infancy; was instructed in the
word and doctrine ofthe Christian Church made
public profession of her faith in Christ and
openly confessed him before men was confirm
ed to the Church. by the laying on of hands and
prayer, in the Autumn of 1862; and departed this
life, after giving evidence of resignation to the
Divine will, July 18th, 1871, aged % years, and
IL days.
Rev. Jacob Killian died at his residence in
this county on the 9Th of July, aged So years and
q days.
He was the son of Henry and Mary KilIian ::
was born in Lincoln Co., N. G., on the 9Th of
June, 1878 was baptized on the 25th of July of
the same year; was confirmed in the Evangelical
Lutheran Church on the 18th of May, 1885; was
admitted to the office of Deacon, 10Th September,
1886; on the 18th Of September, 1887. he was pro-
NOTED to the office of pastor, by the Evangelical
Lutheran Tennessee Synod, at Koiner's Church:
Augusta Co.. Va, and was Immediately called
to take charge of the congregations connected
with said Synod in said county where he faith.
So years. He organized two new congregations
and had three new houses of worship built.
Staunton spectator. [volume] (Staunton, Va.) 1849-1896, 1871-08-01

CAPT. BoYD.-As Capt. Boyd, alluded to in
such complimentary terms, in the following
paragraph copied from the Bolton Tsras) Week.
Ly Journal, was recently resident of this coun-
ty, it will be read with interest by his friends
and acquaintance in this county;
Our District Attorney, Capt. Boyd gave addi-
tional evidence of his superior ability as pro-
scouting attorney. There were several causes of
great Importance tired all of which he conduct
ed with consummate skill and ability. The In
terests of the State will never suffer while Boyd
remains in his present position.
Staunton spectator. [volume] (Staunton, Va.) 1849-1896, 1871-08-01

In the slang phro'se of the day, the Peters
burg Inder is ''he avy'' upon independent can
didates tor tho Legislature. 1t says:
Our second danger is that of independent
Candidates, a meaner variety of the scalawag,
man VINO is the bat of politics, neither bird
h hor oease, ne is everything by turns, if SO be
nc Gan get once. 1t is needless to say that no
Conservative party must resolutelv discard
from its ranks all who profess to take doubt
tul middle ground y
Staunton spectator. [volume] (Staunton, Va.) 1849-1896, 1871-08-01

E,nME AND HEALTH.-This is the title of a
neat and valuable monthly magazine designed
specially for Home and filed with information
concerning the art of preserving health-the
greatest of all earthly blessings-pubished by
w. R. DePuy s. Bro, 800 Broadway, N. 7.
city, and furnished to subscribers at the low
price of $1.5O per annum just what g practising
physician would charge for single visit. 1t is
Just such magazine as should be found in ev-
cry intelligent family.
Staunton spectator. [volume] (Staunton, Va.) 1849-1896, 1871-08-01

CHILD BADLY BURNED.-On last Sunday eran-
ing about o'clock, theinfant child Robert aged
10 months, son of Mr.. VIM. Wakeham of this
place, was so badly burned ON the breast, Shout
ders, arm, and one side of the head that it is
barely possible that the little sufferer can survive
It seems that the servant had just kndled the
fire in the stove, and that she left some of the
shavings or kindling sticking out of the damper,
and in her absence the child entered the room,
and pulling some Of the kindling from the stove
its clothes caught fire. The first knowledge of
the accident was made known by little brother
exclaiming, Come and see brother burning."-
The parents and servant hearing this exclama-
ton hurried to the room and found the child
walking over the floor enveloped in flames The
hands of the servant were badly burned in en-
deavoring to extInguish the flames
Staunton spectator. [volume] (Staunton, Va.) 1849-1896, 1871-08-01
Married..

On the 23rd ult., at the residence of his son,
Isaac ]. Parklns, Esq, in this county, NATHAN
PARKINs, Esq, in the 8lst year of his age, for
marly of Frederick county.
On the 23rd ult., at her residence in this city,
Miss SALLIE RYAN, at an advanced age.
On the 25th ult., at the residence of VIM Sto-
yer in this city, of dropsy of the chest, Mr. JOHN
STovER, in the 5lst year of his age.
Staunton spectator. [volume] (Staunton, Va.) 1849-1896, 1871-08-01

CoLORED CHILD BURNED TO DEATH.-Near
Rapps Mill in the upper part of Rockbridge
county, house was burned with little colored
girl four or five years of age under the following
circumstances The mother went to help a fami-
ly in the neighborhood where an old lady was i'll,
leaving this little girl with two brothers older than
herself. It seems that the boys left the house
leaving the little girl alone. When they re-
turned they found the house burnt to the ground
with the little girl in it. The flesh was burnt off
the bones of the little girl. 1t is not known how
the fire originated.
Staunton spectator. [volume] (Staunton, Va.) 1849-1896, 1871-08-01

AUGUSTA COUNTY PATENTs.-Patents have
been granted to Jacob A. and George G Hanger
of Churchville for device for combining tele-
graph poles, &C., and to Rev. Samuel J. Baird
of Waynesboro for button-holing attachment
for sewing machines.
We know of no village that has gotten recent
ly SO many patents as Churchville 1t might
with propriety be called the Patent Village Of
Virginia"
Staunton spectator. [volume] (Staunton, Va.) 1849-1896, 1871-08-01

1.-THE PROGRESS The Petersburg Courier
has been purchased by Messrs. E. B. Branch &
Co., and will be published under the title of
The Progress, and will be edited by Col. VIM
e. Cameron, formerly Editor of the Petersburg
Aader, who is a gentleman of talent, and yields
a facile and vigorous pen. We shall be disap-
pointed if The Progress, under his editorial con-
troll, does not become one of the most influential
journals of the State. We hope The Progr ess
will make progress in prosperity and usefulness.
Staunton spectator. [volume] (Staunton, Va.) 1849-1896, 1871-08-01

MECHANICs.-They are the palace builders of
the world, not stick is hewn, not stone is
shaped in all the lordly dwellings of the rich,
that does not owe its beauty and fitness to the
skill of the mechanic The towering spires that
raise their giddy heads among the clouds depend
upon the mechanics art for their strength and
symmetry. Not an edifce for devotion, of busi-
ness or comfort but bears the impress of their
hands. How exalted is their vocation, how
sublime their calling
Staunton spectator. [volume] (Staunton, Va.) 1849-1896, 1871-08-01
COMMISSIONERS NOTICE

~ To Thomas Burke, A. A. Sproul, admir- of
William s. Sproul, deceased, William White.
and A. G; Christian, Joseph Byrd, surviving
partner Of the late firm of Brown s. Byrd, ia,
cob S. Sibert and A. Harper, partners under the
firm, name and style of Sibert s. Harper, and ali
other lien creditors of Thomas Burke
Take notice, that in pursuance of two orders
of the Circuit Court of Augusta, on the Chan
Gerry side thereof, made at the November term.
1870, and the June term 1871, in the Chancerv
causes of Sprouts admir- VS.. Burke, and Burkejs
creditors vs. Burke: l shall, as special commits
gust, 1871, at my Office in Staunton, proceed to
take, state and settle the following accounts viz:
otherwise binding the real estate of the defend
critics; pr
End, Of the fee simple and annual rental val
ue of said real estate.
AT (which time and place, all creditors holding
liens upon the real estate of the said Thomas
Burke are required to file proper evidence there
of with the undersigned
Given under my hand as special commissioners
aforesaid. this 18th day of July, 1871.
MEADE +. WHITE,
lu1S-4W
Staunton spectator. [volume] (Staunton, Va.) 1849-1896, 1871-08-01
S!tauntot Spettator.

A DOLLAR SAVED Is DOLLAR MADE.-We
propose to grant bounty OF one dollar lar tor ad
make payments strictly IN advamce, that's, before
OF at the time their subscriptions for the year COM
mence, will be charged taoo dollars per o''nNns-
being a deduction of one dollar from the regular
subscription price.
Those who will pay up arrearages, and pay for
another year in advance, will be charged only
taoo dollars for the year for which advance pay
ment shall be made We desire to do business
in future as nearly as possible upon the cash sys-
TEN, knowing that it will be better for our pa
irons and believing that it will be better for us.
Staunton spectator. [volume] (Staunton, Va.) 1849-1896, 1871-08-01
Legal Notices.
COMMISSIONERS NOTICE


" To William A Abney. Michael g. Har.
man, William f. Snapp, John H. Snapp. Eliza
beth Snapp, Samuel @. Switzer, and MARY NJ
and S. j. Ulman- oAi OH
Take notice, that in pursuance of two orders
OF the Circuit Court of Augusta county, ON the
Chancery side thereof, made at the November
term, 1870 and the June term, 1871 thereof in
the cause of Abney ct ais VS.. OFerrall eft ais. 7
shall, as special commissioner therein appointed.
on the 9th day OF August, 1871, at my office in
Staunton, proceed to take, state and settle the
following account, viz: Ascertain and state what
IS the amount of purchase money due from the
defendant Charles T. OFerrall, to enforce the
payment of which it will be necessary to daoroo
a sale of the land in the bill and proceedings
mentioned.
At which time and place you are notified to
appear, with such evidence as will enable me to
make out the above account
Given under my hand as special commissioner
as aforesaid, this 18th day of July, 1871.
MEADE f. WHITE,
july184w Special Commissio1nor
Staunton spectator. [volume] (Staunton, Va.) 1849-1896, 1871-08-01

The extracts we publish in this issue from va
rious leading journals of the State show that the
Press ofthe State fully appreciate the Importance
of the State Conservative Convention which will
meet in Richmond on the Both inst, and the i'm
portance of having 1t composed of delegates who
will fairly represent the intelligence, wisdom,
moderation and conservatism of the State,
Staunton spectator. [volume] (Staunton, Va.) 1849-1896, 1871-08-01
For the Snactator

For the Spectator.
Inc County burdened with debt should not
only set Its face now against the opening of
new roads. but take steps to stop the payment
OF excessive damages in one or two roads of
So small Importance now about to be opened
The Landes Mill Road in North River town
ship is case in point @.
Staunton spectator. [volume] (Staunton, Va.) 1849-1896, 1871-08-01

A birds egg has been presented to us which
is somewhat remarkable. 1t has black figures
upon it, one resembling a nondescript animal
and others snakes. Those who believe that
strong impressions upon the mother result in
marking the offspring, may suppose that the
Bird which laid the egg had been frightened by
q snake
Staunton spectator. [volume] (Staunton, Va.) 1849-1896, 1871-08-01

On Saturday the 22nd ult., about four miles
from this iplace near the Greenville road, j. w.
Raines' little son, several years of age, was so
badly scalded that he died on the night of the
next day. His mother was using kettle of hot
water with which she was cleaning the beds. The
unfortunate child fell against the kettle, upset.
ting it, and the hot water ran upon and scalded
the child so badly that it died as above stated
Staunton spectator. [volume] (Staunton, Va.) 1849-1896, 1871-08-01

Mrs z. M. Kelley at the Temple of Fashion
is closing up her business ana desires all parties
to call and settle within thirty days. See notice
in another column.
Staunton spectator. [volume] (Staunton, Va.) 1849-1896, 1871-08-01

Will not Augusta farmers quit the slovenly
habit when cleaning up their fences, OF throw
ing the brush and weeds into the public roads,
instead of putting them in the gullies or piling
and burning them on their fields and saving the
ashes Frequently they endanger life in causing
4in,id horses TO hecGma frightened.
Staunton spectator. [volume] (Staunton, Va.) 1849-1896, 1871-08-01

The barn of Mr.. j. ohm Miller, near Bridgewa-
ter, was struck by lightning a short time ago.
He, together with the hands belonging to the
farm, was in it at the time, but were not in
jured. The straw was ignited up near the roof
and Mr. Miller, affected at times with rheuma-
tisna, urged some of the men to go up and put it
out. They refused, when he clambered up and
beat it out with his hat.
Staunton spectator. [volume] (Staunton, Va.) 1849-1896, 1871-08-01

Assessed value Of real estate in Augusta coun-
ty, SlO362, 5000.
Assessed value of real estate in Rockbridge
county, SIS, Ala, 447.22
Assessed value of real and personal property
in Rockbridge, 1878, 211.22.