davidaulloa/AmericanStories huggingface dataset:
New-York tribune., 1874-09-23
A LOT OF LAST HILLS.

The Second District Court of NewOrleans
has been engaged in big job of probate. 1t
appears that the late DR.. w. Newton Mercer,
a man in exquisitely easy circumstances, hav-
ing little else to do, must have passed the
later years of his life in signing, sealing pub
fishing, and declaring wills and testaments of
which he left on record no fewer than
eighteen. Now, although each successive in
strument revoked many bequests contained in
those preceding it, many other devises were
left intact, and thus it became necessary to con-
slider the whole batch as one document. 1t
ia not difficult to see, therefore, that this case
required O great deal of collation. and COM
parison; but in addition to the original
eighteen wills, there was q neat collection of
codiclls, which further served to muddle the
probate. DR.. Mercer began to dispose of his
estate April II, 1866. He employed no legal
assistance and gave his wealth mainly to his
next of kin. On the 25th of April he remem-
bered that he had left no orders in regard to
his mortal remains, and by codicil he directed
them to be buried in the vault of his private
chapel at Laurel Hill, the said vault to be
sealed forever after one other person had been
buried there. At the same time he gave all
his old clothes to his two colored servants,
except one dozen white pocket handkerchiefs
which he gave to Miss Young. On the 25th of
June, he made another codicil, giving Mrs.
DR.. Mott $4,000. On the 9th of April, 1869,
he added another codicil quite as long as the
original will, and materially varying the dis
tribution of the estate. On the 10th of July,
1869, he added q codicil giving Gen. Robert f.
Lee of Virginia, late General in the Confeder-
ate Army, $1,000 in gold "as testimonial of
"great respect for his purity of character in
public and private life" He also gave to
Washington College. at Lexington, por-
trait of Washington, believed TO be by
Stuart a razor that belonged to Washing
"ton, and a pair of knee-buckles, marked
"with his initials, G.. W. On the 10th of
February, another codicil constituted Judge
Kennedy "sole attorney" of the estate after
the death of the testatOr. On the ed of De-
cember, 1870, he transfers the beQuest made to
Miss Young, should she not survive him, to
Miss Butler. On the 10th of October, 1871, by
codicil, he explains that his intentions are to
"confine the benefaction to the person speci-
" fed, and not to his or her heirs" On, the
14th of November, 1871, he gives his portrait
to the Lexington University. On the 28th of
April, 1872 he makes Pierce Butler of Felici-
ana his universal legatee.n On the 4th of
September, 1872, he bequeaths o house and lot
"to bis old and faithful servant johnny
New-York tribune., 1874-09-23
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dOlon SprNee-sL from me old SITE.
New-York tribune., 1874-09-23
PERSONAL.

Miss Rose Hersee is slowly recovering from
her recent severe illness.
Gov. Dix has accepted an invitation to at
tend the Central New-York Fair which will be held at
Utica from the 9Th to the 10th OF October
Secretary Bristow has left Washington for
visit OF several days to his home In Kentucky, and
Secretary Robson has gone to Long Branch
Centennial Commissioners ex-Govs. Bigler,
Pollock and Curtin of Pennsylvania, will arrive In Indi
annapolis today and will vlSt the State Exposition on
Thursday
Madame lima De Murska, the famous Hun
yarsn prima DONNA arrived from Europe by the Amer
lea yesterday and has suite Of apartments at the west
moreland Hotel.
The Cooperative Board of Manchester, En-
gland voted at It's annual meeting to invite Wendell
Phillips attend the annual meeting Of the Cooperative
Congress In London.
A complimentary dinner was given Monday
night at the Parker House, Boston, by the Friends OF
Actors aud Journalists. to Stuart Robson. Mr.. "m'
Warren OF the Museum presided
Bishop Cummins of the Reformed Eplsco-
pal Church preached to very large audience in
Binghamton on Sunday evening. Several churches OF
other held services In order tnat their
congregations might hear the Bishop.
Prof. Simon NewcOmb, whose tables of Nep-
tune Uranus gained for him the award of the gold
medal OF Royal Astronomical Society OF London, has
made his first appearance In magazine literature In
"some Talks OF Astronomer" published In HarperS
Monthly.
Sig. Fippo Marchetti, the composer OF
"Ruy Bias" which to be OF the novelties OF the
coming opera in NewYork has just been arrest
ed Rimin charge Of being implicated Ia political
disturbances but ne was shortly released IL was case
Of mistaken identity,
The Government of India has determined to
perpetuate the memory OF Dr. Stoliczka the distin-
gushei naturalist, who met his death on the return
Journey from Yarkand, by erecting at the public ex-
pense. tomb over his remains at Leh. aud tablet In
the iudian Museum, Calcutta.
New-York tribune., 1874-09-23

the value of the pathway toward the poie
selected by American discoverers showing 1nas
n II is 10 be reached by water, Smiths sound
is the most if not the only available route
A strong pressure will now be brought upon
the English Government to equip a new ex-
nedition for Arctic discovery, and the en-
deavor to plant their countrys nag On
earth's northernmost surface Will PROBABLY DO
shared by other nations. AS yet no American
has stepped forward to seize the opportunity
left vacant by the death of Capt. Hall, but in
the enthusiasm for Arctic explorations the
narratives of the Polaris and the Tegetthoif are
sure to inspire, some new competitor for the
frozen laurels of the Pole will not long be
wanting in this country.
New-York tribune., 1874-09-23
amusemeuts ano Aleetines.

BOOTHS TaEATER.-"Conpie soogah." Mr.. and Mira.
Barney Williams.
'BrYASr's OPTRA HoUsE.-Minstrels.
DAYS FIFTH AVENUE THEArER.-" School for Scan
dal."
LYcEUM THEATER.-"La Princesse De Trebizonde'
Mile. Marie Aimee,
PARK THEATER.--' Gilded Age" John 7. Raymond
SAN FRAscIsco .MNsTRBLs--Bireh and wamooid.
UNION SQUARE THEATER--"The Sphinx" MISS OAara
Morris and Miss Charlotte Thompson.
wALLAcK's THEArER.-"Dearer than Lfe," ]. L. Toole
AMERICAN INSTITUTE FAIR.-Annua Exuo''on
CENTRAL PARK GARDES-Concert Gumcres i"enV'
second Regiment Band.
CoLossEUM.-'Paris."
New-York tribune., 1874-09-23
OBITUARY,
JUDGE A, S, STEVENS

Judge A. S. Stevens of Attiea, Wyoming
County, N. Y. who died on Sunday, was a venerable
citizen OF that town. having resided there 81 years Ha
sheriff OF old Genesee County5abou
time afterward became Judge OF the Court OF Common
Pleas. Mr. Stevens OF the founders OF the Union
School at Attica and president OF IL for years.
He was strong Democrat, and zealously promoted
inca info
New-York tribune., 1874-09-23

occurrence must be the result Of reprehensible
carelessness, and on well managed roads there
are automatic devices to warn the engineer
of neglect which is always possible on the
part of the switch-tender. While the imme-
diate blame will therefore justly fall on some
laundering employ6, the railway company that
has neglected to provide suitable precautions
cannot be held guiltless of manslaughter.
New-York tribune., 1874-09-23
THE INQUEST AT FAIL RIyER.

FALL RIVER. Mass Sept. 2s.-A morning and
afternoon session OF the Coronero Jury held to-day
The testimony Of the witnesses was repetition OF that
already published The jury meets again at 9:f5 to-
morning, when the officers OF the corporation.
New-York tribune., 1874-09-23

Out of the contradictory intelligence which
we receive about the relations between Ger
many and Denmark it is difficult to consider
any one point as positively settled. For the
present, however. it would be well to regard
the report coming from Paris, of troubles be-
tween Germany aud Russia. as somewhat col
ored by the hopes of the French.
New-York tribune., 1874-09-23
Georgia; and so absolute is the muddle that the
animal kills sheep, goes mad, and dsseminstes meas
with reckless impunity.

Louis Kossuth proves to be as irreconcilable as
ever with the established state of things in Hun
gary He declared recently that be was in accord
only with the Party of Independence, which aims
at freeing Hungary from the Austrian connection
He encourages his friends TO hope that great
European movement will arise and permit him to
strive with them for the holy cause of the ndepend
ence of Hungary, and the liberty Of the people"
The ex-Dictator must still be reckoned among the
revolutionary elements of Europe, although he has
no Organlzed party under bis control.
New-York tribune., 1874-09-23
Bnsniess NoIlres.

Has PAID $3.50 DAY, for over nine years, to
il Pohcy-IIod odrA-TRAvELHRs Insurance Co. Hartford
COAT YOUR OLD TIN ROOFS WITH PLASTIC
SLATE all leaks and perfect protection against
and Gre. Once 40 Msidenlane
New-York tribune., 1874-09-23

We devoted moderate space a few days since to
a record of the swindling achievements in Ohio of
one G. IT, Hampton, who in the name OF various
Christian Associations had been collecting twenty
five cent subscriptions in aid of the orphan sufferers
by the Louisiana food. We closed by saying that
Mr. Hampton was still continuing his pous and
profitable enterprise at Chillicothe. We have the
pleasure of announcing that this good man has
since undergone the horrors of martyrdom. aud has
been an inmate of the Chillicothe Jail. While Ian
guishing in that stronghold, Mr.. Hampton became
intensely contrte according to the wont of unlucky
folk in his situation. and drew up paper In which
he solemnly promised before God never again to
play cards, OF to taste sprituous liquors. or to
swindle anybody, or to make money by any illegti-
mate means This document he presented to the
Judge before whom he was arraigned, and so much
did it soften the judicial heart that the Court let off
Hampton with fine of 80 and ten days imprison-
ment - Thus affording him opportunity of
strengthening himself in these lovely resolutions.
Nobody was ever probably good in this frail
world as Mr. Hampton has in writing promised to
become; but as he covenants in the document con-
stantly to read the Bible and not unfrequently to
seek the Throne of Grace. we have no doubt of his
doing toleraby well, especially if he is carefully
watched by the police.
New-York tribune., 1874-09-23

Although the Commission is deceased, the
Civil Service rules are to be extended, and
Boston is now to have their benefit, since
Simmons is fully installed in Office. While
the blessing is thus gradually extending along
the seaboard, would it not be well to try it
on venture at New-0rleans
New-York tribune., 1874-09-23
LIBEL SUIT AGAINST READING NEWSPAPER
pIIII ,IArI ruI. Can't 90 Mr. A e. II Rnss


has commenced libel SUIT against the proprietors OF
The Reading Eagle for alleged grossly defamatory
article published In that paper tao 18Th inst war
rant for the arrest Of parties issued to-day. Mr..
Ross declares in his AFFIDAVIT that the whole article ID
utterly aud completely false.
New-York tribune., 1874-09-23

The advices from Utica indicate very har-
monious gathering at the Republican Conyen-
lion to-day. For the most part the State
ticket is simply to be renominated and the
friends Of Mr.. Cornell will withdraw his name
from the contest for Lieutenant Governor,
substituting that of Gen. Robinson. Every
thing promises smooth sailing in the organ
zation, as there are no contesting delega-
tons, and there is even a prospect that the
nominations will be made by acclamation.
The only matter of interest to come up be-
fore the Convention is the third term ques-
ton whether they will take it up or shirk it,
remains to be seen.
New-York tribune., 1874-09-23

In Cincinnati they know how to put down
scandal lIbeled candidate there denounced
current report lie, and proclaimed his intention
of getting hold of the author of it, and palng his
ear out as long rs his arm"
New-York tribune., 1874-09-23

a collision, with some loss of life and sew
eral severe injuries, is reported on the
Belvidere Delaware Railroad, road OF ~
miles in length, which extends from Manunka
Chunk to Trenton. The disaster resulted from
an open switch. of all forms of railway
accidents this is the least excusable. as its
New-York tribune., 1874-09-23

One of the most aggravating results of the modern
feminine intellectual rage is the excellent. kind
hearted lady, who having read little social philos
ophy and great many current magazines, imaglnes
herself competent to settle the affairs of the uni
verse. OF course she Immediately goes to work to
reform some prodigious evil which bears about the
same relation to her remedy as Niagara to rose
leaf. Here is one of these amiable persons writing
to an English paper to bemoan the condition of that
brutal and uneducated part of the populace which
is not held from badness by any influence of re-
lgion OF morals, and to suggest that restraining
power may prove to be-amateur theatrieals Among
the lower classes of English wOrk-peope there is a
want, despair. and brutality that are shames to
the century-and this typical philosopher proposes
to conquer all that with little moral play a
fortnight or once month. She pleasantly observes
that amateur .heatrcals on the increase among
the higher classes and appears to conclude that the
average British workman hath plenty of heart and
leisure for rehearsals and all the other demands Of
that sort of entertainment. A more thorough and
liberal education for woman Is a good thing; but
the perpetual running to newspapers and platforms
with amateur social science "views" and sugges-
tions is an early phase of that particular reform
more than unpleasant to the rest of the world.
New-York tribune., 1874-09-23

When English political writers can find little else
to worry about they very apt to take up colonial
subjects, with the same kind of enjoyment with
which Mrs. Gummidge contemplated her lone lom-
ness. The latest mourner groans through several
pages of Fraser concerning colonial distinctions and
ends with the fearful suggestion that in refusing to
colonies the commencement of hereditary rank, the
Government provides for the dscontinuance of that
same at home. To make colonial society imposing,
brilliant, charming he holds that bestowal of such
rank is necessary since if cultivated colonsts de-
prved of the institutions-viz, the nobility and
gentry-round which cluster the graces and
amenities of life, they naturally take them
selves of to the mother country, which
is the only spot this habitable globe where
those graces and amenities are to be discovered.
That an upper ten thousand" bound to the soil
by various ties may arise in the colonies, as in
America this writer does confess; but he grows
still more melancholy, declaring that for the special
good which such class might render there will be
no more field than in this country. There doesn't
seem to be the least disposition in the British Gov
ernment to create any Canadian Australian peer
ages; consequently those regions of the earth viii
probably forever remain barbarous wildernesses like
Ney-York--or Boston-unblessed by any graces OF
amenities
New-York tribune., 1874-09-23

There are according to the official returns 122, ,3S
dogs in the State of Georgia, and this is about
half of the real number. tax of 30 per head
would raise more for a school fund than the whole
State now expends in education. Moreover, the
people have liking for fat mutton and yarn socks.
and dogs diminish the production Of these comfort
able articles. But the difficulty is in determining
what to do with the faithful ferocious creatures
Taxation is well enough to talk about, but how is
tax TO be leviedi The bother is that under the
code dogs property, and under the Constitution
property must be taxed Gd ralorem. Unfortunately,
nobody returns dog as part of his taxable es-
tate Besides the creatures who are owned by
nobody, there are thousands of NANCY and worth
less ours owned by people who give in no returns Of
their estate, and have rarely enough money to pay
their polls Under. these circumstances the dog
question has assumed important greR0ytlops in
New-York tribune., 1874-09-23

DAILY Tribune Mail Subscrl bers. $40 per annum.
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WEEKLY TRIBUNE. Mail Subscribers, 50 per annum.
New-York tribune. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1866-1924, 1874-01-03
THE NATIONAL FINANCES

c,.yrrvcy rNr, ALTON ADVOCATED AT ELIZABETH
very fair audience assembled IN the Arcaue
Hall Elizabeth last evening" III reference W
call for a meeting 10 consider the """"o P'
of the Government. and to give h'', "
the Hon. Amos Clark. Congressman VI VI"
The meeting was called TO order py Oap. '" ". i'''
"a ON bis motion BENJAMIN Urner OF No 81 Whte-st,
York a resident OF Elizabeth was eiecteu chdi'
man and Col T. b. Hodges, secretary Mr. orner III
,,ping tbe char delivered an address In regard
~ the object OF the meeting. taxing the Rro"hu
that the proposition few years ago W "cro'so no
sse OF an outstanding currency Tor the redemption o
which IN coin provision had been naue' "ouiu nave
scared everybody away from the meeuhs' as
would also tho proposition that currency
could he made of ANYTHING but gold Now however, he
thought there great and growing number OF Ill
teligcnt citizens who under the light ~ experience
would be willing to cut loose and forever from gold
and silver as q basis for money"
wallace p Groome addressed the meeting. He took
up the subject OF currency saying that gold was no
more a standard OF values than was OF weight In
Summer. Mr.. Groome advocated the establishment OF
an elastic currency by the issuing by the Government OF
interest bearing bonds, convertible at the pleas
ure OF the holder into legal tenders, 80 thst
the outstanding volume OF currency would be governed
BY the requirements OF the country Paper in this PLAN
he Thought better medium OF currency tnan golu ne
cause would be first mortgage bond on all the rear
While he was speaking the fall of large piece of plas
ter from the ceiling created panic which however
was soon checked no one having been hurt, though two
of The vice presidents had narrow escape.
Mr. Mitchell read tho report OF the Commute on fso
lption. It consisted of "A long preamble taking the
same ground as had beon covered by Messrs Urner ana
roome and several resolutions setting IOrtn tnat the
Un,ed states ought have greater volume OF currency
DE-. CAPITA than either England or France. Jhey ds-
claim the idea that they are nflatiOnlsts, demanuihg
simply currency adjusted to the business needs
OF the country and adequate to the exchahgos'
n should consist exclusively OF legal tenders.
THE report was unanimously adopted. and committee
was apponted to correspond with other bodies ana 10
ar~,nrr for National convention OF sympath zcrs or
Tor any other form demonstration which might seem
drsirable. After the appointment OF this committee,
John g. Drew addressed the meeting.
New-York tribune. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1866-1924, 1874-01-03
public OPINION.

IL is very likely that the salary grab and
back pay but pare OF general system Of
petty theft practcCd IA all the Deparments.-ChcagO
Tribune tIndj
Oakley Hall was tried in New-York for neg
lect oil official duty. IL public everywhere were
tried for that 0fcnso our COurs would need TO be IN
creased in number aud 10 sit during tue yearlCincm
matt Enquirer tDcnD
The need of new party is now demon
srated beyond any doubt whatever. and the present
corrupt parties N Congress have done the people II the
country great favor by cOnclusIvely showing tins
Observation-Disclosures (Ia) Journa. (Rep.l
The people do demand the unconditional
repeal Of the Salary bill Bat they do more than that.
They demand repeal which shall go back into the
pockets have taken the back pay. from the
President down-tLifayette (Ihd) Journal tRepJ
There is nothing so sure to destroy journal
isc independence subSerylency 10 men wnO i've on
party patronage ana nothing Is or less account 10 any
combination of citizens bound together for the political
good than special newspaper Philadelphia Press
(Rop)
The evidence of this revolution is TO be found
on every hand Tne tramnelS OF tradition ait lightly
remain true 20 their antecedents, they are becoming
closely allied 70 the people, on living questions,
every week.-l Albany Argus DemJ
Allegiance to party seems to be rapidly dy-
ing out in this country. Men who "A year ago were
1uoted rs Oraces aud considered little less than
preme by ana file OF their party speak and
are appauded order and aro NOT obeyed. pull wires
and hnd no answering RESPONSE New Orleans Times
DOM.
II is in vain that we point to the brilliant
record party made during the late war Tor me
IIuiOn The statute OF Limitation has that-lhe
face with the living present. The demand that
tho people make upon Is to govern well to-day, or abb
must make haste to repair its bunders.-t Milwaukee
Sentinel lRspJ
New-York tribune. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1866-1924, 1874-01-03
must COME WELL RECOMMENDED ."

To the Rditor Of fhe Tribune.
SIR: When an errand boy is wanted for a
store Office the notice says He must sweep out and
hight res must make himself generally useful be able
TO count, and write good hand he must be and
tidy aud live with his parents, and come well recon-
mended." If he IA unknown and cannot furnish the
1t matters not what his good qualities
II servant is wanted adorn the kitchen for the
purpose of burning the meat and potatoes and half bake
the bread she must come well recommended. At least
she should be abo TO play the piano and speak French
have secret longDgs to try the kid gloves
collar Of her mistress and forget to lay them of She
must not occupy the parlor moro than night the
week. II q clerk il wanted, he must write swift
accurate hand be an able accountant, willing TO wear
and tear himself out for u small salary. and come well
recommended WHAT great Importance is attached TO
character in these subordinate Occupatons IL we take
peep at our Congressman and Statesmen" we will
find greater need for, and YET less attention paid to-
the Recommendation. III the same was applied by
the people that IL applied by the business man. would
have had fewer dsgraces tO for during past
few years. We hardly that merit receives the
first consideration In tho distribution OF public Offices
called for, and II they come
they often from those who themselves need Om-
meDdatiOns. Now. IN tho first session OF the XLIIId
Congress. good time to put in operation rule OF
TINS sort. We tnkk II would work admirably forming
committees and filing vacancies. The most important
ana prominent nomination OF the cannot be said
70 have been ted well as II might have been.
P!bbitrgh, Penn. Dec. 30 1873. H..