davidaulloa/AmericanStories huggingface dataset:
The comet. [volume] (Jackson, Miss.) 1877-1882, 1879-02-15
JACKSON MISSISSIPPI, SATURDAY, FEBRUARY Is, 1879

which appeared in your columns recently
have always, since reached the years
Of maturity, apprehended that the world
was not yet prepared for the reception OF the
new school of ideas which | designed to
promulgate; hence proposed to write my
thoughts and leave them, as seeds are harry
ested, in the hands of discreet executors,
who should be empowered to SOW them
when the soil aud the season should be
favorable for their propagation
Thwarted in this, my most secret and
dearest scheme, and forced, re ardless Of
my feelings and against my will upon the
stage OF public life, am resolved to dis
charge my opinions in consecutive broad
sides until all my ammunition shall be gone.
And if the consequence shall be the reyo
olutionizing of governments, the upheaval
of religions, the confoundlng of science,
the overthrow Of society, my conscience
will justify me When l stand amidst the
general chaos, and witness the universal
destruction.
In conclusion of the present letter, allow
me to subscribe myself, Sir, your most .obo-
dent humble servant,
JOHN SMITH, A, q,
The comet. [volume] (Jackson, Miss.) 1877-1882, 1879-02-15
THE TROUBLES OF MEMPHIS

The reduction of the city of Memphis to
a taking district" abolished all her Off
GERS, and now she is in trouble about the
balance of the relief fund which lies in the
bank vaults and nobody able to draw it
out, and her people suffering for it. The
Avalanche says in reference to this mat
ter:
The Relief Fund sent to Mayor John r. Flppin
during the yellow fever has been expended, except
a balance of S26, 400 in the First National Bank.
This balance is to the credit OF John r. Flippin,
Mayor of Melhphis. Mr. Ftppin is not at this time
the Mayor, and there is no Memphis at the present
writing in existence. Ii there no attachments
or injunctions on this fund, as there are the bank
could not pay it out because there is person a-
Mayor F.ippin 10 DO SO, but Mr.. Flippin has no
more right 10 do SO than Mr.. Smith or Mr.. Any
bodyelse.
There is so much distress in the city among the
poor. and unemployed, that the relief fund ought
not to be locked up in the bank This is the opin-
ion OF Mr.. Thacher, the cashier of the First Ma
tional Bank, and he will apply to the Judge Of the
District United States Court for instructions. and
for the appointment of a trustee to pay out the
fund in his hands, should take jurisdiction OF the
case
There IS also balance OF the relief fund in the
German ational Bank, and we presume that bank
would be glad to pay out to any one authorized to
receive 1t. There are many destitute people in
the city whose sufferings could be lessened by the
relief fund.- and their daily needs supplied that the
Court will doubtless find way to reach it and pro-
tect the banks.
The comet. [volume] (Jackson, Miss.) 1877-1882, 1879-02-15

quired to ascertain the number of words In
them and charge accordingly. They have
no right to guess at this number They
should at all events, if they guess, be sure
that the guess is not excessive. They
must guess right or under the mark, not
over it, as will be seen by perusal of
section 7l2 of the Code here copied: "lf
any judge, Justice, Sheriff, Coroner, Con-
stable, Assessor, Collector, Clerk, or any
other officer, shall knowingly demand, take
or collect, under color of his Office, any
money, fee, or reward, whatever, not aus
thorized by the laws of this State, or shall
demand or receive knowingly any fees for
service not actually performed, such officer
so of ending shall be deemed guilty of ex-
tortion and, on conviction thereof, shall be
punished by fine not exceeding five hum
dred dollars, or Imprisonment not over
three months in the discretion of the Court,
and shall be removed from Office
This statute affords ample protection to
Jub ClLlLeu dSdluSt ONCl Sudl 5Oo VI ANS"'
And it is well settled that an officer cannot
plead ignorance of the amount he is au-
thorized to charge, since not only all Off
GERS, but all sane persons over fourteen
years of age are presumed to know what
the law is.
1t is also we'll settled rule of law, that
an officer charging any fee, must be able to
put his finger on the statute which allows
or permits the charge All services which
an officer may do, and for which there is 10
fee fixed by law, are to be rendered ex>
oficio, and if charged for, constitute ex>
tortion, and is punishable under the stat
ute.
1t will be also noted that the crime of
extortion is fully made out if the officer
demand the payment of an excessive
charge, whether the demand is complied
with or not, and that the presentation of a
charge with a request for payment, is
demand.
Persons who have heretofore been the
victims of excessive charges are not with
out remedy. They may demand from the
officer a return of the excess, and if he
fails to make restitution, he is liable to be
sued therefor. l.. o U.
The comet. [volume] (Jackson, Miss.) 1877-1882, 1879-02-15
Excessive Charges for Recording
Mortgages and Deeds.

10 the Editor Of The Comet:
There seems to be practice in some of
the counties of this State to charge for re-
eording deeds, mortgages, ETC., sum in
gross, as one dollar and fifty cents for
short dsed, and two dollars and fifty cents
or more for long deed. In ninety-nine
cases ont of q hundred, these charges are
double what they should be. In view of
the fact. arising from the impovished con-
dition of the country, that about two
thirds of the farmers are obliged to make
mortgages or deeds in trust every year and
have them recorded, and pay for the record
ing it is of serious Importance that the
matter of recor ling fees should be properly
understood.
The law allows, for recording a deed or
other writing, ten (10) cents for each one
hundred words. writing of one page
will usually cost for recording at this rate
25 cents; and in that proportion as it may
bo longer or shorter. To this must be added
the fe- for filing, viz: five cents. See
Acts of 1875, p. 139. There is no fee al
lowed for marking on the writing ths num-
ber of the book or the page on which it is
recorded, or for certifying on or under such
ruling the hour, the minute, the day of
the month, the year the clerk received it,
AZ provided for in s23l9 of the Code. This
certificate is neither process nor the authen-
tication Of a record, and, therefore, need not
be under seal. (See Code, $3.50 and Sl273.)
And the clerk is entitled to charge for no
certificate not required by law to be under
seal. (See Acts of 1875, p. 400
But if 1 am wrong in this, then an adds
tional fee of fifty cents would be allowed
for the certificate. l feel certain, how
ever, unless have overlooked some
part of the statutes on this subject, that no
fee is allowed for such certificate.
Under the first rule above stated, the
cost of recording an ordinary deed would
be from 25 cents to 20 cents, according to
the number Of words in it; and under
the last, the cost would be from 70 cents to
one dollar.
Clerks recording instruments are re-
The comet. [volume] (Jackson, Miss.) 1877-1882, 1879-02-15
CHt.r JUSTICE sIMRALL AT A
WEDDING FEAST.

A short time since our young tow nsman,
J. J. Green, ESQ.,, was united in marriage
with Miss Sturtivant. Last week, in honor
of the joyous event, MIR. and Mrs. Joshua
Green, the father and mother of the lucky
bridegroom, gave an entertainment, at
which Chief Justice Simrall and Col. j. D.
Stewart were guests. The supper was
gorgeous and the wines flowed freely. The
Chief Justice knows when he encounters
good article of wine. He is good judge
of champagne as well as of law, and lis
not wanting in ability to cope with either
upon proper occasions. Before the guests
were called out to the splendid banquet
prepared for them, Judge Simrall, General
George, Judge Campbell, Judge Harris,
the generous host, and few other old
boys of Jackson, had taken time by the
forelock and freely tested the various
brands of wine placed before them, SO
that when the feast was progressing, the
Chief Justice, it is said, had his appetite
we'll fortified. His place was next to Stew
arts. Stewards plate was depleted. The
waiter brought the Judges plate heaped
up with salads and other choice viands,
topped off with half dozen stuffed crabs
The Judge surveyed the inviting dish with
manifest delight. His eyes danced with
peculiar joy as he measured with them the
ample dimensions of the plate. He can
eat al well as drink and expound the law.
Looking around at Stewards empty plate he
said in tone of judicial emphasis and pre-
cision:
Stewart; it seems to me you are not
doing Justice to this supper"
"Perhaps not" replied Stewart, 'my
capacity in this sort of thing has a limit
But judging from the appearance of your
plate, and considering the quantity of wine
you have hid, would infer that you are
doing Chief Justice to it."
The comet. [volume] (Jackson, Miss.) 1877-1882, 1879-02-15
WISE ITEMS.

To know how to wait is the great secret
of success. s.--De Maistre.
The greatest misfortune of all is not to
be able to bear misfortune.
All philosophy lies in two words, ''slls-
tain" and ''abst.,in' Epiatetus.
There is a German provcrb which says
that Take It-Easy and Livo-Long are broth
ers.
Unhappy is the man for whom his own
mother has not made all mothers venerable.
Richter.
Men show their character in nothing
more clearly than by what they think
laughable, Goethe.
The wise and prudent conquer difficult
ties by daring to attempt them.
Woes cluster; rare are solitary woes;
they love train; they tread each other
heels.
Discomfort is a vital element of ciyiliza-
ton; without it there would be no pros
gress.
A true knight is fuller of gay bravery
in the midst than in the beginning Of
danger.
A sharp tongue is the only edged tool
that grows keeuer with constant use.-
Irving.
The old proverb about too many irons in
the fire is abominably false. Have all i'll,
shovel, tongs, and poker.-Adam Clark.
We smile at the ignorance of the savage
who cnts down the tree in order to reach
its fruits; but the fact is that bIunder OF
this description IL made by every person
who is oyer-eager and impatient III the puf-
suit of pleasure. .-Channing.
The ocean tries feebly to emulate the
profounder tragedies of the shore. In the
crowded halls of gay hotels l see wrecks
drifting hopelessly dismasted and rudder-
less, to be stranded on hearts harder and
more cruel than Bentou's Reef, yet hid
in smiles falser thon its feecy foam -Hig-
gins.
The happiness of life is made up of min
ute fractions-the little, soon-forgotten
charities of kiss, a smile, a kind Hook, a
heartfelt compliment i'll the disguise Of
playful raillery, and the countless other in
finitesimals of pleasant thought and feels
inc,
The comet. [volume] (Jackson, Miss.) 1877-1882, 1879-02-15

GorLRyoR rLDENs rETLUoNT.

WasmNaloS February &.
This moruing Governor Tllden appeared
before the Potter committee, accompanied
by his brother Henry 4. Hidden, Of Leba,
nom John Bigelow and Henry L. Dassimer.
| The Governor was at once sworn by NJ.
HUnton, chairman, who said
Governor. Tildeu, We received your
note expressing your willingness totestlfy.
Mr. Iildeu replied
II have read the publication and transla-
ton in the New York papers. l didn't
recognize single one, either in the cipher
or in the translation, which | had ever seen
before l never entered into any arrange
meut to purchase the votes Of South Caro-
lima or Florida. had no information, no
suspicion, that any such communications
we're being carried ca until | saw the dis
patches published in the New York Tribune.
| had no knowledge nor any dealings with
any parties to these negotiations. / never
authorized any such negotiations in any
form whatever On the morning Of NOvem-
Der 20th, 1876, Mrs. Colonel Pelt1n men,
toned in my presence that her husband
had gone for the day. I didn't know ne
had gone or was going out Of the city. He
went to Philadelphia, l believe Later in
day l was called upon by Mr.. Cooper, who
was on-his way down town. and WAS told
bv him that he had received an offer from
somebody Offering to obtain for money the
vote Of S0uh Carolina l said I would au-
tloriZe no such transaction, nor send
money for any such purpose. The whole
conversation occupied only few moments
I obtained Colonel Pelton's address in Balti-
more and telegraphed him to come home
l-,,o,,, ,,1tl,iy,y ,f tho ninbar +Ggt 7,q.GpI
The comet. [volume] (Jackson, Miss.) 1877-1882, 1879-02-15


~, 1v,,7,.g3oz. 4ba 20Fh uIt Mr. J0t
Me- WAS a,.r,stsa and brcnoht TO town TO
-. I.,'f,r, c7r,r,ittiGo coYrf +bc
abar,[. I'D ocainst him of killino MI
IToI-o,. ~, o,o5 and biob1v esteemed citi,
,,aT ~ +,is c2vDtv Who wa, assassinated.
rbiIe siftirg in his bonse. on Saturday.
5ttb r,1E .h2rtIr after nightfalL On Fri
5oy- ,11,,n,r1r, al II o'clock an investigation
-S 'Ii ol.a 20 ar+ara5 mon before JUS
t;,a- --'' r;ta[,f,r5 o15 Farcat4 with r. n
Si,,o1.t,,, f,r +ha ,,rasecntion and r C.
gr1itL f,,,. tr,a 5.fo1sa The investigation
aI-lel1 ~, ,T,,ggIez, . aftarnoon at o'clock
~, n,., ,-i.--,, ,,.ay entirely circnmstantiaI
- .,,i..ta,,4io,I,, a. foITnvs Mckay was
I.f1IlI NIX l,ToI,sbt & discharged from shot
4a = F,,,, foa+ fTon +l,a window
g,,,,, s1l,rt time nrevious he had
,t,o-.r,1 W., VIII and orc lT1se Of steal,
| - ~ --.Lil,{, willis had made re
,a52+,l ,i,r.5tg ao,ainst him tracks of two
Po,'-'' 'l-- ~, ~, . E,o- +bl o+bar q NJ,
- 49,, ,-..r, s.sn o-.or the tree from which
50. 80 ,(7 go The M n tracl, resem-
I-tI ,-- ,,1in,.;t S95 size +ba+ Of willis
-'- sg1roZ,,s5 IN y-bere horse
WI VIZ ,,,r,,a,,.I t0 have hae0 hitcbed
oI1,,t -r,. f.,iIirtE of a mile from McKav's
-. I-..I ,,.t,i,I, Tho +rael, could not be
Ill sIIlI1 ala woman hearing the scream
- - ~ ~ -, I,,go o,,d an GOING 70 the
- - I,---,.Sl +Zz-, men onea tan the other
~ ,,.I,,,ri,,, Nv bar from fha dirac-
~. ~ -. r,n FTa evening of the
III, ". W,;i1is ,nd Joa NTuse were seen
','-'r'a ~ ~ I...,,. lie from, +ha scene
''. ,,,.l7..,-. ,,.1 ,o,,orts of = apu were
1L - ~ ~ ." aogl5iTr, Of nov-der from
-D,-- leariTG II af Muses. house late
The comet. [volume] (Jackson, Miss.) 1877-1882, 1879-02-15

j prsrrNeursHED correspondent Of TIE
COMET who is familiar with the subject
and the law bearing on it, calls attention to
the excessive charges that prevail in some
parts of the State for recording mortgages,
deeds in trust, etc. It is our opinion that
the fees of Sheriffs and Clerks are general>
ly too low, but it is peculiar hardship
upon a class not able to bear 1t to charge
more than the law allows for recording
deeds in trust, etc.
1t is we'll known to all readers of The
CoMRT that our sympathies are with the
struggling farmers of the country, and es-
pscially with that class of our struggling
farmers who haye to grapple with the deed
in trust monster. 1t is singular, and it is
! not creditable to the Christianity or civili-
zation of our communities, that the poor
deed in trust man must be feeced on all
sides. Are there none to take up his cause
and contend that he shall have, at least, the
protection which the law gives him? Must
everybody turn the back of his hand to him
and witness his writings under the cruel
hand of extortion because there is no money
in him?
Away with such an illiberat instinct
Let the man who pledges his all for the
chance of recuperation have the chance
Let him not be overcharged in anything.
He is a most unfit subject for extortion.
He is the man, of all men, who ought to
have the benefit of low prices and honest,
liberal dealing.
We do not undertake to vouch for the
correctness of our correspondents state
'ment, but if these overcharges for mort
cages, etc., are made anywhere we hope
the practice will be abandoned. We ask
clerks to remember that these charges al
ways fall upon the parties who have to
make the deeds in trust, and if the charges
are excessive it is grinding upon the VIC
tins. Fifty cents or dollar is nothing to
many men, but to the man who is compell-
ed to deed away the roof that covers the
heads Of his children for supplies to enable
him to support them, il is an object. Our
chancery clerks are generally liberal and
charitable men II is possible that some
of them ma ave fallen into the h"Nlt OF
charging mere than the law allow. Or re-
cording mortgages, ETC., under the I'M
preston that Id they received their fees
from the merchants or other mortgages,
the bu' ten fell upon them, and they were
abunda.. able to bear it. II such was
the case we would not have word to say.
But it is q wretched mistake. The fees
come out of the unhappy mortgagers, and
frequently an enormous interest or double
charge is tackled on to them. And they
suffer from such overcharge. To them it is
a great hardship.
II clerks will give the subject du- re-
fection we are quite certain that whoever
else may take hand in increasing the bur
dens of the man who is weighed down un-
der deed in trust, they will not do it.
ANNA DICKINSON is still acting, aud still
hopes for success. but
The comet. [volume] (Jackson, Miss.) 1877-1882, 1879-02-15
A CHANCE FOa A FORTUNE.

This Office is in luck. We have now the
opportunity of becoming rich, and our
proposed benefactors are total strangers to
u.s. They want to give us prize-a big
prize. They think we need it, and they
have selected us out of pure love and dis
interestedness. All they ask is the intro
duction of six tickets at fifty cents each,
aud to let the fact of our drawing nice
prize be published, but they don't even
stand upon the publication. They are sat-
ished with the paItry remittance OF S3, and
for this they will send us prize, not less
than SlOO nor over $4,000. Here is the
letter of our friends:
OPEioR ROYAL New BRUNSWICK GIFT S0IRKE.
DKAB SIR-The Managers are satisfied some ex-
ira nducement must he given, in order to increase
the sale of tickets.
Therefore they have decided to have a separate
drawing and distribute large number of Prizes
among their agents in different localities, some Of
slOO some Of $500 some of $780, Of $1,000, etc.
Every ticket in this special drawing for the benefit
of agents will win prize none of these tickets
will be sold, but if you will introduce their new
and popular so cent tickets In your locality. by SELL
ing six tickets in the regular drawing OF March TO-,
Capital Prize $4,000, and remit sS will send by
return mail six tickets and also one Of the special
prize tickets free of cost which nsures you prize,
or we will send the tickets and you remit when
sold.
When you remit state if you will allow us to
publish YOUR name and the amount Of Prize drawn
by you as it might sneft our sale more than 5000
spent in advertising.
Write Immediately If you desire to win prize.
For fu particulars, tickets, etc., address our au-
thorlzed agent,
The comet. [volume] (Jackson, Miss.) 1877-1882, 1879-02-15
NO. H..

A POPULAR wri e. many years ago, di f.
vided the community into four classes
those that carnot work; those that will not
work, those that do work; and those that
do not need to work The last named class
are esteemed to be the most happy and
many ara the efforts put forth to be num'
bered with that fafored few. But expert
apce is teaching constantly that which Sol
amou declared long ago, ''tLat fullness OF
bread and abundance of idleness are too
often the parents Of grieyous ills In
other words, that it is infinitely better to
wear out than to rust out The human
frame was made for work, it can be kept
only vigorous by use. 1t is sure to rnst
aud decay from disuse. This is what rich
Old ZacE Chandler has found out He has
means for everything but he finds he faross
hest when in the Senate Chamber, and
therefore he spends all his eTertions to get
back thore.-Exchange.
The comet. [volume] (Jackson, Miss.) 1877-1882, 1879-02-15
BgSwARCKs FUEUEE.


"-7T1|77
The logic of facts'-to use the phrase
invented by the fallen enemy whom Prince
Bismarck SO much despised-is bringing
Prince Bi,marcl, very rapidly, indeed, on
that downward course which can hardly
terminate without a catastrophe. There Is
800 much ron IN Prince Bismarck blood taI
the chief Of Il parliamentary State When be
comes to supplement the victories of the
army by legislation the lIon Ia l'' blood
The comet. [volume] (Jackson, Miss.) 1877-1882, 1879-02-15

.4LuUv the great fiddler, passed thronsL
n. City Yesterday. with his nve hundred
r.- 1fvari5,t, violin, on his way East.
n.rrrs representative was delighted To
.........,. the renowned artist. with the fol
.sr. r.-1la Eeporter-How DO You like
.... country thus Ear. Wilheimi-N Very
.r.5 llE-ldt iii Isl al greatj country
.. r.s,f s-guj AZ Eraati manyI tAlngSl herel
.s ,lulistdI mel. and ini mauyi thIngsl
fa.uai thej Ueoplei hefgi arel supenorj
u .I.i r4ripaansf Fl think thisi coun-
ri IS 5a-t46s3i taf bel ai graati Ouei; II
fa..If EspSrtl--F Would you not Ike
. s-ao oft III o.. CITY and play for a dance
. .r- ..H4t." ta-ui-hts Wilhelmj -yruf
II .v.zrarr. just then the train moved
-F ,.r..l was mo- doubt a fortunate circur-
-..-.r frr tlC reporter.
The comet. [volume] (Jackson, Miss.) 1877-1882, 1879-02-15

In the long continued absence of sum
line, and the profusion of rain, and the
|perabundance of sluah, the creatures
hich excite our sympathies most are the
lcomplaing mules that have to phil our
Ieet cars. They have the hardest time of
vbody else,
The comet. [volume] (Jackson, Miss.) 1877-1882, 1879-02-15

CoLoNEL CoopEa's "CoMET," re-estab-
shed in jackson, recommends itself to
J 70 bar, especially, of the State, through
! publication of abstracts of all Supreme
|ourt decisions. 1t is besides an interest
\ and reliable paper. r.--Greenville Times.
The comet. [volume] (Jackson, Miss.) 1877-1882, 1879-02-15

| WE learn from the Aberdeen Weekly
|ht Hon. F. H. Little left on Sunday, the
inst, to spend the balance of the winter
IT. Reid, Florida. We hope he may
hale renewed health and vigor in the
|Imy air that characterizes that.land of sun
Ia flowers.
The comet. [volume] (Jackson, Miss.) 1877-1882, 1879-02-15

.- .-u-.ug case occuugd ID couf, at
..t.--rLe. Ga, last v-eh. A Bapu,t
r Brother Brooks prosecuted Jo-
Subj D..ia for disturbing public worship.
Uia. La wanted Davis turned out Of church
and rr.-.- wanted Brooks turn-d ont Of the
a...r-.rr They w-5e about 90 fELt the
..sft.. .-. - church when friends interfer~
F and s. .e.i them to take their troubles
int. aarr.. They conducted their own
e..rs Trey asked and obtained permits
sion 90 F7ly before VroccednE- a-.-L on.
.,Iiel ON tie Lord TO give the other % clean
b 80 and prevent BIN from Dre'a1- .t.'1
H 4-- -r-rt for each other u d way
e.. made the average SINNER present t-'--
tI.t tta rrl~c-- II good men avail much
n.r- Lae5sr. whipped the dght and
came 5lt Esst best.
The comet. [volume] (Jackson, Miss.) 1877-1882, 1879-02-15

|WHAT is the matter with our genius, John
|ithp His last epistle sounds as if he was
|ply meditating the exploit of jumping
Of the back of Pegasus at a dizzy
|ght, and taking up the prose cudgel OF
|rcules md halnmering his way to fame
h tina : strument. In any case, we are
"a TO know that John Smith, Genius, ls
|ermined 70 rise and ring E COMET
with him. He seems 10 have a consid-
Ible amount of thunder and lightning
Ipressed in his head, and, possibly, as he
Deeds we ray may catch a glimpse OF
|at be is driving at.
The comet. [volume] (Jackson, Miss.) 1877-1882, 1879-02-15

MNsrE HAucK gets $3.50 week for
imply singing, while the mocking-bird is
better singer than she is and sings for
|cthing.
The comet. [volume] (Jackson, Miss.) 1877-1882, 1879-02-15

Hon. B. F. JONAS, Senator elect OF
louisiana, is brother of our talented
|iend, Maj. s. A. Jonas, editor OF the
.hardeen Examiner
The comet. [volume] (Jackson, Miss.) 1877-1882, 1879-02-15

We are getting seriously alarmed al the
|kaition of Affairs. There hasn't beei =
|1rd said about Gail Hamilton for ,
|onths. Dem xearny Is monoto- y
|litt, and the Sp-lng poets show no :
E Egn Of waking up to the situation. IN.
| Times.
The comet. [volume] (Jackson, Miss.) 1877-1882, 1879-02-15

WE have nothing against David David, nut uc
Presidential chair aust not, shall not, be enlarged
-Meriden Record
And we have not thing against Alex.
Stephens, but our youngest boy must not,
shall not, give up his fayorite chair to sat
isfy the ambition of any man.-heokuh
Constitution.