smithclay/nortonstories huggingface dataset:
Year: 1860

ECLIPSE OF THE PLANETS VENUS, MARS AND JUPI-
TER THE MOoN.-An occultatiOn of planet at
any particular place, under favorable circumstan-
ces for observation, is event of such rare
renee that it cannot be expected oitener than
once in four or five years. Indeed, at the Obser
vatory at Cambridge only one (that of Jupiter, in
August, 1866 has been seen since the beginning of
1852. The happening, therefore, of four of these
phenomena in a large part of this country in
single month, between the oath of the present
April and the 25th of May next, is very remark
able The first Of the four, and the most beautiful


and interesting of the whole, is that of Venus,
which took place last Tuesday evening, when the
planet quite high, and nearly at the position of
its greatest brlliancy. 1t was visible in the
British provinces, ard in that part of the United
States situated northerly of line drawn from
Albemarle Sound, a little south Of Norfolk and
north of Cincinnati, to Davenport, Iowa; beyond
that line the planet was not eclipsed, but passed
south of the moon. About midnight of Thursday,
April &C. Jupiter will be eclipsed in the northern
part Of New Hampshire and Maine, and some of
the British provinces; but in the southern part of
New England the least distance of the edges of
the planet and our satellite will be about one
twentieth the diameter of the latter The third OF
these OccultatiOns will be that OF Mars, IN the
morning before sunrise of Thursday May ~ Ii
will be visible in a large part of the United states
and the British provinces AS the moon wll then
be about i've days past the full, the emersion will


take place on the dark side. The color OF Mars
will be fiery red, as it will be quite near the
earth; indeed, at Mars opposition to the sun, on
July 18th next, it will be nearer to us than for
several years. with high southern declination
thus giving the astronomers at the Cape of Good
Hone an excellent and rare opportunity for deter
mining its parallax with greater precision. The
fourth of this extraordinary series of occultatons
is that of Jupiter in the forenoon of Thursday
Nav oath, which, also, will be visible in a large
part of this country, but which, taking place
whilst the sun is above the horizon cannot be seen
except with the aid of a very good telescope.
Year: 1860

The FATE OF Miss WHEELER.-We scarcely know
whether our readers will be more panied or re-
lieved to hear that Miss Emily Wheeler, the
daughter of General Wheeler, of Cawnpore, is
still alive. Captain Harvey, superintendent of the
department for the abolition of Thuggee, has had
communication with the unfortunate young lady,
VINO we understand, Is so utterly broken in spirit
that she entreats her friends not to seek to bring
her back again. but leave her to her wretched fate
Yet it were better surely for the poor girl herself
that her request should not be complied with Time
may obiterate the remembrance of even her sor-
rows; and it were real kindness to her to obey
what wild wishes her present morbid nervousness
of feeling may suggest. 1t is necessary too, that
the Government should vindicate its own dignity
and justice, by ascertaining the true particulars
of this sad story, and furnishing the guilty parties
with relenLleSs severity RnnLnl. G.,-cttc
Year: 1860

Pipe Laying.-The work of pipe lay ing from
Fifth street TO the reservoir is steadily pro-
crossing, and If the weather continues as fa, 4,
vorabie as at present, will be compile ed in the
course of a few weeks. When the large and
new pipes are down, the City Council will
then see that another reservoir is recessary.
and as costly the work will be, Will have
to provide for its erection. Enlarged pi pes


may add a fraction to the inadequate supply
of water on Saockoe Hill, but not enough TO


| meet the wants of that people, who are now,


at times deprived of the necessary amount Of
water for family use.
Year: 1860

Silrsr Plating is now executed in Richmond
in as good style and ON liberal terms as
similar work is done anywhere. At the ap-
preaching Fair of the Mechanics Ins lituIe,
specimens OF Richmond work will he exhibit
Ell thai cannot De surpassed any Northern
Year: 1860

Glass BiOIc 1ng Is an exhibition that every
BODY likes W witness, ana one that few per-
SONS ever tire of seeing. by reference to the
advertising columns it will be perceived that
fancy glass blower Is about to amuse those of
our people VINO feel disposed to patrolize
him. HIS skill al his business is truly aston
ishing.
Year: 1860

Improrenents.-No portion of the city and
suburbs is improving more rapidly at this
time than Church Hill. Immediately after
passing the old church, going east, new build
ings are seen to be springing up in every d-
rectiob, and old ones are being repaired and
beautified. Within the past few months, the
city fathers have undertaken TO open and
grade some of the cross streets, and when foot
walks and cutters are paved. and carriage
ways are made passable the hundreds of va
cant lots in that section will be brought in to
use Church Hill, of all the seven hills of the
city, is the most desirable for private resi-
dences. Within a few minutes walk of the
heart of business, it is yet retired the conn
try, sufficiently high for pure air, excellent
water and beautiful scenery, and is as free
from sickness and disease as any mountain
spot in Virginia. Property on Church Hill Is
steadily advancing in value, and must soon
become as much sought after for private resi-


dences as that of any other locality in the
State.
Year: 1860

class rising only 2 feet above the water and with plated
sides slouing nwards from sten at angle Of
80 deg long and low painted might te TO eude OBJ
servation. sweeping through the at an i'm
mense pace-a pace beyond iha. Of Jour Royal
Albert and Duke of Wellington and yet able TO go
close alongside Of these wooden sea-castes and receive
with comparative impuniy at least II not absolute In
difference all the hammering they could infiet. II we
want 70 insure our maritime power against any enemy
it would seem prudent to have vessels OF this des
cription The Warrior" class open TO many Sc
rious objections To get the requisite amount oil dis
placement the depth Of draught is ~ feet the breadth
Of BEAM and the heavily plated perpendicular sides
seem much less favorable TO stability than the cores
pondng conditions Of the plan proposed by Mr. Jones
Then il cannot he doubted that the WhtWorth SOpound-
er can drive iat-fronted homogeneous shot through
wroughton plates in vertical position, with even
wooden scantling OF % inches behind them. Above ALL


the structural details of the design upon which the War


or is bull tseem unnecessarily complicated There are
certain positions 10 which she could be raked by the fire
of the enemy when such ships the Glore would es-
cape uniDured She is not only steamer but sailing
vessel combination which cannot help thinking un-
advisable from the very that practical uvuner-
ability secured and navigate and fight her very
large crew viii be required instead Of of moderate
strength Wha. IL required is 10 be able to strike the
greatest possible blow upon the with the smallest
possible risk to the lives Of brave sailors Our
wooden walls longer help 10 solution OF that pro-
tlem but If get Gt il by the aid Of steam aud
iron and fail do So deserve lose naval su
premacy.
Year: 1860

POISONOUS ADULTERATIoN OF LIoUoRs-The
New York Commercial Advertiser says that
the extensive adulteration in liquors offered
in the market as pure, and the Introduction
of poisonous ingredients into those which are
pronounced healthful, may well excite alarm
and call for the attention of our Legislature.
Why there should be so much brain fever,
dehrtum tremens, and so much sudden death
among our young men who indulge at the
BAR can not be explained upon any common
principles. An expert chemist Of this city
bought of an importer bottle of what was
called genuine champagne. Analyzation
proved it to contain one quarter Of an ounce Of
sugar Of lead.


The same gentleman analyzed sixteen sam
Piles of wines-port sherry and madeira-in
which not one drop Of the juice Of the grape
was found. The base of the port wine was
diluted sulphuric acid, colored with elder
berry juice, with alum, sugar and neutral
spirits. The basis of the sherry wine was a
pale malt, sulphuric acid from bitter almonds,
with per centage of alcoholic spirits from
brandy. The Madeira wine was decoction
of hops, sulphuric acid, honey, Jamaica
spirits, &c. .rr lF f f.rf'
Year: 1860

DEATH OF THE DARING New York BURGLAR.
Charles Murphy, the burglar who jumped
New York, on the night of February "a, died
at the Hospital on Tuesday morning. For
many days he was considered in hopeless
condition, though he maintained till the last
that he was not to die. His whole system
was poisoned with pus; even the cavities OF
his joints were filled with it, and assesses
were also found in his lungs. The wounds
for which he was sent to the Hospital, strange
as it may seem, were in an apparently favor
able condition.
Year: 1860

A SoUTHERN SoLoN.-A contributor of the


Mobile (Ala) Tribune has discovered that
Clay was no orator, and at best poorly edu-
Gated scholar, and that Webster was no
statesman. A casual reader Of the Tribune
has discovered that the contributor is an ass,
and is of the opinion that the Tribune should
not give him the opportunity of exhibiting
himself 10 the public .f trar'
Year: 1860

A DISTRESSING CAsE.-A most distressing
case of small pox has proved fatal in North
field, Mass in the death of Daniel Crosby,
who was buried in silence. His wife lies at
the point of death from consumption, and
his three little daughters, who were removed
from home, pleaded in vain to see their pa
rents
Year: 1860

The Gulf STREAM AND THE WEATHER.
The great oceanic current which proceeds
along our Eastern coast has been making its
influence felt for several days to the no small
discomfort of multitudes who have been suf-
fcring from lassitude, the cause of which
they were not able to explain.


In Summer it hugs the coast of this part
of North America more closely than in Win
ter: and the southeast wind brings US more
closely under the influence of that heated
current. The atmosphere. on passing over
it, becomes surcharged with vapors, which
partially CONCEAL upon reaching the land.
That moisture is so abundant that the human
system is unable to perform the insensible
perspiration required to preserve 1T In high
tone of health and vigor, and hence the dis
agreeable feelings experienced.


The prevailing atmospheric currents in
this section of country come from the north
west, and in traversiDg the continent, these
have become nearly exhausted of their mols-
ture Hence they are found to absorb 1T
freely from animals as well as the surface
of the ground, and in tia. condition the
human being discharging freely through the
porous system, feels unusually active in body
and clear in intellect The physical and
mental characteristics of the American peo-
pie, in fact. are owing in great degree to
the winds which prevail in this country.


On the other hand, the west of Europe
has climate more mild and moist than ours,
because the southwest winds are more or
less ladened with moisture collected from
the Gulf Stream and the remainder of the
North Atlantic. This difference in climate
has produced different type of mankind
one that is heavy, slow, phlegmatic and dull,
in comparison with ourselves. Owing to
similar causes, the Anglo-Saxon stock will
produce still other varieties in South Africa,
Australia and Hindostan.
Year: 1860

ANOTHER SIcKLEs CAsE-ALMosr MURDER
A case of seduction in GrOton, Tompkins county,
which has just come to light, is the subject OF a
great deal of anxiety among the friends of the par
ties and Indignation among the community. The
facts of the case are, near gather them,
as follows: Something more than year ago
merchant of that town, whose previous intrigues
with the fair sex had rendered him obnoxious to
large portion of the community, made a public
profession of religion and joined the Methodist
Church, and succeeded in making people believe
that he really meant to lead a better life. His
victim, the wife of a respectable and industrious
machinist, belonged to the same church, and
port says they were thrown much together at
prayer meetings and became very intimate, so
much so that it became the subject of general re-
mark, and finally came to the of her husband.
His suspicious were excited, but he did not be-
lieve his wife unfathiul to him, until last Wednes
day evening, on coming home, he found the house
deserted, and on instituting search found the mer
chant anG his wife together at or barn
standing in field some distance from the house.
The outraged husband knocked the merchant down
and jumped upon his face with both feet, breaking
the bridge OF his nose and cutting his face in a
shocking manner. The merchant begged for his
life, but the husband continued to stamp him until
he supposed life extinct when he took his faith
less wife home and informed one of his neighbors
of the circumstances, and that he supposed he had
killed the merchant and he had better see to it =.
The next morning some of the neighbors went to
the spot Indicated and found that the man had not
been killed, but had come to and crawled home, as
they easily found by the blood along his route
The machinists wife says that she and the merchant
have met clandestinely for the last six or eight
months. She has been sent to her friends. The
affair has made the husband insane and he has since
made one or two attempts to go to the house of the
merchant with the avewed intention of taking his
life, but has been restrained by friends. The mer-
chant has been taken away from Groton and secreted
in Homer or Cortland, to keep him from the ven
geance of the man whose domestic happiness he has
ruined.-Auburn NJ P.) Advertiser.


The Virginian residents of New York have Or
ganized themselves into an Association under the
name of the Old Dominion Society, and will cee-
brate the settlement of Virginia at jamestown
MAY Is, 1607), on the 14th an 18th of May next,
by an address to be delivered by the Hon. George
w. Summers, at Cooper Institute, at o'clock P.
NJ. on the l4tb, and dinner at the Metropolitan
Hotel.
Year: 1860

SISTER OF THE GOLDEN BRIDE MARRIED. The
New York papers notice the marriage, during last
week, in Jersey City of sister of the Miss Bart
let, whose goldenWedding was 50 rich theme for
the Jenkinses last year. This last wedding was al.
lowed to pass of without any attempt at display.
Perhaps experience had learned the father of the
brides some common sense, orwhat is more like.
ly-there was no Count in the case this time.
Year: 1860

A small brass cannon has been found at the bot
tom of deep well of the Castle de Cluey, in
France, with the date of 1858 upon it. The date
of the invention of cannon has historically been
assigned to the year l324-66 years later.
Year: 1860

Mayor Henry, of Philadelphia, has refused to
for the erection Of public buildings for the city.
He contends that it is unconstitutional for the Leg
islatnre to create debt for the city without The
consent Of the Common Council
Year: 1860

| The loss by abrasion Of gold coin is estimated


at about one twentieth of one per cent. per annum
so that of every $1,000 coined, over $3.50 of real
value would still remain at the end of one hundred
years.


So in two thousand years there would be none
left at such rate of loss.
Year: 1860

A STRAW AS Is A srRAw.-On the 9th gentle
man of Louisiana travelling on the Tennessee and
Virginia railroad took the political sense Of the
crowd of his fellow-passengers, the following tell
Year: 1860

Curious LOVE AFFAlR.-The Fall River Press
relates an odd gfare du caur which lately oc-
CURED in that city. Two young ladies fell equally
and deeply in love with gentleman who visited
them very frequently. Being mutually acquainted
with each others passion, and being witlal strong
friends, they romantieally resolved 10 draw lots
to decide which should have him. The fortunate
one lost no time in making known to him the result
OF the drawing, and he then informed her that he
was already engaged to a third lady.
Year: 1860

Love N HUMBLE LIFE.-In East Boston. a
Few weeks since, was borne to the grave q
maiden wife of less than twenty years of age.
Her husband lover, young man of twenty
tnree, was mechanic. They had loved each
other from childhood, and were TO been mar
rled some SIX or seven months since, when she
was prostrated by consumption. Nearly ali
ms leisure from labor was passed at her bed.
side, cheering her with prospects Of restored
health, and life Of happiness; but the fell
disease was too firmly implanted in her system
TO leave any hope of her recovery When the
physician informed her that death was in
eVItable, she expressed desire to partake of
the Sacrament of the Lords Supper. and her
wish was gratifed. Her lover procured car.
rage, sat oy her side, and bore her in his arms
to and from the Lords table. She returned
20 her ped never again to leave il in life
ABOUT fortnight before her death she said
she had only one earthly wish ungrati6ed. She
desired to be united to him who had loved her
80 long and so truly, in the hope of being his
In heaven. He could deny her nothinpobe
married death Bolstered up bv pillows and
supported in the embrace of her mother. she
was united to her lover; her feeble voice was
hsrdly audible, In responding to the questions
OF ,he marriage ceremony. She was his, and
SAID she could die without regret From until
she passed away, she was unable TO SNEAK
ABOVE whisper, but she appeared happy, and
tnougn wasted to skin and bone, a pleasant
smile lett Its impress on her face az her soul
returned to God who gave il.


Many cases have been recorded of peopIe
being married on the brink of the grave, to
accomplish some material end-such as to give
legal title to property, or to render an act of
long g-delayed justice; but rarely or never have
we heard OF poor people marrying under such
circumstances, purely for love The stern
realities OF life press so hardly upon the labor
ing poor, that the finer feelings of their souls
have to make way for the cares and toll of pro-
vidIng for the wants of the body


The only legacy which this affectionate
maiden left her husband was lock of her hair
and favorite copy of the Bible-Bosto,l
Year: 1860

The project lately set foot to remove the
State Capitol from Baton Rouge to New Orleans,
has failed for the present. It is the current belief
however, that in the course of two years the mea.
sure will be adopted.
Year: 1860

A bill has passed the New York Legislature, and
now awaits the signature of the Governor to
become law, which will ef'ectually put a stop to
the opening of places of amusement on Sunday in
New York city.
Year: 1860

An incendiary fire discovered in Philadel-
phia, where the material used to kindle the flames
was pieces of wood that had been chopped off the
cupola of one fthe engine-houses. They do want
paid fire department in that city.
Year: 1860

William Mann, well known as usher to the
ladies' department of the Senate gallery, is in
diving condition. He is past the power of speech
and his attendants and friends look hourly for his
decease.
Year: 1860

New YORK IMPORTING GooDs FROM THE SoUTH.-
correspondent of the New York Day Book states
that a certain firm of that city, few days since,
received large invoice of dry goods from Georgia.
1t appears that merchant from that State pur-
chased bill of goods there, but upon their arri-
val at their destination they emitted such an Abol-
ition odor that the people of the village declined
to have them exposed for sale among them. They
were accordidgly -reshpped and came back to the
region Of Broadway and Trinity Place.
Year: 1860

The match games Of chess which have been in
the course ofplay for eight evenings, between the
Boston and New York Clubs, were finished last
Friday night Each Club won game-Boston the
first, and New York the second. 1t was not set
tied as to whether deciding game will be played


The Journal Of Commerce estimates the cost of the
New York Central Park to be about SIT 100000
Year: 1860




In the Atlantic Monthly, thus enlightens the bellies
OF the street concerning the inalienable rights Of
men TO look at their pretty faces:


- mere ne are some very pretty, but unhappily
very li,pred women, who don't understand the
la Jaws OF the road with regard to handsome faces
Nature and custom would no doubt agree in con-
cedlng to males the right of at least two distinct
looks at every comely female countenance, without
any ntracton OF the rules of courtesy or the senti
ment Of respect The first look is necessary ~ 40
fine the person of the individual one meets so as to
avoid her in passing. ANY unusual attraction
discovered in first glance is sufficient apology for
second-not prolonged and impertinent stare
but an appreciating homage of the eyes, such as
stranger may inoffensivey yield to a passing
image. 1t is astonishing how morbidly sensitive
some vulgar beauties are to the slightest demons
tration of this kind. When a lady walks the
streets she leaves her vrtuous Indignation counte-
nance at home; she knows well enough that the
street is picture gallery, where pretty faces
framed in pretty bonnets are meant to be seen and
everybody has right to see them"
Year: 1860

Ess" During the last few days the ladies
have been incommoded in passing by the
corner OF Main and Second streets, by a
large lot of boxes that lay on the side walk,
filled in some Instances to bursting with
fashionable aud seasonable dry goods. But
by working hard at night, when old Nor
pheus held in his embrace the people of our
city, friend HUGHEs succeeded in restoring
order where confusion reigned, and the
ladies enjoy their promenade without inter-
rnption, and frequently drop in to admire
his new stock OF dress goods, and supply
their wants with the desirable things they
Year: 1860

Some idea of the extent of the commerce
of New Orleans may be obtained from the
fact that she has already received, from the
last cotton crop, two millions of bales worth,
in round numbers, one hundred millions of
dollars. As this staple always commands the
gold, one need not be tol why, in that city
at least, "eotton is king
Year: 1860

Hs2~ We understand that about shutdown
last evening, the office of the Adams Express
Company at Vincennes was broken into, ana
$4,000 in money taken from the safe. A
reward of $1,000 is offered for the arrest of
the thief and the recovery of the money.
Year: 1860

From the Atlantic Monthly. ON A, MAGNOLIA FLOWER. Memorial of my former days,

 Magnolia as I scent thy breath, And on thy pallid beauty gaze,

 l feel not far from death! So much hath happened! and so much The tomb hath claimed of what was mine Thy fragrance moves me with touch As from hand divine: So many dead so many wed!

 Since first, by this Magnolia's tree, pressed a gentle hand and said A word no more for me! Lady, who sendest from the South This frail, pale token of the past, l press the petals to my mouth

 And sigh-as twere my last. Oh, love, we live, but many fell!

 The worlds wreck, but we survive!- Say, rather, still on earth we dwell, But gray at thirty-fve!
Year: 1860

THE PRINCE OF WALEs.--The origin of the title Prince of Wales" was as follows During the latter part of the 18th century, Edward I. of England, gave utterance to the only piece of wit recorded of him and though it is not quite so brilliant as some of his other achievements, it was great deal more harmless, and consisted of this. He called meeting of the Welsh together, told them he admired their fidelity to their na- tive rulers, and that he had determined to give them prince, native of Wales, who could not speak word of English. Great was the rejoicing of the Tafies at this speech, which was soon damped when he presented to them his infant son, who cer. tainIy could not speak word of English, or of any other tongue, and who had been born in the Welsh castle of Carnarvon. On this occasion he created him Prince of Wales, a title always since that time bestowed on the eldest son of British Kings.