smithclay/nortonstories huggingface dataset:
Year: 1869

WE called at LEVY BROTHERS, on yesterday to
make some purchases Of dry goods. Our memo-
rsndum being sent from the country, and calling
for about fifty different articles, we dreaded the
difficulty we should have in filing 1t. We had
heard that they kept everything In the dry goods
line at LEVY BROTHERS, but thought 1t impossi-
-ble.~We have to acknowledge that we think now
as we had been informed. We like their system Of
doing business. Every article is msrked at the
lowest price that they afford to sell It. and we
have been informed that there have been instances
where they have lost large sales rather than deviste
from the one-price system. The advantage In
dealing with such an establishment is that every
person purchases ut the same price, whether they
are a judee OF goods or not Such an establish
ment deserves encouragement and we doubt not
but what they receive what they deserve, as we
found their store crowded and their statesmen and
other employees as 'ebusy as bees.'' II
Year: 1869

DIvIDENDs.-The Board of Directors of
the Planters Bank have declared a dividend
of eight per cent, free of tax, payable on
and after the 10th instant.


The Board Of Directors Of the Mutual
Building Fund and Dollar Savings Bank
have declared o, dividend of ten per cent,
net. ~
Year: 1869

): NEARLYAFIRE.-That magnificent struc-
ture the Petersburg railroad bridge was
discovered to be on fire yesterday afternoon


after the passage Of the train. 1t was dis


covered in time to prevent any serious con-
Year: 1869

The ART OF NOT 'HEARING.-The art OF
not hearing is fully as important to domes-
tic happiness as cultivated ear, for which
so much time and money is expended.
There are so many things which tits pain
full to hear, many Of which, if heard, will
disturb the temper and detract from con-
tentment and happiness, that every one
should be educated to take in or shut out
sounds at will.


If man falls into violent passion and
calls me all manner of names, the first
word shuts my ears, and hear no more.
If, in my quiet voyage of life, l am caught
in one Of those domestic whirlwinds Of
scolding, shut my ears, as sailor would
furl his sails, makeall tight, and scud before
the gale. If hot and restless man begins
to intlame my feelings, | consider what
mischief these sparks might do in the
magazine below, where my temper is kept,
and instantly close the door. Does q CAD
ding, misunderstanding fellow begin TO in
form me what people are saying about me,
down drops the portcullis Of my ear, and
he cannot get in any further.


Some people feel very anxious to hear
everything that will vex or annoy them,
If it is limited that any, one hos spoken LII
of them, they set about searching and find
ing it out. If all the petty things said of
one by needless or ill-natured idlers we're
to be brought home to him, he would be-
come a mere walking PIN cushion, stuck
full of sharp remarks. should as soon
thank man for emptying on my bed Q
bushel of nettles, or setting loose a.swarrn
of mosquitoes in my chamber, or raising q
pungent dust in my house generally, as to
bring upon me all the tattle of spiteful
people. If you would be happy, when
among good men open your ears; when
among bad, shut them. sE


It is not worth while to hear what your
servants say when they are angry; what
your children say after they have slammed
the door; what beggar says whose pc
tition yon have rejected what your
neighbors say about your children; what
your rivals say about your business or dress.
! have noticed that well-brsd woman
never hears an impertipsnt remark. a kind
Of discreet deafness saves one from many
insults, from much blame, from not a little
apparent cennivance in dishonorable con-
Yersation. - loTauian.
Year: 1869

AS a lawyer and doctor were walk
ing arm in ann, wag said to irienu'
These two are just equal TO one high
wayman." Why was the response
Because i. is lawyer and doctor
uour mouey or yOnr tye."
Year: 1869

The San francisco Bulletin in an article on
general progression, says:


Every days advices from the interior tell us
that travel is larger westward than eastward.
That looks like filing up to say the least. New
mills, new mines, new stage lines, new railroads,
new populaton-such are the changes we daily
record occurring in the south, in the north, in
the east and everywhere. Why should the dis
gruntled mourn and imagine strange things?
There are many who need to be reminded fire.
quently that the world was not made in day
not less than six, and long ones at that. So we
need not expect to see California transformed in
jiffy 1t takes time to ''get up and git" Some
there have been so imaginative as to reckon that
we could get an immigration of half million
year-more than the railroads could carry and
do their best-more than the average total i'm
migration from Europe. Such excessive antici-
pations necessarily breed disappointment. We
can form ideal in moment, but to work 1t
out in fact requires patient, steady work. For
the present, doing well. The travel, at
least, is in our favor. The business will be-
when we learn to raise for ourselves the neces-
saries of life adopt a system of self-sustainlng,
diversified industry and devote extra efforts to
the production of articles of which nature has
given US the monopoly. Capital will come here,
first to help build our railroads, then to develop
the farms and mines, then to build up manu-
tactures. Population Is necessary to produc-
ton and population will not wander far from
tie great arteries of modern civilization. Hence
the progress of our railroad building is instinct


lively recognized everywhere as the best proof OF
our vitality, and the surest promise of our
growth. Oakland justly rejoices over the COM
petion of the railroad to that city, and over an


increase of ferry facilities, the want of which
hitherto has been an Impeachment of its good
sense, or an evidence of Rip Van Winkle somno-


ency, Stockton is striking out for an independ-
ent position, claiming all the broad San Joaquin
acres its own rejoicing in domain as large
as all New England and four times richer; and
promising itself that, the great railroad
''swings round the circle" from Donner gap to
the Tehcchepay pass, both the Northern and
Southern Pacific will swell the riches of Stock
ton. And such anticipations of growth rea-
sonable wherever rail and water unite to furnish
cheap communcaton-the first great essential
of development. We are making progress and
the way to make more, and faster is to extend
our roads, and to send agents to advise the cap


tal and labor of the East and of Europe, of
what opportunities are here offered them.
Year: 1869

New MODE OF SMUGGLING OPIUM DETECTED.
The Bulletin of a late date gives an account of
the detection by the revenue officers at San
Francisco of an ingenious method of opium snug
Cling by Chinese A lot of eight bales of what
appeared to be dried medicinal root, received on
the steamer America was found to conceal a
large quantity of opium, disguised by the inspis-
stated extract being poured among the roots,
where it took on the red, dusty color and appear
ance of the latter, and seemed to be part OF
general mass, somewhat softened, and showing,
when broken or pulled apart, similar fracture.
The whole lot was consigned to Tuck kee, who
will lose considerably BY this attempt to 'play
roots on Uncle Sam.
Year: 1869

Inc expectations generally entertained of vast
accesslons to the population of the Pacific coast
on the completion of the great transcontinental
railway have as yet been only partially realized.
For this good reasons exist 1t is still expen-
sive for immigrants, and to bring family to
this State from the East, requires small for
tune. But this is fast being remeded by reduc-
tlons IN the rates of transportation oy railroad
and steamers, every few months the fares being
lowered The pressure of public opinion and
competition are bound to control this matter.
In the next place, the spirit of monopoly pervad-
ing this State, in view of the probable influx of
population seeking homes and employment
among US, has been directed to the farming
lands, and accordingly, selfish, graspng, short
sighted capitalists mainly own the best agricult-
ural part of the State, fixing the price of land at
an exhorbitant figure, much beyond the reach of
all but the wealthy, and disproportioned to
prices in the East and West. There is reason in
all things, and it is only in exceptional instances
where land will pay to farm even at fifty dollars
per acre, sum which California land holders
think moderate. Nothing retards the develop
ment of country so much as the concentration
of its real estate in the hands of few In the
United States all other branches are built upon
the farming interest. The Sacramento Union,
San Francisco Bulletin and other leading jour-
mails of the State are doing good work towards
correcting this evil and this incubus on our
prosperity will no doubt soon cease to exist
As matters now stand, the full trains of passen-
gers which come from the East each day show
that the tide of travel is in our favor. For some
time past the ratio of arrivals to departures has
been about two to one. The truth is, that a
considerable change for the better is going on,
but more imperceptibly than we expected. The
moderate influx of population coming at this
time is but manifestation of that widely spread
desire to come to California, which will termi-
nate in rush, if properly aided and encouraged.
change for the better In the farming section
will eventually be felt. We of the mining dis
tricts are deeply interested, and will profit with
the other sections of the State. The benefits to
accrue from more population already feel,
and next year will demonstrate beyond doubt
that glorious future awaits our State, to be ex-
perenced in every part
Year: 1869

THERE is an excitement in Trcson on the dis
covery of rich placers in Sonora. The Mexican
soldiers offered protection to a party who have
left for the mines. The mines are said to be
very rich in free gold.
Year: 1869

THE announcement of Commissioner Delano's
determination to thoroughly overhaul the in
come returns of last year, causes a hutterng
among the occupants of the brown stone fronts
in New York city.
Year: 1869

AN UNSETTLED PoPULATIoN.-The San Mateo
Gare,te says:


While so much is being done in the worthy
movement for increasing and aiding immigra-
grafton 10 this State, if something could also be
done to get portion of our present floating pop
ulation into more settled condition. it woud
be great benefit to the State. Probably there
is no other State in the Union in which the float
ing, unsettled population is so great in propor-
tlon to the whole number of inhabitants and so
rowing in their customs as in this. The trouble
originated in the mining habits of early times
ard it appears though it will disappear only
with the generation that is carrying it out The
whole country west of the Rocky mountains is
filled up with people who have no permanent
residence. Like the Arabs, they are ready at
any time to fold up their tents and quietly steal
away. They have no home their families are
being reared to the same mode of life. They ex-
hibit little thrift. This does not do much harm
in mining district; but in this State, where
agriculture is becoming the leading industry, it
is great drawback to the healthy growth of
communities Fortunately, things are showing
an improvement IN this respect. Perhaps the
movement of the immigration aid societies NAV
also exert good influence on this class of our
population. Cheap lands for homes, and good
knowledge of their location may settle many
families at present without a home of their own
1t is certainly important that something be ac-
complished in this direction.
Year: 1869

The Indianapolis Journal of yes
terday says that the latest reports from
the northern part Of the State are to
the effect that the floods have done
great damage to the crops and the
lines of travel 1t is reported that
no trains can get through to Chicago
by the Air Line, as two embankments
are entirely washed away.
Year: 1869

An exchange gives the following
rule for computing interest. which,
it says, is so simple and true that
every banker, broker, merchant, or
clerk should post it up for reference.
There being no such thing as frac-
tion in it, there is scarce any liabili-
ity to err or mistake. BY no other
arithmetical process can the desired
information be obtained by SO few
fguers


Six per Cent.-Multiply any given
number Of dollars by the number of
days of interest desired, separate the
right-hand fgue and divide by sixty;
the result is the true interest on such
sum for such number Of days.


Eight per Multiply any
given number OF dollars by the num-
ber of days upon which it is desired
10 ascertain the interest, and divide
by As and the result will be the In
terest of such for the time required at
8 per cent.


Ten rer Cen..-MuItiply same as
above and divide by Sc, and the re-
suit will show the rate of 10 per cent
Year: 1869

Il is sometimes instructive to learn
What our neighbors are saying about
US Here is a specimen of what Ca
nadisns think of Republican institu-
tions. It lis from the Toronto Leader:


"Watching the progress Ofpolitics in
the United States one is often forced
into considering what is the use of
the ballot. Look at the history of
Texas for the past two months. There
the Democrats and Republicans are
fighting over the Gevernorship. The
people promise Democratic majori-
ty, but the government at Washing
ton is bound to support the Republi-
can party and as the States are a
free country, that government is, Of
course, free to act as it chooses. Or
ders are therefore issued from the
White House to dismiss every person
holding Office in Texas who is going
to vote the Democratic ticket. The
ballot, then, is no protection. Amer
can newspapers prate loudly enough
il they can rout up an English land
lord who asks his tenants to vote for
his personal friend, and they call it
gross oppression, and other hard
names. But what is this procedure
OF the United States Government but
the worst kind of despotism Sure
ly under such a rule the ballot
becomes a mOckery, and Republican
freedom little else than an imposture.
Year: 1869

The most contemplate weakness
in our world is the disposition to de-
spiss labor as ineOnsistsn Mt with gem
tsel and refined cultivation. No per-
son is truly independent who is not
possessed Of a knowledge Of some
trade or business il which he could
earn a support in case Of need.
Year: 1869

men Of this city might now be found
among some Of the poor and hard worked
boys and other adventures who now crowd
the metropolis, could prophetic vision be
brought to aid. Some people must succeed
out Of this heaving mass, but who shall
draw the prize is among the secrets Of
destiny. Among the successful men Of the
day ID Henry Smith. President Of the
Bowling Green Savings Bank. Mr.. Snith
came TO New York poor, and has depended
on his own exertions. He has always been
connected with internal navigation, and is
at present running line Of two boats
Starting with nothing, he has made for
tune, and is one of the board Of supervis.
ors, in addition to the Office just mention
ed. The Americus Club has also made
him it's President, and as Mr.. Smith is a
very kind-hear' ed man, we are glad of bis
success. especially as lie. is not i'll the least
Inflated by ii. ...--
Year: 1869




But few men die of age Almost all die
ol disappointment, passional, mental, oI
bodily toll, or accident. The passions
kill men sometimes, even suddenly. The
common expression. choked with passion,
has little exaggeration in it; for even tho
not suddenly fatal, strong passions shorten
life. Strong bodied men often die young.
Weak men 1.-Two longer than the strong. for
the strong use their strength, and the weak
have none to use. The latter take care al
themselves. the former do not. As 1t is
with the body so II is with the mind and
temper. The strong are apt to break. The
inferior animals, which live, in general.
regular and temperate lives, have general
ly their prescribed term of years. The
horse lives twenty-five years, the OK fifteen
or twenty, the lion about twenty, the dog
ten or twelve, the rabbit eight, the guinea
pig six or seven. These numbers all bear
a similar proportion to the time the animal
takes to grow to Tie full size, But man
seldom comes up to bis average. He
ought to live hundred years accor,ling TO
the physiological law, for FIVE times TWEEN.
ty are one hundred; but instead OF that he
scarcely reaches. on an average, four times
bis growing period; the cat six. and the
rabbit eight times. The reason is obvious
man is not only the most irregular and
.


|intemperate, but is also the most laborions
and hardworked of all animals.
Year: 1869

The New Albany Commercial
of the 10th says: ga very singu-
lar amilydifiiculty occurred in this
city on Wednesday night last. A
man and bis wife lived happily to-
gether in the central part of town.
Some weeks ago the wife's sister
came to stay with the family and
soon fell desperately in love with
her sisters husband. She told
him of her affection, and, Joseph
like, he upbraided herfor her weak
ness. She told her sister, and,
singular as it may seem, the wife
took sideswith her, and on Wednes-
day she and her single sister pitch
ed into the husband most fiercely,
abusing him for his want of love
and feeling. The husband after a
terrible tongue-lashing, relented,
agreed to soften his heart toward
his sister-in-law, and now every
thing is altogether lovely in the
family"
Year: 1869

At large manufactory of Jew
elry IN New Jersey two young


men were once working in the


same room and earning equal wa


ges. A foreman being required


for that department, one Of the two


received the appointment. Six


months alter he rose to be fore


man of the whole factory. While


be was holding this position one


of the two members Of The firm


suddenly died, and the remain
ing partner, soon finding the cares
of sole proprietorship too heavy,


called his young foreman to


partnership in the business. On
ly three months afferward his un-
expected death left sole owner


and manager the young man on


ly eighteen months before an hum


bic journeyman. His former


worktellow still tolls at the same


table a journeyman still, envying


his fortunate sLopmate. and cur
sing his own miserable luck"


Yet, in fact, ''luck" had moth
ing to do with it. The different
fortunes of the two men are fully
accounted for by their characters.
Both were strictly sober, skilliul,
and industrious. But one was
toatchtul of has employers interest.
the other careless. One was in
the habit Of leaving work day as
often as he chose the other was
ever at his post no matter what
picnics, parades, ball-matches. or
target-shootings took place. One
dropped his tools on the instant
of the six o'clock whistle, the 9TH
er stayed to finish his JOB. One
refused to do overwork when or
ders were pressing, because che
wouldn't be imposed upon ;" the
other was always willing to do
whatever he was called upon to
do. He won his promotion BY
giving his whole heart to his trade
Devoting himself to the business
as thoroughly as though it wers
his own, he made it his own.


His history reminds US Of the
saying Of an old shepherd to the
boy who complained that his COM
panion had left him to tend the
sheep alone. Never mind, my
boy, if you watch the sheep. You'll
win the wool" "Seest thou a.
man diligent in his business He
shall stand before kings, he shall
not stand before mean men, wrote
the wise man of olden time.


Boys, don't be afraid Of work.
ion't talk too much of. your rights,
and think too little of your duties.
Whether your placeis on The farm.
or in the factory, behind the coun-
.er or the desk, faithfulness there
will be a round in the ladder
lifting you higher.-Ameyican
AqriculturiSt.
Year: 1869

There was a time when it took
ten men to harvest an acre Cfwheat
in England, and even a modern
period when the usual days work
was to reap, with sickle, bind
and put half an acre of wheat a
day, which many of the older
farmers will remember; whereas
we now find that with, one reap
er suitably manned, there need be
no difficulty in cutting and putting
in shock an acre an hour.
Year: 1869

A couple in Marion, Iowa, who
recently tried to starve their SON
to death, have at length succeeded.
The child was missed, and by dig
ging in the garden the body was
found. The poor little fellow had
eaten of his fingers and died in
great agony.
Year: 1869

A Rev. Dir. Smith, Of Illinois,
came home without bis wife, some
time ago, and with tears told his
friends that she had fallen into n
brook and been drowned. Since
then it has been found that the
water is not deep enough to drown
a person, and the bereaved bus
band is in Jail.
Year: 1869

The Chicago Tribune pointing out the resemblance
between the recent murder OF Mcconnell by debtor
and that OF Parkman by Dr. Webster, recalls some
incidents In the latter crime never before made
public. withn half hour after leaving his horrible
work at the laboratory, the burning OF the remains
Of his victim, on the afternoon OF the murder. Dr.
Webster called on lis way nome at mantuamakeris =
and tried on, talking all the while In his usual plea
SAINT way about the most trivial details new dress
ing gown which was making for him. AT the same
time he provided himself with strychnlne with
which he attempted TO take his own life when lodged
In jail. But another fact, known to very Few per-
sons and never before published 49, that ne
confessed to the attending physician In hurried
whisper, when he supposed his own death was I'M
mlnent from the poison he had Just taken, that ne
had killed pr Parkman. The testimony Of this ply
aician would have hanged him even had there been
no other evidence but he died before the Professor
was brought TO trial. and up 10 the time OF his death
none but MS wife knew that he was the repository
of this itnuortant secret.
Year: 1869

THERE are great many good things in
this world 1t is good thing 10 have
plenty of money, and good deal better
thing to know where to spend 1t to the
best advantage. Upon this fact every one
should post themselves. We assure you
that at the HouRe Of WILL & Co., at 2ales-
XII, which has just been filed with the
choicest Goods of AARON WnL's seclec-
tions, you can spend your money to the
best advantage. The choicest Goods Of
every description for the Spring trade
have Just been received. They all alwa VS.
sell at remarkably Low rates, and The best
way to test the quality Of their goods
and the cheapness Of them, is 10 give them
call.
Year: 1869

LAST week the VintOn Record
made another attempt to say some
thing smart about "our Representa-
tive, Hon. A. J. SWAIN" 1t char
ges him with coming home last
Monday week and "burning brush
on his farm, at $5 per day, at the
expense of the State" Mr.. SWAIN
did come homo at that time; but
he came without leave, and the
goosey that writes the nonsense and
slang for the Record ought to have
sense enough to know that when a
member Of the Legislature is ab-
scnt without leave he cannot draw
pay for the time he may be absent.
And tho Record writer ought also to
know that it was the Radical Leg
islature of Retrenchment, which was
in session two years ago, that pass
ed q law increasing the salary of
members of the Legislature to "fve
dollars per day because it was
then expected that Radical reform
ers would retain q majority in tho
Legislature forever.
Year: 1869

Now that the public credit has
bccn.duly strengthened by an act of
Congress, would it not be a good
idea to strengthen the public debt
orsY This could be done by repeal
ing the income tax by taking off the
duty on coffee, tea, sugar and salt
and other necessities, that bear so
heavily upon the people. 1t is not
fair to do all tho strengthening for
the bondholder. The bond-payer
is poor, week and enfeebled, and
requires strengthening very much
1T it is not done, we fear that he
will not be able to stand up under
his burdens much longer