smithclay/nortonstories huggingface dataset:
Year: 1869

1t will be seen from the correspondence and
accounts from Spanish and insurgent sources
which we publish in another column to-day
that the Spanish government makes little or
no progress in putting down the revolutlonists,
who continue to hold at least one-half OF the
territory of the island. Great exertions were
made to concentrate forces under General
Letona at Nuevitas for the purpose OF opening
the rail communication between that port and
the large city of Puerto Principe, and the
result of the campaign has been looked Tor
with great interest by both Cubans ana
Spaniards, as it was supposed that this would
exercise marked influence on the course OF
the war. AS all the lines of communication
are in the hands of the Spaniards the slow
and meagre driblets of intelligence from the
scene of operations would seem to indicate
that results are not so favorable to the
Spaniards as they had hoped for.


1t seems that General Letona has committed
mistake in encumbering his operations with
a supply train for the relief OF the garrison of
Puerto Principe. He thus has on hand at one
time the triple operation of protecting the
train, clearing the country of the enemy
and reconstructing the railroad. If he had
any hopes of opening the road it would seem
to have been better to have left his supply
train safe in Nuevitas until he had the
road fairly in operation. AS affairs now stand
it looks very much as though he is only fight
ing his way through region occupied by the
enemy for the sole purpose of relieving the
garrison of the beleagured city from hunger
as did General Lesca two months ago. If this
is the fact, the operations of the government
exhibit remarkable weakness.


From other portions of the island the gen.
eral tenor of advices is that the operations of
insurgent bands continue unchecked in the
country, and reinforcements are called for, with
constant complaint of the inefficiency of
local commanders. The enthusiasm of the
Spanish volunteers in Havana does not seem
to hold up at the fever heat it exhibited in tn e
early days of the year, and the fact that the
most wealthy among them are remitting their
funds to Spain, and some even contemplate
going in person to Madrid to induce the gen
eral government to modify General Dulce's
sequestration DEGREES in view of the possible
retaliatory effect on Spanish property in Cuba,
has a Specification in it that all can see. The
truth is, there is great difference between the
words and the deeds of the Spanish portion
of the population in Cuba
Year: 1869

OUR FOREIGN REPRESENTATIVES story
of our representatives abroad which we pub
lished on Monday ought to awaken the atten-
ton of the administration to the necessity of
exercising a good deal of circumspection in
the appointment of men who are to take care
of American interests abroad. We doubt not
that our correspondents statement is free from
prejudice or exaggeration; and what sorry
picture it presents of the representation of this
republic at foreign courts The truth is that
for many years we have been represented
abroad by class of men wholly incompetent
for their position, many of them ignorant OF
the language Of the country to which they
were accredited, and most of them entirely
innocent of those questions of international
polity essential to the diplomatic and consular
service One of the first duties of General
Grant in the direction of reform should be to
remodel our entire system of foreign repre-
sentatiOn.
Year: 1869

WALL STREET is curious place. On Mon
day there was failure there for million and
half of dollars. In the olden time such an
event would have created a sensation all over
the country, and probably have induced q
financial panic. Modern Wall street, however,
discussed il for one day only. Yesterday morn
ing those who were not hurt looked TO see II
their securities were all right, dismissed the
subject, plunged into business just as usual,
and the great failure vanished like bubble on
a stream Of water. The ''buls" in gold made
a faint effort to keep up the excitement, bu,
without success
Year: 1869

THE NEW DRIvE.-A petition numerously
signed by gentlemen Of wealth and position in
this city relative to the opening of Sixth avenue,
from 10th street to the Harlem river, as a
dirt road for the convenience of the driving
public, was presented to the Park Commits
sioners yesterday for their consideration. The
result of their deliberations on the subject will
no doubt be favorable, as they are aware that
the road is much needed by the community.
The lack of good driving road is now felt to
be serious inconvenience by the owners of
horses in this city, and every effort on the part
of the Commissioners in the direction of that
Improvement will meet with the appreciation
of an influential and wealthy class of citizens.
Year: 1869

PUSHING THEM DowN.-By the operation of
natural causes the niger was gradually pushed
out from State after State of the Eastern and
Middle States years ago. The movement was
stayed when he was about half pushed out Of
Maryland and his hold little weakened on
Virginia. Then came the abolition and pro-
slavery excitement, which strengthened his
hold on the border States. Now, slavery being
out of the way and the commercial interest in
the nigger gone, natural causes operate again
and he is disappearing from Virginia. Small
farms and white labor are sure to accomplish
the regeneration of that grand old State.
Year: 1869

Major General Daniel E. Sickles was, as
we have been informed, appointed United


States Minister near the government in
Madrid on Monday, President Grant having
signed his commission that day. There
has been an immense amount Of backing
and filling with Executive assertion and
telegraph denial in and from Washington re-
lative to this important mission-sO much so,
indeed, that it has appeared to us as if Mr..


Grant has not for months made up his
mind as to the absolute necessity of action
in the case, and that the members OF


his Cabinet-at least the majority OF
them-are unable to comprehend it and
thus counsels him wisely. We do not know
even now, of certain knowledge, if General
Slckles has been appointed. There is not the
slightest necessity for fuss or prolonged
delay. General Sickles' record as law
yer, diplomatic agent and Union soldier
is spread before the American people and
has obtained the endorsement of the nation.


That he is brave man is attested by his
timely organization of the well known Sickles
brigade, the gallant and decisive action


of its members under his inspiration, with the
loss of his limb when foremost in battle--facts


which show that although he ranks under Mr..


Grant, he is not inferior to him for the display
of courage as an officer in the field. OF Gene
raj Sickles domestic trials and his means of re-
dress it becomes no man to speak. Let by
cones be bygones-his peers in the jury box,
with the representative of the majesty of the
law on the bench, having long since pronounced
on the facts. General Sickles, in Madrid,
should he be sent there, will be able to
report intelligently as to the exciting causes


which have produced the present govern
mental chaos of Spain, remarking, no doubt,


how far the personal ambition of some military
leaders, or leader, adds to its prolongation.


His appointment would, consequently, be
both agreeable and beneficial to the nation.


Let us hope that, if made, it will tend
to neutralize, in some degree, the sense
of the insult just offered to the country
at large from Washington by the commission
ing of a negro to represent us in the republic
of Guatemala. In this last named case, as in
some others, Mr.. Grant is playing with edged
tools, which, as he knows, is always dan
gerous. He had better consider the position
and change his Cabinet
Year: 1869

that the President should be the mere crea-
ture of Congress? Does not the country,
does not his office require of him the initiative
in great measures when the opportunity in
vites him to action? Is he not expected to
assume the responsibility, like Jackson and
Lincoln, in extraordinary cases, without ex-
press authority of law? Is he not expected
to give shape and direction to the legislation
of Congress itself in shaping out the general
policy of his administration? These ques
tions carry with them each its own answer.
Nor can it be denied that in the Cabinet
General Grant has had and has opportunities
before him for distinction as enduring as
ycksburg, Chattanooga or the Wilderness
among his achievements in the field. The
President, like the general, who risks nothing,
accomplishes nothing. General Grant may
eclipse the popularity in bis Office of Lincoln
by resolute action, or he may sink into the
inglorious record of Buchanan by mastery
inactivity. For an active, decisive, pro-
gressive policy we want a new Cabinet and
new departure; but the policy indicated so far
by General Grant signifies nothing.


Under this policy there is no call for a
change of the Cabinet. When nothing is to be
done but the routine business of the peace es-
tablishment one Cabinet is as good as another,
and the Cabinet as it is may be even better than
any other that could be substituted. Even in
this matter, then, we see something of the
military sagacity Of General Grant. And why
should he change his Cabinet, any how, in the
absence of Congress? He is not going out of
his way to offend the Senate. He wants peace.
Let us, therefore, have peace; but let it be a
peace in the true and proper acceptation Of the
word-peace, broad and comprehensive at
home, and dignifed before the world abroad.
A peace of this character can scarcely be ex-
pected by the nation at the hands of General
Grant, who, no matter what his services
in war, has proved that he does
not completely embrace the large and
varied interests of the country in his
administrative views, evidently assuming that
he has discharged his duty acceptably by the
appointment of negro as our representative
in Guatemala. This is not the sort of peace
which we require. The American people, in
peaceful attitude, want an adjustment of pend
ing foreign questions. They want settle
ment of the Alabama claims they want full
reparation and indemnification for the injury
inflicted on our commerce through the
jealousy of England in moment Of national
peril they want the reassertion of our COM
mercial position on the ocean and the vindi-
cation Of the prestige of the country
on the continent of Europe. Can General
Grant insure such results? Will he do so?
They cannot certainly be obtained by his pre-
sent policy, if he has policy. They cannot
be attained by doing nothing. Mere appoint
ments to place will not satisfy the people.
General Grant will soon learn this important
fact. Will he, then, do something and en-
deavor to show to the world that it is not neces-
sary that the leader of armies in the field should
prove failure when in the executive chair of
country?
Year: 1869

SOMETHING FOR OUR New PosTMAsTER.-
The merchants of Yucatan appeal to the
HERALD, as will be seen in another column,
to have the manner Of making up their mails
in the New York Post Office looked into and
so ordered that their letters shall not be sent
to Vera Cruz, to their great detriment. The
whole matter of sending off and receiving and
delivering these Spanish-American mails will
bear looking into and putting on a more effec-
tive footing. viii Postmaster Jones please
look into the subject?
Year: 1869

Our latest cable dispatches from Spain show
that the situation is yet very far from being
free from difficulty. Good progress has been
made in discussing the new constitution. There
has been no lack of amendments but the
amendments have had small success. Such
has been the strength of the government that
the constitution, as originally framed has, so
far, passed into law without any serious modi-
fication. The discussions on the 18th seem to
have been interesting and lively. The repub-
lican party did its best, but the government
was completely successful. The thirty-second
article of the constitution, which declares that
''all power emanates from the nation" was
agreed to. Attempts were made by the oppo-
stion, in the course of the debate, to have it
declared that the king must be native of
Spain and that he be elected by plebiscjtum
but they were unsuccessful. 1t appears, how
ever that the abnormal and almost unprece-
dented state of things in Spain is beginning to
be felt to be dangerous. Civil war is actually
dreaded, and as no king has yet come to the
rescue the majority Of the Cortes have agreed
to go in for regency. A regency, however,
will make but little difference in the actual
situation. 1t will leave Serrano at the head of
affairs and it will not deprive Prim of the
command of the army. Of course Spain is to
remain a monarchy, but the question has still
to be answered who shall be king?
Year: 1869

How IT WoRKs.-The operation Of the Ten
ure of Office law is seen in the case of the
Washington Postmaster. General Grant wishes
to remove one man and appoint another, and
believes that he has ample reason, but he can
not do it. He can only suspend theincumbent


Public affairs are thus embarrassed because
some President might remove a man for i'm
proper reason. Is 1t wise thus to provide for
remote possibilities, when, in doing so, we put
a standing indignity on the Chief Magistrate !?
Year: 1869

BLOWN Up.-Occasionally an accident comes
to remind us that in the familiar iron tubes
that are in all our houses we keep shut dan
gerous agent. just now house has been
blown to pieces by the explosion of gas. 1t
had been escaping in closed room for several
hours and was ignited, not bya light carried
in, but by simply opening the door so that the
gas came in contact with lights in another
room. Take care Of the fixtures in closed
rooms.
Year: 1869

MERCANTILE AGENCIEs.-It is of no use for
the advocates of those secret inquisitions to
endeavor to shield them from public obloquy,
when the fact is notorious that in this city
before the war merchants had to fee them to
prevent their names being sent South as aboli-
tionists. But this is only one among the many
evils which these inquisitions foster. They
are little less than blackmail concerns all
around.
Year: 1869

BROKERS TAxEs.- Brokers must pay.
There is at least one point in the evil Of taxa
ton for which the country may be grateful If the
tax laid on brokers operations shall very greatly
reduce the number of those fictitious bargains
that are made on margin. We are very glad,
therefore, that the revenue officials insist on
their case against the brokers.
Year: 1869

AN ODD PRESENT General Grant has
been presented by Boston policeman with
policemans baton, silver mounted. A Port
land paper asks, ''What will he do with it?'
The present of baton in some cases might
indicate that the recipient had been in the
habit of getting on bats occasionally.
Year: 1869

GENERAL GRANTS CABINET.-A Western
democratic paper thinks that General Grant
would have had a more stable Cabinet if he
had put Dexter in. He will exhibit more
dexterity if he keeps the stable out.
Year: 1869

Or AND GoLD.--It was considered great
thing in the Pennsylvania oil regions when oil
was produced by the barrel. What will be
said of the same regions now when 1t is
alleged that gold has been found there In
Quartz2
Year: 1869

FUTURE PUNIsHMENT.-An ancient Spanish
writer asserts that one of the severest torments
of authors in future state is to be compelled
to read over their own compositions to an
audience of demons. What is this compared
to the torment in store for the American read
ing public when veteran philosopher Of our
day announces his intention of commencing a
series of essays on the subject of political
economy and other threadbare topics of a
similar character in daily paper?
Year: 1869

Springing from rebellion of gigantic
magnitude, aided, as it was, by the sympathy
and assistance of nations with which we
were at peace, eleven states of the Union
were, four years ago, left without legal state
government. A debt had been contracted.
American commerce was almost driven from
the seas. The industry of half of the coun.
try had been taken from the control of the
capitalist, and placed where all labor right,
fully belongs in the keeping OF the laborer.
The work of restoring state governments
loyal to the Union, of protecting and foster,
ing free labor and droviding means for pay
ing the interest on the public debt, has re,
ceived ample attention from Congress,
although your efforts have not met with the
success in all particulars that might have
been desired, though on the whole they
have been more successful than could have
been reasonably anticipated. The states
which passed the ordinance of secession
have been fully restored to their places in
the Union.
Year: 1869

The means provided for paying the in.
terest on the public debt, with all other ex
peuses Of the government, are more than
ample. The loss of our commerce ia the
only result of the late rebellion which has
not received sufficient attention from you.
To this subject | call your earnest attention.
| will not now suggest plans by which this
object may be effected, but will, if necess.
ary, make it the subject of special message
during the session of Congress.
Year: 1869

under the protection which they have re,
ceived, are making rapid progress in learn
ing, and no complaints are heard of lacks
industry on their part when they receive fair
remuneration for labor.
Year: 1869

| advise such legislation as will forever
preclude the sustainment of the Chinese up.
on our soil under the name of Coolies, and
also to prevent American vessels from en-.
gaging in the transportation Of Coolies to
any country which tolerates the system. |
also recommend that the mission to China
be raised TO the first class.
Year: 1869

The report of the Secretary of the Navy
shows the condition of the navy when this
administration came into Office Strenuous
efforts have been made to place as many
vessels in commission or render them fit for
service, if required, as possible. and to sub,
stitute the sails for steam while cruising,
thus materially reducing the expenses of the
navy and adding greatly TO its efficiency
Looking to our future recommend liberal
though not extravagant policy towards this
branch of the public service.
Year: 1869

As the United States is the freest of all
nations, so do the people sympathize with all
people struggling for liberty aud free govern


ment But while we sympahthize it is due
to our honor that we should abstain fro n
enforcing our views npon unwilling nations,
and from taking an interested part without
invitation IN the quarrel between different
nations or between governments and their
subjects. Our course should always be in
conformity with strict justice and law, inter
national and local. Such has been the policy
of the administration in dealing with these
questions. For more than year valuable
province of Spain, and near neighbor of
ours, in whom people cannot but feel deep
interest, has been struggling for indepen


dence and freedom. The people
and government of the United
States entertain the same feeling aud
sympathy for the people of Cnba in their
pending struggle that they manifested
throughout the previous struggle between
Spain and her former colonies in behalf Of
the latter. But the contest at no time as
sumed the condition which amounted to q
Year: 1869

BAD BED-FELLow.-Exceedin bad No to-
bacco user is fit for bed companion. He is
giving forth pestilential vapors from all the
pores of the skin. He is an embodiment of per-
pe'ual miasma. The immediate atmosphere
surrounding him is Inevitably impregnated and
and polluted with the constant effluvia which
emanates from his whole surface He becomes
perfect walking distillery of the deadly essence


sending forth its fumes and vapors into the sur


rounding atmosphere. His mouth is the mill
which grinds out the weed and his whole bodv
the dIstillery for the essence. Put a chewer or
smoker into vapor bath, with no tobacco ir
the room, and in a short time the whole room
Will be strongly scented with tobacco effluvia
lhat emanates from his body. Put him in a
warm BATH and get up perspiration. then mt
that water upon flies or vermin of plants and it
VIII instantly destroy them.-HeaLM Refarrusr
Year: 1869

HONE OF TAsTE.-' Engravings shed their
spirit over household the calm portraits of
the great and worthy dead exercise a great in
tuence over me, says Sidney Smith. - | could
look on those over my own fireplace until they
seem neither absent nor departed, but living yet.
Every good picture is the best OF sermons and
lectures. The sense informs the soul. What
ever you have, have beauty. Let beauty be on
the paper your walls. 1t is as easy to choose
q paper suggestive OF the lovely in form and
color, as the uncouth. Why should not every
household object be sanc,ifed with this grateful
charm? Each chair, table, tea or chamber SER
vice, and every object for kitchen or parior, for
the home of the poor man, artisan or mechanic
! would have them all worthy of home o,
taste
Year: 1869

WORTH KNowING.-lt is we'll known says an
Australian paper, that a little alum dissolved is
very effective in clearing muddy water. But a
short time siuc, some alum was applied in a
manner in which, from its novelty and valuable
results, is worthy of notice. In place where
water is scarce ut present, little alum was dis
solved in hot water, and thrown into a tub OF
thick soapsuds. In a moment the soap curdled
and accompanied by the muddy particles, sank
TO the bottom, leaving tie water perfectly clear,
pure, and devoid OF smell. This water was
found very useful for washing clothes again,
when poured of the sediment. a similar result
was attained in quick manner by filling a
boiler with soapsuds, placing it on a fire, and
throwing Il bit OF alum in it. When the suds
boiled, the scum went over and left the water
clear, soft, and as useful for washing clothes as
it had originally been.
Year: 1869

THE LATEST FRILL. THE New York Home
Journal says that the newest plan in Waiting
insists that, instead of clasping the lady's hand,
or even her finger tips, the gentleman shall bend
his left arm ut about the same angle with which
a fashionable lady carries her parasol, the lady
supporting herself by placing her hand against
his arm, in the hollow of the elbow. Thus he
carries her around deicately, without any of
that contact which condemns the round dances.
This mode is introduced by single set of exclu-
Year: 1869

Too MUCH BRAIN WoRK.-It has frequently


been said that the people of this country do al
! together too much work with their brains but
no precise figures have been given to prove the


fact. DR.. Parker, in a Sunday evening lecture,
delivered by him in the Rev. Mr.. Beecher' s


Bethel brings the matter down to point where
subject He said


No man can do head work faithfully for
more than four or five six hours. If that time
is exceeded, all the PHOSPHORUS is carried off,
and the man becomes irritable. broken down.
and has softening of the brain. | have seen this
overwork in lawyers, doctors, clergymen and
merchants, who have worked the brain for ten
hours. They cannot violate the laws of God
with impunity. Sir Walter Scott did large
amount of brain work in his day but he did not
overwork himself. In his latter days, however,
he became pecuniarily embarrassed, and resorted
to his literary pursuits to save himself; but he
worked too hard, and completely broke himself
down. One of the best scholars | ever knew
broke himself down in his younger days, but he
lived on to seventy, though he could only work
four hours day. After these hours he
engaged in vigorous exercises to keep him out
ued one of the best professors in the country"


DR.. Parker is no mere theorist, but physi-
clan of long and extensive practice and if
what he says is truth, there are few literary and
professional men and artists who do not trans
gress the limits of their physical powers. And
what shall be said of requiring children to study
six, eight and ten hours day, as is often done


in our public schools?