smithclay/nortonstories huggingface dataset:
Year: 1861

On the llth ult., trip was made down the


Thames; 10 test the merits of an invention,


which Is opposed to all the received notions


with regard 10 the propulsion Of vessels, wheth


er by the oar, the paddle wheel or the screw.


In those cases the motion is obtained by the


broad surface which Is brought to bear upon the


water, whereas, here the least conceivable


resisting surface Is presented, namely, the rim
of thin disc, revolving on the axis, like the


ordinary paddle-Wheel. This "disc wheel' ia


the invention of Mr.. James Jones Aston,


barrister, who has for some years devoted his


attention to steam navigation. 1t consists Of a
solid circular disc of metal or wood, or both


in combination, with plain edges made as thin
as possible, consistently with its being strong
enough to be turned 10 the water without break.
ing or "buckling."


One at the stern, or one on each side will pro.
pei boat, but several may be used on the shaft
at equal distances apart. The portion not act
ing in the water can be cut away, and the disc
filled with arms or spokes Its advantages over
the paddle.wheel and the screw consist In tho
motive power being 80 perfectly utilized as to
obtain greater rate of speed than has hitherto
been practicable, 10 its being less likely to be
disabled in O storm or battle, and in the entire
absence of paddles or blades to agitate the wa
ter and to give vibration to the boat Mr.. AS
ton obtained the use of an old, heavy and lum-
bering craft, and substituted his disc.Rheels for
paddle ones, which were before employed
Each wheel was composed of several metal discs,
open in the center, about fourteen feet in diane.
ter, and little more than two feet in the water.
The boat thus prepared, aud with Its ordinary
engines working the wheels, moved of slowly,
increasing ito speed until 1t went little more
than six knots an hour.


There were forty-seyen revolutions minute,
and the consumption of coal at the rate Of
twelve and O half hundred weight an hour,
with pressure of six pounds on the boiler, the
usual speed of the vessel, with the paddle
wheels, being eight knots with one ton Of coal.
As the wheel meets with 80 little resistance
from the water, 1t ought to be, In Mr.. Aston's
opinion, propelled alta velocity superior to ex-
listing marine engines. To the scientific It
would be matter of nice investigation now
these wheels act upon the water go as to move
along vessel OF such bulk The defects In the
Invention may be said to be difficulty In max
ing quick start and in suddenly stopping, but
these may be overcome by the skill Of clever,
practical engineer. Mr.. Aston alleges various
grounds for tho superiority of his disc wheel;
no loss of power from back-water, Its liability
to be much less effected by wind and tide, Its
suitableness for canals and shallow rivers, and
Its cheapness. It can be easily applied TO all
and also to the stern; but In the
case Of screw, some alteration to the machine
ry would be necessary.
Year: 1861

The following are selected from volumniou:
accumulation of testimonials Of the Press Of the
United States. and from eminent Professors o
our institutions where the practice of medicine
is taught:
Year: 1861

TRUE COURAGE OF THE KING OF PORTUGAL.
The King, who at the outbreak of the pes
thence was only twenty years old, felt it to
be his duty to remain at his capital, and do
all he could toward mitigating the calamity.
To effect this object, he did not conhne him
self to presiding over councils or to discuss
ing means of alienation in his cabinet; he
went himself among the sick. We were
told that he would continually visit the hos
pitfalls both by day and night, coming in a
hired street carriage, with single compan-
ion, that he might prevent preparations for
his reception, and ascertain for himself in
what manner the patients were treated. On
one occasion, it is said, he found a medical
man feeling the pulse of his patient with his
glove on, hoping thereby to escape contagion.
We may imagine the Kings indignant re-
proof to the timorous doctor.


3 another time the spectacle was more
gratifying. He was just entering a ward
when be heard aphysican trying to reassure
patient, who was in dropping state, with
kind and soothing words. Don Pedro re-
mained outside until the doctor had ceased
speaking, when he entered, extending his
hand toward him. The physician, recog-
nizing his sovereign, attempted to 90 down
upon his knee, and kiss the hand thus held
out. "No," said the King; Z" you have be-
haved like brother to that poor, sick man.
and am proud to shake hands with you"
Year: 1861

A KING OPPOSED TO PoMP AND DISPLAY
Since the return of King Victor Emmanuel
to Naples, all kinds of flying anecdotes about
his sayings and doings at Palermo have been
being taken out of his carriage and his being
drawn along by the people, and on leaving
the cathedral, told the Syndic, or Mayor OF
Palermo, that in coming to Sicily, he wished
it to be understood that the brute beasts were
to remain brute beasts, and the men TO re-
main men. He further added that he was
neither danSsuse like Ceritto, nor travel-s
ing dentist, and had no wish to receive the
honors commonly accorded to such char
acterg-
Year: 1861

THE INSANITY OF GOVERNOR WIsE-GOv
Wise gives public notice that if the people of
Virginia should even deliberate whether in
the present crisis they will go with the North
OF the South; 81 at least, for one of her sons,
will not follow her lead but I will rush to
South Carolina or some other heroic Com
monwealth of the South, and implore the use
of her arms to save my mother State from
inefable disgrace" The only drawback to
this agreeable intelligence is that the ridicu-
lous old gasconader never does any thing
that he promises.
Year: 1861

TERRIBLE DIsAsTER-Fire at SeG.-The
ship ScdHgO, which has arrived at Baltimore
from Calcutta, after an unusually long pass
age, fell in with burning steamer off Ba-
hama, supposed to be the British mail
steamer Delta, which plies between st.
Thomas and Halifax. The company of the
vessel were, portion of them, upon raft
near the steamer, and some Of them strug-
Cling in the water. The sea ran very high
at the time, so as to render the launching of
boats perilous. No efforts were made to save
the unfortunate persons in and around the
wreck, because of the danger attending the
undertaking, and from the fact that large
part of the crew were debilitated by the
scurvy, contracted during the long voyage
Year: 1861

Corn EMPLOYED AS FUEL.-0n certain por-
tions of the Illinois prairies, corn is being
used as fuel, in lieu Of COAL aud is found an
excellent substitute. In the districts referred
to, corn is twelve and half cents per bushel
and coal is fifteen to seventeen cents. Not
only is the difference in price in favor of the
q bushel of coal
Year: 1861

ABOUT BEDBUGs. According TO an
article in the last nnmber Of Harper s
Magazine, bed-blgs are an American
invention, and have been exported
from this country to all parts of
Europe, excepting Ireland, where a
bed-bug is never to be found. The
insect msdo lis appearance in En-
gland as early as 1903, when t4o
noble men were "punctured" by them,
and the physicians called in grent
haste. The bug is parasite Of the
bat fam lily, and is SO tenacious of life
that Do degree of cold or beat can
affect it. Fieeze one until you can
break il in two; tbaw the pieces and
they will revive. Freeze the eggs
until CONCEALED in ice; LET them tbaw,
and they will hatch again as usual
Boil both insect and egg and they
will revive again as soon as cool. If
they can get nothing to eat they
will live and propagate on what nour
isbment they NAV derive from the
atmosphere.
Year: 1861

BALTIMORE, April II.


Gov Hicks was waited upon last n ght
at his hotel by company Of the Cover
nor's guard, who informed him that they
had come to sing the Star Spangled Ban
ner with him. The Governor expressed
pleasure at the visit and said he was too
hoarse to join them, but he would tell
them that he was still under the stars
and stripes.


The Star Spangled Banner was then
sung. The Governor thanked the visit.
ors for the courtesy and said he hoped
tho song would be sung on all fitting &C.
casions forever. The Union must bs
preserved.


A Voice-Governor, you have done
your duty so far.


The Goyernor-Yes, l intend to keep
doing SO.


A Voice-We will stand by you.


Much enthusiasm was manifested.
Year: 1861

Everybody recollects the diamond
wedding of the rich old Cuban and the
young New York belle. A recent letter
from Cuba says:


at may interest my fair readers to
remember that Havana is the homo Of
Signor Oveido, the hero of the diamond
wedding. Here he is known as q mu,at-
to, at least half black, and he Is said to
be Blue Beard for brutality. He is
rich but, as he and his bride are Of
course excluded from all good society,
his wealth can hardly compensate his
lady for the Sights and seclssion to
which her life is henceforth destined.-
A sad aud dearly bought conclusion Of %
brilliant bridal.
Year: 1861

l send you the following remarks on
the propagation of grape vines from cut
ting, which may be done with very little
trouble:


Have a box two feet high, and about
two and half feet wide-the length a.
you require-6ll half full of we'll pulver-
lied soil; prepare the cuttings with
three eyes; cut smooth below the bot
tom one place them in slanting posi-.
ton, with the last bud just above the
soil take sixpenny worth of cotton cloth,
nail tightly over the box; give warm soft
water freely every evening; place the
box in sunny nook, and in few weeks
your box will be filled with grape vines
ready for potting or planting 10 borders.


From one who is experimenting on the
culture Of the vine in small green home
in summer, and in the esllar through
winter. Country Gentlsnan.
Year: 1861

- 0tS0Q or ISlOO0 zee ADeSttutlO0 m MlS9tSO


sippi..COrn Riots Threatened.


From the Brandon (diss) Republican of March asth.l


The Board of Police of this county
met on Saturday last to adopt some meas.
ures to relieve the wants of the poor and
destitute. It was proposed by somo to
appropriate the funds in the county
treasury for that purpose, but the Board
has no authority for doing it, and they
adjourned without any definite action,
except to call q meeting of the citizens
Of the county on Saturday next, to see if
some measures of relief could not be
adopted. We hope there will be large
meeting Of those who are able to give,
and that they will all give to the extent
of their means. Something must be done,
and that speedily too, or hundreds Of our
citizens piX certainly perish aoith hunger.
We want to see those that have been de.
nouncing that good and pure hearted old
gentleman, Benz Hawkins, and boasting
that they were ready and willing to give
half they had to the poor, come forward
and subscribe literally. Will they do it?
We will venture the prediction that one
hundred dollars will not be subscribed by
that class of men in the county. Some
Of them have been appealed to heretofore,
and their reply was that there was no one
in need except few lazy, drunken and
trifing fellows. We deny it. There
are hundreds of hard ,oorking, honest
men, ,cho are almost entirely destitute,
and ,oho must suffer unless they get RELIEF
IN some form. We have heard Of large
number Of men who have given up their
crops and gone off to hunt work and get
food for their families. If they had the
corn TO feed thoir families and stock they
could make crop and pay for it IN tho
Year: 1861

The bill for the enslavemcnt Of free
negroes in Virginia has been adopted
Its practical effect will be to force into
slavery sixty or seventy thousand free
persons-an act of baseness without =
parallel in any civilized country.
Year: 1861

There were about seventeen hundred dollars
In bills found on the person Of the robber, be
sides the gold he had taken from Mrs. Dean
As there were no claimants for the bills, at the
suggestion Of the stranger. whose life had been
saved from the anger Of the winter storm by the
shelter he iound in the smoke house, q thous.
and dollars OF the seventeen hundred were pre-
sented to Milly in consideration Of what she had
passed through, and the remainder was divided
around.


On that very spot is now thriving town,
and one Of the finest residences in the place is
that where dwells Milly Dean and her hus-
band
Year: 1861

In view Of such terrible slaughter Of
their best troops, it need be no longer q
wonder why the rebels did not immcdiate-
]y march upon Washington, nor should it
be matter Of surprise that in their cold.
hearted policy they conceal the particulars
Of their disaster. We cannot ut all agree
with the Richmond correspondent Of the
Mercu-y that the concealment is "a neys-
terry that requires explanation" for the
reason Of the reticence Of the Confeder-
ates about their killed and wounded is so
plain that 1.-The daylight shines through
it."-HH. Inquirer.
Year: 1861

A baker in the army, celebrated for bis
excellent bread, gives the following recipe
for making yeast: Boil one pound Of four,
one-fourth pound Of sugar, and little
salt, in two gallons Of water for one hour
When milk-warm bottle and cork it close
1t will be ready for use in twenty-four
hours Some Of our house keepers will
do well TO try the recipe.
Year: 1861

Now that the name of Varnhagan voh
Ense is brought so prominently forward,
through the Humboldt correspondence, it may
not be amiss to quote from one of his works a
story about pair of boots, which, by their
opportune disappearance, did their owner bet
ter service than did ever boots before by the
promptest attendance. 1t occasioned the au-
thor's account of Crab Schlaberndorf, writer
of no little power, who lived in Paris garret,
was misery in triaes, and lavishly generous in
great things who was primarily hearty
friend of liberty, and secondly persevering,
disinterested patriot. A friend Of the Goron-
dists, he speedily found his way to prison under
the sway of Robespierre


One morning the death-cart came fer its
usual number of daily victims, and Schlabern-
DORIS name was called out. He Immediately,
with the greatest GOODNESS and good humor, pre-
pared for departure. Presence of mind in
some shape, grand stoicism, or more often
Indifference, were common in those terrib. =
times. And Schaberndorf was not the man
to make an ungracelul departure when the nm
avoidable Must Of fate stood sternIy before
him. He was soon dressed, only his boots
were missiag. He sought and sought, and the
jailor sought with him in this corner and in
that but they were not to be found. Well,
said Shlaberndorf sharply, this is too bad !;
to be guillatined without my boots will never
do Hark ye, my good friend" continued he,
with simple good humor, to the jailer, " take
me tomorrow one day makes no difference
it is the man they want, not Tuesday or We'd
nesday." The jailor agreed. The wagon, full
enough without that one head, went off to lis
destination Schlaberndorf remained in his
prison.


Next morning at the usual hour, the vehi-
Gle returned and the victim who had so
strangely escaped on the previous day, was
ready, boots and all, waiting the word of com
mand. But, behold, his name was not heard
that day, nor the third day, nor the fourth and
not at ALL There was no mystery IN the mat
ter 1t was naturally supposed he had fallen
with the other victims named for the original
day. In the multitude of sufferers no one could
curiously inquire for an individual For the
days that followed there was enough of victims
without him, and so he remained in prison till
the fall of Robespierre, when, with so many
others, be received his liberty. He owed this
miraculous escape-not the least strange in
the strange history of the Revolution partly
to the kindness Of the jallor-partly and main
ly to his good temper. He was universal
favorite in the Jail
Year: 1861

A GRIZZLY SroRy.-Not long since, Joel
WestiaIl, who hes lot of hogs on the South
Fork of the Merced, lost fine sow, and after
days search discovered the carcass partly
eaten up, and huge grizzly tracks all around,
which left little doubt as to the beast commit
ting the degradation Concluding, after ma
ture deliberation, to get recompense, Westfal
took his blankets and weapons and camped
within few yards of the remains, aud within
few feet of the trail that leads to the Big
Trees which were not more than half mile
distant. Keeping watch till late hour, and
no bear appearing, Joel concluded TO go to
make to waken bin. Past midnight his sleep
was disturbed by ominous sounds, and looking
up be discovered huge grizzly coming direct
ly down the trail. He did not as was expect
ed, turn off to his prey, bui kept on, and before
Joel could get up his rife be horrible cuss
was within ten feet. Part of the moon was
smelt something, as he stuck up his head to
snuff the tainted air. Westfa seized this
opportunity and fred at the bears thr at.
(the bear being head on to him.) then doubled
himself up in his blankets and lay still, holding
his pistol and knife ready. He thinks it took
about half an hour for that bear to de. in
which time he broke all the underbrush and
tore up half an acre of ground Finally be
subsided, and when all was still, Westlall got
up and carefully approached the spot whence
the last sounds proceeded. where he found
stretched in death, the Monarch OF the Forest.
grizzly weighing over 1000 pounds.-Mari-
posa Gazette.
Year: 1861

CHIEF JUSTICE TANEY.-We have the best
possible authority for stating that the venera-
BILE Roger B. fancy, Chief Justice of the Uni
ted States, has no intention whatever, of re.
signing his seat on the bench neither viii he
if he can help it, oblige the many patriots who
are anxious to succeed him, by dying between
now and the 4th of March, The Chief Justice
sees no cause for the dissolution either Of him
self or of the Union, in Mr. Lincolu's election
and unless the fire eaters can bribe his cook to
put a spider in Judge Taney's pudding, or the
chamber-maid to give the great old jurist damp
sheets, We congratulate the country on the
prospect of still retaining on the bench the
eminent wisdom and loyalty of this gentleman
for many years. His heart is still warm enough
to pulsate vigorously to the Union sentiment
and his brain clear enough to give yet many
more decisions in defense Of the Constitution
toe Confederacy and the maintinance of the
laws.-New York Leader.
Year: 1861

On one occasion, when Mr.. Spurgon ascend
ed the pulpit, the first sentence he uttered was:
I hear that some one here has lost a watch,
and another person pocket-book. All l can
say in the matter is, think it serves them
right Why did they not leave them at home?
But have a word or two more to say on this
subject, which is this that if my friends, the
pickpockets, are still in the chapel, have to
request that they viii not attempt to pick any
more pockets till have made the collection,
as l want all the money I can get p
Year: 1861

How sweet the evening shadows fall.
Advancing from the West,
As ends the weary week of toll,


And comes the day of rest!
Bright DER the earth the star of eve
Her radiant beauty sheds,
And myriad sisters calmly weave
Their lights around our heads.
Rest man, from laborl rest from sin
The worlds hard contest close.
The holy hours with God begin
Yield thee to sweet repose.
Bright Ger the earth the morning ray
It's sacred light will cast;
Fair emblem of the glorious day


That evermore shall last.
Year: 1861

A SECESSION SIMILE.-In one of the Hon.
Mr. Finton's speeches, that gentleman said
the threat of secession reminded him Of the
man in Buffalo who attached his old scow to
the stern Of lake steamer, to be towed up the
lake. After the boat had got under headway
the wheels of the steamer threw the water into
the old scow, and she was in danger of sinking
The owner cried out to the captain: 'sHold
on there. If you don't stop throwing water
into my craft III make your !" Well" says
the captain, "what will you do?" Dor
shouted the enraged man, why, III cut the
rope, and let your darned old steamer go to
thunder :"
Year: 1861

A plea for old cheese.-Mite is right


Female fortifcations.- woman's cri-
Moline is her castle.


1t is right for young people to use license
to get married, but they shouldn't use too much
license afterwards.


A total abstainer may be said to be at all
times 'reHsupplied but the topper, on the
Contrary, " let's 1ceH alone"


Free passes may be called "honors to the
deadp-heads.


A brisk business-Cabnet making


The first ecessionist-Adam, who seeded
from Paradise by refusing to obey the law of
the Lord.


The Palmetto Minute Men evidently think
the are the men for the hour. They are great,
too, as seconds.


The Zoyara has married Frank Drew, and
will continue to draw as well as ever.


Half the failures in life arise from the pull
ing in ones horse as he is leaping


The most mischievous liars are those who
keep sliding on the verge of truth


Many mans vices have at first been moth
ing worse than bis good qualities run wild


Hardly anything is so difficult in writing as
to write with ease.


Excessive indulgence to others especially to
children, is in fact only self indulgence under
an alias.


Don't be in too great hurry, girls, to fall in
love with the young men. 1t often happens
that your hearts are no sooner theirs, than
theirs are no longer yours.
Year: 1861

among the Grampian mountains there are
glens chiefly inhabited by shepherds and the
pastures over which their focks range extend
in every direction for many miles 1t is the
daily business of the shepherd to visit success:
sively the different extremities of the pastures,
and to turn back any of the flock that may be
straying to those of his neighbors. 1t is
common practice with the Highanders to nc
custom even their very young children TO the
rigors of the climate and, on one occasion, q
shepherd took with him an infant of about
three years DID, To have a more extensive
view, be ascended q summit at some distance,
and, as this was too fatigung for the child, he


left it at the foot OF tie mountain, charging him
not to move until his return. Scarcely. how
ever. had be reached the top when one of the
mists which frequently fall on the mountains
came suddenly, and, in few minutes, almost
changed day into night. fastening back to
find bis child. he missed his way among the
morasses and cattaracts around, and night act
ually came ON while lie was continuing his
search in vain. AT length, in bis wanderings.
he reached the verge of the mist, and the moon
having now risen he found he was not far from
his own cottage. Further pursuit appeared
very dangerous, and he entered his home great
ly distressed, for his child was lost, and dog
also who had faithfully attended him for tfany
years. at the break Of day, accompanied by
several of his neighbors, be went forth in quest
of the child, but the day was spent without
success. Returning to his cottage, at night
fall he found that his dog had returned, but
had Immediately left home on receiving piece
of cake As this was done more than once,
and the child could not be found, the shepherd
determined to remain at home, and when the
dog should next come and so, wariy follow
him. As he did so, be tracked the dog to O
cataract, the banks of which almost Joined at
the top but were separated by chasm Of
considerable depth, and down one Of these
rugged descents it proceeded, and entered G
cave, the mouth of which was almost on level
with the torrent. 1t was with difficulty that
the shepherd followed, but, on entering, be be-
held, with indescribable feelings, his child eat
ing the cake the dog had just brought The
child, it afterwards appeared, had wandered
from the spot where he was left, to the brink
of the precipice, and then had either fallen or
scrambled down till he reached the cave, from
which he had not gone from fear OF the torrent.
Hither he had been traced by the dog, who had
not quilted him night nor day, except to go
home for food and he was observed to GO
thither and return at his utmost speed.