smithclay/nortonstories huggingface dataset:
Year: 1863

favorable classification which can be made


founded upon results already known aud con


lectures as to those yet to happen, leaves parties


In the House so nearly balanced as to make il


unsafe to predict which will be in the ascendant


the President or the People. The delegates


elected in the Northern States, where issues


were fairly made and the opinions of parties


well defined, can be calculated. upon with GER


tainty to vote in accordance with their avoWed
political proclivities. But il is not 30 with


many Of tho members from the border States,


who have no precise political classification, and


are governed by views peculiarly their own -


Many OF these have sustained in the present
Congress measures of the administration most
Objectionable to the Democratic party, and
may continue to do 80 In the next Congress-
IL is this fact that perplexes US, and makes us
fearful that the ensuing Congress will not be
reliable as a Democratic body. When we fad
administration men from border States In the
present Congress, we have reason to apprehend
their presence in the next; in which case we
may lind all OF our hopes Of a speedy return to
constitutional government dashed.


A Maryland correspondent wrote to us on
THIS subject In January, requesting us to give
statement, as nearly accurate as possible, of
the political complexion of the 39th Congress.
inclosing, at the same time, o table from the
Philadelphia Inquirer, and one of his own cor
rected from it, which he wished us to revise
Having no information at the time which he
did not seem to possess alao, we laid his letter
away until We eshould be better prepared to give
some satisfactory estimate. We do not know
whether we are any better prepared to do so
now than we were then; but the present Con.
gress being on the eve OF expiring, this is per-
haps as proper time to make the effort as sny
other, unless indeed, we postpone it until after
all the elections shall have taken place The
table furnished by our correspondent, corrected
from the Inquirer, is, in lite general result, as
nearly accurate, perhaps, as any that can be
but there are few errors in the de-
tails that have been made known since it was
compiled, which are corrected in the following
table, which is as near an approximation to the
political complexion Of the next House as can
now be made:
Year: 1863

The Thirty seventh Congress, having done all
the mischief possible, having brought the coun.
try to the very verge Of ruin and invested the
President with dictatorial powers for the sub
jugation Of the North and South alike, will close
Its infamous career at twelve O'Clock tonight,
(at least Il ought or at furthest on w edncsday,
(to-morrow). In view Of the condition of the
country the political complexion of the Thirty


eighth Congress is Of the greatest Importance.
Il ia impossible yet to speak with any degree of
poeitiveness In regard to 1t, as much depeuds
upon the result of the elections to take place
from the 10th Of March TO the 4th of November;
but from what we already know We think there
is ground for apprehension that 1t may not be
as favorable to the cause Of constitutional
freedom as we would wish Il to be. The most
Year: 1863

A REMARKABLE CURE OF CASE or DROP.


Sf CURED BIZ MRS. MANCHESTER.


This is to certify that have been cured of the
Dropsy Of fftesn Year, standing by Mrs. MancAes-
ter. have been to ply sicians in Boston, New York
and Philadelphia They all told me that they could
do nothing for me. unless they tapped me, and as
sured me that by tapping could live but short
time had made up my mind to go home and live
as long as could with the disease and then die On
my way home stayed over night in Portland with
afriend of mine, and told them what my mind was
in regard to my disease. They finally persuaded me
to go and see Mrs. Manchester. She examined me
and told me my case exactly.


was so much astonishcd to think that she told me
correctly. that told her that would take her medi
cines not having the least faith that they would do
any good. that should get the slightest relief
from any course whatever: finally took the medi
cine and went home. In one week from the time
commenced taking the medicine had over three
gallons Of water pass in seven hours; and my fe-
low sufferers may be assured that II was great relief
to me. had not been able to lie down IN bed at
night before this for two years. Now can lie down
with perfect ease. I have taken her medicine for
eight months. and am well rs any man could wish
TO be. and no signs Of dropsy would advise al
that are sick to go aud consult Mrs. MancAessey.
even IL they have been given up by other phy.
sicians. have sent her number Of cases Of other
diseases. and she has cured them also Go and -
for yourselves had no faith. but now my faith
cannot be shaksd in her skin in telling and curing
disease.
CHARLES s. HARMON,
SARAH E. HARMON.
MARY A. HARMON
Bangor, Maine, april I'd.
Year: 1863

This word has been much in vogue for the
two years past, and it is not always easy to
comprehend precisely what is meant by tho
term as often used. We can readily under
stand that 1t is the solemn duty of every one
to sustain the regularly Organized govern
ment, while acting in its appropriate sphere.
1t is our duty as American citizen to uphold
the Government of the United States, and to
our utmost give it efficiency especially at
this time when traitorous hands seek its
overthrow. But, we beg to ask does not
true loyalty equally require US to sustain our
State Government The State organization
is not less part of our great American sys-
tenn of government, than the Federal. Can
man be truly loyal" who while he sup
ports the General Government with unques-
tonng subserviency, is doing all in his power
to depreciate and break down the State Ad-
minstration Yet for the last two or three
weeks, men and presses which lay special
claim to monopoly of loyalty" and patriot
ism, have been doing just this thing. Wit
ness the unscrupulous ferocity of their as
saults ON Governor Seymour. No candid
man can doubt that the Governor acted both
wisely and efficiently in the suppression of
the late disgraceful riots in New York. The
result amply justifies both his discretion and
energy. Yet from the beginning of the troub-
les, such presses as the Tribune the Times,
and the independent, have not for moment
90 sad In acsaIl him With ho


thets. and the most false and malicious impu-
tations. Happily for the peace and good or
der Of society, the very violence of their as
saults, have recoiled upon these malignants.
Gov. Seymour has been true to his duty and
equal to the emergency in which he is
thrown, and such Will be the verdict of the
people. --a4-- a'ai
Year: 1863

We hear a great deal about the Almighty
Dollar, and have curiosity to know what it
is? Dollars may be Almighty, but the dol
| los is subject to many variations, and while it
was one thing yesterday, and another TO- day,
it may still be another to-tnortew, and so ou
to the crack Of doom. Indeed we may say
that the Dollar is the representative of change
though there is no change in circulation
and that is what 1t will bring, like that of
everything else-a bushel CT wheat, ton Of
coal, ashoddy Contract, or Congressman,
What is dollar? We can remember the
time when five of them would buy barrel of
flour or ton of coal when one of them
would buy ten, twelve or sixteen yards of
cotton shirting four of them would buy
pair of excellent boots. In the summer of
1861, ten thousand of them would buy ten
thousand barrels Of tar in New York city {;
but in the autumn of 1862. the tar cost forty
dollars barrel. A dollar once meant eight
pounds of coffee, three pounds of tea, twelve
pounds of sugar, or six pounds of butter.
Now it is a different matter although-worth
scarcely half as much. This dollar which
we speak of is harlequin-it goes and comes
and We cannot count it. Then, how differ
ent the dollars of different people are every
day in the year. The farmers dollars is as
heavy as mill stone. 1t represents real la
Dor all that is required to raise bushel of
wheat or two bushelsof corn, or four of oats
To him it is getting up before light and doing
chores after dark. See him lift it when lie
goes to market-lt does not part from him
lightly. But what an aerial thing is the dol
lar of a young merchant, stock specultor
or contractor, or a gambler. Its specific
gravity is zero. 1t does not mean so much
toll as tho farmers or Mechanics dollar, and
it jumps away at a hint. A fast horse can
haul great many of them, and fast women
can cover myriads of them with her skirts.
A dollar in Boston is one matter dollar in
San Francisco is another; della: IN Austalia
is another 4 dollar IN the country is twice
as large as a dollar in the city. A man has
five hundred of them year in the country,
and is rich he has thousand in the city
and is poor he has fifteen hundred and he is
no better two thousand and he will run in
debt. Public combinations make the dollar
60 farther and by living gregariouslY we can
buy newspaper for two cents, which would
cost a hundred dollars to manufacture if ev
cry man had the focls, an one man can rides
five mi los on the horsa railroad for e 20 oonF


whereas private team for the purpose would
cost three dollars. Hence we see that the
reign Of the Almighty Dollar is not absolute
but that it is to US just what we make it, as
it is to the counterfeiter, always providing
that We have one on hand.
Year: 1863

We find the following in The Drawer Of
Harper's month"; r-


The enrolling officer of Salisbury District,
Maryland was very active and thorough In
the performance Of his duty. One Gay he
went to the house of countryman, and find
ing none of the male members at home, he
made inquiry of the old woman about the
number and age of the "males" of the family.
After naming several tie old lady stopped
dts there no one else 2" asked the officer
"No," replied the woman, 'none except Billy
Bray" "Billy Bray, where is he 2" she
was at the barn minute ago,' said the old
lady. Out went the officer, but could not
find the man. Coming back, the worthy off
Ger questioned the old lady as to the age Of
Billy, and went away, after enrolling his
name among those to be drafted. The time
of drafting came, and among those on whom
the lot fell was Billy Bray. No one knew
him. Where did he live ? The officer who
enrolled him was called on to produce, and
10 and behold, Billy Bray was a jackass J.
and stands now on the list of drafted men as
forming one of the quota of Maryland.
Year: 1863

To boys and girls, who are perplexc to
know what to write about and how to write
it when required by their teachers to bring
"composition," We commend the following
model:


WINTER.-Winter is the coolest season of
the year because it comes in the winter. In
some countries winter comes in the summer,
and then it is very pleasant. wish winter
come in the summer in this country. kThen
could go skating bare foot and slide down hill
/ in linen trowsers. We could SNOWFALL with
out our fingers getting cold-and men who
60 out sleigh riding wouldn't havs to stop
at every tavern to warm, as they do now
1t SHOWS more in the winter than any other
season of the year. This is because so
many cutters and sleighs are made at that
time.


Ice grows much better in winter than IN
summer, which was an inconyenince before
the discovery of ice houses. Water that is


left out Of doors is aptto freeze at this season.
Some people take in their wells and cisterns
on a cold night and keep them by the fire so
they don't freeze.


Skating is great fun in the winter. The
| boys get their skates on when the river is
| frozen over, and race, play tag, break through
the ice and get wet all over, (they get drown.
| ed sometimes y fall and break their heads,
and enjoy themselves many other ways. A
wicked boy once borrowed my skates and ran
of with them and couldn't catch him.
Mother said judgment Will overtake him
one day. Judgment will have to be pret-
ty lively on its legs if it does, for no runs
bully.


There amt much sleigh riding except in
the winter-folks don't seem to care about
it in warm weather. The grow-up boys and
girls like TO do sleigh-riding The boys gen.
orally drive with one hand and help the girls
hold their muffs with the other Brother
Bob let me 60 along once when he took Celia
Crane out sleighing riding, and l tho ught he
paid more attention to holding the muff than
he did to holding the horses.
| Snow balling is another winter sport, |
| have snow -balled in the summer. But We


used stones and hard apples. 1t isn't So
amusing as it is in the winter, somehow.
Year: 1863

COMPOSITION FOR LEATHER of
the very best compounds known 70 us
for rendering leather boots and shoes
almost perfectly water proof, aud at the
same tune keeping them sofs and pliahle
is composed Of fresh beef ,allow, half All
ounce beeswax, one eighth of an ounce
Of sheliac. Melt the ,allow tirst, and
then remove all the membrance from il !;
add the hee.wax in thin. shavings, aud
when il is melted and combined with
the tallow. add the shellan in powder
and stir it nnti! it il melted. Becswax
is one Of the best prcscrva,ives Of leather
This compound should be applied warm
to the boot or shoe, and the soles should
receive : similar application to the
uppcrs. In using it, a rag or piece Of
sponge should be employed, and the
boot or shoe held cautiously before the
fire or stove until the compound soaks
into it. Care must be exercised not to
expose the leather to the FIRE. IT the
boot be blackened and brush d until j,
becomes glossy by the application Of
this preparation it will remain black
and shining for long period after It i,
applied. A little vegetable tar mixed


with the foregoing composition make,
| it more adhesive and improves its qua
| lity for walking among snow. 4 libera


application ot this composition ever,
two weeks during winter will keei
boots and shoes that arc worn daily
waterproof and soft-Scisst:6c Ans
Hiean.
Year: 1863

SKILL or TnR FRENCH PoLrCE.-
Several years ago the older Thomas
Perkins started from London to cross
the channel for Paris he had with him
4 large sum Of money, which he Was to
deliver to certain banking house IN
Paris. Such was the magnitude OF the
sum that tho utmost secresy was observ
ed, % that no person should be aware
of the fact; the money was taken from
the Bank Of England but few mo.
ments before departure.


Col. Perkin, arrived safe in Havre,
and congratulated himself npon his safe
ty and that Of his treasure thns far. It
was his first appearance on French soil.
he knew no one, and was entirely de.
pendent upon his letters Of introduction.
What then,was his aatonishmcnt on ar
riving at the gates Of Paris to hear his
name familiary spoken before he had
shown his passports, and not only his
name but the name of the hotel to which
he contemplated going. With true
Yankee shrewdness, however, Re con
cealed his astonishment He had been
at the hotel but q short time when three
or four persons entered his room
and informed him that they were
to hide themselves under his bed
be demanded an explanation, they be-
ing in citizens dress. To his still great.
er astonishment they informed him oi
the precise amount he had drawn from
tho Bank Of England. to whom he was
to pay it lin fact, all the particulars Of
tho transaction. 20 much that it appear
ed like revelation In reply to his
questions % to how they knew, they
said nothing. they merely informed him
that he had intended to put the package
under his pillow, and that at certain
hour his room would be broken into
J sed an .stemps msde = rob bin. lie
Year: 1863

E@The editor of the New Orleons Times
saws the oorsets worn by the ladies Of that
city will bear a monstrous strain, judging
from lady he saw, who was so nearly cut
in two that man might be amenable fol
bigamy should he marry he's.
Year: 1863

had clear bright eye that never looFd asehood
he had an ongl that nsnuated what
thought and word all fashioned by this
rueI hate every false way And Truth really hated moth
ing feared look people in the face he needed
shadowy wherein to hide found himself
the wall step by step suppose one IN the world ever
had less trouble than he People said he senbut it
only sunlight when reveals the evil well the good OF
shines upon If disagreeable things to light
that was not Truths fault any than the suns.


You imagine how much Truth found to dislike in the
world All the polite speeches that meant nothing and all the


kind remarks that had no proo-the false smiles of delight and
the false words of praise false words of scandal disgust
cd Truth beyond Yet his life most cheerful he
independent it all clear daylight where Truth
lived And is wonderful how much people enjoyed his
cev though he never said Il glad you unless he


it. Neither would he take that ddnot belong to
him. though undeserved blame he took very often 1t easy
| to bear for Truth and Peace close friends


If must say thing against Truths behavior is that he
was sometimes the company of one Rough Speech


wemeaning fellow with unwse tongue But when Truth
kept with his friends Humility and Tenderness, there
nothing in all the world as he.--Ltttle Anserlc7a.
Year: 1863

Of all the exercises Of the unfettered
mind, perhaps none are attended with
la more benign influence than that Of In
dulging in kind remembrances Of the
absent. Every loving word that fell
from their lips, is treasured up with
tenderness. Each kind act is recollect
ed with affection. We look forward to
meeting again with unbounded happi-
ness. Have we parted in anger, time
softens us into Indifference, at length
into quite Acknowledgement of past
friendships. Have we parted in silence
OF estrangement-this, two, wears
away, and we meet again to forget the
past in future communion. Have we
parted in grief, the sorrow is naturally
borne, and tenderly consigned to the
corner of our hearts devoted to the alb
sent sharer. Have we parted in love,
no Joy SO great as the remembrance OF
it-none ever so delightful or sacred as
the reunion. Have we been parted by
death? All the affection that travels
with the flown spirit to its home in the
relms of light-the changed, but ever
increasing sacredness Of the love that
bound us on earth, is now freed from
it's alloy, while the unfettered Spirit
hoyers near to watch over US and bear
the incense of truthful and purified afec-
ton upward on the wings Of enduring
love. Absent from sight, to the spirit
ever near no shade Of earth mingles
in the holy Office Of one ministering an
angel, whose sweet influence is like the
gentle dew upon the fragrant flower,
that ex-hales perfume unseen, but ever
grateful to the perceptions Of the In
born Spirit.


u
Year: 1863

phasis on the physical prostration which
prevented him from Immediately addressing
the President concerning the subject. He
added, however, that he was on the eve of
returning to his home, with the resolution
to perform this task as soon as he should get
a little strength. Such were the leading
ideas expressed by the illustrious patriot
during the interview. On the following
morning. he returned to his home where a
few days afterwards. in the complete pos
session of his faculties and with nothing
wanting to his pure and beautiful fame, he
sank full-orbed into the grave.


The views we have cited above constitute
the dying counsel of the illustrious and la
meuted patriot to the Chief Magistrates of
his country in this crisis of her existence. {.
We in all respectfulness and in all solem nifty
commend the counsel to that high officer.
Death, in arresting its utterance, has but
consecrated and ennobled it.
Year: 1863

Louis Napoleon gave a ball in honor of
taking of Mexico, sent two tickets to each
soldier of regiment. and when they came
with their pretty girls of Vichy, he and the
Empress danced with them clear into morn
ing.
Year: 1863

The Hand Without The Heart.


How many startling episodes from the ex-
perience Of human souls are arrayed before
US as we turn over the pages of many life.
history, freighted with the sad testimony
that, hands have been Joined in the most
sacred and tender relations of earth, when
lips uttered vows that found no echo In the
heart; when smile was given for rsmile--and
word for word with all the seeming earnest
ness of self sacrificing devotion, beneath
whose winning garb was naught but dis
stimulation of the most insinuating and dead
| ly character. striking at the sacred founts OF
feeling with sure and steady aim, then
breaking the sweet spell ~hisfa once ap-
peared as true and pure as the light of
Heaven from whence it dawned. ~ Have
you ever reader, seriously considered in all
its minor and more important bearings that
we'll? Upon what did the world base its
conclusions? Did even the closest and
m ost impartial observer, pause for moment
to consider whether this or the other alliance





throb would prove the outpourings of a
mutual regard; whose love no misfortune
could change-no adversity could affect
with its chilling breath!


Such hands have been joined to warm
hearts-but there are many sequels of half
spent existence which clearly show how
little there is of disinterosted affection in
the world.


Twas splendid choice because it brought
affluence in almost countless sums; twas a
happy consummation because it conferred
by single bo und, high rank among the
devotees of fashion, and every caprice of q
frivolous aristocracy. Congratulations fol-
lowed the festive scene that crowned the
wedding day; and there was 30 lack of
friends to wish pleasant journey down the
stream of Time!


Hands were clasped-a mere formal recog-
milton of a sacred vow, upon whose hallow-
ed altar, no foweret of affection was ever
destined to bloom. How great perversion
of that holy institution which has for its
Aesis, Gods eternal might! How great a
sacrifice, whose highest ambition Is centered
in the meaningless homage of an ensnaring
world. upon whose wide expause so many
barks have been wrecked-in life but weary
and dissatisfied wanderers upon its tremul-
Gus ocean: in death consigned to oblivion,
with only a weeping willow to wave o'er
each gravel



Obedience to the inexorable commands of
parent have gone forth; and they who were
the pride of the village, the city, and the
town; the gems that sparkled brightest in
the household, have been offered up to
please the cravings of an earthly idol that
true devotion would scorn to wed. Time
soon writes the epitaph you fsin would re-
call; in the words of another: "Weaith,
honor, fame, and all the gay world calls
pleasure, cannot compensate for the smallest
moiety of the exalted esteem, confidence
and love which should exist in the marriage
relation"


Clasp thou then the hand that giveth its
whole heart. Look not down with con-
tempt upon its station however poor it may
be. Clouds may obscure, but there is light
beyond if there is love-pure and undisguised;
fadeless as the fairest jewels that Truth
wears upon her brow; chaugeless in fair and
stormy weather-ever the same whatever
betides.