smithclay/nortonstories huggingface dataset:
Year: 1859

An. inter esting fact, says the PhiIadel-
phia Press. was developed at the late NEE
ting of the United States Agricultural So
ciety. DR.. EIwyn called the attention CT
the members to the fact that the wheat crops
of this country we're fast diminishing, so
far as the number of bushels to the acre
was concerned. He stated that in Ohio, a
State but little over fifty years old, the crop
had fallen of from forty bushels to the acre
to about sixteen, while in the best portions
of New York, where thirty bushels used to
be considered fair crop. only twelve bush
els are now raised. The falling off in other
States had been equally marked; but while
this was the fact with the wheat crops, be
was glad to know that The amount of corn
produced TO the acre had largely increased,
and was still increasing enormously.
Year: 1859

There are at this tune more boats than
has probably ever piled the river st one time,
all of which seem to be. doing a good busi-
ness The commerce of the Missouri is
greater than il has ever been for several years
before and is now gradually increasing-
The settlement of Kansas, the discovery of
gold at Pixies Peak. have contributed vast
" to the resources of trade in the West, and
opened up new channel for commerce which
bids fair to rival the greatest in the western
world. These facts viii account for the
great amount of business done in eonnec-
lion with our river, and the great number OF
boats necessary to its transaction. The
completion of the Hannibal and st. Joseph
Railroad. together with those running
through the interior of Iowa, so far from at
fecting the business of the Missouri. have
been accessories to its increase, by turning
the attention of the world to Kansas and the
country adjacent, causing a heavy emigra-
ton to peur in and settle up these former
wild regions, in the wake OF which natural
ly springs up new and giant trade.


Travel has been for some months and is
now unusually great. and lands bounding
the shores of the Missouri river, which a
few years ago were unexplored, are now
yielding their products to succer and foster
pioneer spirit. The emigraht has already
seized upon their advantages, and their will
derness-ike appearance is fast assuming the
condition of fields and blossoming gardens.
With millions of acres of the most fertile
lands yet untouched, and which must soon
attract the attention and receive the culture
of the pioneer, who can doubt but that the
commel ce of the Missouri must gradually
enlarge as the country becomes populated,
and until it will rival any yet known? Such
is the natural view of the prescient eye, ver-
flied by the history of the past and the in
stances of the present.-Ransas City Net
ropolitan.
Year: 1859

''If no other organization exists but the
Democratic and Republican, and the former
is not victorious, then the Republican party
will be. Should this be the case, we have
given the control of the Republican party
into the hands of Lane, Vaughan, Conway
& Co., because they are the originaters and
prime movers IN that organization, and are
the head and front of the proposed Repub-
lican party of Kansas ''-Herald Of Free
dom.


If no other organization exists but the
Democratic and Free State, and the former
is not victorious. then the Free State party
will be. In that case. we have given the
control of the Free State party into the
hands of BroMu. Smith d Co., because
Brown says he is the originator of the move
ment, and claims to belts head, tail and
middle. We would merely ask the people
which they would prefer for their political
leader in case they had to have either?
Year: 1859

The new road law is exciting some little
discussion among the people. and in general
it meets with a cordial approval. Ofcourse
there will always be a few ''grumblers, :"
who are never happy or contented unless
they can make themselves miserable by the
discussion of some intolerable grievance
1t seems to us tat no man who really de-
sires the welfare and progress of the coun-
try can reasonably object to a law which in
sures the working of the roads. and COM
pels every man to contribute in proportion
to his means. To be sure, the tax is high,
out no man of public spirit will complain
of it on that account when he considers the
advantage of good roads. We say to all,
most emphatically, "MEED Your WAYS, -
and bridge your rivers, and put culverts in
your ravines and slough holes.
Year: 1859

THE WIND-wAGoN.-The great point OF
attraction in Westport at present is the
Wind sUagon, which is now nearly finished,
and will in few days start out on trial
trip. 1t is a singular looking concerns
perfect mechanical nondescript-and at the
first glance one would be at loss to know
whether it was intended for the air, the va
ter. or the land. The protector has pat
ent for it, and he is sanguine that the con-
Germ will go. 1t is intended to traverse the
great plains, and will run as regular pack
ct between the Missouri border and the gold
mines. Several of our citizens have great
faith in its success Westpors Star.
Year: 1859

The New York correspondent of Tzt
Charleston Courier. who is evidently one o
the friends of Mr.. Sickles. says that they en-
tertain no fear as to the result of the trial,
and expect soon to See him return home,
acquitted of the murder of Key. elf ac-
quilted Internationally, he will not resign
his seat in the next Congress; but, if to bis
release there is any qualification, he will
send in his resignation at once. and when
the special election occurs, he will again be
a candidate, and the power does not exist in
New York to prevent his triumphant re-
turn Another correspondent. whe be-
longs to the same party. thinks that the tri-
al will consume nine or ten days.
Year: 1859

A WORD OF EXPLANATIoN.- For
many months past we have endeavored
to procure, just before going to press on
each publication day, the latest news by
telegraph, and have never succeeded
but in two or three instances. The line
has been almost invariably out of repair,
or communication shut off from some
other cause unknown, until now we des-
pair of ever obtaining late intelligence.
This is not said to complain of the tele
graph operators-for it is certainly to
their interest to furnish us with dispatch
es if they can possibly do SO; but as an
explanation to our subscribers who might
otherwise think us lacking in enterprise.
As the Press is published at the end of
the week after all the news of the prece-
ding six days has been spread before its
readers in a dozen different sheets, it is
impossible for us to give it any more than
local interest; for which reason we have
always been chiefly anxious to ELL it with
home occurrences, to make it a medium
for the discussion of home topics, and
the development of home interests.
This is an humble, but we believe, use
full endeayor 1t is impossible for a
village hebdomadal to compete with the
large dailies of the cities in the depart
ment of general news, and it is to be
hoped the patrons of the Press will
attribute its deficiency in this respect to
the right cause.
Year: 1859

On Sunday last the Methodist Church
edifice in this place was dedicated to the
service Of the Christians God. Rev. S.
Simonds, Presiding Elder of this Dis
trict, and Rev. d. A. Dryden of Neva-
da, assisted by the local preacher, Rev.
Mr. Scofeld, performed the services,
which were very interesting and witness
ed by large audience. Mr.. Dryden
delivered the dedicatory sermon, taking
for his theme the origin, progress and
destiny of the Christian church. His
effort was the ablest we have heard from
the pulpit of California, and was charac-
terised by degree of liberality as cred
liable as it is unusual Looking at the
subject from his own standpoint the
discourse may be pronounced every way
admirable. AT its conclusion an appeal
was made to the congregation for money
topay off the debt of the church, amount
ing to about $500. While some of the
brethren went about with slips of paper
receiving subscriptions, Mr.. Simonds
remained at his post making solicitations
which seemed to be considered by the
audience as rather amusing than other
wise, judging from the smiles and sensa-
ton. We have heard some objections
to this mode of obtaining money for
church purposes, but do not consider
them well founded. In our opinion the
obtaining of money even in the very
temple itself, is quite as religious an act
as any other performed in the service of
the Lord; and the ejingling of coins on the
altar erected for His praise is doubtless
as acceptable sound as the chanting of
hymns. Those who urge the above OBJ
lection would, as rule, be glad of any
other excuse for not parting with their
money. Such is the gratuitous opinion
of an outsider. The amount collected
and subscribed was only something over
$3.50. That this result may not be at
tributed to meanness on the part Of cur
citizens we may mention the fact that
later on the same day upwards of 5000
in cash was in short time contributed
by smaller number of persons than
attended church-for the benefit of the
widow and orphans of lamented towns
man. Such acts ennoble this commu-
nifty and make us love it.


Not the least interesting feature of the
dedication was the taking vote to as
certain how many of those present were
In favor of completing the church and
devoting it to the service of the Al
mighty The ladies were excused from
voting, but nearly all the men rose to
their feet, only two or three wicked
wretches obstinately remaining seated.


And SO the church on the hill has
been dedicated. While yet unfinished
it was several times dedicated by the
passage through its portals Of the be-
loved dead, whose features were beheld
there for the last time. Grief had re-
peatedly sanctifed with its tears the
edifce, and in many sad memory it
will be sacred forever as the scene of a
final parting which must be repeated in
the experience of all
Year: 1859

For the sake of those who are not &C.
customed 10 systematic reading, we make
some suggestions as to the mode of reading,
so as to gain the highest advantage from
the books they peruse.


/. Ascertain the aim of the author.
You will thus know what to expect from
his book and save much time, which might
otherwise be spent in looking for what you
could not find. An attentive reading of the
title-page, preface, and table of contents,
will enable you to judge pretty accurately
what the au, hor is about. Some facts, too.
which float only among intelligent men,
will aid you greatly in these matters.


2. Read aoakefai,y and atenticely, and
with determination to comprehend thor
oughly the book you are perusing. Read
neither credulously nor skcptically, but
candi'lly; endeavoring to go to the root of
the matter, if possible. One hour of such
reading is worth week of the supei fetal
reading which is so common,


3 Read with good Dictionary at your
etjo,c, aud consult it freely whenever you
meet word you are not sure you under
stand. Webster and Worcester are the
best in general use. We use Webster.
Never pass an important word without
mastering its meaning in the work you are
reading. In this way you will soon gain a
good stock of words for your oa0a use, while
you are learning the meaning of the book
you are reading.


A. After reading chapter, close the
book and try 10 recall, and state briefly in
your own language, the substance of the
chapter, in the order the author pursues
This is one Of the most profitable exercises.
1t will show you just how much you have
gained by reading. If you cannot do this
just read the chapter again. The second
reading will probably do you some good
The first reading has been of little use to
you, if you are unable to state what the
main thoughts are.


5. IF the book is your own-but not if
it is a borrowed one-you may mark with
a pencil the most important thoughts. You
will thus rememb them more easily, and
can refer to them more readily.


Adopting these suggestions, you will
read slowly, but what yon read viii become
yours. 1t will stir up your own thoughts,
and probably develop your mental powers
as beautifully as any other discipline you
can have.
Year: 1859

| That such inlumanity as is narrated be-
low by a Washington correspondent of the


New York Evening Post, is permitted by
The laws Of the District of Columbia, is a
/ disgrace to the nation:


Said Manuel Mason and his wife we're
i the slaves of white woman, living a few
miles out of the city. A few years ago
/ Manuel was taken sick with inhamatory
rheumatism, and was given up by the doc
tors as incurable. Under these circum-
stances his mistress offered to sell him for
$500. Nobody would touch him at the
price. Finally she offered to give the
cripple his freedom for $500, he to pay her
in installments. He accepted the offer,
and paid off the entire sum in due course of
time. He partially recovered his health
and hired the time of his aoife f,r so much
year, that she might keep house for him
in Washington. They raised large num-
Der Of children at their oaoa eapenSe, bat
invariably at about the age of ten years the
mistress took away each child and sold it
off or appropriated it to her own use.


AT last only one child was left-'litlle
Ben He was, like all youngest children,
a favorite-the baby-the comfort of the
o d man and woman.


In September last, one of our new po-
lice approached the small dwelling of Man
ue Mason in search of little Ben,' for the
lost child must be taken 10 minister TO the
voracious appetite of the monster, Slavery.
Benjamin was missing, however. The Ia
ther never had him in his power or posses
sion for one moment. yet he was suddenly
arrested for 'harboring a slaver The law
dates 1907, under which he was taken, and
the literal penalty is 'one hundred pounds
of tobacco per hour for each hour Of har-
boring slave.-You viii preceive that the
father was simply guilty of not finding his
runaway boy. The officer told Mason TO
hunt up his boy, and upon mis- neglecting to
do this he was thrown into Jail. Although
no evidence was offered against him, yet
the justice would not let Mason out on any
less bail than $500, which was furnished
by kind-hearted citizen of the district
A jury very quickly trought in verdict
of guilty. though with no more evidence o.
guilt than is to be found in this letter.
Mason was remanded TO Jail, where for
days be lay without a bed. and all the time
with scant clothing. lie lay il jail forty
nine days before Jedge Crawl ford would
sei-n 70 .ezt~ncs k;E7. Ths sszseaee r a.
Year: 1859

A well bred lady is always known by
the perfect ease and tranquility of her man
ners. These points are TO be carefully cul-
tivated. Acquire, if possible, an easy con.
fidencc in speaking, so as never to appear
abashed or confused, taking care, however.
not to fall into the opposite error of for
wardness or presumption. Persons moving
IN the highest circles of society, seldom, or
never, allow themselves to appear disturbed
or vexed, whatever occurs to annoy them.
Perhaps there may be an affectation of in-
difference IN this; still, their conduct is
worth admiring, for everything Ike fidgeti-
ness or boiSterousness of manner is disa-
greeable to all who witness it.


Everything like the following will of
coarse be carefully avoided by real lady
IN her personal behavior. Loose ard harsh
speaklng; making noises in eating or drink
ing; leaning awkwardly when sitting; rat
Ting with knives and forks at table; start
ing up suddenly, and going unceremonious-
~ out OF the room tossing anything from
you with affected contempt or indifference
taking anything without thanking the Civ
er; standing in the way when there is
merely room to pass; going befure any
one VINO Is looking at picture or any 9TH
er object; pushing against any one with
out asking pardon Tor the unintentional
rudeness; taking possession of a seat in a
COACH or place OF public meeting, which
you are informed belongs TO another; in
lrudng your opinions where they are not
wanted or where they would give offense
leaving acquaintances in the street, or pri-
vate company, without bidding them good
bye. or at least making a bow to express o
kindly farewell; slapping any one familiar
ly on the shoulder or arm interrupting
any one who is oonversing with you tell
ing long and tireSome stories; whispering
IN company making remarks on the dress
OF those about you. or upon things in the
room; fiatly contradicting any one, instead
OF saying, rather think it is Otherwise"
Il am afraid you are mistaken" ETC.; ac-
curing a habit of saying "says she" "says
ne, you know" "you understand etc.
Year: 1859

PIcTuREs.-A room with pictures in it,
and a room without pictures, differ about as
much as room with windows and a room
without windows. Nothing we think is
more melancholy, particularly to person
who has TO pass much time in his room,
than bleak walls with nothing on them,-
for picture are loop holes of escape to the
SOUL leading TO ether scenes and other
spheres. 1t is such an inexpressible relief
to person engaged in writing or even
reading, on looking up, not to have his line
OF vision chopped off by an odious white
wall, but to find his soul escaping. as it
were, through the frame of an exquisite
picture, to other beautiful and perhaps
heavenly scenes where the fancy for a mo-
ment may revel, refreshed and delighted.
Thus pictures are CONSIDERS of loneliness !;
they are relief to the jaded mind; they
are histories and sermons, which we can
read without the trouble of turning over
the leayes.-Doaontng
Year: 1859

and we come to the Tract Socety-a great relig


ous organization, representing tho religious liter
ature of every denomination in the country. and
having access to millions or minds. Will you cir
culate our protest? say we. Oh, mol We can't
we are anti.s,avery to be cure, but we can't, be
cause the excitement would injure our society,"
We go to the Sunday School Union, which iorm'
the youthful religious literature of the whole Amer


lean Churches. Can we get some books published
here, which shall indoctrinato the rising genera
tion in the evils Of slavery and the wrongs Of the
slave2 Oh no, no. mol To be sure the wrongs
Of the slave ore dreadful and we are oil strong an.
tslavery men, but the topic is so exciting it would
ruin our Union. So we go to the Methodist Book
Concern-to the Baptist Book Concern-to theEpis'
copal Book Concern, and you get the same story
Then you think you will go to individual men, and
YOU try Or. A. You tell him stories of wrong and
oppression enough to raise the dead, ond he shud.
ders and turns pale, and then you ask him, will
you write or give public addresses on the sub,
ject2 My dear friend, be says. would be glad
to, but am connected with a Theological Semi
nary, and if mix myself with so exciting topic,
it ouid in a measures involve my institution, and
SO must content myself with privately abhorring.
Another is pastor of o church, and he cannot say
anything. Another ia teacher in an academy
Another is something else and the result is thai
all the work of organizing, printing, and crcula
ting is left to men who, in their fierce disgust
leave all churches, and denounce them, and stand
wholly aloof from all religious connection, and are
called InGdels. This course Of silence makes such
men Infdels by the score; makes them of some oi
the most generous, most humane, most courageous
men All how many such has the American
Church expelled from her bosom by this accused
policyv


We have long known that this was precisely the
state of matter in America but we especially
glad to be able to produce valuable, because so
unimpeachable witness to the truth of what such
men as Mr.. Garrison, and the earnest antslavery
party of which he is the representative, have Of
ten been denounced for asserting. The impotent
policy recommended by DR.. Monod has here re.
ceved most scathing aud dignifed rebuke That
Rev. gentleman WILL it is hoped. henceforth better
understand his position. He may feel assured that
the manner in which Mrs. Stowe has dealt with
his special pleading has the sympathy of Scotch
men. Scotchmen have been accustomed 20 plain
speaking, and are apt to regard protestant min.
isteE who cannot denounce Popery in France, or
cannot denounce slavery in America, as more of
the dumb dog that cannot bark than the faithful
watchman.
Year: 1859

once on time there was king, and
he had a daughter who was such u sco!d
and whose tongue went so fast there was
no stopping it. So he gave out that the
man who could stop her tongue should
have the Princess 10 wife, ana half his
kingdom into the bargain. Now, three
brothers who heard this, made up their
minds to 60 and try their luck; and first
OF all the two elder went, for they thought
they were the cleverest but they couldn't
cope with her at all, and got well thrash
ed besides. Then, Boots. the Youngest.
set OFT, and when he had gone a little
way he found an osier band LAYING Oh
the road, and he picked it up. When
he had gone a lutte farther he found q
piece Of fbroken plato, and he picked that
up too. a little farther on he found a
dead magpje, and little farther on still
crooked rams horn SO he went on a
Bit and fonnd the fellow to the horn; and
at last, just as he was crossing the fields
by the Kings palace, where they were
pitching ont dung, he found a wornout
shoe sole. All the things be took with
him into the palace, and went before the
Princess.


Good day said he.


Good day said she, and made wry
face.


Cant get my magp;o cooked here 2
he asked.


I'm afraid it will burst answered the
Princess.


oh ! never fcar for I'll just tie this
osier band round it, said the lad, as he
pulled it out.


The fat will run out Of it, said the
Princess.


Then I'll hold this under it, said the
lad, and showed her the piece Of broken
plate.


You are so crooked in your words, said
the Princess, there's no knowing where
to have you


No, pm not crooked, said the lad; but
this is, as he held up one Of the horns.


'Wellv said the Princess, 4 never saw
the match of this in all my days


why, here you see the match to it,
said the lad, as he pulled out th" other
rams horn.


Il think said the Princess, you must
have come here to wear out my tongue
with your nonsense


No, I have not said the lad but
this is worn out as be pulled ont the
shoe sole.


TO this the Princess hadn't word to
say for she had fairly lost her voice with
rage.


Nov you are mine, said the lad aud
so got the Princess to wife, aud half the
kingdom.
Year: 1859

WINDOWS OPENED MORE WOULD KEEP
DOCTORS TUOM TIE DoOK.-A very large
quantity Of fresh air is spoiled and render
ci foul by the act Of breathing. 4 man
spoils not less than gallon every minute.
In Sight hours breathing. full grown
man spois rs much fresh air as seventeen
three.bushcI sacks cou.d hold Ifhe were
shut up in room seven feet long, and
seven feet high, the door and windows
fitting SO tightly that no air could pass
through, he would die, poisoned by his
own breath, in very few hours in
twenty four hours he would have spoiled
all the air contained in the room, and
have converted it into poison Reader.
when you rise to morrow morning, iust
go out Of door, for five minutes, and ob
serve carefully the freshness of the air
Tha; air is in the state in which God
keeps II for breathing. Then come back
suddenly into your close room, aud your
own senses will at once make you feel how
very far the air in your chamber is fsom
being in the same wholesome and service
able condition.
Year: 1859

How TO AVOID THE DANGER OF LIGHTNING.
During thunder storms, persons in houses
should sit or lie in some place as far distant as
possible from the chimney and the most ex-
posed parts of the wall. The middle of the
room, if It is large is the safest locality. Sail
ors on the sea should keep as far from the
masts as possible, and farmers in the fields
should never seek shelter under trees. Hori-
zontal strokes of lightning sometimes take
place, and several persons have been struck
while sitting at an open window during thun-
der storms Every window of 4 room in which
persons are sitting, in such cases, should be
closed; flash of the fluid, which would pass
through an open window into an apar tment
viii be conducted down through the floor and
wall to the earth, if the window is shut.