smithclay/nortonstories huggingface dataset:
Year: 1861

A gentleman is not merely person ac-
quainted with certain forms and etiquettes of
life, easy and selfpossessed in society, able
to speak and act, and move in the world
without awkwardness, and free from habits
which are gar and in bad taste. A gen
tleman is something much beyond this; that
which lies at the root of all ease and refine
ment, and tact, an power of pleasing, is
the same spirit which lies at the root Of every
Christian virtue. 1t is the thoughtful desire
Of doing in every instance as he would that
others should do unto him. lie is constant
ly thinking, not indeed how he NAV give
pleasure to others for the mere sense Of
pleasing. but how he can sho. respect for
others how he NAV avoid hurting their
feelings. When he is in society he scrupu
IousI y ascertains the position and relation of
every one with whom he is brought into con
tact, that he may give to each his due honor,
his proper position. He studies how he may
avoid touching in conversation upon any
subject which may needlvssly y hurt their feel


ngs, how he may abstain from any allusion
which may call up disagreeabe or offensive
association. A gentleman never aludes to,
never even appears conscious of any personal
Defect bodily deformi,y interority of talent,
of rank, of reputation in the persons in
whose society he is placed. He never As
sumes any superiority to himsef-never ridi
cules, never sneers, never boasts, never makes
display of his own power or rank or ad
vantages-such as is implied in ridicule or
sarcasm, or abuse-as he never INDUCES in
halits, or tricks, or lnclinations which may
be offensive to Others
Year: 1861

In an omnibus, the other day, political
discussion, rather grave in its tone, was
turned into fun by the remark OF an old
man who had been listening in silence for a
quarter of an hour. "They talk" said he,
"about disunion; for my part, say let 'em
dissolute, let's all dissolute."
Year: 1861

"JIsr LIE THAR AND CooL."-A good
story is told of member Of the Georgia
Legislature. He was from one of the back
towns, and "put up" at hotel for the first
time in his life. Before his plate, at the
dinner table one day, was a dish of peppers.
He kept looking and looking at them; and
finally, as the walters were rather slow in
bringing on things, he up with his fork and
fastened upon one of the peppers, and into
his mouth it went. In moment the tears
came into his eyes, and he hardly knew what
to do At last, splitting the pepper into his
hand, he laid it down alongside of his plate,
and, with voice that set the whole table in
roar, exclaimed, "Jist lie thar and cool.'
Year: 1861

We are indeed in the midst of exciting
political events. The secession Of South
Carolina although by no means unexpected,
has chilled the hearts of patriots throughout
the nation. 1t was hoped by some that
South Carolina would await the co operation
,f her sister Southern States, and thus af-
ford an opportunity for the honorable ad-
justment of the present alarming sectional
controversy. Her Convention, however, has
determined otherwise, and by an ordinance
of secession, unanimously adopted, has sew.
cred herself from the other States of the
American Union.


The action of the State of South Carolina
we regard as but the beginning of the end"
We had but little doubt at any time of her
determinat on to leave the Union, and, how.
ever much we may be panied at the necessity
which has impelled her to the course she
has taken, we shall utter no words of con
demnaton against the unanimous action of
her people. Governments exist alone by the
consent OF the governed and when people
believe that any government is subversive of
their just rights, then we concede to them
the right to Judge of the nature of their
grievances and the mode and measure of re.
dress.


South Carolina is no longer State in
the American Confederacy To-day she
stands alone-in few weeks-unless some
adjustment is etfected-she will be Joined by
Georgia, Florida, Alabama, Louisiana, Mis-
sissipp Arkansas and Texas. These States,
in our judgment, will ali withdraw from the
Union within the next month, and then, if
no honorable adjustment be made of the
pending difficulties, every saveholdng State
will join the Southern Conftderacy. This
result might have been avoided, if the peo-
pie of the North, instead of being carried
away by blind fanaticism, ha! listened to
the appeals of reason and patriotism


Let not the people Of the North imagine
that South Carolina will stand alone in
Southern Conlederacy. She has but inaug
uraed the movement and it will gather in
Influence and strength until it will probably
embrace all the States of the South.


Instead Of proposing some equitable mode
of adjustment to the South, the people of
the North have manifested a most dogged
Indifference. They have permitted weeks
and months to eIapse without making any
effort to avert the impending caamites.
Perhaps the action Of South Carolina will
teach some who are yet doubling that the
South is in earnest, and if they do not get
their rights in the Union, they will have
them out of it.


Let it he borne in mind that he secession
of South Carolina is bnt the beginning of
the end, and if the North sincerely desires
ia preserve the Union, her only course is
bV the exercise of true greatness and mao
nannmity-to recognize the equality Of the
South in the Union and the equal rights Of
her citizens. Will not the North make this
poor concession to the South to save the
Union? Concord (N. H.) Standard.
Year: 1861

The coaldeaers of Boston, in accordance with
an annual custom pursued during the past five
years, gave ball and supper at the United States
Hotel few evenings since, where, according to
graphic account in local journal "sming faces
and happy hearts made the hours fly quickly until
morning was at hand"
Year: 1861

DEALING WITH CoOLGEs.-The Callao correspon-
dent of the Panama Star announces the recent ar
rival there of a vessel having board about six
hundred coolies, who have engaged to labor for
eight years. at the rate of five dollars per month.
They are sold at auction for this term of wears, at
the rate OF four hundred to four hundred and fifty
dollars. In many cases they are put under the
direction of negroes overseers and are too often
treated with great cruelty. No attention is paid
by the authorities to their complaints, and band
of fifty who escaped from their masters and claimed
redress from the government were sent back to
chains and punishment.
Year: 1861

When to what We have already said of the
increased lightness and activity given by Frede.
rio TO his infantry and cavalry, we add that he
adopted the same view with respect to artillery,
by organizing horse artillery batteries, IL will
be evident that this principle, with the illustra-
tion afforded to IL BY les actions, Is the legacy
that great warrior has left to military science
Year: 1861

b%A good story is told concerning the
writing Of certain railroad nnanager. lie
hadN written 10 man on the route to re-
move barn, which in some manner in
eommoded the road, under penalty Of pros
ecution. The threatened individual was
unable to read any part Of his letter but
the signature, and took it to be a free pass
over the road, and used it for couple Of
years Us such-none Of the co nduetors be-
ing able to dispute his Interpretation.
Year: 1861

One OF the native missionaries who witnessed
the graud custom OF the King Of Dahoney
saws that more than 1000 male human beings
were slaughtered, and about as many females
and Young children, besides enormous numbers
of deer. turkey -buzzards and other fowl. In
q commercial point of view it has been produc-
tive of evil The West Africa Herald says -
We learn that besides the terrible sacrifice of
human life caused by the Dahoman grand
custom, it has also had the effect Of in great
measure, putting stop to trade in that part
of the country All the principal people have
been compelled to repair to the capital Abomey
and remain there to witness this custom. In
Wydah we understand there were, when our
informant left that town, few people bat wo-
men and slaves The palm-nuts were rotibg
on the trees commerce and agriculture were
languishing grevously.


Among the King of Dahomey's army there
is troop called Amazon Guards. The West
Africa Herald thus describes them:


"The Amazon Guards, as they have some
times been styled, are the most extraordinary
troops that we have ever heard or read Of
They are 5000 in number, all females and
display such degree of ferocions blood thirst


ness and hardhood as to bear a greater re-
Semblance to host OF mad tigresses than TO
human creatures. They utterly despise death;
they show no mercy to any living being in war,
they are mad after blood, and seem not to
know what fear means.


They are in fact q troop of devils, SO to
speak, whose hdeous wildness of manner, and
the savage madness of whose demeanor in times
of excitement is SO appalling and inhuman as
to have Id many well judging persons to opine
that these dreadful creatures are periodically
subjected to the influence of some species OF
drug, which has this effect. The dress of the
Amazons consists of pair of loose trousers an
upper garment covering the breast, and cap.
They are armed with gun, knives and dag
gers some have biunder busses, others louS
elephant guns, while the remainder carry the
ordinary musket. In their military exercises
they display good dicpline, as well as wonder
full dexttrity and agility"
Year: 1861

Now how wonderful are the ways of heaven.
That very night as the widow sat by the
fire side thinking of her husband who now lay
smouldering on the drenched soil of PaoIi-
there came tap at the door she opened
it that husband, living though covered with
wounds, was in her arms. He had fellen at
the PaoIi, but not in death anG his wife lay
painting on his bosom.


That night there was prayer in that wood
embowered cottage of the Wissahcon.
Year: 1861

-rIt.ep by Miss LIFFIE D, HOWARD. a native OF b
r.. Nd now an operative IN the Inaaan Vrcha
!, Springfield
Father, we bend to Ihee
For peace and liberty


We humbly pray.
oh. shield our lovely land,
STAY auarchys dread hand,
Let Freedom firmly stand


Through trials day.
Thou vast our fathers guide'
When they in loyal pride


For Freedom fought
Father, this country save
Land of the free ana brave
By many patriots grave


Our home was bought
Our hone is all in Thee
Father OF Liberty


Still keep US one.
Bring not our cause to shame,
Guard well our country's fame,
Let power be in the name


OfWashington.
Father, to Thee we bend,
Prayers TO Thy throne We send.


In this dark hour.
Prayers for our native land,
PRAYERS for the valiant band,
Who by her tilmly stand


'Glinst wrong and power
For GoD and Liberty,
Our watchword ever be-


Freedom and right.
Oh hear rs as we plead
Father, Thy aid We need.
Soon let our land be freed


From periI's night.
Year: 1861




INSTINCT OF THE DoG.-Amoug the Gram.
plan mountains there are glens chiefly iuhabi
ted by shepherds. and the pastures over which
their docks range extend in every direction
for many miles 1t is the daily business of the
shepherd to visit successfully the different ex-
treuities of the pastures, and to turn back any
of the flock that may be straying to those Of
his neigbbors. 1t is common practice with the
Highlanders TO accustom even their young chill
dreu to the rigors of the climate and on one
occasion, shepherd took with him an infant
of about three years old. To have more ex
teasive view, be assended summit at some
distance, and as this was too fatiguing for the
child, he left it al the foot of the mountain,
charging him not to stir until bis return
Scarcely however, had he reached the top
when one of the mists which frequently fall on
these mountains came suddenly, aud in few
minutes, almost changed day into night Has
tening back to fnd his child, he missed bis way
among the morasses and cataracts around and
night actually came on while he was continuing
his search in vain. At length in bis wander
ingS, be 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, aud he entered his
home greatly distressed for his child was lost,
aud a dog also, who had faithfully attended
him for many years. At the break of day, accom-
panied by several of his neighbors, he went
forth in quest of the child, but the day was spent
without success Returning to his cottage at
night-fall. he found that the dog had returned,
but had Immediately left home on receiving a
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 go, warily
follow him. AS he did so, he tracked the dog
to a cataract, the banks of which almost Joined
at the top. but were separated by chasm of
considerable depth, and down one of these rug
ged descents it proceeded, and entered cave,
the mouth OF which was almost on the level
with the torrent 1t was with difficulty that
the shepherd followed, but, on entering he be-
held, with lndescribable feelings his child eat
ing the cake the dog had just brought The
child. it afterwards appeared, had wandered
from the spot where be was left, to the brink
of the precpice, and then had either fallen or
scrambled down till he reached the cave from
which he had not gone, from fear of the tor
rent Hither he had been traced by the dog,
who had not quilted him night or day, except
to 90 home for food and he was observed to
go thither and return at his utmost speed.
Year: 1861

A Washington writer to the Nashville
Patriot gives this graphic description Of
the way in which public business is done !:


The way the Government gets its work
done is curious An illustration, you and
your family meet in Convention of the
whole and adopt resolution authorizing
the construction of hen-cOop in your
back yard. You at once appoint me super
intendent of the work, putting thousand
or two Of dollars in bank for me to check
on. 1 get you to appoint my brOther-in-
law chief engineer.


1 appoint two of my brothers assistant
superiDtendents, and my brother-in-law
appoints two of his brothers assistant en-
gineers-all at your expense. We buy US
each a fast horse and buggy, and ride
round town, drink cocktails and play bill
lizards, until the bank deposite gives out,
when we make ont printed report of sew
enty-three pages, furnishing you a CON-
plete typographical survey Of your back
yard, and q vast amount Of statistical In
formation with regard to the number of
hens you are likely to have for the next
forty years. We wind up the report with
the announcement that the site of the hen
coop has been selected, and call for another
appropriation to prosecute the work, which
we assure you viii be done with 'vigor.
You place another thousand or two in
bank, and we employ two hundred hands
at three dollars day to transport seventy
five cents worth of lumber (Which costs
you under our management about ten
times that many dOllars) to the place OF
operations, which requires about three
months.
Year: 1861




The Vienna correspondent of the Lon
don Times writes under date of March 9Th:


"All the private intelligence received
from Pesth tends To prove that the breach
between the Hungarian nation and the
imperial dynasty has been greatly widened
by the rescripts of the 26th of February,
and the people here maintain that nothing
but brute force will bring the Hungarians
to their senses. The question now at issue
between Austria and Hungary is such
delicate one, and the maintenance of the
integrity of the Austrian Empire is so very
desirable, that my private opinions are in
general expressed with some little reserve,
but l now feel bound to remark that the
new constitution affords no guaranty to the
Hungarians that the money which they
may contribute to the necessities of the
State will not be expended for the main-
tainance of an army which is sadly out of
proportion to the resources of the empire.
The protest made by the Municipality of
Pesth against the introduction Of martial
law into the city and district of Flume has
led to misunderstanding between the Hun
garians and the Croats. The latter main
that the Flumc belongs to the kingdom of
Croatia, and accuse the Hungarians of
displaying as grasping and Overbearing a
spirit as they did in lS4S and 1870
The Austrians are well pleased to see that
the Hungarians, Croats and Serbs are be-
ginning to quarrel among themselves, but
they cannot venture to hope that the two
last mentioned nationalities will again
fight with their neighbors in defence of alb
solutism."
Year: 1861

In the Alexandria Gazette is an inter
esting letter from Vicksburgh, Mississippi,
from which we make the following ex-
tracts:


The action of the Confederate States has
given universal dissatisfaction among the
people. A large portion of them are dis
appointed and dissatisfied They see they
have been cheated and trampled upon, and
if the Constitution could be submitted to
them, they would vote against it. This is
why the Conventions will not submit their
action to them. They are afraid they will
refuse to ratify it.


In the northern portion of this State
the people are forced to 60 to Illinois for
corn to keep them alive They tried to
get it in this State but failed. In Louisi-
ana and North Alabama the people are
almost ready to rise up in rebellion against
those who have made themselves their
masters. Every one here can plainly see
that reaction is gradually but surely
coming on. 1t is clearly seen at Mcntgom-
cry, where it is feared and dreaded. The
policy of the Confederate States is to pro-
woke quarrel with the United States
The affair will be skillfully managed, so
as to make the people believe that the
United States Government is attempting
coercion.


All that the leaders of the Secession
movement want with the Border States
is to get money and soldiers from them
If you are wise, you viii beware Of this
Confederaey. You viii only be drawn out
of the Union to suffer the evils of the coun-
ter revolution which must come here, delay
and avert it as the Secessi0nists may try.
The people are aroused, and it is only in
the hope of averting for time their just
wrath that the Secession leaders wish to
bring on fight.


The Secession feeling is rapidly declining
in the South. The refusal of Arkansas to
secede is conclusive proof of this. Every
one was certain that Arkansas would re.
fuse to remain in the Union, and her ac-
ton has created powerful sensation in
the South. Seeessionists, know, viii
contradict my statements; but no one who
who has been down here, and seen fol
himself will do so. -.asi' 70
Year: 1861

1t is said, with what truth we do moi


know, that in addition to the other vir-


tues belonging to the coal oil now being


pumped in such extraordinary abundance


in western Pennsylvania, another virtue


has been discovered by distinguished


chemist to be. possessed by this mineral


oil. which will, in the estimation Of some,


quite throw the others in the shade. In


a word, the oils, just as they are pumped
out of the earth are said to be certain
cure for badness; wherever hair has ever
grown hair may be made to grow again by
its application; where it is getting thin, the
oil will strengthen it; where it is turning
gray, the oil viii renew its youth and
bring it back to its natural color. Wigs.
toupees and scratches are forever rendered
null, void, and Of no account whatever
Nature, in her bounty, has superseded for
ever all the necessity for the artificial and
himsey disguises. The oil is said to renew
the hair on simple vegetable principles by
re-invigorating the bulbs beneath the scalp
and renewing the energy. Should this
discovery prove to be all that Is claimed
for it, what changes there will be wrought
in the human family-lOng years Of vener-
ableness viii be taken away, and miracles
of youthful vigor will be wrought in ap-
pearance Could some medicament in Ma
lures storehouse be found which would re-
move the frosts of age as well as the frOsts
Of time-somc catholicon which would res
store constitution broken. sight dimmed,
step feeble, pulse slow and faltering-then
We would be prepared to enter on that
long vista of longevity, of millenial bliss
to which it is promised, time, af-
Ter the preliminary theOrys of parturation,
viii soon give birth.
Year: 1861

In the mean time, we drive around


and 60 on vigorously with the liquor and
the billiards. We then come up with


another report and demand for another


appropriation. With this we get the.waIls


Of the structure up, and with one or two
more appropriations, and great many
more cocktails and billiards, we get
the thing covered in, and at the end of
twelve months, which we very apprOpri-
ateIy style our Fiscal year," we put yOu
in formal possession of ten thousand dol
lar hen-doOp, that any negro carpenter
would have been glad to knock up some
afternoon for suit Of your old
clothes. 81 1 tE
Year: 1861

essary, we believe he will not fail to do so;
and in doing SO, we are confident be will
have with him the prayers, the arms and
the means Of the nation. We believe that
as he has shown hitherto a patience and
reticence which can proceed only from a
heart full of courage and a hard master of
the position; so, if the traitors of the South,
scorning all appeal to the people, choose
blindly to rush to battle, he will meet them
and beat them, and win for himself the
gratitude not of a section or generation,
but of a nation and of century.
Year: 1861

CONDITION OF WAsnlSGroN.-A Washington let
ter says: "The condition of Washington financially,
is terrible. Notes of the city banks cannot So
passed except at discount Of twenty to twenty five
per cent The stores are all being closed and life
topic. Every possible means is being adopted for
the departure of citizens Business is entirely sus-
pended. Gold is at an immense premium. The
hotels will all close by the early part Of next week.


Every one is anxious to fly, but many have not tho
means to depart Carriages are in great demand,
the price being more than one dollar per mile


People formerly rich are now bankrupt and leave
with what they can. This is not the case in Wash
ington alone. Parties from the Southern States arc
continually passing through here to the North,
many in private conveyances but most on foot.
The terrible inconvenience Of the civil war are
being felt in earnest" .. ~, =
Year: 1861

TIE ARrnLERY.-The Richmond Enquirer says
tive understand that the highest military authority
in the State declares that this war will be decided by
the artillery" The highest military authority in
Virginia is Gen. Lee, one of the ablest officers in
the country. His opinion should stimulate the ar
tersts Of this State in their efforts to become per-
feet in their discipline.
Year: 1861




against the passage Of the Bill to call Con-
rention
First: The length of time given to the people to
vote upon the question is inadequate and void of
power by hem at the ballot box


Second The bill refuses to report the action of
the Convention back to the people for ratification or
rejection at the ballot box.


Third: The bill does not limit the action of the
Convention in length of time or in latitude of pow
er and action. That the bill gives the Convention
unrestricted power over the people, and may unite
them with France, England, or Mexico, and declare
military dictatorship over the people Of North Caro-
lima, if it thinks proper to do so. Against such
high-handed usurpation of power do in the face of
man. and in the fear Of God, most truly and res.
my protest against the passage Of the Convention
bill past by the Legislature Of North Carolina May
1st 1861. P. I. HENRY,
er = ..-r - Member House Commons