smithclay/nortonstories huggingface dataset:
Year: 1868




The opening Of the spring season brings with
1t the revival Of business and traffic on the
great rivers of the West and on the railroads
of the entire country. II also brings, unior-
tunately, In its train more than ordinary
share of accidents on those great highways Of
the nation. The effect Of the winter frost on
the iron rails will be felt particularly now when
they are touched by the warm breath OF the
vernal sun. The freshets also threaten bridges
and embankments and render the most stringent
precautions necessary on the part Of railroad
directors. But the greatest danger on steam
boats and railroads at the present time Is in
the reckless, grasping, criminal course pur-
sued by the owners in trying to make all the
money they can in the smallest possible space
of time-without reference to the duties they
owe to their passengers-t0 make up for the
partial suspension Of their business during the
winter. In the pursuit of this idea they are
content to sacrifice life (not their own) and
everything that others hold sacred or valuable.
On the Western rivers the opposition boats be-
tween the principal cities are run on the prin-
ciple of "win or BURST" and the captains and
engineers never bestow thought on the capa-
bilities of steamboat boiler or the possibility
of an explosion in their eagerness to beat their
rivals. Again, they are in the habit Of
using the muddy river water for the
boiler until the narrow fues become
choked up with mud, and an explosion is
the consequence. The first disaster OF
the season we have to record is a most terrible
steamboat explosion on the Ohio. The steamer
Magnolia, of the Cincinnati and Maysville
line, exploded her boiler on Wednesday and
afterwards burned to the waters edge. One
hundred and forty persons were on board,
eighty of whom are reported to have been
burned to death or drowned. With this hor-
rible affair comes the neys Of an accident on
the Long Island Railroad, by which train
was precipitated down an embankment and
wrecked. The duty of the authorities who
have control over railroads and steamboats, in
every State is clearly one that demands in
stant action and investigation at this time.
They should warn the directors and proprie-
tors of these human Jnggernauts that they
must adopt every precaution that can be
devised to protect their patrons against dis
aster, or they will be held criminaly liable for
avail with such people; the Grand Jury and
the Legislature are the only means by which
they can be reached.
Year: 1868

THE RAILROAD WAR-ONE PRACTICAL RI
sULT.-One immediate, practical result of the
war between the railway kings, is the reduction
of fares upon the New York and Erie road.
Now, It would prove by no means an advantage,
but an evil, If the fares upon either or both the
rival lines were to be reduced so low that
safety and speed should be sacrificed to cheap
ness. Any road must earn enough to defray
not only its current expenses, but also to keep
its rails and its rolling stock in perfect order;
and reduction below the point requisite to
secure these ends would be ultimately injurious
to the public, although It might temporarily
seem convenient The objection, however, on
the part of our public to railway monopolies
springs from the reasonable conviction that
competition tends to reduce the fares and
rates Of freight TO a minimum figure without
involving the risk of losing the Indispensable
advantages Of safety and speed. these ad-
vantapes can be combined with cheapness the
public will be satisfied, whatever may be the
issue of the contest between Vanderbilt and
Drew. The armies Of stockholders who rally
around the banner Of the one or the othec con-
testant must expect no outside sympathy either
in victory or defeat.
Year: 1868

Our special dispatches from Havana pub
lished in the HERALD of yesterday relative to
the situation in Hayti do not warrant the conclu-
sion that there is mental or physical force in
that portion of the island sufficient to re-estab-
lish order and secure for the republic place
in the community of nations. In Hayti the
negro has had fair opportunity for revealing
his capacity for self government; but his warmest
friends have no choice but to admit that Hayti,
both as an empire and as a republic, has been
an egregious failure. There are many who
feel satisfied from the example of Haysi that
the salvation of the negro is to depend on in
huences and agencies beyond himself. or self
governing power they have certainly given evil
dence of a plentiful lack. Salnave, we learn,
notwithstanding his mighty pretensions, has
been defeated with great loss, and Hayu
threatens to become more the prey of anarchy
than ever. The most serious, or, as some
might feel disposed to put it, the most hopeful
part of the business is that France has set her
eyes on her old possession, the French admiral,
whose movements in those waters have for
some time been a mystery, having threatened
to seize the Custom House and to force pay
ment of arrears. Unwilling as we are to see
any European Power set foot on. the island,
anything which promises order is welcome in
the circumstances.
Year: 1868

IMPARTIAL JUsrIcr-That Of the republican
State conventions in denouncing Andrew John
son as the most atrocious criminal unAanged, in
gloriying the House Of Representatives for
hauling him up to the tribunal Of impeachment,
and then in promising to abide by the impartial
Judgment of a radical Senate.
Year: 1868

month will. therefore, be: whether they shan
elect members of the next Legislature who VIII
again attempt to force this obnoxious scheme
upon the people. This is an important issue,
and one which should be fairly met and decided
by the electors Of Connecticut on the 9th OF
April next. Heretofore only those negroes
have voted in Connecticut who were admitted
freedmen prior to 1878.
Year: 1868

One Of the most fragrant pieces of prospec-
tive special legislation which the radicals have
yet attempted is the substitute adopted by the
Senate Judiciary Committee to relieve Mr..
Butler, Representative from Tennessee, from
political disabilities by permitting him to take
his seat without swallowing the test oath.
Whether this bill becomes law or not, whether
it is rejected by Congress or vetoed by the
President, it shows the animus of the Jacobin
party pretty clearly. They will make laws or
annul them to suit their own purposes and pay
little heed to public opinion. If Mr.. Butler
would vote against the radical party he would
undoubtedly be most religiously kept out Of
Congress on the plea that he could not take
the oath for Mr.. Butler was member of the
Tennessee Legislature during the war, and in
that capacity gave aid and comfort to the
Confederates, directly and indirectly; but as it
is known that he will vote with the radicals
special law is proposed to ease his conscience
by releasing him from the obligation of taking
the oath.


1t is but few days ago that the case of Mr..
Thomas, of Maryland, was decided in the
Senate, and that gentleman was sent back to
his constituency, being denied his seat because
he furnished money to his son, who was Con-
federate soldier But Mr.. Thomas, If he OBJ
tanned seat in the Senate, would not have
voted with the radicals, and this fact explains
the difference between the cases of Mr.. Butler
and Mr.. Thomas. The latter gentleman only
aided the rebellion to the extent which any
father, having son in the army, would have
done and he might have taken the oath with
the same modification which was accorded to
Senator Patterson, of Tennessee, who was at
the time of his assuming q place in the Senate
supposed by the radicals to be one of them
selves, and was thus let down easily. Mr.. But
Ter, however, could not take the oath and save
his conscience, because he was an active rebel !;
but the Senate Judiciary Committee make
smooth the path by absolving him from the
oath altogether in return for his vote on radi-
cal measures. If we were not accustomed to
the rascality of radical Legislation we would
stigmatize this affair as an atrocious violation
of consistency and decency but as 1t is only q
part of the policy of an INSCRIPTIONS faction,
with which we are made familiar every day, 1t
does not strike us with astonishment, and, in
deed, is hardly worth condemning or wasting
words over, because we expect to see plenty
more Of the same kind of Legislation, and good
deal worse, from party with WHOM laws and
constitutions are mere playthings to be used
or abused for their own benefit.
Year: 1868

The subscriber, for the past ten years engaged
cutter at Mr. Cones Merchant Tailoring Ee-
tablishment would inform his friends and the
citizens of Rock Island and vicinity, that he has
opened New Merchant Tailoring Establishment
for the purpose of manufacturing to order first
class fine custom work to those that have been in
the habit Of getting their garments cut by us,
while at Mr.. Cones, we would extend an invita-
tion to call on us at new establishment, and
60 those that cannot get suited in Rock Island
and in the habit of sending east for their gar
ments would invite them to call and give US q
trial, feeling confident that suit them in
every respect. We have a handsome assortment
of fine Cloths, Cassimeres and Vestings, together
with large variety of splendid French ooatings
and Trcots in different shades and colors for fine
business suits. Also fine Beavers in different
eolors, for overeoats,-sll of which we will make
20 order In the best and most fashionable manner
atlower rates than the same class of goods can be
obtained on either side of the river Call and
examine our styles, and compare our goods and
prices with those engaged in the same business.


THOMAS MCCULLOUGH,


North side Of Third Street, near the Post Office,


-s Davenport, Iowa.
Formerly cutter at Cones.


N. B. The cutting department is under our
own supervision. novsqdly.
Year: 1868

i subscribeY Is still conducting the Novelty
Corn Meal Mills. and has constantly on hand g
Superior quality of white and yellow kiln dried
meal, by the barrel or hundred pounds. Highest
market price paid for Corn. The patronage Of
the public is respectfully solicited.
Year: 1868

On Saturday last little child of VIM.
Mckinney was Instantly killed at Ancona
ihlnois: as the father was approaching his
barn with load OF corn, his two little CHI ldren
came out to meet him and claim a ride He
took them on the load with him aud started his
team. The sudden jerk threw one Of the chill
dren, little son about two years, from the load,
ard the wheel Of the wagon passing over tn
little fellow, killed him Instantly.
Year: 1868

UNION PACIFIC RAILRCAD.-The officers OF
the unicE Pacific Railroad Company, now in
this city, have not yet completed their reply TO
the report OF the Special Commission, and il
will not be presented TO the President before
Monday OF Tuesday next.
Year: 1868

NEARLY ALL the members of the Ways and
Means Committee are here. Several OF them
met informally al their COMMITTEES room this
morning, when It was arranged that the first
regular meeting should be held on Monday
morning.
Year: 1868

Up TO THIS AFTERNOON, thirty-two Senators
and forty mem bers OF the House have been
registered Al the Capitol, and a few others are
IN the cry. A large number on the way ars
due tonight and % MORROW morning.
Year: 1868

The Presidents MESSAGE is now com
plete, and will be transmitted to Congress on
Monday, or as soon as he is waited upon by
the committees from the Senate and House and
notified of the opening of the session.
Year: 1868

To the Editors of the Union and Dispatch.


noticed few days since in your paper
an order of Judge Trigg requiring petition
ers in bankruptcy to deposit one hundred
dollars with the Register, with their petit
tions. Has Judge Trigg the right to issue
such an order2 / deny that he has the
right And l defy any man to show one
word or sentence either in the bankrupt
law or general orders, which give the Judge
this right. If he has the power, is not
such an order, under existing circum-
stances, hard and oppressive? There are
hundreds of honest men in this county, who
Justly deserve the benefits of law, that are
unable to raise the fifty dollars required by
the law, and large majority of those who
have raised the fifty dollars have done 40
with great trouble and sacrifice, some of
them selling their very last bed viii not
this order afford temptations to the officers
of the law to swindle and steal from poor
and unfortunate class of people? If Judge
Trigg will take it upon himself to make
the calculation, he will find that fifty dol
lars will pay the expenses in nine cases out
Of ten. Judge Trigg's order virtually re-
peals the bankrupt law in Tennessee.


FAIR PLAY
Year: 1868

The above naturally suggested an in.
qniry as to whether the President did not
understand Grant to be on his side all
along until quite recently, and whether
there was any tangible reason for the Gen
erals change Of front. "Of course, un-
derstood him to be with me all along,
because | had his word for it," said the
President. He went down South, and
came hack more for me than was for N.Y.
self He wrote a report that encouraged
me more than anything else he had done,
to persevere in the effort 10 get the South
ern States back into the Union, as | had
started out. He called on rae frequently
for long time after the controversy be-
tween me and Congress had commenced,
and if he meant anything by what he said,
he was my friend and supporter. He
never talked politics very much, because
Grant always pretended he didn't know
anything about il; but he didn't seem to
regard reconstruction as a political ques-
tion. He suddenly turned up as a Radi-
cal candidate for the Presidency and that
was the first | knew Of his opposition to
me-"
Year: 1868

Let every Democrat stand,
.unfalteringly to his post, and
be ready to do his whole du-
ty on the Bird Of November.
None but towards abandon
their colors in the midst of a
fight. Keep your forces in
fighting order, and show the
j iidomitable pluck and un-
yielding determination of the
invincing Democracy Of old.
Year: 1868

Which win be SUFFICIENT To duplicate lines 70
all or nearly all the paying points reached by
the present monopoly.


The present Telegraph Companies OF thecOu
try have been consolidated into one huge
monopoly, and are now earning over
SIX MILLIONS CT DOLLARS per year, or
over one hundred per cent. on the actual cost
Of their Lines, their present capital having been
watsred over ONE THOUSAND per cent.


THE NATIONAL TELEGRAPH COMPANY
have a recognition from the Cuited States
Government of the importance Of their enter
prise, with grant Of the most valuable fran-
chises ever conferred upon telegraph COM
pany. No competing Line has ever had she
night now granted by Congress 70 this company
to construct and operate lines over every
RAILROAD and MAIL ROUTE in the United
States. The position OF this company differs
from that OF any company ever before organ
lied. The question of the RIGHT or WAY Il
FOREVER SETTLED.


The stockholders of this company cannot bo
sold out or TRANSFERRED to any other
company. The act OF Congress under which
this company has been organized, prohibits
any transfer OF the franchises granted.
Year: 1868

A new enterprise, to be known AZ ths Ma
dOnsl Telegraph Company has been organ
lied with valuable franchises conferred By a
recent act OF Congress tor the purpose Of estsb-
fishing Trunk Lines OF Telegraphs on all tbs
principal railroads and mail routes IN the
United States. The stock Is to be Issued upon
the same principle that Of the Merchants
Union Express Company, which recently COM
msneed operations. The design is 70 interest
the entire business community in ths enter
prise. This Is done not so much 70 dispose OF
the stock as it is to secure the business Of ths
country through which the lines pass.


The Capital is TO be
Year: 1868

The CITIZEN is presented to the people If Arkansas as large in form as any Dem ocratic weekly in the State Although independent in all things, and neutral in nothing, it is emphatically

 TAMI.y NawePAP3E, Ind now ranks as one of the first in the State The greatest care will be taken to make it's selections choice and instructive. A new feature will soon be added by pub fishing story each week, or if too long. running it through two or three numbers. The political complexion of the Citizen is white-opposed to negro suffrage and a score of other Radical tenets, and while opposing them shall advocate the principle that white men should rule white men.

 In times of great political danger every man should take paper, and it is more than probable that the present year will witness more political excitement and ex- traordinary political events than any pre- yious one of our nationality. Let the people assist the CITIZEN by joining in and making up clubs, and they will there by render it powerful auxiliary in their warfare against hateful negro suffrage and the many other evils the Radical party design thrusting upon the State.

 Read the following club ratea, which are lower than those of any other weekly west of the Mississippi river:

 TERMs-CAsH IN ADVANCE. Single copy one year..........SZ 50 Ten copies ........,.. 2O 00 Twenty copies ......,.. 3o 0o (And one to gctter up of club

 We ask of the friends of the Citizen and of the cause, to exert themselve. in forming clubs in every locality.

 Money can be sent at our risk in regis tered envelope Address

 POE & MATHEWS.

 pss Arc, Ark.
Year: 1868

TIE BUTLER SPooS SToRY.-The ORR
gin of the story about General Butler
and the spoons is thus related by
friend of the General: Some years
since General Butler was employed to
defend man against some criminal
charge, in q case where the evidence
was so strong against him that it was
generally conceded there was no hope
of escape for him. The General deter
mined to clear him, and for that pur-
pose he adopted the theory that the ac-
cuscd was insane, and, to carry out that
idea, he instructed the fellow 10 answer
all questions put to him by the jailer
and others by the monosyllablc
"spoous, which instructions he fol-
lowed so faithfully that sure enough all
hands, the Court included, concluded
he was crazy in good earnest. The re-
suit was, he was cleared and when,
some time afterwards, the General,
called on him for his fee, all he got IN
reply was "Spoons u "Spoons y
Thus, while ho won his case, the Gen
eral lost his fee, and thence originated
the story Of General Buffers spoons.
Whether true or not, the story is good
one, and the only unreasonable part OF
1t is that the General did not have his
fee in advance. That part Of it GER
tainly is not in accordance with the
Generals established character for
shrewdness. All the hue and cry from
the rebels about General Buffers steal
ing spoons hns, in truth. no other or
better foundation than this story. Their
hatred of him is the highest praise that
can be bestowed upon him in the esti-
nation of loyal men. ,o-
Year: 1868

refined people brought suddenly tc


proverty! Education should beget prac.


tical facility. Too often it is mere ex.
ercise Of the brain, in which the hands


have no participation. When thrown out
of their regular callings, hundreds of peo-
pie are as helpless as ship on dry
ground The worst of it is, that nobody
can help any body who cannot help him
self. Imbecility in practical affairs leaves
one to hang like dead weight around
the neck of those who would aid him.


1t is foolish for one to say, "My child
ren will never need such manual craft !;
they are to have wealth and influential
connections" In the ever-rolling food
of society in America, nobody's children
are secure against going in their turn to
the bottom. If they can neither swim or
wade they must drown. Boys should be
educated to use their eyes and hands in
the expectation that they may some day
depend wholly on them for support.
Year: 1868

gaining ground as steady, Intelligent,
industrious aud temperate workman


Before he was of age he occupied high


er rank than his poor father. Not salts


lied with his meagre wages he made at


his regular employment at the mine, be


made himself handy at other kinds of


work, and in the intervals of his mining
duty he meuded the shoes of his COM


rades and their families. He then got
to making shoes, and soon learned to


make them well. His own clock having


been damaged by accident, he took it to-
pieces and repaired it, aud then added
clock and watch cleaning and repairing
to his other resources. He even cut out
the clothes of his fellow workmen, and
when all other means of doing extra
work failed, he put in his spare moments
by unloading ballast from vessels that
had come for coal This gave him money
for school, for books and for tools and
while he was carrying on his studies of
the steam engine, modelling machines and
contrivances of his own, and advancing
in grade and character as workman
a pumping engine in the neighborhood
haFibS idllSu loT WHOIe year W hcep
the mine clear of water, he expressed his
belief that he could set it all right in
week, and his patiently acquired know
ledge of the machine enabled him to do
it. This was the most important stroke
of his life, for it gave him acknowledged
position as mechanic, and his services
were soon in demand throughout the
whole district. Step by step he advanced,
improving everything he touched, econ
omizing the labor Of men and horses, in
creasing the amount of their production
until at last he undertook and accomplish
ed the work that he had so often tried
and that had so often failed, of superced-
ing horsepowers on the colliery railways,
By inventing locomotive engine that.
would draw heavy train over smooth
rail. The mighty results of that improve
ment We ace around US every day, but it
may be profitable lesson to trace back
once more to that patient, observant, am
bilious and indomitably Industrious boy,
watching his rude engine and studying
bis alphabet when he was nearly man
grown.
Year: 1868

We may go through the world, but twill be We
ry slow,
If we listen to all that is said as We go;
Well be worried and fretted and kept in a stew,
For meddlesome tongues must have some
thing to do
For people will talk, &c.
If quiet, and modest, twill then be presumed,
That your humble position is only assumed ;
You're wolf in sleeps clothing, or else you're
a fool


But don't get excited, keep perfectly cool,


For people will talk, &c.
If generous and noble they'll vent out their
spleen.
You'll hear some loud hints that your selfish
and mean;
If upright and honest, and fair as the day,
They'll call you rogue in a sly sneaking
way,


For people will talk, &c.
Then if you show the least boldness of heart,
Or slight inclination to take your own part,
They'll call you an upstart, conceited and vain,
But keep straight ahead don'tstop to explain,


For people will talk, &c.
If threadbare your coat, or old fashion your
dress


Some one of course viii take notice of this,
And hint rather close that you can't pay your
way,


But don't get excited, whatever they say,


For people will talk, &C.
If YOU dress in the fashion, don't think to es-
cape,


For they criticise these in far different
shape:
You're ahead of your means, or your bills are
unpaid,
But mind your own business and keep straight
ahead,


For people will talk, &c.
They'll talk fine before you, but then at your
back


Ofvenom and falsehood there's never lack
How kind and polite in all that they say,
But bitter as gall when you're out of the way


For people will talk, &c.
Brother, take my advice, and do as you please,
For your mind, if you have one, will then
be at ease;
OF course you Will meet with all sorts of abuse,
But don't think to stop them, it amt any use


For people will talk, &c.
Rebecca's don't tremble, or attempt to look shy,
But let scandal, and evil, like the wind pass
you by,
For there is always enough standing ready TO
follow


After lying reports 'gainst an honest Odd Eel
low


Yes, people will talk, &c.
Year: 1868

A FEW DAYS since lady of Gloucester,
Mass, had occasion to leave her house
for few moments, and left her six
months baby Oh the floor. On returning
she was surprised to find the child mis-
sing. After searching for some time she
discovered that the family dog had taken
the baby to the garrett, and deposited it
in basket of rags.