smithclay/nortonstories huggingface dataset:
Year: 1861

"a PEACEFUL SOLUTIoN."-ThoSe who array
themselves against the Government, say they
want peaceful solution" of our present diff
culties. We should like to see the Marysville
| Express, or some other mouth-piece of the anti
large on this subject, showing precisely how such
state of affairs can be brought about without
loss or dishonor to the Government; how peace
can be secured while those who have arms in
their hands refuse to lay them down how the
Constitution can be maintained, when several
States have set it at defiance, and established
Confederacy in direct contravention of its plain
provisions. We should like also to know, why
a party that calls itself "true friend of the
Union" should always be passing resolutions
and uttering speeches for the purpose of giving
"aid and comfort to its enemies )" why they have
such dislike to the American flag as to pull it
down and debase it on all occasions when they
can do SO with safety. Patriotism in the days
of 76, was wont to exhibit itself in quite differ
ent manner.


GA peaceful solution" in the vocabulary of
the secessionists means, for the Government to
remain quiet while a rebel force demolishes its
capitol, seizes upon its Treasury and assassin
ates its President to order retreat of its arm
les, and suffer them to be slaughtered in the at
tempt to effect an ignominious escape: to suffer
treason and traitors to usurp the legislative halls
and frame the laws to suit themselves to permit
nine millions of people to dictate the terms of
settlement to nineteen millions oflaw-abiding cti-
zens; in fine, it means that the Northern people
should pocket insult after insult from their would
be Southern masters, and submissively lick the
hand that is raised to smite them.


Do the sympathisers with treason in California
not know that man would be hung in the
Southern Confederacy who had the temerity to
talk of a peaceful solution :" Why not come
out manfully and indorse rebellion, since in their
secret hearts they so much desire to see the
Government abased and overthrown, and not
attempt to impose upon the voters by hypo-
crical cry of "peace!" which can only be pro-
cured by those laying down their arms who COM
menced the unnatural war?


A peaceful solution" indeed with hostile
bayonets at your throat, army of hundred
thousand men mustered to invade your soil,
the brand of Coward" ready to be impressed on
your forehad, and the heel of despotism iron-shod
to trample you in the dust


The s'mackerel-catchers" and eblue-bellied
Yankees" of the North would occupy an exalted
place, truly, in the affections of the Southern
chivalry, if they faltered or gave back one inch
now, when their courage has been challenged
to the test! They are expected to fight, and
fight let it be. After the smoke of battle has
cleared away, and the vanquished have counted
their slain, it may be that higher opinion will
be entertained of Northern valor. Then will be
time enough to talk of peaceful solution"
and let those request it who expect to derive the
greatest advantage from its terms.
Year: 1861

THE ExPENsE.-Those great humanitarians
and political economists known as secessionists,
after shedding the first blood in an unnecessary
war, and then raising an outcry against coercion;
after justifying the seeding States in stealing
about hundred millions of dollars worth of
Government property, to say nothing of the five
hundred millions due northern merchants, and
repudiated by Southern men have all at once
discovered that the defensive war of the Govern
ment is going to prove expensive. They are col
lecting and publishing in tabular form, long col
umns of figures to make out their case, and will
probably succeed in establishingit. it. Wars usually
are expensive; but some little consolation should
be derived from the fact, if the Government in
this case is compelled to pay, is the aggressor
When the former gets her forts, mints, ships and
other public property back, and opens way for
her loyal citizens to recover that of which they
have been defrauded, the aggregate of her losses
will have been somewhat reduced. Besides all
this, the property which remains is worthy of be-
ing protected. A few hundred millions are a
drop in the bucket, as compared with national
pusilanimity, cowardice and dishonor
Year: 1861




Such A. CAUSE We are unable to realise
how any man of high sense of honor can SYM
pathise with cause so notoriously unworthy as
that of the seeded States, in their attempt to
disrupt the Union. Their leaders committed
moral perjury among their first acts stole the
property of the General Government wherever
they could find it; and commenced an unpro-
voked assault upon an almost defenceless garri-
son, with the cowardly intention of battering
down its walls and killing its men and officers.
Next, the people resort to a fendish policy of
arresting, hanging or otherwise numbering inno-
cent men, merely on suspicion of being loyal to
the Government which claims their first allegi-
ance. Next, the bullying, braggart tone in
which their taunts of defiance are hurled at the
North, is unworthy of people protesting chiv-
alric feelings Next, the using of the Govern
ment dies to stamp their impression on counter
felt coin, is an act so infamous in character as
to deserve the execration of entire Chrstendom.
And next, the reputation of their just debts to
Northern men, has capped the climax of all that
is base, dishonorable and unjustihable before the
Court of Heaven or the bar of enlightened public
opinion.


And do such people and such Government
hope to have their independence recognized by
the Chrstianized nations of Europe? Why the
thing is absolutely preposterous. As well ask
to have piracy legalized, or all law for the pun
ishment of theft and murder abolished.
Year: 1861

THE CIRCUS CoMING.-Billy Pridham, the
intelligent and generous "Advance Agent of
DIR. Bassett's United States Circus, was here on
Wednesday, and distributed the bills of this
Equestrian Troupe, which is to exhibit here on
next Monday evening In looking over list of
the performers, We find the names of several who
have gained worldwide celebrity for their grace
full and daring feats in the ring. The programme
is also arranged so as to afford an agreeable
variety; from which it may be inferred, that
the entertainment is to be one composed of
many excellencies, the audience will be large
and appreciative in proportion. A circus has
always been well patronized here when worthy
of support, and we presume the seats will all be
taken in the pavilion of this the only equestrian
troupe of real merit now in the State.
Year: 1861

The Position OF MAHYLANp.-
The Baltimore Exchange protests,
in the name Of the people Of Mary
land, against the high-handcd meas
urcs which the Administration has
adopted for tie purpose Of crushing
out, by force Of arms, al opposition
in that Stasc to as lawlcsS and tyr
annical an exercise Of power as ever
aisgraccd the annals Of nation
1t says:


IT, however, the hope is entertain,
cd that by adopting the tyrannical
system Of repression and snrpres,
sion, the Southern sympathics otthc
the people of Maryland will be ccrush-
cd out, we trankly sell those who
aro possessed of this delusion, not
to be deceived by appearances
Whatever may be the opinions that
arc held among us, they can not be
radically changed by display OF
force. There may be, ana doubtless
is, at this iuncture, singular calm
ness on the surface; but who can
measure the strength of the under
current? With the exception OF
those who are timid and timc-scrv-
inc. there arc very few among us who
have not made up their minds as to
thcproper course to bepursucd when
ever the occasion is opportunc, and
free and unbiased expression OF
the popular will can be had. Ifas
some assert, we are powerlcss at this
time to successfully resent the out
RACES that have been put upon us,
why then we have no recourse but
to bear them with what patience we
may. We must learn to suffer and
to wait. 70 stcadfast souls, what
ever may be the darkness Of the
present, the future still discloscs its
bow of promise, When men dare
not speak their inmost thoughts, 1T
is an act of prudence to remain ST.
lent. 1t would be madness and not
courage that would counsel resis-
tance to an overwhelming force
But "the whirligig of Time" brings
about its charges, and we warn the
Administration and its Northern al
lies that silence does not always i'm
ply acquiesccnee, nor must Austen
anee from active opposition be taken
for r,abicct submission.
Year: 1861

his shield and buckler, his armor
for his defense in the maintenance
of his rights. But because he was
thus pious, and engaged in a work
directed by DiriHe Wisdom, he
did not cry peace when his enemies
were plotting his destruction and
seeking his ruin and overthrow
but his voice was for war; flight, y
says he, "for your brcthrcn,' your


sons and your daughters, your
wives and your houses" So say ], in


tho contest forced upon us, Let
us bc sure we are right, act on the
defensive, and when our enemies


are plotting our destruction, seek
Year: 1861

M, | know not what t0cNpect from
this sad calamity, And | know not
where to place the whole united
church in this contest, Iknow that
the whole church north and south
can do much to stop this ungodly


strife; and is it not time, and does
not duty and humanity call upon


every one to speak and act when


there is SO much involved2 But
whether we can have such united
action or not, or the United States
will push forward this war or for
bear, it is our duty to prepare to
defend our rights, which are now
and have been 40 uninstlv invaded
Year: 1861

the field and the big one had fallen back
II was Clear triumph On the part of Gen.
Lyons men. The subsequent night re-
treat without pursuit by the enemy, does
not change the fact that McCu11ochs al.
my was whipped In tie encounter. and 80
the historian WilI record II.
Year: 1861

The news from Texas is important, The
Union men are making q strong stand in
the western portion Of the State, having
fortified themselves. A movement is on
foot to separate from the rest OF the State,
which plan viii probably be changed for
the Virginia plan when the o. S, feet ar
rives of the coast to Strengthen the Union.


sH r--la a.
Year: 1861

DowN ON HM-The London Chronicle is down
on Old Abe and his lack of craftsmanship, as COM
pared with the craftsmanship of the South. 1t
winds up vigorous article as follows:


Mr. Lincoln is further now from success against
the South than he was when he started from
Chicago.


As regards Fort Sumter itself, he did the worst
thing he could do. He intended to evacuate it in
few days but sooner than consent to acknowl
edge that South Carolina was rebellious he ex
pressed his intention to send in provisions, by
force, if necessary. He thus gave the South the
provocation and opportunity of brilliant victory
and had to submit to mortifying defeat The
conduct of the Southern Government has, on the
sense. They cluDg to no ictions and were hamp
cred by no legal ignorance of plain facts. They
wanted to leave the Union and they left it. They
wanted to take Fort SUMTER and they took it.
They wished the Border States to join them, and,
by precipitating collision, they seem to have got
t6em-unless, indeed, some unexpected good sense
at Washington prevent them at the eleventh hour.
Year: 1861

GEN. GEAUREGARD.--The Northern papers are
still discussing the question whether or not Gen.
Beauregard was killed at the attack on Fort Sum
ter. The Boston Advertiser has half column on
the subject proand con. Several letters have been
written by people, who say they saw him killed,
and some say they saw him buried. Nearly all the
Northern papers incline to the opinion that he aras
killed. and that the report of the fight at Fort Sum-
ter, to which his name was signed, was written by
some one else.


We know they would be glad 10 believe him
dead-but we have the satisfaction of saying that
he "stil vcs,n and that he is at Norfolk, Virginia
prepared to receive any calls that may be matte
upon him. He will make himself felt before this
business is over, or we are much mistaken in the
man,
Year: 1861

In the vestibule of St. Peters, at Rome, is
a doorway, which is walled up and marked
with q cross. 1t is opened but four times IL
century. On Christmas eve, once in TWEEN
y.fvc years, the pope approaches 1t IN state,
with the retnue Of cardinals IN attendance,
and begins the demolition OF the door. by
striking it three times with a silver hammer
When the passage is opened, the multitude
pass into the nave Of the cathedral, and up 10
the altar, by an avenue which the majority Of
them never entered thus before, and never
will enter thus again.


Imagine that The way TO the throne OF
grace were like the Porto Santa, inaccessible,
save oncein q quarter ola ccntury,on the 2oth
Of December, and only with august solcmnl'-
les, conducted by great digni,aries OF hoy
city Conceive that it were now ten yeas
since you, or [, or any other sinner mad been
permitted to pray and that fifteen long years
| must slowly drag themselves away, before we
could venture again to approach God ana
that, at the most, we could not hope 10 pray
more than two Or three times in a lifetime
With what solicitude we should wait for the
coming of the holy day! We should lay CUR
plans of life, select our homes, build our hou-
ses, choose our professions, form our friend
ships with reference to pilgrimage in that
25th year, We should reckon time by the
openings Of the sacred door. as cpochs. No
other one thought would cngross 50 much OF
our lives, or kindle our seuslbllties SO intense
ly, as the thought of prayer. 1t would be OF
more significance to US than the thought o.
death is now. It won!A multiply our trepid-
alton at the thought Of dying, Fear wou!d
grow to horror, at the thought Of dying before
the year of Jubilee. No other question would
give US such tremors Of anxiety as these would
excite How many years now to the time
Of prayer? How many weeks Shall We
live to see it Who can tell
Yet, on that great day, amidst an innumer-
able throug, in courtly presence, within
! sight and hearing of stately rites, what would
PRAYER be worth to US? Who would value it
F in the comparison with those still moments,
that


'secure silence OF the mind,'
- in which we can now find God, everyday >
That day would be more like the day Of
= Judgment to us, than like tbs sweet minutes
y y of converse with our Father, which we have
- every hour.


"Still with Thee, 0 my God,


would desire tobe


BY day, by night, at home, abrca |,


would be still with Thee


With Thee amid the crowd


That throngs the busy mart


To hear Thy voice, mid clamor loud,


Speak softly to my hearts!
Year: 1861

Many years ago, you might have noticed,
in one OF our large cities, sorrow-strlcken
young man, with lady leaning upon his
arm, making their way through the crowd
and onward, entering large handsome house
on - street. They ascend silently to
chamber in the third story, in the northwest
corner Of the house, The room is spacious
and airy, the furniture all rich and elegant,
but the room is darkened to the sombreness
of twilight, for sick man lies stretched
upon the couch. He is painting tor breath
but is fully conscious of all that is passing
around them.


The young man who has just entered IS
his eldest son. In the same room are group
of Younger children, from Anna, the child Of
seven, upward to the elder brother. The
wife Of the sick man and the mother of the
children, is we'll nigh PROSTATE In her grief,
for it has come upon her In an unexpected
moment. Two weeks ago her husband was
the strong, active man Of business, full oi his
plans and prosperous in them all. .


These two weeks how quickly they have
been numbered ? The slight illness the fee
bic palor struck frame, then the deep seated
fever, and the mastery Of disease, these have
brought the strong one to the gate of the
grave, and he has summoned his family to-
gether that, in as briel a manner as possible,
he may dispose Of his property to them.


Henry must have the house on -
street, and half the ownership Of block
Adnan and James, the block of houses ill
place Maria the house on-street. Wife
and Anna must remain here and"


But the father can proceed no further.
Choking with emotion and his great weak
ness, have overcome him he falls back, draws
his arms across his eyes, and remains silent
Dear little Anna, his pet, his darling, she
comprehends but slightly the meaning of
their doings, but her heart is breaking ior
her father. He is going to die, to leave
them, this she knows but where is he 60
| ing 3?


1t is not religious family; they have
been kind, amiable and true to each other,
but they have been living for this world. In
the bosom of this child untrammelled thought
pierces beyond the present, and in that deep,
sad stiffness, with that sick man just about
TO step into the dark, unknown future, she
makes the startling inquiry Have you a
house, papa, where you are golng!


Oh, no tho poor man had not house
prepared for him, He had never wanted the
Year: 1861

l feel SO vexed and out of temper with
Ben, cried Mark, that | really must -
8 Do something in rcvengc?' inquired his
cousin Cecilia.


No, look over my Book of Thanks


What's that p said Cecilia, as she saw
him turning over the leaves of copy-book,
nearly full of writing, in round text hand.


Here it is, said Mark, then read aloud
8 March S-Ben lent me his new hat


Here again January 4-When L lost
my shilling Ben made it up to me kindly


We'll, observed the boy, turning down the
leaf, Ben is good boy, after ALL


What do you note down in that book !!
said Ceccla, looking over his shoulder with
some curiosity.


All the kindnesses that ever are shown
mc-you would wonder how many they are.
find great deal Of good from marking
them down. | do not forget them, as L
might do if only trusted to my memory so
| hope that I am often ungratetul and when
l am cross, or out of temper, almost fecl
good-humored again, if | only lock over my
book


L wonder what sort of things you put
down. said Cecilia. Let me glance over a
page.


Mrs Wade asked me to spend the whole
day at her house, and made me very happy
indeed


Mrs. Philips gave me FIVE shilings.'


sOld Martha Page asked after me every
day when l was ILL.,,


why do you put father and mother at the
head Of the page?' asked Cecelia.


%! they show me SO much kindness ina
cannot put it all down; so just writ
their names, to remind myself OF the grea
debt Of love. l know that | never can re
pay it. And see what put At the beginning
of my book Every good gifS is from above
this to make me remember that all the kin
friends whom have were given 10 me by tn
Lord, and that while | am grateful to them,
should first v,tt all, be thankful to Him.


I think that such of my re",''rS 's nav
ability and time, would find it capital pa
to keep Book of Thanks and may such Il
cannot write them down, yet keep book
remembrance of past kindness in their hearts
Year: 1861

PARsoN BRowNLow's OPiNIoN.--Parson
Brownlow, editor of the KnorwNe Wh5g,
(Tenn.,) Methodist preacher, one of the
most determined Unionsts in the South, and
who with his loyal and patriotic family, isre
solved to stand his ground, has been calcua"
ting the chances of success in the present
conflict On the claim set up by southern
preachers that God is Oh their side, he says:
: True our young men and their parents are
encouraged by our practical preaching who
never expect to do any fighting themselves
that God is on our side, that our cause is
lust and that we are bound to succeed. We
have been stud dying the character of. God for
the last forty years past, and that, too, in the
sacred biography OF his own writing, and we
confess that we have not come up to any point
of his character Or nature which warrants
the belief that he will identify himself with
the Southern Confederacy in this conflict.
The war has been brought ABOUT without any
adequate cause. 1t has been inaugurated by
men whose works and piety afford no evil
dence of their having had any intercourse
with God or his word
Year: 1861

Savior to prepare place for him, and no
body in this wide universe could give him
heavenly mansion Are there not many very
many in this condition ?


Reader have you house where Jou are
going.
Year: 1861

In strength there ever dwells OF right
Some quality of noble name,
Which through base uses keeps aiight
A remnant Of celestial fame,
And cannot leave him wholly vile
Within whose breast IL takes abode,
Since this one spot, this little isle,
Must still retain the stamp Of God.
In him, who not Of kings the heir,
Caryes out n crown by kngly work,
Must needs be that some virtue rare,
Some god-like moral grace doth lurk.
This shining forth, shall color lend
To wrong, or questionable act,
Till the world dreams righteous end
Where only sophists can defend
And Faith becomes the slave of Fact.
Yet II Is an effeminste thing,
woman-weakness sti to crave
For works that made the world to ring,
Or setting up some idle king,
For violence pronounce him brave.
For stronger far, and in their strength,
More hOnorably due to fame,
Are they who through the stormy length
OF combat kept fRwless name;
Who, reddened to the brows with strife,
Have nourished hearts not cruel still:
Men who. though widely taking life.
Shed blood for conscience sake, not viii;
Who sheathed the sword when peace might be,
And brayely glad, confessed IL gain;
in whose severe sublimity


Envy detects no fatal stain;
Men Of perfect mould and such,


Who knew themselves and knew their time,
We cannot honor over much


In story or in rhyme.
Strong is the Statesman who can WELD
A nation to his single will,
Teach its blind nussiOns how To Weld
And lordly destnes to fulfill
Who, to one point. wbate'er beiall
Makes every shapeless purpose bend,
Becoming all things unto all,
So he may gain an end.
Yet greater oft is III success
Later in time they reap applause
Waom factions could not ban nor bless;
Found brave enough to lose cause;
Who, mid groveling race and prone,
Walked honestly, erect and proud;
Who dared not lie to gain throne.
Nor struck their cOlOrs to the crowd,
Such shall not lack renown till when
Cometh an iron age at last
SneeriDg at all that makes US men,
Cursed with cOntemnings of the past;
Who, reaping where they have not sOwn,
Wax selfish In their base degree;



And slur the light by which they see.
This Is the noblest strength to seek,
And tadeess still the crown remains,
Which once He wore, who, strongly weak,
On Calvary was wrung with pains.
To suffer, and without complaint
Makes grandeur more divine than ALL
This, TO high places lifts the faint;
This is the hero's coronal
To wither in dark disgrace,


Which half world might wipe away,
And clothed with calumny, to face
Contempt and hatred day by day,
Because the half-word that would change
Our destiny, were best unsaid-
o wide and elevated range


OF hearts 10 worthy interests wed
So blest the iame-regardless thought,
Which 10 divine attractions true,
Feel that the life which hath been taught
TO suffer, hath been taught to do.


--[Blackwood's Magazine.