smithclay/nortonstories huggingface dataset:
Year: 1869

BOURBON, Nov. 90, 1869.
Ed. DFMocRAT:-


Preachers, as general rule, are a
very respectable class of men, but as "In
Adams fall, we sinned all, it does not
surprise us when We occasionally hear
of one leaving the paths of rectitude and
virtue to travel the road that leads
through the quicksands of sin and death.
We heard of one, who, not long ago, at
tempted to impose on some of the good
people of town not far distant. He
came in possession of a very peculiar
kind ofworkmanship, and having no use
for it himself, desired to dispose Of it,
but finding no one who deemed it fit for
use, he did not succeed. But he deter
mined not to give it up so, and present
ed bill for services not rendered, the
payment of which, of course, was very
promptly declined. Had it not been for
the timely interference of a friend who
knew him to be a man who had always
borne good character, he would prob
ably have got into serious trouble, as
the 'joke" he was perpetrating was par
taking of quito a serious nature, and
those for whom it was intended were
slow in seeing the point. He says he is
now out of the scrape all right, and his
experience in the business will be stri
king lesson to him never to attempt the
like again. All concerned agree tha
the matter should be hushed up, and 81
mum is the word. The last seen of hin
he had come into possession of broad
brimmed hat, and was taking lessons il
parliamentary law.


Some of our boys being filled with tn
musical af1latus, having read that
| .'Music hath charms to soothe n savage
Rend a rock, or bust q cabbage"


have organized string band
whose dulcet strains are expected t
charm our music loving people durin,
the holidays. So.


A revival meeting is in progress a
the U. b. Church, under supervision
of Elder Manville, of the Christian de
nomination. He has wide field fo
operations, and it is hoped that mucl
good may result from his labors.
Our Methodist brethren have alrea1
commenced making preparations for


"Christmas Tree" and the little folk
are on 'tip toe for the coming sweets
Year: 1869

Our patrons will bear us out in the
statement that We have not been very
importunate in our demands upon them
for the amount due us. But we do
desire to make settlement with every
one Of them between this and the first
of January, 1870, that we may com-
mence the new year with aclear record.
We are making out bills reaehing up
to the time indicated, and hope that all
will see the necessity Of conforming &c
rule which is being adopted by oul
best business men, that is to have the
books balanced At the beginning of the
year
Year: 1869

The approaching session Of congress
Is looked to with much anxiety, especial
ly in the west, where monetary tight
ness seems to be encircling every de-
partment of trade and productive indus
try within its iron grasp. In the east
ern states, which hold an undue pro-
PORTION Of the national currency, the
general prostration of trade is not 50
great as here in the west, where the vol
u ne of currency in circulation is less
than at any time during the past ten
years.


1t is said that western members of
congress, by reason of recent COM
mingling with the people, will favor the
immediate passage of a general banking
law, for the purpose of supplying cur
rency to all parts Of the country, in
such portions as may be required; or,
filling in this, they will work for re-
distribution of the national currency,
by taking from the eastern states, and
giving to the west and south. The
probability is that they will fail in both
these undertakings. The money infu-
ence of the east is all-powerful. West
ern courage and endurance may subdue
forests, build railroad across the conti-
nent, and face the most appalling dan
gers on land and sea, but when clash
of interests brings the west face to face
with the monied aristocracy of the east,
We are as chaff before mighty wind.
Western men start to Washington with
their pockets full or financial measures,
calculated to benefit their section of the
country, by equalixing the burdens and
favors to be derived from congressional
Legislation; but it is safe SO say that in
nine cases in every ten, that is the last
Of them. There is no help for this so
long as the Republican party maintains
its ascendancy, and works harmoniously
on all party measures, as it has. done
heretofore. If the Democrats should
not succeed in getting majority in con-
gress, at the next election Of members,
there is some hope that sehism will be
effected between eastern and western
Republicans On the tariff and other
financial measures, among whom there
is now radical difference Of opinion,
which sectional interests may so embit-
tsr that the cohesive power Of public
plunder may prove unable to hold the
homogeneous elements together But
this result can only be attained by edu
eating the masses to that point where
sheY will refuse to elect any man, Demo
crat or Republican, who fails to battle
earnestly and successfully for thei
rights, and against monopolies and clas
Legislation of every name and kind
Then, and not till then, may We conf
IDENTIFY look for an equal distribution o
the taxes and currency, and tarii
framed for revenue purposes only.s
Year: 1869

reputation for HONESTY, FAIR DEALING
and PROMPT PAYMENT of LOSSES during a
period of sixteen years, together with prudent
management and great wealth, have made this
company one of the most popular in the United
States. For the past three years its success has
been unparalleled Its policies better than gold
and the profit greater. No business man. no young
man, husband father should delay single
day In getting his life insured. nd thereby save
his wife or little ones from possible want when
they are no longer with them to provide. For in
srruncs in the above old and reliable compony. oil
for any information relative thereto, apply either
personally or by letter 10


JOHN C. CUSHMAN, Agent,
Plymouth, Indiana
Year: 1869

We are indebted to the Hon. George
W. Frost for a small package of tea, not
very valuable as far as size or weight is
concerned, but it takes much prospective
value from the fact that it is a parcel
from the first shipment of tea direct
from China across the American conti-
nent. This is the beginning of the euor-
nous traffic from the Orient to the Occi-
dent, and from the New World to the
Old. Soon the English carrying trade
that has so long mcnopolized the COM
merce of the world will receive deadly
check by the speed and cheapness with
which traffic may be carried on between
the countries hitherto only brought into
communication by an extended ocean
voyage, fraught with danger and tedious
from its monotony. English mails, for
China, have for sometime passed over
the road, and its full completion will be
the signal for at least nine -tenths OF the
commerce and communication between
those countries, that requires speed and
safety, to seek this route. There are no
Bay of Biscay storms to be encountered,
or dolcful doubling of Cape of Good
Hope in freight ship, on our road, and
the voyage from London to Canton, via
New York and San Francisco, can be
made in forty days travel as opposed to
seventy via Peninsular aud Oriental s. 8.
Co. from Southampton by the way Of the
Isthmus of Suez to India, and thence to
Canton, the next shortest route than can
be travelled. - Omaha Herald, April 23d.
Year: 1869




A scene which took place on April st,
at the German Opera at Pesth. has sup"
piled the people of that city with ample
matter for conversation. Count Karl
Esterhazy appeared that evening in one
of the stage boxes accompanied by q
friend, with whom he kept up loud con-
versation during the greater part of the
first tive acts of the opera, occasionally
indulging in bursts of laughter during
the most touching scenes. The rest OF
the audience became extremely exaspe-
rated at this unseeming conduct, upon
which the Count displayed his indiffer-
ence to the general feeling by whistling q
popular air. The Captain of the city,
who was sitting in the next box, now in
terfered, at first only by a gesture of re-
monstrance, but afterward by word OF
mouth. As the Count paid ne attention
to him, the Captain sent Commissary
of Police to enforce his orders, but the
latter was received with go to the
devil" The Captain then sent the Com
missary second time, threatening If
Count Esterhazy continued to interrupt
the performance he would order the
police to turn him out of the theater.
The second message produced very little
more effect than the first, but shortly
afterward the Count and his friend
lighted their cigars at the chandeliers
before their box and then withdrew. The
next morning the Count was summoned
before the Town Court. He appeared in
person, and was condemned to pay fine
Of two hundred forms. He has chal-
lenged Captain Thars, but the latter has
refused the intended honor.
Year: 1869

ordinary arrangement, that whereas COM
monty the little joker is never found


under the thimble which may be turned
up, in this case he is sure to be found,
turn up which thimble you may. Under
one name or another ring Of q few per-
sons is struck at whatever point the Union
Pacific is approached. As stockholders
they own the road, as mortgages they
have lien upon it, as directors they
contract for its construction, and as mem
bers of the Credit Moblier they build
I.
Year: 1869

THE SECOND BABY Between the first
baby and the second baby what falling
off Is there my country women! Not in
intrinsic value, for the second may chance
to be " as pretty piece of flesh as any"
but in the imaginary value with which it
is invested by its nearest kin and more
distant female belongings. The coming
of the first baby in a household creates
an immense sensation; that of a second is
comparatively commonplace affair. The
first baby is looked for with anxiety,
nursed with devotion, admired with en-
thusiasm, dressed with splendor, and made
to live upon system. Baby number two
is not longed for by any one, except, per-
haps, the mother; is nursed as matter
of course, and admired for courtesy; is
dressed in the cast-off clothes of number
one and gets initiated into life without
much ceremony or system.
Year: 1869

Children are generally happy and con-
tented if left to their own resources.
We have seen boy extract more fun out
of jackknife, a pine stick and yard of
twine than his father out Of half dozen
Fourth of Julys. Let the boys and girls
alone if you want them to have good
time.
Year: 1869

Can any one tell how it is that man
who is too poor to pay three cents q week
for good weekly paper, is able to pay
fifteen cents day for tobacco and cigars,
to say nothing Of an occasional drink
Year: 1869

An Iowa exchange vouches for the
truth of statement that lady in that
village, when quite child, accidentally
run splinter in the thumb Of her left
hand, and was astounded the other day
by having saw log, ten feet long and
twenty three inches in circumference,
iump from her heel
Year: 1869




AT an interview with Mr.. Porter G.
Bis, some additional and important in
formation was obtained in regard to affairs
in Paraguay, by reporter connected
with the New York Sun. The most in.
teresting part of his conversation turned
on the character of the Dictator Lopez,
which proves him to be deserving of any
thing bat sympathy from the civilized
world. From this picture of him he seems
to be a duplicate of the most cruel and
sensual OF the elnperors Of ancient Rome.
This man about the year 1862 was sent
on mission 10 Paris by his father, where
he became enamored Of a French woman,
the wife Of a surgeon. She was a person
of great beauty and imposing appearance,
bat unhappily frai, having left her hus-
band and become a Femme de rifle.
When Lopez left Paris, this woman fol-.
lowed him not long after, and became his
mistress iii Paraguay. There she had six
or seven children, the oldest being boy
of fourteen, who is noted for being partic-
ularly fat. He has proved himself somc-
thing Of a soldier, however as he now holds
the rank Of captain in his fathers army,
having risen from the grade of corporal.


Lopez's French concubinc did not be-
come mistress of the situation, as often
happens in such cases. Her influence
over him was not great, although she was
able to be Of some service to Bliss and
Masterman during their Imprisonment.
She still retains many womanly instincts,
but seems to have been able to make but
little impression on the savage and despot-
ic Lopez. lie himself is man both
beastly aud cruel. 1t is said that he is a
voluptuary Of the worst sort, and that the
young girls Of any beauty in his dominion
are subjected to his passions. He is a
Mormon and Turk combined. In natural
disposition he shows the traits of tiger.
The public are led to believe he is fight
ing for liberty, and that his banners are
supported by willing followers. But no.
thing could be further from the truth.
He brought on the war by an endless and
impertinent interference in the difficulties
of Brazil and Uruguay, and commenced
hostillties himself with Brazil. He had
premcditated the war for long time
previous, as he had been busy for months
III accommodating arms and ammunition.
Instead of governing by law, he rules his
subjects by fear, and even his French mis-
tross would be glad to escape from him
now.-Portland Press.
Year: 1869

The Missouri Lunatic Asylum is pro-
vided with greenhouse in which there
are ct all times, flowers in full bloom.
Some Of the severest cases of insanity in
men brought to the institution in irons, and
manifesting The most violent symptoms Of
this most terrible disorder, have been sud-
denly calmed down to a condition border
ing on sanity by the presentation Of a bo-
quet gathered from the greenhouse. Mu-
sic is known to possess the power of calm
ing the most violent lunatic.. Between
music and flowers it would appear that all
cases of raving madness can be modified
and ameliorated, if not thoroughly cured
Year: 1869

Finding him sad and melancholy the
Queen inquired the cause. She was told
by her attendants that Brown had
been very long in the service of the Prince
had mourned him sincerely at his death


and had hardly smiled since his royal
master was laid away at Frogmore. This
touched the Queen in her tonderest point.
She was not served as she desired to be.
The routine Of the palace, the relays of
servants, the red tape, the sending of a
message through dozen hands before it
could be executed, the red coat and gold
lace with the royal livery glaring every
where, were distasteful to the Queen, WHO
had buried her love of pomp and display
in the tomb Of her husband, but who
wished to be well, yet quietly served.
The rule Of the palace divided the royal
servants into three classes, each serving a
Year: 1869

month. When the three months we're over
the first set returned to duty The Queen
tired of these new faces, especially as it
took half dozen TO do one persons work.
The Prince had Germansorvant, who was
as great fayorite as Brown. She demand
ed that these two persons should serve her
constantly. This was stoutly resisted.
But the Queen, with the resolution and
determination which has always marked
her, carried the point, and Brown became
the Prime Minister Of the domestic ar
rangements of the Queen.
Year: 1869

The lady who wouldn't recognize her
friend when she met him IN the street
with his working clothes en-. passed
through Wincheste: the other day on her
way 10 the Lunsic Asylum. m company
with the gen, who believes that all The
ladies' are in love with his big whlskerS.
Year: 1869

THE New NICKEL CoINs.-The denom-
nations of the new coins are to be one,
three, and, five cents, and they are to be
composed Of one-fourth nickel and three
fourths copper. The one cent coin is to
weigh grain and half, and will be about
the size of the five cent silver coin which
some of the existing inhabitants of the
United States will rccollcct to have seen.
The three and five cent pieces are to be
about the size of the one and two cent cop
pcrs now in use, and will weigh respect
lively three and five grains. The new coin
is to be legal tender for dollar except fol
iiduties on imports, and all the existing
. nickel and copper coins will be withdrawn
Year: 1869

CURE FOR C5nNs.-One teaspoonful of
tar, one of coarse brown sugar, and one of
saltpetre. The whole to b, warmed to-
gether. Spread it ON kid leather the size
Of the corns, and in two days they will be
drawn out.
Year: 1869

The reason why some merchants sell more
goods simply because their goods what they are repre-
sene to be- reasonable And this just the
KNex Halter Of FuOn and Broadway has so
many patront keeps all his old friends and continually adding to
their number The latest STYLES can always his establish
tneut
Year: 1869

[ could not help thinking as I look
ed upon his smiling face aud heard his
counsel of moderation and wisdom,
that here is hero upon whose brow
history will place weird laureis, whose
deeds Of daring will be woven into
romance ard poetry, through all ages
to come, and yet he deems it not hu-
initiation and disgrace to accept sit
uation which he cannot avoid, and is
willing himself and is counsclling
others to make All eIort 20 save his
State from tho ruin and desolation
which threatens her. Yo men who
never periled your lives as no did at
the calling of Virginia, how oan you
say without blush Chat it is unmanly
and degrading to follow where Mosby
leads
Year: 1869

clergy aud an exclusive dominion ol
dogmas as denial of the Protestant
spirit and stepping stones only to
Rome. Convinced that supineness
and Indifference on the part of many
Protestants have furaishcd n main
support to the rcactionury Church
party, and constitute also the princi-
pal impediment in tho most powerful
German State against national and
Church rcviviGoation, we admonish
all our brethren ia faith to be vigilant
and combine together in strong bull
wark against all tendencies menacing
spiritual and conscientious freedom.


This declaration was read a second
time at the public market place, and
still greaber solennity was impaired
to the proceedings by the vast assem-
bly, joining in the Luther hymn. More
than 500 persons sat down to a sump.
tuous banquet in the evening, at
which many toasts we're proposed. -
The prevailing sentiment was that of
German unity and nationality, and
such was the enthusiasm on the occa-
sion that most Of the speakers seemed
to have entirely forgotten the distance
yet to be accomplished in order to
obtaie the much coveted fatherlaud,


W. Y. Herald.
Year: 1869

IMPROBABLE SToRy-Here is Califor-
mia story which is almost improbable:


A hired man on farm from Nape was
detailed to keep watch on the cornfeld and
not let the black maruders invade the prem.
ises, but like many other men under similar
situations tried to plan a method whereby
50 much labor would not have to be per-
formed; so he hit upon the plan of soaking
some corn in whiskey and placing it in the
field so that the crows would eat it and get
drunk, and then have a sure thing on them,
and could kill them easily. He had tried
to shoot them with shot gun, but crows
can smell powder a long way after soak
ing some corn over night, he put bountifu
supply in the field early next morning, and
in about two or three hours he went oat to
see how things were progressing, and mark
you what follows. One of the crows little
bigger than the rest, had gathered up and
taken possession of almost all the corn and
bad made himself bar out of sods of earth,
and was retailing the whiskey soaked corn
to the crows, charging them three grains OF
sprouted corn for one soaked grain. Our
hired man had not the heart to kill any OF
the creatures they seemed so much in action
like mankind
Year: 1869

Mr.. Curran was once engaged in legal
argument behind him stood his colleague,
a gentleman whose person was remarkably
tall and slender, and who had originally in-
tended to take orders. The judge observed
case of ecclesiastical law. Then said
Curran, Il can refer your lordship to a high
authority behind me, who was once intended
for the church, though in my opinion he
was filter for the steeple.
Year: 1869

There are few cases of mania exhibiting such
peculiar features as that of Mr.. Spencer, llv-
ing on Louisa street, in this city Some years
ago he engaged in difficulty with a man
named Hunt, whom he killed. They had been
friends from their boyhood, and up to the day
of the fatal affray had never felt for each other
aught but friendship and kindness: 1t is said,
too, that they had mutually shared many per-
lis, and bonds of sympathy linked them by
stronger ties than usually cement ordinary
friends But trifing dispute occurred, and
in moment OF Incorporate passion the fatal
thrust was given and his old friend lay dead at
his feet His horror at the homicide threw
him into fever, of which he came near dying.
For months he hovered on the verge of the
grave, and when at last he recovered, it was
with the impression that the ghost of his
friend, clad in grave clothes, was ever at his
side His mind, rational upon every other
subject, clings to this delusion, and no persua-
sion or reason can remove the impression, or
cure him Of the mania. 1t goes with him to
his business, which he conducts with the same
sagacity and skill that he ever did. 1t sits with
him in his family circle, is by his side upon the
street, and lies down with him when he goes
to bed at night. He often converses with 1t,
and imagnes that he receives replies TO his
questionings He says for years the ghost
maintained toward him stern aspect, refusing
all Cancellation, but of late years it has as
sumed toward him q more friendly demeanor.
He believes that it will 60 with him through
life as penance for his crime. The law ac-
Quilted him. but this is the judgment of Heav-
en,-Neao Orleans Pscayuae.
Year: 1869

We take the liberty of publishing the follow
ing letter, received few days since from a
subscriber in Monroe county, West Virginia
from which the people of this State may learn
something of the oppressive taxes imposed on
that 'loyar' State, which was violently torn
from the body of this "Old Commonwealth"
during the war.


Richard Mauzy & Co., Roprietors of Spec


tator.


Gentlemen-I herewith send five dollars,
which amount please place to my credit, and
let me know by some mark on the next num-
ber of my paper that you have received the
money, SO that [ may know it reached you in
safety. l wish | could send the whole amount
OF your claim. But this | cannot now do
The unprecedented scarcity of money in this
section of the country, superinduced by a gen.
eral stagnatlon of business, the natural and
necessary result OF the enormous taxation, and
other evils of msrule in this unhedged,
spurious offspring OF the ''old Commonwealth"
preclude the possibility of my sending you more
at this time No sooner does one get little
money than the tax-gatherer is at his door,
and by the time you have paid the Federal tax,
regular State tax, School tax, Road tax, &C.,
&C., the sheriff has the lions portion" OF
your money-you have, literally, none left
But why should [ trouble you with our griev-
ances?


Please continue to send me the Spectator.
1t has become an institution in my family
we cannot do without it. [ have been regu-
lar subscriber to your paper for about eighteen
years, and while it continues to be managed
with the same spirit and ability that have
characterized its columns in the past, you may
set me down" as life time subscriber. And
[ will continue TO pay up my subscription In
installments, till l shall have liquidated the
whole claim. And then [ will try to do what,
[ think, every honest man should at least
aim at''-''pay the printer yearly, and reg
ularly, in advance.


Thanking you most sincerely for your kind
ness in sending me your paper so long ION
tick and hoping to be able to pay the utmost
farthing, | am yours


Very respectfully,