smithclay/nortonstories huggingface dataset:
Year: 1868

A WOMAN CLAIMED BY Two HUSBANDS. s.-Tht
Rochester Erpress has an account ola singular
case that has occurred in that city, in which ont
woman was claimed as lawful wife by two hus
bands, each of whom had been legally married tt
her-the last marriage taking place when the first
husband was believed to be dead. The facts ar
these Two young men were very friendly to each
other. One of them had wife for whom he cher.
ished all of husbands regards; the other was an
ardent student and experimenter in scientific mat
ters, and bachelor-having devoted himself to
perfecting scientific instrument to demonstrate q
formula, which he had conceived in his mind.


On the outbreak of the war, the young married
man went into the army and before doing so ex.
acted promise from his friend that in case he
was slain, and never returned, he, (the friend al
home) would marry his wife and give her a per.
manent home and support. With this assurance
that his wife was provided for, the soldier went to
the war. After while report came that he was
killed in battle, and his wife mourned for her lost
husband He did not return, at all events, at the
end of the war, and after due space was given to
mourning, the promise given to the absent and
supposed to be deceased soldier was fulfilled the
widow became the wife of the husbands friend,
and their joy was crowned by the birth of hand.
some child, on which the parents doated.


There is another incident in this so far simple
tale, which gives it greater interest. Soon after
the soldier marched to the South, the student was
taken sick in his forlorn dormitory, and he was be-
ieved, by his physician, to be very near deaths
door. He must have careful and constant nursing
or must inevitably die-with the longing of his
soul unfulflled. In this emergency, the soldiers
wife, who was earning her livelihood by sewing,
was called in. She went to the lodgings Of the
young man-in block in the centre of the city
and there nursed him through the fever, and back
to convalescence, and labor. In this way the lady
had established claim on her own part to the full
flment of the pledge given in friendship for her
husband.


Now comes the conclusion A short time since
the long absent soldier re-appeared explained the
reason of his long absence (the circumstances
which detained him we have not learned), and
claimed his wife. The second husband was 10th
to surrender his wife, who was the mother of bis
child, also, and he declined to give her up. The
question as to which had the best right to the wo-
man was submitted to legaltribunal. On the last
day of 1867, the court decided that the first mar
rage was binding, and the wife must pass to the
former husband-a decision which all parties are
understood to abide What become Of the child
we have not learned but Of course, the father
will have the best right to her custody.
Year: 1868

The circumstances which induced the
writing of the following most touching and
thrilling lines are as follows: A young
lady Of New York was in the habit of writ
ing for the Philadelphia Ledger, on the sub
ject of Temperance. Her writing was SO full
of pathos and evinced such deep emotion of
soul, that a friend of hers accused her of
being maniac on the subject of temperance; !;
whereupon she wrote the following lines:
Go feel what 1 have felt,


Go bear what have born
Sink meath the bowl a father dealt


And the cold worlds proud scorn:
Then suffer on from year to year


Thy sole relief the scorching tear.
Go kn, ell as have knelt,


Implore, beseech and pray
Strive the besotted heart to melt,


The downward course to stay,
Be dashed with bitter curse aside,
Your prayers burlesqued. your tears de-


fed.


Go weep as have wept


Ger loved fathers fall
See every promised blessing swept


Youths sweetness turned to gall
Life's fading flowers strewed all the way i;
That brought me up to woman's day.
Go see what have seen,


Behold the strong man bowed;
With gnashing teeth-lips bathed in blood,


And cold and livid brow;
To catch his whitening glance, and see
There mirrored, his souls misery.
Go to thy mothers side,


And her crush'd bosom cheer;
Thy own deep anguish hide;


Wipe from her cheek the bitter tear;
Mark her worn frame and wither'd brow !;
The gray that streaks her dark hair now
With fading frame and trembling limb;
And trace the ruin back to HIM
Whose plighted faith, in early youth,
Promised eternal love and truth,
But who, foresworn, hath yielded up
That promise to the cursed cup;
And led her down, through love and light,
And all that made her prospects bright.
And chained her there, mid want and


strife;


That lowly thing drunkard's wife;
And stamp'd on childhood's brow so mild,
That whitening blight, the drunkard's


child?


Go hear. and feel, and see. and know,


All that my soul hath felt and known !;
Then look upon the wine cups glow,


See if its beauty can atone;
Think if its favor you will try!
When all proclaim, It's drink and die
Tell me HATE the bowl;


Hate is feeble word,
ILoATHE-ABHOR-m very soul


With strong disgust IS stirr'd;
When l see, OF hear, or tell,
Of the dark BEVERAGE OF HE'LL!
Year: 1868

Illustrated Guide to the principal suburban places the Lac u
TIE Eastern Division o Railway has prepared snd can Be s
Of the By those wishing
personally the referred with the view OF setst


H. RIDDLE, General ssgL
Year: 1868

Editing a paper is a pleasant busi-
ness.


Ifit contains too much reading mat
ter people won't take it.


If the type is too large, it don't con-
tain enough reading matter.


If the type is too small people won't
read it.


If we publish telegraph reports, peo-
pie say they are lies.
we omit them, people say we
have no enterprise ; or suppress them
for political effect.


IF we have in few jokes, the peO-
pie say we are rattle head.


If we omit them, people say we
are old fossils.


If we publish selections, they say
we are lazy for not writing more, and
giving them what they have read in
some other paper.


If we give a man a complimentary
notice, then we are censured for being
partial.


If we do not, all hands say We are a
greedy uog.


If we remain in the Office and attend
to business, folks say we are too proud
to mingle with our fellows.


If we go out, they say we never at
tend to business.


If we do not pay all bills promptly,
folks say we are not to be trusted.


five pay promptly, they say we
stole the money.
Year: 1868

The inquiry is frequently made:
What is the law relating to betting
on elections? An impression is
abroad that if a person bets, his vote
can be successfully challenged. This
is an error. The following, taken
from the Act passed March IS, 1889,
is the whole law on the subject:


That if any person shall make any
bet or wager upon the event Of any
election held, or to be held, under the
laws of this State, or shall make any
bet or wager upon the election OF
any person to any Office, post or stu
alton, which, by the constitution or
laws of this State, is made elective; or
shall make any bet or wager upon
the election of President or Vice Pres
ident of the United States, each per-
son so offending shall, upon cOnvic-
ton thereof, be fined in any sum not
less than five dollars, nor more than
five hundred dollars; provided, that
the amount of said fine shall, in all
cases in which the amount hazard
ed by said belts between five dollars
and five hundred dollars, be equal to
the amount so hazarded by said bet.


Prosecution under this act shall be
commenced within one year from the
time the offenso shall have been COM
mitted, and not afterwards.
Year: 1868

The next moment no had whisked
out Of sight, and quick as thought re-
appeared upon the other side of the
house-"can a mani"


And away he whirled again, turn
ing the corner so rapidly that the
whiz of the snake sounded about half
way between a low whistle and a re-
peated pronunciation of double o. And
before either Of the girls had stirred
from their tracks, he had performed
another revoIution-"call mani"


Away he few once more, but his
strength was rapidly falling. Nancy
Clark was the first to recover her pres
ence of mind, and seizing a hoop, she
took her station near the corner Of the
house, and as soon as John re-appeared
she brought it down upon the snake
with a force that broke its back and
his hold upon Johns garment at the
same time.


John rushed into the house, and to
his room, and at tea-time appeared in
his best Sunday suit, looking but lit
tie the worse for the race, and to all
appearances cured of bashfulness. That
night he walked home with Nancy
Clark. The next New Years they
were married, and now, whenever
John is inclined to laugh at his -wife's
follies she has only to say, "Call
man." when he instantly sObers down.
Year: 1868

Concerning a monster vine which is
growing near Santa Barbara, on the south
ern coast of California, the story is sub
stantially as follows: A Spanish girl,
having ridden her mule a days journey
with a grape cane for a switch, took a
fancy on her arrival home to stick it into
the ground to see if it would grow. Itdid
grow; and was allowed to extend itself
without pruning. A few years ago, when
she had attained a green old age, and the
vine covered an acre of ground, petition
in her behalf was presented to Congress,
and securing the passage of an act con-
filming to her the title to a quarter-section
of public land on which it stood. The
annual yield was then put at eight thous-
and pounds; and according to a recent
visitor the crop now upon it is estimated
at ten thousand pounds.
Year: 1868

Always speak and act as In the
presence OfGOd.
. Drink no intoxicating liquors.


Ever live, misfOrtunes excepted,
within your income.


When you retire to bed, think over
what you have been doing during the
day.


Never speak, lightly of religion.


Make no haste to get rich if you
would prosper.


Small and steady gains give eOmpe-
tency with tranquility of mind.


Play at no games Of chance.


Avoid temptation, through fear that
you may not withstand it.


Earn your money before you spend
it.


Never run in debt, unless you see a
way to get out again.


Never borrow if you can possibly
avoid it.
Year: 1868

Recently, the Treasurer ofa town in
the West, was shot dead while at
tempting to rob his own house. tap
pears that he had collected sOme
twelve or fifteen thousand dollars Of
the tOwn-taxe5, and left home in the
forenoon, telling his wife he should be
gone all night. Toward night, tray
cling peddler applied at the house for
q nights lodging. The wife at frst re-
fused to admit him, but finally yield.
ed, with much reluctance to his re-
quest. Some time in the night the
peddler was awakened by the noise Of
men breaking into his room. TAX
ing them for robbers, he drew a pistol,
and fired at them. One fell and two
fed. Lights being procured, the dead
body of a man with blackened face
and otherwise disguised was found
upon the floor. Upon further exam
inatiOn, it proved to be the proprietor
Of the house himself, who had resorted
to this stratagem to steal the tax
money collected, and met with terri
bic Observation-Disclosures Sentinel
Year: 1868

Judge Poland, of Vermont, in his speech
at Providence said: al heard an excellent
story told the other day upon the stump,
in relation to the identity of the old Demo


cratic party with that of modern times. A
certain family had for many years their
grandfather's vinegar barrel, and they
all reverenced it. But by and by the hoops
had become rotten, and they were renewed,
and then the heads and slaves were grad
ually replaced; and finally the only thing
that remained of grandfather's old vinegar
barrel was the bunghole. [Laughter.l-
And that is just about as much identity
as there is between the modern Democratic
and the Democratic party Of the old time"
Year: 1868

The ADVANTAGES OF A PURE LIFE.
IF you look into the early years Of
truly helpful men, those who make
life easier or nobler to those who
come after them, you will almost in
variably find that they lived purely
in the days Of their youth. In early
life the brain, though abounding in
vigor, is sensitive and very suscepti-
bic to injury-and this to such 8 de-
gree that a comparatively brief and
moderate indulgence in vicious plea
sures. appears to lower the tone and
impair both the delicaey and the eff
cheney of the brain for life. This Is
not preaching, boys-it is a simple
truth Of science James Parton, in
Packard's Monthly.
Year: 1868

THE NAME ToWA.-It is said that the
Indians, who made the world and
alone knew its definition, pronounce
Iowa as ifspelled E O-Wah-putting
heavy stress on the ending syllable;
and they say it does not mean "beaU-
tIfull and" as has been generally and
POLITICALLY imagined, but has a meaning
equally us pOeticaI and far more sub
"An All0ays Home" That
is, a home pretty much fOrever-Or as
long as you desire it. We accept
the amendment, and pass it over to
the public for a third reading.
Year: 1868

Be not ashamed TO confess that you
have been in the wrong. 1t is but
owning what you need not be asham-
ed Of-that you have now more sense
than you had before, to see your er-
rOr; that you have more conscience to
feel it, more humanity to aeknowl-
edge it, and more grace to fOrsake it.
Year: 1868

"YOu may be as afiectiOnate as you
please, DEAR" said a wife to her hus-
band, who was fond Of her and wine
too, "and you may smell of wine II
you will; but please not smell of wine
and be affectiOnate at the same mo-
ment. 1 value your affection too high
ly to allow you to disgust me with
-
Year: 1868

A New York editor makes use Of the
following apt figure: "The night wore on
into the midnight, at which the hands of
the City Hall clock shut. together like a
pair of scissors at twelve, dividing the day
which has been from the day which is to
be, and letting the latter drop into the
great waste-box of the past"
Year: 1868

Tho Reconstruction ntion-Report on


the Proposed Removal Of state OHcers.
JAcKsos, jan 49, 1868.


In the Constitutional Convention to-day she rules
suspended TO receive the reports Of the standing and
special committees and also tho report OF the CON-
mtee appointed TO confer with the General command
ing to request him suspend collection OF
for 1857 from all porsons not allowed representation.


Tho Committee the Memorial 10 Congress- request.
ing the Removal OF State Officers made maj orty re-
port rsctng that the loyal people OF Mississippi require
Immediate relief from Congress the obstruc
tons impeding the action or their representatives In
convention assembledi that tho State government 70 i'd
mnisiered by rebels not merely In name but in heart
head. policy and indeed In all respects open hos.
tity that the great OF the Southern people mani
fe absolute. unmistakabe hostility to
th&t the faithful Union men and loyalists have met
prescription with calm defiance and unfaterina devo-
tIon 70 the country to liberty and to the Union, and
their rebel sentiments have eliminated the door
OF this Convention In q members report 70 this body
averring that the Convention u an unauthorized assem-
bly,, called BY unconstitutional law OF Congress, and
has therefore legal binding power the State OF
Mississippi compelling obedience 10 its ordinances
The officials administering the provisional government Of
have been continued in Office BY the Of Con-
gress have neglected TO protect the life and property Of
loyal men, have used and will continue their power
prevent the growth of loyalty and the restoration Of
peace and ORDER at least thor action nonactou may
greatly the embarrassment OF the Convention
tho work Of reconstruction. Wherefore In the
and behalf OF the loyal people OF Missssippi-in the
OF justice, liberty and humanity, We most earn
es,ly and respectfully petition your honorable bodies to
authorize this Convention 10 declare the civil Offices Of
tho State vacant and 10 Gil them At once by the ap
pontment or true, loyal men, VINO, We believe will
greatly contribute TO the Of the Congressional
plan OF reconstruction.


minority OF the same committee reported that a.
Congress had conHded the state AFFAIRS 70 tho military
commander OF the district the bill now pending be.
fore Congress. in all probability, will soon pass, giving
General Grant supervisory power over all the military
disrcts thus securing more just and efficient govern.
ment in this and oil other Southern states a. Congress
recently defeated the resolution such ofces
and TO empower tho Convention to oil thcm; aud as,
probably the speedy change from military TO OWL gsv
errment vii. be established by The OF the people
therefore IL Is deemed nexpedont to thus memorial ze
Congress tho subject No action taken either
rel
Year: 1868

Progress Of the Pacific and state Railroads.


San FRANCISCO, Jan. %, 1868.
The Central Pacific Railroad Company propose to
push forward the line the plains snergecaly the
present year. and have organized force Of ton thousand
men to carry on she work through Humboldt county.
Tho Central Company also have two corps Of engineers
surveying the route between san Francisco and
Sacramento intending TO complete the connection OF the
California and Oregon Company to commence work on
their road early in the sprng The San Jose Company
expect complete the extension Of their road Glroy
before the next harvest Other roads have boon
veyed through the Russian river country. The work s
TO be commenced In tho spring.
Year: 1868

Commodore Vanderbilt has now the con-


troll OF four Of our principal railroads and is


already introducing many excellent improve


ments in the management Of those lines. He
has an opportunity, however, to serve the
interests Of the travelling public to still
greater degree by establishing cabs or like
means OF conveyance. at tho various depots
for the benefit Of passengers. Every traveller
on our railroads has had experience Of the
tender mercies Of the importunate hackmen
who besiege each railroad depot. The most
shameless extortion IL practised by these Jehu
harpies. II often happens that after entering
into an agreement to be conveyed to his dssti-
nation at certain price the traveller finds
himself in some out Of the way place, with the
driver at the door, protesting against moving
another step without being paid more money
Another objection to the present hacks is that
. traveller always runs the risk Of getting into
one In which some person afflicted with q con-
tagious disease had been previously conveyed
Ladies, unaccompanied by gentlemen, dare
not, as general rule, trust themselves In one
Of those miserable conveyances after nightfall.

The cab system has been long in operation in
England, and has proved very satisfactory.
Why should not our railroad directors provide
their numerous patrons with proper means Of
conveyance to and from each depot, and not
leave them at the mercy Of irresponsible hack
men! Commodore Vanderbilt has the reins
Of his four railroad team In his hands, and I.
viii add considerably to his reputation as
railroad manager If he establishes line of
cabs at each depot. and thus settles this matter
to the satisfaction Of the public. 1t will also
be source of considerable profit to the rail-
road company, for they can charge fixed and
reasonable fare for each passenger. The
drivers, being the employees Of the company,
will be responsible to the public, and insolence
and extortion on their part will be checked.
Year: 1868

GRIsI IN A BATH TUB.-A lady writing from
Paris, tells an amusing story. She had been out
driving in company with an English lady who
entertained her great deal, but who though
much admired for her style and hospitality, was
eccentrically self wiled and unceremonous.
One of her errands for the morning was to call
and pay Grisi 50Of. for singing at one of her
parties. The carriage stopped at the prima don
mas lodgings. &C La Signora was not at home"
&C But know she is,'' cried the imperous lady
" Yes, madam, but she is just now in her bath"
Pooh that makes no ditference-just the time
to see her. Come, my dear" she said to her
companion (getting out of her carrage,) let
us go to her room-I know the way" And the
two ladies pushed by the astonished dressing
maid who met them at the bedroom door and
penetrated to the dressing-room beyond where
lay the magnificent Grisi-in her tub The re-
ception and transaction of business was scene
of undisturbed selfpossession on both sides The
greetings of the the morning were familiarly
exchanged without the singers rising from the
water; but on the announcement of the errand.
she gracefully drew in her masses of let black
hair, which fell nearly to her knees as she rose.
and stepping out upon the oil-cloth aproned
completely with the profuse ringlets, she dried
her hands on towel, took the money and gave
receipt This done, she stood, perfectly self
possessed Oike Naiad Queen who had received
rent for a grotto, in dripping Inconsistencies of
her beauty,) and with her dark veil held before
her, curtsied out her visitors most dgniGedly and
gcacefully-giving to one of them ludicrous
hrst realization of the machinery with which
curtsles are made. The lady declared that she
had more admired Grisi for her behavior DURING
that call than for her finest triumphs on the
stage.
Year: 1868

THE WRONG KIND OF SoLDIERs.-John w. For
ney seems to have supreme contempt for the
81 Democratic Soldiers Convention. He ap-
pears to think that the Democratic soldier is al
together a mythical parsonage. The day that
the ." Soldiers Convention met he wrote =
To-day there assemblies in New York what is
called, somewhat absurdly, Democratic Sol
diers' Convention. The substantial common
sense of the country will be very apt to ask why
the Democracy did not hold soldiers conren-
ton in 1861, or 1864, when the nation needed
men in uniform. 1t is rather tame and very safe
to wear brass buttons ard follow brass band
up Broadway now. It is even by no means as
dangerous as the desperate hundred days SER
vice of yore. There was time when soldiers
conventions were held all along the front, from
the Mississippi to the Atlantic; but if our mem
ory serves us right the Democracy never issued
a call then Their military ardor just now is
cheap, not 10 say ludicrous."