smithclay/nortonstories huggingface dataset:
Year: 1860




LITTLE HUNGRY MINDS = If there is
one lesson we would impress upon pa
rents, it is this: Don't Stiae your chill.
dren's desire, at proper times, to ask
questions. This involuntary seli-educat-
ing process of the child is of more i'm.
portance to its future than many parents
are aware of. 1t sometimes, nay often
costs an effort to break up train OF
thought in which you may be interested.
ly occupied, but it will pay. J,r
Like the sticks and straws which the
winged bird bears hong distances in its
bill to construct its nest, these slender
twigs Of information may be worked into
a structure which will afford comfort aud
protection from many life-storn, safe
retreat for quiet reflection when the
spirit of evil is prowling about for care
less stragglers, who beat the air be
cause there is nothing else left for then
to do. Don't turn your child away will
lazy, fibbing, abstracted Il don't know!
Rouse yourself, and give him food fol
thought in your answer, or that spiri
of evil may take possession of the apart
ment which you are too incident or pc
nurious to furnish. 1851 ualo1p ij
Year: 1860

NIeuT AIR. : Many people are afraid
of night air. Here is what Florence
Nightingale says: An extraordinary
fallacy is the dread Of night air. What
air can we breathe at night but night air?
The choice is between pure night air
from without and and foul night air from
within. Most people prefer the latter
an unaccountablc choice. What will
they say if it is proved to be true that
fully one-half of all the diseases we suffer
from, are occasoned by the people sleep
ing with their windows shut? An open
window most nights in the year can nev.
er hurt any one. In great cities night
air is often the best and purest air to be
had in the twenty-four hours. / could
better understand shutting the windows
in towns, duriug the day, than during
the night for the sake of the sick. The
absence of smoke, the quiet, oil tend to
make night the best time for airing the
patient. A high medical authority has
told me that the air in London is never
30 good as after ten o'clock at night.
Year: 1860

HORRIBLE, THOUGH TRUE.-l have been
thinking how horrible il must be to see any
body one cared for, drunk the honest eyes
dull and meaningless the wise lips jebber-
ing foolishness the whole face and figure,
instead of being what one likes TO look at,
takes pleasure to see in the same room, even


growing ugly, irrational, disgusting
like beast than man. Yet some women
have to bear It, have to speak kindly TO their
husbands. hide their brutshness, and keep
them from making worse fools Of themselves
than they can help. have seen It done, not
merely by working mems wives, but lady
wives in drawing rooms. think if | were
married. and | saw my husband the least
overcome by wine, not drunk may be,
but just excited, silly otherwise than
his natural self. it would nearly drive me
wild. Less on my own account than his. To
see him sink--not for great crime. but con-
temphble, cowardly bit Of sensualism-hom
the height where my love placed him to have
to take care Of him, to pity him--ay and
might pity him, but think the ful glory and
passion Of my love would die out, then and
there, forever.-A Lifs for a Life.
Year: 1860

WORD TO APPRENTICES. In what way
do you spend your leisure evenings In idle
ness--in frivolous amusements--or in the
company Of those who will corrupt your
morals Remember if you would prepare
yourself for future usefulness you must de-
vote every spare moment to study. First be
industrious in your several employments
during the hours of business, never complain
that It is your lot to work count it an honor !;
go about it with cheerfulness and alacrity; it
WI become habit, and by becoming so,
VIII be pleasure aud delight. Make it your
business to promote the interest of your en-
ployer; ey taking care of his you will learn
to take care of your own.
Year: 1860

treated politely, that she at once removed the
carpet-bag from one end Of the seat she occu-
pied and invited the gentleman to take its
place Nothing 10TH our hero accepted the
modest invitation, and was soon engaged in a
friendly conversation with the belle of the
train They chatted in a lively style until
1.-THE shades of night" were falling fast, when
tne young ladys utterance grew slower, then
lndistinct, and then ceased altogether, for she
was sleeping.


Not being disposed to follow her example,
the gentlemen amused himself by watching his
fellow passengers, and was only reminded of
ms companion 3 presence by her head touching
his shoulder. Morpheus had her completely
In MS folds, and by series of graceful mods
she uneonsciously sought the support of her
railroad acquaintance.


The bachelor was delighted at the first gentle
touch, but his pleasures, when in the sweet
abandonment of sleep her form nestled down
until the whole weight bore entirely upon
him, baffies description. The better to support
his heavy burden he placed his arm around
her waist and gave himself up to the delirium
of the moment.


After passing the next station, a gen tleman
entered the car containing the persons above
referred to and commenced examining the
faces OF each occupant, as though he were in
search Of some friend. In the darkness of the
hour he passed the sleeper and her supporter
without noticing them, and it was only when
Nc turned 20 Ietrace his steps that the scene
attracted his attention.


In moment the shade of anxiety on his
features were succeeded by frown, and he
stepped quickly to the side of the fair sleeper.
AS his hand fell heavily upon her shoulder.
she started, opened her eyes and sprang to her
feet, "blushing celestial rosy red" Before
the bachelor could speak, the new conner DO
hteiy informed him he would take care of his
own wife if he had no objections, and straight.
way led the lady to another seat.


The explanation that ensued unfolded the
fact that the lady had been absent for some
time on visit, and was then returning to the
arms OF her faithful husband whose impatience
b Id led him to meet her half way Eager to
greet her, he had entered the car only to find
ner IN the arms OF stranger. Of course, the
stranger told how it happened but the frown
did not pass away until they left the car. La
dies should be careful how they fall asleep on
the wrong vest pattern.
Year: 1860

DEAR EDITOR II do not want to tax the pa
tience of the numerous readers of the Spirit,
nor do expect to give them political ad
dress, but just wish to lay before them afew
pages of my past history.


Early in childhood ! was deprived OF the
control and instructions of father, and was
left entirely to the care of tender mother. |
was wild and of wandering disposition,
preferring the company of the wicked to the
good In this way lived for some time
Our family being small, consisting OF myself
mother and sister, the latter was my constant
companion. We walked together, laughed
sang, visited together: where one went TIT
Year: 1860

Addison said that mans first care should
be to avoid the reproaches of his own heart {;
his next to escape the censure OF the world.
If the last interferes with the former, it
ought to be entirely neglected; but other
w;se there cannot be a greater satisfaction to
AN honest mind than to see those approba-
| tons which it gives itself seconded by the


applauses of the public. A man is more


sure of his conduct, when the verdict which
he passes upon his own behaviour Is thus
warranted and confirmed by the opinion Of
all who know him."
Year: 1860

Laughter is rs healthful to the body ss
gladness is to the mind; and there is not
more beautiful spectacle than smiling face,
when you know It is the true index OF the
soul within. We do not speak of that species
of idiotic laughter which is sure to follow tHs
exhibition Of any low trick, or the uite-ER's =
Of any coarse jest; but that genial outOurss
that enliyens the social circle when men,
like true philosophers, forget their past
cares, and put off till the morrow Gil appre-
hensions regarding the future.
Year: 1860

The CAVE IN FLORIDA correspondent
of the National Intelligcncer, referring to an
alleged discovery Of cave in Florida in
which was found Latin inscription certify
ing it was inhabited or visited by Europeans
in the eleventh century, directs the attention
of American antiquarians to Cardinal Wise
mans treatise on 1.-THE Connection Between
Science and Revealed Religion" in which
that accomplished scholar and arch@ologist
states it as a fact, when speaking of the
aborigines of America, that there are manu-
scripts in the Vatican Library at Rome which
say that this continent was known to mis-
sionaries of the Eternal City in the tenth
century, and concludes his remarks by ask.
ing the question, Who can enlighten us on
the subject? The records found in the Dan
ish archives since the work of Cardinal Wise
man was written, prove that this continent
was known to the Mortimer before it was
discovered by Columbus.
Year: 1860

The people will be called on again at the
next general election to vote upon the ques
ton whether or not Convention shall he
called TO frame a new Constitution. The
question has already been submitted to them
several times, but owing to carelessness or
indifference on their part it has never been
carried. An eilol was made by the recent
Legislature to call a Convention, upon the
supposiion that majority of the votes last
Fall for members of the Legislature were
cast for the Convention. AS the returns
did not show this to be the case, however,
the measure did not pass. We are inclined
to the opinion that had the votes cast for
Convention last Fall been closely canvassed
there would have been considerable ma
jority for the proposition. We think it was
through the negligence of the Clerks and
Judges of the elections, and careessness in
preparing printed ballots. In this county
we are satisfied that many votes were poled
for Convention, which were not counted,
and we presume that the same was the case
in many other counties. There was not that
interest manifested in the matter by the peo
pie which its importance demanded. No
man, who has given the matter any thought,
can doubt the necessity Of important atera-
tons in our present Constitution 1t ia 'ary
i'm ollect, and IN many particulars Is alto
gether unsuied to the condition and wants
of our people. BY the proper alterations
being made, the expenses of our State Gov
ernment may be greatly reduced, and the
burdensome rates of taxes now borne by the
people much lightened. Our judiciary sys-
tenn might be advantageously changed, so
that it would be equally as efficient and far
less expensive to the State; the Legislature
m ght be called together once in two years
only, which would save the State annually
hundreds of thousands of dollars; and other
important alterations could be made We
trust the people will appreciate the impor-
tance of the matter and give it more atten-
ton at the next election. Unfortunately
party politics are too apt to absorb public
attenton in heated campaigns, and by the
time the election rolls around but little else
is thought of. Side issues are lost sight OF
entirely in the general anxiety for the sue
cess Of political favoritea.


We hope the people will decide the ques-
tion Of calling a Constitutional Convention,
definitely at the next general election. If
as we believe they do, they desire that ii
should be called they should give expression
to their wishes through the balotbox
on the contrary they are satisfied with the
present Constitution, they should give sucf
an expression as will put the matter at rest
1t has already occupied much Of the time o
past Legislatures, to the prejudice of the in
terests of the State. MarysviUe Erpaess.
Year: 1860

THE GENIUS OF NAPOLEON IN A SERGEANT
How A COMPANY WAS SAvED.-We have
been informed by an officer of the U. ),
Army of a most remarkable instance OF
ingenuity and presence of mind in sergeant
of the army, which occurred few weeks
ago, by which he saved his own life and
that of his party.


A sergeant with about twenty five soldiers
had been sent out some miles from Fort De-
fiance, New Mexico, to guard some stock
which were sent to graze when Unexpectedly
they found that the party was surrounded
by about four hundred hostile Navajo Indians
The brave and skillful sergeant took position
on an eminence, and by a yolley from the
long shooting rifles Of his party at first drove
eff the savages, who however, soon rallied,
and were preparing to storm the small party
on all sides. The sergeant, in taxing his
brain for an expedient by which to convey
intelligence of the desperate peril in which
his party was placed took single dog which
had accompanied the Iarty, fastening to his
collar note written with pencil, inform
ing the commander at the fort of his situa-
ton, took a tin cup in which he put some
pebbles, which was confined with piece OF
cloth over the top, fastened it with string
to the dogs tail, spit some tobacco juice into
his fundament, and started the dog loose,
knowing that he would, in his alright, run
to the fort. lie dashed with his greatest
speed to Fort Defiance; the note was discov-
cred and read. Straghtway party was
sent to the rescue, and arrived just in time
to save the lives of the whole party. This
sergeant justly merits commission, which,
we hope, will be awarded him by the Presi-
dent. Kentucky Flag.
Year: 1860

E.e- The Shasta COURIER states that the
people of Red Bluff have been considerably
affected recently, with that terrible disease,
the scarlet fever. Several cases have proved
fatal.
Year: 1860

ANOTHER ANECDoTE OF CHoATE.-Since
the publication of Parker's "reminiscences OF
Rufus Choate, quite a number of curious
anecdotes, (says the Boston Commercial
Bulletin connected with the experience OF
the great advocate, have been related The
following is one which that paper thinks has
not before found its way into print:


Mr. Choate was examining witness who
had been called to the stand, and who was
one of those itinerant preachers who are
sometimes met with in the far West. The
witness was character; he was tall and
gaunt in person. was dressed in a full suit Of
ill-htting and faded black, his long neck en-
cased in the yolpmipous folds of limp
white cravat, aud his bony wrists stuck out
several inches beyond his coat sleeve while his
feet were encased in large pair of cowhide
boots which he brought down with empha-
sis as he stepped upon the witness stand.


"What is your husiness!" asked Choate
As he proceeded with h s examination, scan
nnc the curious character before him with a
searching gaze.


81 am candle of the Lord" was the le-
ply.


"a wHAr?" asked Choate, bending for
ward as if he had misunderstood the reply.


A candle of the L.or,d!" replied the wit
ness in loud nasal voice that rolled
through the court room, attracting the at,en
ton of all, and causing an audible litter


"Of what denomination are you9" inquired
Choate.


"The Baptist persuasion" replied the wit
ness.


"a tipped candle, your honor said Cho-
ate, looking towards the Judge as he made a
note on his brief, amid the involuntary laugh
that was heard in the court ROOM
Year: 1860

NOVEL WHEELBARRow.-One Of the work
men employed in the gardens of the Tuil-
leries, in Paris, has brought out a new
wheelbarrow which has attracted consider
able attention. The two legs of the bar
roWere replaced by two wheels which are
somewhat smaller that the usual running
one in front, and these are secured immedi'
ately under the body or box Of the barrow
The handles are raised so as to be on O
level with the hands Of the workman; and
thus, upon level road, slight push is al
that is necessary for the transport of the
heaviest load. The three wheels being al
most close together, the act of turning the
barrow in the smallest space becomes al
easy as possible. This improvement will
certainly add greatly.to the durability O.
the barrow, an instrument which most per
sons seem to consider perfect in its present
form. In resting with a barrow, aftei
wheeling heavy load, it is too often al
lowed to drop heavily upon its legs, auc
these are thus frequently broken. Tht
Wheel-legs Of the French barrow will pre-
vent breakage from this cause.
Year: 1860

to abolish slavery in your section. You
may think they are. not fanatics; but the
misfortune is that they are faHdticd You
(the South) will gain nothing by making
TO them concessons;-yon cannot thereby
help us 1.-THE constitutional men Of the
North;) but you will ruin yourselves. By
standing firm, you canat least protect your
selves.-GeH Cas- TO Senator CIRgmdH, Of
North Carolina.


We will have fallen upon evil times in
deed, when a man is to be hunted down as
a traitor because be chooses to discuss the
expediency of an act of Congress, or in
quire into its constitutiouality. am one
Of those who consider il continuing, mo-
mentarily occurring duty to watch closely
and question constantly every act Of the
federal government. ! believe the govern
ment Of the United States is the best ever
formed. By government Of the United
States, mean the States and federal gov
ernment considered as one entire whole
The division Of power between the two is
admirably adjusted. All those interests
which are strictly sectional aud concern
the people only Of the particular State, are
entrusted to the State government. Those
in which the people Of all the States have
a common interest are confined to the care
Of the federal government. You can
neither add to nor take from either without
disarranging. il not utterly destroying. our
delicately-adjusted system Of government.
Let US not then, handle rudely the work
Of the wise and patriotic men who formed
It, Let the federal government use all the
powers delegated; but let It not encroach
upon the reserved powers of the States.l 1
know no other way Of preserving the Uniop
Il mean the Union that was formed in
l7s7.-LOuis 2. WigfaH pf zszas,
Year: 1860

No SPEAKER-No GAY SEASON. = The
gay season in Washington will be greatly
cramped by the non-organization of Con
gress, as the money market is necessarily
tight, however sober the honorable mem.
bers may be. Congressional appropria-
tions are the great arteries through which
the life-blood of the national capital circu-
lates. When these arc cut short, all the
rami6catious Of the social, as well as of the
commercial interest suffer. Yet, the Off
eial dignitaries dispense their hospitality
with a liberal hand, and, every night the
city is enlivened with music and the dance,
and the festive season may be considered
as in full blast
Year: 1860

to be purely and simply an epidemic
disease, dependent upon a cause or
causes existent in the atmosphere,
and that it will select localities and
individuals that have most affinity
for it, without reference to direct
exposure to the diseases.
Year: 1860

Man TRAr.-Complaint is made of a
deep hole in the ground in the rear of the
Ohio House. Front street. Said hole has been
partially filled up and in such manner as TO
leat one to suppose all is right until they get
INTO it. Several horses and a few individuals
have been swamped there lately. TIE Mar
ehal is the man to see to such places.
Year: 1860

THE Moline Independent learns that
it is in contemplation to start Breckenridge
policy Of the Democracy Of Rock Island county.
We think that it is only a rumor, and will
never get any stronger, The Argus is doing
lis duty, fully at this time.
Year: 1860

NARROW EsCAPE.-Last Tuesday eve
ming sou e young men were bathing in tie riv
er at this point. when one of them was taken
with cramp while some distance from the
shore. He had nearly reganed the land but
could go no farther and sank. Luckily he wns
rescued in time to save him from a watery
grave Boys cannot be too careful when in the
water,
Year: 1860

THIS morning We add to the regular
State ticket the names Of the Assistant Elect
ors chosen at the recent State Convention. The
Assistant Elector for this (the 7th) Judicial
Distric, is " illiam Hall, Eeq Of this city.th
whom a more proper person could not have
been selected. II he is permitted to cast q vote
as elec or there is not much doubt as to the
name of the person who will get it.
Year: 1860

CoNE must be doing fourishing bu
siness in clothing the people. He has rented
whole bank, and is 'going tito the business
strong He will receive cash deposits with
pleasure, and give the very best security for
the same in IT, shape Of superior clothing
made to order
Year: 1860

PERsoNAL.-The Craftsmanship Of
the S.ate Democratic Executive Committee,
we are pleased to see, has been accorded to our
esteemed fellow citizen, Henry tman, Esq :.
in which capacity he will net only do credit to
himself but to the party at large. Though a
Young man, Mr. A has seen much service in
the Democratic cause, and will re found among g
the first to face the foe and the ast TO turn his
back to them H,s untiring zeal as q member
of the State Executive Committee during the
past wear has won far him this merited promo
ton
Year: 1860

TIE EcLlpss.-The great solar eclipse
came eff yesterday morning at the precise hour
stated by astronomers. During the fret hour
after its appearance on the outer limit Of the
suns disc. the sky was so overcast with clouds
that it could not be distinctly observed, bnt
during the latter po. tion Of the time it was
plainly to be seen, and was the observed Of all
observers After eight o'clock the sun got clear
of the dark obstruction, and looked just as
though nothing had happened.