smithclay/nortonstories huggingface dataset:
Year: 1864

A SOUND OPINION -ArtemGs Ward. n one
OF his humorous essays, expressed it as his
opinion Of JEFF. Davis that "it would have been
ten dollars in his pocket if he had never been
born From the manner in which Southern
sentiment is being expressed of late, atributing
their disasters 10 his bad management, it begins
TO look as though the speculation spoken of as
having baen lost by JEFF. might have been
realized if be bad foreseen the perils in his
pathway and failed TO come to time"
Year: 1864

Look AT THIS PlcTrEE. According to
the census of 1860, the entire value Of the
property of all the United States was six.
teen thousand millions " dollars. OF this
large sum, at least five thousand millions
belongs in the seeded States, leaving the
loyal States eleven thousand milionS.-
The war debt up to this time amounts to
upwards Of three thousand millions, or
one third Of the entire value of the loval
States The New York Herald computes
the cost Of war until ended, if Abraham
Lincoln or any of his party he elected, at
six thousand millions, or more than one.
half the entire valnc Of the loyal STATES
This is dark picture for mechanics and
lahoring men, who must be oppreSsiycly
taxed to pay only the interest of this en-.
ormouS debt. Can Il country prosper
with such a debt hanging over it "a
Year: 1864

ATRoCIoCs SENTIMENT 1t seems to us
that n more atrocious sentiment was nev.
er uttered than this by Senator Sumner


II fear the successes of the army more than
its defeat Their successes are likely to make
the people ready to say, 'lct US patch it up
now"


That IS what the contractors, officehol.
ders AID traitors all fear, but the men
who fight the battles and bear the bur
dens Of the war yearn for peace. Sumner
has an insatiate appetite for blood, so long
as his own is safe. Force him to do a
little fighting, and he would instantly be.
come clamOrous for peace. "Cowardice, "
says distinguished author, "iS the moth.
er of cruelty. Courage stops when it sees
the enemy at its mercy. Bat cowardice,
to show that it can also do its part, not
haSing been able to figure in the first
rank, takes its part in the second, which
is blood and slaughter" What truthful
picture Of such creatures as Sumner.
Year: 1864

1AhUkOHs


The. Atlanta Georgia. Appeal, like some
of its Northern friends, is opposed to the re-
election of President Linceln. 1t says:


"The people will be reminded that this will,
perhaps, be the only chance they may ever
again have Of getting rid of an obnoxious ad-
ministration. A review of Lincoln's past
policy will undoubtedly serve as an active
stimulant to supercede his administration, if
only to arrest the doom of military dictator
ship which his odious and tyrannical rule may
justly cause to be apprehended. We take it
that the efforts of all, not directly under Mr.
Lincoln's influence, to shake off the shackles
which have so long held them in fear and ab-
ject submission, will be stupendous. The
very thought of having to submit, for at least
four years more, to such wrongs and oppres-
sions as they have had to endure since Lin
coins ascent to power, will beget zeal for a
change of administration, such as can alone
be exercised by men born to freedom, and
subjected temporarily to the CALLING yoke of
oppression. The experience will be beneficial
to the people of the North. If it does not
result in the expulsion from power of the
present villaiuous ADMINISTRATION, every i'm
pulse of freedom within them is extinct If
they fail to appreciate more keenly than be-
fore the value of freedom, by contrast Of
the liberty enjoyed in former years with the
unmitigated tyranny to which they have had
to submit during the past four years, it is
because they are untitled to enjoy freedom,
and their abject natures better accord with
autocratic rule than republican liberty"
Year: 1864




SWe There are many who would ike to
end the slave power forever; who profess to
believe that the only way to peace i. by fin.
ishing slavery now; who thinkdh Constitu-
ton ought to be amended to that end who
want the blacks to fight for us; who would
therefore relieve them from their MASTER 8
power and pursuit; who would have meas
ures taken to protect them as soldiers, both
in the service and when they fall into the
hands Of the enemy; who would have them
paid and treated as other soldiers who in
sist that black soldiers of the United States
shall not be subj jected to Insult and exclusion
on the public conveyances, but who are al
ways ready to make fling at any statesman
who introduces measures TO secure these
ends, or who adv acates them with earnest:
ness as g" ,eternally ;sharping on the negro
question ~" Do sane men suppose that all
these things-a revolution greater than was
ever carried in any countryAare to be effect
ed without action? Such people are either
hypocrites,; preaching what they oppose in
practice, or towards who dare not face the
realization of their own sentiments.
Year: 1864

The state of society al over the eoun-
try is affected by the war ia which lhs
nation is engaged, War is always
terrible evil. In Itself il has no feature
or tendency in the least degree desirable
or attractive to good and wise men IL
is 10 be only the very last resort, to be
avoided until forbsarancc would be al
lance with wrong But when Liberty
is 10 be destroyed, and Justice and Order
overthrown, and the rights of nan tram
Piled under foot, then patience is crime,


War makes men worse who are in
the sphere fits influence unless they are
purified and ennobled by the cause for
which the nation fights This war ought
not aud need not debase anybody in the
army or at home Never was sword
drawn for nobler cause We are fight
ing to-day for freedom, for civilization,
for religion. Those who march under
the nations banner are fighting for the
kingdom OfGod on earth, and no service
that Jesus ever asked Of man il holler
than this, TO stand and strike for our
country in this hour No conservation
eau be more acceptable TO our Heavenly
Father than the offering Of one life for
our country: Tor Our Country means
all tie memories which make the past
precious. all the worth of the present,
all the hopes which make the future
glorious


The defence, the maintainance Of their
liberties, is not only the sacred right OF
our people, but It is the highest of all
duties. Freedom is so valuable that no
price that it can cost can be too great
II a dozen nations were leagued with
our enemies against US, we could not
turn back. If the war had to 90 ON
until continents were depopulated, and
the old flag waved over nation of
women and little children, what we are
fighting for is worth so much that it
will always be worth fighting fer until it
is secured. II is wrong to suppose that
our people must be persuaded, or bFlbed,
or deceived into keeping up their patriot
ism aud going on with the gar. When
persuasions and exhortation are requir-
ed, the struggle will be ever already,
aud we shall have failed.


The American people will go on with
this war: they will never submit to trait
ors in arms. The manhood OF our Tree
men has not been fully tried The nation
has not yet been thoroughly aroused We
all long for the return of peace; We hope
it may come soon, but it may not There
NAV be something in the way Of our
speedy success which human wisdom can
not foresee, nor mortal power avert.
But those who think that II we fail in
the next campaign We shall never sue
ceed, 10 not know the temper OF the
American people. We hear men who
profess to believe in God and the right
eousness of our cause, declaring that il
the Operations of the coming Summer
results in disaster to our arms, the eOun-
/ try will be ruined We tell these depair-
ing gentlemen This country is not to be
ruined We may have darker times be-
fore US than we have yet known, but re-
1 sources Of American manhood are equal
to any demands thai S.a be made upon it
Randolph Co. Journal
Year: 1864

NE OR MY MoTHER-A very talented vou,g man nude the acquaintance Of Quaker geno tleman and his lady. The Quaker had a fine daughter and also a fine library, the books from which he freely loaned to the youpg m,n who generally in the evening to return them when he supposed the daughter would be at home He often exchanged the books for him and had friendly chat with him, One eve. ming he came as usual, and ;he young l.dv met him at the door. She was drossei to gn out, and said ELK -I.~0- e'

 Who would you like to See. mo or nv mother 2 was about to call on friend. if my mother will answer your purpose nlaase to walk into the dining room but if yon desire my company, will postpone my visit tilI an. other time

 The young man hesitated, and stammered :.

 'He-he did not want toto detnin her from her engagement, but if she had not been going out he would have enjoyed her company :.

 All right she rejoined, and accordinaly. taking of her bonnet, they passed a very pleas ant evening. ..l s ''F r''"' S"

 That question, Who do you prefer to sec. me or my mother settled the matter. |. Tho result was he soon proposed, and they were afterwards married. a
Year: 1864

A ,Serf is one whose time and service
is not wholly his own, but belongs to an
other, or TO the government under which
he lives. The following few items will
suggest to our laboring men how rapidly
the expenses of the war and our paper
money system are reducing them to the
condition of nero serfs to the government.


For every pound of tea the poor man
buys he pays twenty-five cents in gold
or sixty cents in paper duty to the gov
errment. This is equal to one-third of a
days work.


For every pound of sugar ne pays
twelve cents in paper; equal to an hours
work.


For every gallon of molasses he pays
in paper twenty cents; equal to an hour
and three.quarter's work.


For every pound of cinnamon he pays
seventy-fve cents in paper; equal to one
half days work.


For every pound of pepper he pays
ficy-fve cents in paper; equal to one
third of days work.


Thus we might continue the list
through every article paving direct duty,
and prove that the laboring man already
owcS more than half his time as a sert,
to tie governmenti Then we could take
up untaxed articles, and, the other list nj
so, and show how much the laboring man
has to pay for the enhanced cost and prof
it, created by these taxes and paper cur
rency; in other words, how much of his
time he owes as a serf to Individuals
The result would be just what he finds
every Saturday night when his weeks ex-
peuses are paid, viz, that his money is all
gone, and his family, after all, poorly sup
ported. In other words he has not been
working for himself but for his owners,
his more fortunate fellowmen and the
government; he 4; a scrf! He is not at
tached to the soil it is true. Far better
for him if he were. He may 90 from
place to place, but the condition of serf-
dom clings closer to him than to an AT
rican slave. There is no North Star in
his horizon to point him to the land of
freedom. There are no fanatics to raise
n war in his behalG.-Shropnei.
Year: 1864

The power af arrest and Imprisonment
is doubtless liable to abuse But the lia.
bility to abuse does not prove that the pow.
or does not exist. "1here is no power,
says the Supreme Court, that is not suscop-
tible of abuse. The remedy for this as well
as for all other official misconduct, If
should occur, is to be found in the Consti.
tuition itself In free government the
danger must be remote, since in addition


Continued on 4th page.
Year: 1864




THE ART OF BEING PoLIrE.-First and
foremost don't try to be polite. 1t will
spoil all


If you keep overwhelming your quests
with ostentatious entreaties to make them.
selves at home. they will very soon begin to
wish they Werc there. Let them find out
that you are happy to see them by your &C.
tions rather than your words.


Always rememember to let bashful people
alone at first. 1t is the only way to set them
at their ease. Trying to draw them out has
sometimes the contrary effect of driving
them-out of the house!


Leading the conversation is dangerous
experiment Better follow in its wake, and
if you want to endear yourself to takers,
learn to listen we'll. Never make a fuss
about anything-nevcr talk about yourself
and always preserve perfect composurc, no
matter what solecisms or blunders others
may commit. Remember that it is very
foolish proceeding to lament that you cannot
offer to your guests better house. or furni-
ture, or viands.


1t is fair to presume that their visit is to
you. not to these surrounding. Give people
a pleasant impression Of themselves. and
they will be pretty sure to 60 away with q
pleasant impression Of your qualities. On
just such slender wheels as these the whole
fabric Of society turns; it is our business to
keep them in perfect running order.
Year: 1864




TIE STOMACH QUESTION IN RICHMOND.
The Richmond Examiner Of the 5th Feb.
ruary says:


"The quantity of meats in the market for
some days past has not been sufficient to sup
ply onc-tenth the demand. The hotel pro-
prietors especially have been put to their
trumps' in their daily efforts to obtain
enough to supply their tables. The anticipa-
ted passage, BY the Legislature, of the bill
to prevent the slaughter of sheep and lambs
for food, has thrown great deal of mutton
upon the market. a. butchers possessing these
animals are taking time by the forelock and
preparing their meat for market before the
measure can become law. Between the
great scarcity of beef. the high price Of
pork, and the prohibition of mutton, the COM
munity is likely to enjoy season Of unhal-
lowed lent. Some Of the heretofore leading
cafes on Main street are about closing their
doors against meal boardcrs, because, as the
proprictors allegc, the price Of every article
Of food is so high they cannot afford to feed
them, with any profit to themselves, no mat
ter how much they charge. We suspect the
real cause is plethora Of Confederate notes /;
they have as many as they can conveniently
bale and pack away. The accommodation
of the public is nothing with them"
Year: 1864

In former times the men who worked with
the Democratic party, understood the value
OF party organization, Of party platforms, and
OF partisan policy. The opponents of the
Democracy during the same periods, learned
something Of the disadvantages Of being mere
opponents Of the party in power, and held to.
gether by bonds less rigid than those of party
discipline. The one built up dominant par.
ty and kept it in power for a long term Of
years. while the other party kept numerically
powerful party out Of the administration Of
the Government. The natural tendency Of
strict party discipline was preserved till the
corruption Of Bucharan's Administration 40
thoroughly disgusted the more honest portion
of the Democracy as to forcs them to brave
the party lash and forsake forever an associa-
tion that had been almost as dear as the ties
OF consanguinity. From that time, political
association began on q new basis. Those
who loved the Government better than party |:
who put the preservation of the Union and
the honor Of the National flag. before partisan.
ism, began naturally to wingle in political frl.
lowsl'ip; they felt themselves drawn together
by an attractive influence, before which the
old iepugnances began to weaken. and when
the storm of rebellion broke upon the country,
they came together in patriotic embrace, like
so many natural afiinitice. The new party
thus made has thus far withstood the beating
surges Of rebellion, and prevailed against the
mad factions by which it has been assailed at
home. 1t now stands By the Administration
and supports its measures for the suppression
Of rebellion:


lst. Because by far the greater portion Of
the Union men Of the country believe them
well adapted to tho purposes for which they
were offered.


I'd. Because. if they do not thus support
the Administration. it stands patent that no
measures tor the suppression Of the rebellion
and the maintenance Of the Government
could be taken.


Sd. Because by the constitut tional orgnni-
zation Of the Government, they acknowledge
an obligation resting upon them to support the
agents through whom alone the power Of the
people can be exercised.


4th. Because in unity there is strength {;
and the factionists who propose reputation Of
the Administration would divide the unity of
the North and thus render the Government
powerless against its adversaries.


The Union men, then. sssing that NO means
for the salvation of the Government exist. ex.
cept to unitedly and heartily support the Ad-
ministration, cheerfully yield that support.
Whoever does less stands in questionable
attitude between tho Government of the Uni.
ted States and the rebellion.-Ogx. States.
man.
Year: 1864

The death Of the noble volunteer veteran,
General Wadsworth, of New York, is undoubted-
ly the greatest individual loss, thus far, of the
present conflict in Virginia. An upright, honest,
brave, devoted soldier-a hale, gray headed man,
who left his farm and his wealth, among the
yeomanry of New York, to take part in the war
he fell leading q charge Of his division a man
worthy of the old Revolution. General Wads-
worth possessed large wealth and position in
New York, and w0s as benevolent as influential
and rich. He was the Union candidate against
Governor Seymour in New York. His death is
a severe loss to the service of his country and
State, but it will add much TO the glory of their
history.


Brigadier General Alexander Hays, of Pitts
burg, is another conspicuous soldier lost TO the
muster Of our brave leaders. His daring was
proverbial-at Gettysburg he carried the flag OF
his brigade in front of his men, and in the face
Of the enemy. Originally colonel Of a Pittsburg
regiment, he became brigadier for gallantry at
AutietGm. He graduated at West Point.


BrigAdier General Alexander Webb was tho
son of General Watson Webb, once the widely
known editor OF the New York Courier and En-
quirer, and now Minister to Brazil. A man Of
culture, ability, aud modesty-a soldier always
brave and trusted-hu has passed into death and
history at the early age OF 27.


Brgadier General Bartlett was veteran of all
the battles of the Army of the Potomac, and at
the outbreak of the war lawyer in Bingham
ton, New York. His gallant death crowned a
most honorable career.
Year: 1864

Give us pour hand, General Grant
You're a man
You we're mot the coward to say, 81 can't" !"
Nor the boaster to say, al elnl"
But you went to work with will, and won,
To prove that Thing could be done.
oh God was kind, and Heaven was true
When it gave US man like U.


"A lysses Grant
When il gave usia man like you
We honor you, General Grant
You have made
The hearts Of the nation with joy to pant,
That were lying cold in the shade;
And they bless you ever for what you've done
For the glorious victories won,
And pray that kind Heaven may grant few
More such fighting men as u


lysses Grant
More such brave men as you
New York, April, 1864. -Exchangs.
Year: 1864

1st-Because he hangs no goods out at the
door to get spoiled, thereby taking advantage Of
his customers by selling them for new goods.


2d-Because he leaves no Dry Goods Boxes
piled up on his payment on Sabbath-day, to
make the people believe something that is not
so.


3d-Because he never tells you if you do not
take the article now you cannot have it for the
same il you come back


4th-Because he never runs down any other
store to build up his own.


6th-Because he always asks the lowest price
first to make all his customers alike.


6th-Beause he sells at less profits than any
other store.


7th-Because he keeps the largest and best
ssortment of goods of any in the city.
Year: 1864

KNEW How TO TRAvEL.-A sharp fell
low, somewhat destitute of the "needful,'' .
got on railroad train not long since, de-
termined to ''do" the Company out of ride.
His deficiency in greenbacks had prevented
his pull chasing a ticket, but he took his seat
in the cars and, seeing the Conductor
about to enter to collect his fare, stuck bis
head out of the window and seemed to be


attcntively watching something beside the
track. The conductor approached and tap
ping him on the shoulder, demanded his
ticket. The man drew his head in hastily
and in so doing managed to knock of his
hat and before he could recover his compo-
sure it was mile behind the flying train
The conductor again asked for his ticket
when the fellow declared, with an air of
injured innocence, that his ticket had been
stuck in his hatband and was left behind
with the hat. He told his story with such
assurance that the conductor not only car
ried him free to his place of destination,
but when arrived took him to Harper's Hat
Store on Main street and bought him one
of those new and fashionable hats for which
the establishment is Justly famed. Their
stock is large and we'll selected and can
not fail to suit all customers.
Year: 1864

event which can befall, many gallant pen-
fleman will be low in the dust whose ain
gle life could not be paid By thousand of


tho base rabble rout be holds at bay. Yet
after al, it is also felt that this Richmond


is our city, and that no living creature must


be permitted to enter it against our will;
and that il any enemy do come 10, II cannot


be save over our dead bodies; and that now
even as in old time, il is honorable and
even delightful (both d,lce and decoryml to
die for our country. What q contrast, is


this We have sketched between The spirit
and attitude Of the two people now in


presence upon this soil. The ono race
crazy with greediness and intoxicated with


. sense Of brute power in their numbers and


material resources, furiously striving to
crush out Of existence . people who have
never wronged them, and exulting with
loud, senseless glee in the near approach Of
the day that will crown with success the
foule,t national crime in history;-on the
other side, community Of high spirited
freemen, seeking nothing in the world that
is not theirs, doing and aiming to do nei'
ther hurt nor harm to any fellow creature,
standing upin defense Of their own hesrths
and homes, sternly silent In the simple
might of their own manhood, with the sn-
tique hero'sm that in oil ages have impell-
ed brave men to endure and dare all things
for country and honor. Looking upon
which contrast, and deeply pen strated with
its significance, let every man say with ell
his heart, may God defend the right!
Year: 1864

A Basket Meeting viii be held in Mr. Clark's Woods
not far from the Ferry, on Sunday, June 18th, The
boat will run during the day for the accommodation
,f all persons who may wish to attend the meeting
There will be preaching in the ming and afternoon
{ the weather permit.
Year: 1864

, Western Carolina Threatened!


Ws make the following extract from q letter from
e--. friend, dated Aorganton, July
II, 1854: e-' 10y


I" me Asheville stage came into Morganton yes
tc cay evening, and the driver reports that upon
the eve of the departure of the stage from Ashe-
vile, two couriers, one from the Warm Springs and
the other from Burnsville, came into town and re-
ported that the enemy we're in force s, 600 strong
at the former place. and 700 strong Cavalry at the
latter give you the report as it was brought here
for what it is worth. Our citizens believe there is


foundation for the rumor, but think that the nun.
bers are exaggerated We, in this region, are IN
very exposed unprotected and deenceless situation
Our fighting population have nearly all been taken
out of the country, and in place of them now
have -- mounted men. If some.
thing is not done for this region of the State
our people may prepare to hear that it has passed
from our hands forever. Now or never is tine time
to act I'd 1t will be too late to lock the stable door
after the horses are stolen. Our people are cool
and calm, but very much depressed on account Of
their situation. Cannot you stir up the Confeder-
ate and State authorities to sense of the exposed
condition of Western North Carelina!"


The situation Of Western Carolina appeals trum.
pettongued to our authorities for protection and
relief 1t cannot be disguised that Asheville and
Morganton are constantly threatened. Something
should be done to protect the people in that region
Of TIE State and the sooner it is done the better
Delay in this matter is certainly fraught with
dan0er