smithclay/nortonstories huggingface dataset:
Year: 1874

| Mr.. James Greenwood has published


n frightful account of the silent system


which is in operation at the Holloway
Model Prison in London. 1t is an Of
| fense for a prisoner to speak one word,
and he is never addre ssed except in
whispers, so that he may be in prison
two years without hearing the natural
sound Of the human voice. The effects
of all this is so terrible on the mind
that prisoners will speak out in desper-
alton, at the risk of any punishment,
rather than endure that horrible silence,
The prisoners never see one another,
but remain in perpetual solitude. One
poor wretch, driven to desperation by
nine months solitude and silence, reck-
lessly broke out in Mr. Greenwood's
presence: "For Gods sake, Governor,
put me in another cell. Put me some
where else. I've counted the bricks in
the cell | am in till my eyes ache" The
request of the tortured wretch was re-
fused. There is a fine hole in each cell,
and as the wardens wear shoes of India
rubber soles, the prisoner can never be
sure of being alone. Those condemned
to the treadmill have to ascend 200
steps every alternate twenty minutes for
SIX hours. And this IN place so hot
and close that prisoners often lose in
perspiration three stones in as many
months. Every day the prisoners are
taken to chapel, SO arranged that they
can see no one save the chaplain, and
him only through an iron grating. And
thus is the order of devotion observed.
Wardens are constantly ON the watch,
lest for a single instant they, through
the whole of the service, depart from
the rigid rule of "eyes right" They
must look steadfastly at the preacher


must raise and lower their prayer-book
with the elbows squared, and all at
once, like soldiers at drill. They may
not scrape their feet without having af-
terwatd to explain the movement.
They scarcely wink an eye or sigh with
out danger OF rebuke or punishment.
God help them, poor wretches.
Year: 1874

A clerk in book store in Louisville,
where lottery tickets were sold, laid
aside one for himself numbered 3,307.
A short time ago the proprietor of the
store received letter from one Perkins,
living in an interior town, stating that
he had dreamed that 3,307 would draw
the capital prize, and requesting said
proprietor to purchase that ticket for
him if it was to be had. The clerk
stated that this was the identical ticket
he had selected for himself, and there
upon pulled out his money and paid for
it. He then wrote to Perkins that he
could have the ticket for 5000. Strange
to say, the return mail brought an ac-
ceptance of the offer and request that
the ticket be at once forwarded to Per-
kins. This so excited the clerk that he
backed square out, and declared he
would not sell it for less than 81 900.
He was soon astounded ut the receipt
of another letter agreeing to the terms
and demanding the ticket. This SO
worked upon the nervous clerk that he
refused point blank to sell it at any
price, and for fear that the priceless
ticket might get lost, he locked it up in
a bank vault. The young man has just
discovered that the whole thing was a
hoax, played upon him by acquaintan-
ces, and, what is worse, has found out
that 3,307 drew nothing bnt a blank in
the "grand scheme"
Year: 1874

His marriage was the most incompre-
hensible thing he ever did throughout
his long and useful life Mrs. Hooper
was a very beautiful, brilliant and great
ly admired woman, who moved in the
choicest Boston circles. Her position
could not have been augmented by be-
coming Mrs. Sumner, although her am
bihon might have been gratifed, and
she certainly forfeited her fortune. She
was used to homage from men her
husband was accustomed to reverence
from every one. She found him an alb
sorbed man, only going into society for
the etiquette of the thing. She was
devoted to gay life, and drew around
her Il crowd of worshipers. When the
Senator, weary from his duties at the
Capitol, would at an early hour be ready
to order the carriage, the madame was
in the zenith of her enioyments, and |
have been told of several remarks she
WAS wont to make to him before people,
stinging to his self-lovc and mortify-
ing to his pride. She is accredited with
high temper, over which she exercised
not the slightest control. We cannot
penetrate the causes which led to the
enlargement, for Mr.. Sumner never
mentioned the matter after the separa-
ton, but who can tell what he may not
have suffered? His death, 50 immedi-
ately following his. wife's application
for permission to marry again, is, by
some, thought to be the effect of learn
ing the above news, his physicians
prophesying that any sudden excitement
would prove fatal. Be that as it may,
l pity her the remorseful feelings she
is probably mistress of to-day Wash
inutOn Letter.
Year: 1874

An exchange says: Compare the
publisher of newspaper, who has to GO
all around the country to collect his
pay, t. farmer who sells his wheat on
credit, and not more than bushel to
any person. Ii any farmer will try the
experiment of distributing the proceeds
of his labor over two or three counties,
with the addition of large percentage
scattered over his own and other States,
for one year, we will guarantee that he
will never, after that years experience,
ask publisher to supply him with .
paper year or two without the pay
for it,
Year: 1874

Sir Henry Thompson, the great Eng
lish doctor, has another long argument
in the Contemporary Rcviet0 in favor
of the incremation of the dead. After
demonstrating the sanitary necessity of
such measure in ali great cities, Sir
Henry gives the following as pro-
gramme for the funeSl ceremonies:
"When death occurs and the necessary
certificate has been given, the body is
placed in q light wood shell, then in q
suitable outside receptacle, preparatory
to removal for religious rites or other
wise. After a proper time has elapsed
it is conveyed to the spot where crema-
ton is to be performed. There nothing
need be seen by the last attendant or
attendants than the placing of the shell
within small compartment and the
closing of the door upon it. 1t slides
down into the heated chamber, and is
left there an hour, till the necessary
changes have taken place. The ashes
are then placed at the disposal of the
attendants" The communal councils
of Vienna and Gratz have adopted q
proposal to establish in their cemeteries
the necessary apparatus for cremation,
I" the use of which will be optional and
Open to all.
Year: 1874

A cup of water from the spring,
, o, tits the most delightful thing


Among all drinks this stands the first.
Twill surely quench ones raging thirst.
Now. NY young lads, just only think,
For thrCe score years it's been my drink
I've always passed hy the saloon,
Every morning, each night aud noon.
Thus. while iourncying on my way,
on n hot, sultry summer day.


How tempting lis to pause spell
Beside the farmers mossy well,
To let the bucket gently down
That old bucket 80 dark and brown
Then draw it up, you may observe,
l tilt the same ON top the curb.
'Tis thus drink, this drink is mine,
IT far cXcels your rum and wine
Twill rival all the drinks you buy,
So nicely made from corn and rye.
Thus, while I'm free to use my voice,
Cold wGterll be my only choice;
The water cold, my constant drink,
While am free to act and think.
Now, shall ask the real sot,
In winters cold or when tits hot,
If water does not meet his mind,
More than all other drinks combined.
If he's honest, no doubt he'll say,
Just take my rum and gin away;
| heuccforth desire, without fail,
To be supplied with Adams ale.
l ask that youth, each boy and fop,
Who Oft frequent the drinking shop,
To change his course, to pause awhile,
No longer drink that stun so vile!
Sit down that glass drink water cold !
That You may live till you are old;
Then at the close of life may you
Die With heaven in your view.
Year: 1874

coined the night, that shut the scene out
from her envious eyes, and sepultured
her in its gloom.


At the next matin bell old Jasper
died; at curfew toll he was laid beside
the wife who had died in his youth, but
the memory of whom had been with
him ALWAYS
Year: 1874

Perhaps there are very few of our
readers who have a just conception Of
the desperate condition Of affairs in
South Carolina, under the deplorable
reign Of Carpet Baggers and negro
domination. The Rev. James Freeman
Clark has just returned from that State,
and the following is from sermon
preached in Boston


In sermon in Boston last Sunday he
said that her worst enemy could not wish a
worse punishment for her than she is now
suffering. Politically and socially, she is
turned upside down. The former slaves
are now the masters, and the whites, form
erly the owners Of the negroes, are now
subject to them. In the State Legislature
there are but twenty whites. All the rest
are colored men, and most of these can
neither read or write. It is a very common
occurrence for colored man elected to the
Legislature to go to Columbia as poor as
can be, and return driving as his own ST,
600 horse. After an experience Of two or
three sessions he is generally able to build
a $4,000 house for himself. In contrast
with this, the preacher saw an old gentle
man, Of culture and refinement undoubted-
ly, judging by his manner, former slave
holder, now engaged as conductor of a
horse car, and very glad to obtain even that
employment. The corruptions of the Leg
islature are indisputable, and all the ras-
calities of the most corrupt political bodies
at the North are openly initiated.
Year: 1874

Here IS one OF the huge CULTS that
swallows up Western money


Says the New York Herald: \ New
England newspaper informs US that the re-
cent inquiries into the condition of the cot
ton mills in some parts Of Massachusetts
show wonderful prosperity. Dividends of
l4O per cent. are declared, stock multiplied
ten times in value, and the stock of bank
doing their business has quadrupled in ten
years.


These are the men who control Con-
gress as against the West; and the
West pays for it roundly.


HOW THE WEST IS TREATED BY THE EAST.


One cannot appreciate the intense ignor-
ance at the East in regard to the West an-
less one is in the habit of perusing the
leading New York, Philadelphia, and Bos-
ton papers. OF oar population, wealth,
industrial resources, to say nothing Of the
public sentiment Of this section, they seem
to know less than they do Of Central Africa
since stanley's explorations. They bestow
more attention and greater space to the
news from Canada than they do to that from
the West. They foolishly speak Of the re-
5Aon "cot VI VIC -1AAcSuduy AOuNI1lNS DIS II
it was semi civilized country, with large
Indian reservations at no great distance
from Cincinnati, Chicago, and St. Louis
Americans have often been amused at the
want of knowledge Of the United States
upon the part Of the so-called educated
classes in Great Britain, but they are well
informed compared to the average Eastern
man in his ideas Of the West. Accustomed
to dominate in Congress and in National
Conventions for years, where they paid no
attention to the feelings and interests of
the West, they have not yet awakened to
the realization that they have sunk into
pitiful minority, and that the West can now
make President without the aid Of an East
ern State, and that it can also control both
Houses Of Congress. By the census of
1880 the East will be as powerless in num-
bers as the South is now. Yet, despite all
this, it threatens and fumes through it's Or
gans of public opinion as if it was still in
powerful majority. It has been lately
saved from defeat by the veto of a Western
traitor, but it is a respite only-the Water
loo will be the more decisive when it comes.
Both parties at the East are alike saucy
and Insulting in their treatment of the
West. The Democrats from the West who
went to the New York Convention in 1865
returned almost as indignant with the East
as they were with the South on returning
from the Charleston Convention in 1861
The Western Republicans have been but
little, If any, better treated by their East
ern colleagues Cincinnati Enquirer.
Year: 1874

Never be idle. If your hands cannot
be usefully employed, attend to the cul-
tivation of your mind.


Always speak the truth.


Keep good company or none.


Make few promises.


Live up to your engagements.


Keep your own secrets, if you have
any.


When you speak to person, look him
in the face.


Good company and good conversation
are the very sinews of virtue.


Good character is above all things
else.


Never listen to loose or idle CONVEX
sation.


You had better be poisoned in your
blood than your principles.


Your character cannot be essentially
injured except by your own acts.


If anyone speaks evil Of you, let your
life be so virtuous that none will believe
him.


Drink no Intoxicating liquors.


Ever live, misfortunes excepted, within
your income.


When you retire to bed, think over
what you have done during the day.
Never speak lightly Of religion.


Make no haste to be rich if you would
prosper.


Small and steady gains give compe-
tency, with tranquility of mind


Never play at any kind of game.


Avoid temptation through fear 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.


Be just before you are generous.
Keep yourself innocent if you would
be happy.


Save when you are young to spend
when you are old.


Never think that which you do for re-
ligion is time or money misspent.


Read some portion Of the Bible every
day.-Counsels for L;te.
Year: 1874

Chicago witnessed it's first China
mans funeral on Thursday. 1t was Il
queer affair. 1t fact it might almost be
called an agricultural affair, from the i'm
portant part potatoes were made to play
in it. The name Of the defunct Celes-
tial was All Leck. He Was 32 years old.
it was No. 2l0 West Randolph street he
shuffled. The funeral took place on
Thursday afternoon. About 40 China
men were in attendance, and a good
many melikans" were present as look
ers on.


The body was first attired in three
or four suits Of Clothes Much care
was observed in all the ceremonies.
Everything was done with punctilious
exactness. Especial repugnancc was
exhibited to touching the corpse. If it
was desired to change its position, the
undertaken and his assistants had to do it
This seemed to arise more from supersti-
tious scruples than fear. A great many
potatoes, with wax tapers stuck in them,
were placed all around the coffin. A
particularly large one, with many tapers
in it, was carefully put on the right
hand side. Several holes were then
burnt in the outside blouse the corpse
had on, and with great ceremony.
The undertaken was then requested to
place piece Of silver in the dead mans
mouth, after which hat full Of silve1.
pieces was passed around the room,
each person present being told to take
one and keep it. A large number Of
square pieces Of paper with holes
punched in them, and bearing HERO
glyhics, were then scattered in the cof-
fin after which the undertaken placed
the corpse in, which was sprinkled over
with these papers, and then covered
with a white cloth and red one.
More papers were then scattered over
thes., after which the lid was put on
and screwed down. The undertaken
and his assistants then lifted the coffin
from its trestles and changed its position
from foot to head three times, the au-
dience looking on with great solemnity.
The bedding last used by the deceased
was rolled up and tied, and five potatoes
ranged along the top Of it, the middl,
one being stuck full Of tapers. After
several holes had been burnt in this
bedding, an expressman took charge Of
It and preceded the procession to the
grave. All Leck was then ready to be
buried. He was then placed in a
hearse, carriage being driven just
ahead OF it, from which the leader
Of the ceremonies continued to toss a
large quantity of papers bearing hiero-
glyphics, as the procession passed up
the street. At Wonders cemetery, near
Graceland, the bedding was burned,
and the departed Chinee snugly laid at
rest AS soon as enough of his coun-
trymen have been accumulated along
side of him TO make it an object, the
bones of the entire party will be packed
up and shipped to the Flowery King
dom, there to quietly repose until Hang
Yu and Yu B Hung blow their brazen
trumnets and Sonnd the crack of doom
Year: 1874

"Don't, Charley" came to my ears in
4 sweet, musical tone, while l was
seated in railway car, last summer. I
should not have heard the soft, touching
voice, had it not been very near me. /
looked to see who it was that had
spoken, and saw q sweet, beautiful
woman upon the seat in front of me. A
half-sad look rested upon the young face
that was all aglow with love and tender
ness. young man was seated by her
side, whose face wore a restless, dissi-
pated look, and i'm moment compre-
hended it all. His face was flushed
slightly, and l knew why it was thus.
He was talking very fast to some one in
advance of him, and once heard low
oath. "DOn't Charley,n she said again,
in the same sweet voice. But Charley
did not seem to heed the words, but went
on in a half-wild way to the man. Sew
eral more oaths came from his lips; but
the woman remained silent, yet looking
so pleadingly at the erring one that /
thought, if he had been half human, he
would have needed the mild, loving re-
proof that was so visibla in her tear
dimmed eyes.


a friend by my side whispered in my
ear, "They have been married just one
year"


''He is a BRUTE" only said in reply


At that moment saw the young hus-
band wink slyly to the man, and then
they both arose and went into the bag
gage-car. l understood the movement
when ! saw bottle protruding from
the husbands coat pocket.


Don't, Charley; don't 60" the young
wife had pleaded before lie got beyond
her reach; but he tore himself from her
light grasp, and rushed along. Hereyes
filIed with tears, and low moan came
from her pale lips, and then she bowed
her head and wept silently.


He came back in few moments. his
face flushed still more, and his voice
key or two louder than before. He
brushed rudely past his wife, evidently
to get near the car window.


"Let me alone, Mag" he said as she
laid her white hand upon his arm.
"Women are always in the way.u he
said, again turning to the man in front
of him.


The wife turned away, and I did not
hear her sweet, reproving voice again


How pitied that young, loving wife,
and how often l wonder if her sensitive
heart must soften and bleed for many
long years? / think not, for her tender,
loving soul and frail slender body will
not bear such unkiudness. Strange
how soon liquor will transform human
beings into unfeeling monsters, and
chill the ardent, loving nature OF ten
der husband and trusting vile
Year: 1874

A great city like New York includes the
extremes of humanity, its deepest degradation
and its highest attainment. When we read Of
the arrests Of such wretched creatures as those
who were placed in the Tombs yesterday, no.
toriously guilty of the worst offences, and then
turn to the words OF culture and thought adj
dressed from our pupits to respectable audit
ors, we catch, OF least, glimpse OF the gulf
that divides society in great city. Churches
have but an indirect reformatory influence
upon such degraded beings as those our report
elsewhere describes. All sermons are above
the plane of their existence, and the most i'm
passioned appeals, the strongest arguments,
pass uselessly over their heads. It is
hard to reach this stratum of evil,
and only now and then the arm of
the law reaches down into the abyss of the
slums and grasps the offender TO lift them
merely to the level Of the prison. Tortu-
Year: 1874

nately for the welfare Of society their very
degradation makes them obscure but un-
fortunately for themselves that obscurity
places them almost beyond rescue. Society
knows even less of them than it does OF the
inhabitants of Central Africa or the Pata-
gonians. The splendor of civilization sur
rounds them, yet they dwell in darkness OF
their own creation. To help them appears
almost impossible; to limit their sphere OF
evil is all that the law undertakes. 1t is
pity that this should be SO; but it is true that
there is an extreme of degradation which
battles both the law and the Church, and
while it defes the penalties of the one is
beneath even the charity of the other
Year: 1874

ers Of ereenbacks TO fund them in five per
cent gold bonds Five per cent bonds of the
United States are at par, or about par in gold;


and the greenbacks would be speedily brought
to par if made exchangeable for such bonds.


The funding of the greenbacks would, of
course, reduce the volume of the currency;


but there is no danger that the process would
be SO rapid as to embarass the business
of the country. So long as money
could be loaned on good security at seven per
cent or six per cent interest it would not be
exchanged for bonds yielding only five per
cent, and the funding OF the greenbacks would
proceed but little way before the contraction
OF the currency would carry up the market
price of money, and check the funding by
capital than investing it in form which
yielded only five per cent interest. As the
privilege of converting the greenbacks into
bonds would be permanent there would be
no haste to secure transient advantage,
and so long as there was an active demand
for money for business uses the
greenbacks would be loaned to mer-
chants in preference to funding them.
But they would steadily and inevitably
tend to par with gold, and as soon as
there is no difference in value between gold
and greenbacks the most difficult part Of the
financial problem is solved. It is true that
the greenbacks funded in this way could not
be recovered to the circulation. But they
would be maintained at par, and occasional
deficiencies in the currency might always be
supplied by redeemable bank notes. which
would be returned to the banks when no
longer wanted in the channels OF business.
There is, perhaps, no way Of returning to
specie values SO simple, direct and effective
as permanent law authorizing the funding
of the greenbacks in FIVE per cent gold bonds.