smithclay/nortonstories huggingface dataset:
Year: 1877

II + were suddenly asked to name Poe's
dominant intellectual characteristic should
unhesitatingly answer, a passion Ter per-
lection; and If ] were then asked to name
the merely literary qualities by which this
is indicated, I should say. His accuracy and
his thoroughness.i ] know hon; strange,
and even absurd, this must sound to those
who think OF Poe as a specimen OF the
most impulsive and irregular type OF &C.
MUS; but ! cannot help its strangeness,
and hone to prove its truth and to
show the special kind OF perfection which
it was his constant endeavor to attain. Per-
hans to those whose acquaintance with his
works is not limited to "The Raven " and
half dozen OF his short tales it may hardly
seem SO very strange after all. 1t may, in
deed, be said that when this quality OF Poe's
intellectual temperament has once been
seized by the critical perception it seems so
obvious that the wonder is how it could
ever have been missed. 1t is like some new
truth, which the moment after its dis
coyery appears so familiar that we feel
as il we had known it all our lie
which harmoniZes SO entirely with our
other mental acquisitions that it is dllf1cult
to believe it had not some obscure place
among our original mental furniture. Foes
passion for perfection manlfests itself more


or less visibly in everything which he
wrote; its workings are clearly enough to
be seen in the compositions just mentioned,
and its existence might be inferred, il not
proved, from them alone. Most OF his
short tales belong to the class of artistic
productions which painters call by the
name Of pot-boilers ~; that is, they
were produced to supply immediate
pecuniary necessities which were too
pressing to wait for the completion OF more
elaborate work. And yet they have about
them nothing Of the hasty, careless, slap
dash, pot-boiler character. They are planned
az carefully and finished as minutely as II
their author had been rich literary anna
teur with nothing to do but to take care
of his reputation. In the merest e1ter-
mails the same spirit was manifested.
He did not, like Button, array him.
self in full-dress when he sat down
to write, but the outside garments OF
his thoughts, the characters in which they
were traced upon the paper, were dlstln-
guished by such singular beauty that a
manuscript OF Poe is veritable artistic
treat. His handwriting is indeed SO cEar-
acteristic that it is real help to us IN
forming an opinion OF the man. The
compliment paid to its mere iegibility
in one Of Griswold's fictitious anecdotes
is fine specimen of the art OF damnlng
with faint praise. Every letter is perfectly
formed, every word reveals its slgnih-
cance at glapce, every point is placed as
carefully as il Poe had been q Hebrew
scribe copying the sacred law; everywhere
there is an exquisite symmetry; and yet no
handwriting was ever less mechanical and
formal, or more full Of individuality and
Significance. Thackeray's caligraphy some.
what resembles it, but in the manuscript OF
the English novelist the mere prettlness OF
the penmanship is in excess OF the eApres.
siyeness, while in that OF Poe we seem 10
get glimpse OF the real man.
Year: 1877

The Country Peopse.-During the har.
yestine season the country folks hardly ever
come to the city, but now that they have
LITTLE leisure our streets are becoming quite
animated by their presence. Saturday the
stores were alive with people from Ghes-
terfield. who had come In to do their
shopping and hear the news. Our mer-
chants were all kept busy, and no doubt
closed uD at night well satisfied. b.
Year: 1877

The Grays.-The new military company
called the Manchester Grays will probably
be fully uniformed by the latter part OF the
month. The personnel OF the organization
is very fine and would do credit to any regi-
mont tss
Year: 1877

MARKET QuARREL.-Several butchers OF
the Second Market had misunderstanding
Saturday evening, and there were some
arrests; but the parties had the good sense
to settle it amicably and without appealing
to the arbitrament OF the courts
Year: 1877

and below Kansas City, is still rising and
doing great damage. The water is higher
than at any time since the flood OF 1874. The
town Of Harlem, opposite Kansas City, Is
about six feet under water and is likely to be
entirely destroyed.


All the railroads in the vicinity are greatly
damaged by the washouts and the tracks
completely submerged. People living on the
bottoms along the Missouri river are moving
to bluffs, taking what property they can with
them. The Missouri Press Association are
water bound at Hot Springs, Ark, there being
an impossible break on the narrow gauge
road between the Springs and Malvern.
Year: 1877

MEMPHIS, June 1.-THE flood in Wolf river
has caused break of over a mile on the
Memphis and Louisville Railroad, and now
there are no trains running on any of the five
roads leading out of this city. The damage
on the Little Rock road will be repaired TO
to-day, and train Is expected to go out this
evening
Year: 1877

EVERY Republican Governor that has
been forced into Office in the South and
kept there by the use of bayonets, has
retired in disgrace even in his own party.
Not one of these men have shown them
selves to be honest and reliable. Not
one of them availed himselfof the oppor-
tunity to lead the ignorant and credulous
negro to vote for economy in government;
not one of them has impressed the negro
with the necessity of honest toll and the
certain benefits that are sure to follow in
the wake of labor and frugality. On the
contrary, every carpet-bagger or scalawag
Republican Governor has demoralized
the negro population and assisted to rob
the State. This is a bad comment to
charge to the Northern Radical party out
of which these carpet-baggers sprung and
for whom that party became responsible,
by their being sustained by Grant and
the national troops, backed by such
papers as Forney's Press, the New York
Times and the Tribuue. Let them take
the consequences.
Year: 1877




HAYES UNPOPULAR WITH HIS PAR
TY.-We have never known so much
dissatisfaction in the Republican party as
now exists over the halting conduct of
Hayes. Had he recognized Nichols and
Hampton at once, after his Inauguration,
or without recognizing either, have with
drawn the troops from New Orleans and
Columbia, he would have had many open
supporters in his party now there seem
to be none who praise him. Those who
want office are disguised with his delay
IN putting out the ''ins,' while the latter
are in great doubt-they are neither hot
nor cold in their expressions, and the
active party men curse him for making
Hampton appear the wisest, greatest and
firmest man in the country. So his sto-
len plumes are not worn to the satisfac-
tion of those who helped him to his
plunder. They expected and were
prepared to praise him had he shown
more OF the daring highwayman or the
nonchalance CT the guerilla.
Year: 1877

THE Louisville Courier-Journal, which is
published in State where whisky ought to
be good if anywhere, confirms the statement
that probably nine hundred bnd ninety mine
gallons out of every thousand that are sold as
brandy are made from vile compound of
whisky swill, distilled spirits and chemical
denominations, and adds ''And as it is also
equally true of whisky, what in the name of
the goodness are we all to do for something TO
drink? 1t looks as if we are to be driven to
the pump in spite Of lis. If the world at
arge knew OF what vlllainous siuffs brandy
and whisky and wines are made the present
crop of drunkards would be about the last, or,
at apy late, all future crops would be small


Nearly, or quite, all the liquors that are re


tailed nowadays are undoubtedly a slow,
but sure. poison, and to drink them habitual-
ly is simply roundabout way of committing
suicide, and unless you guard yourself care
fully the way is not so roundabout either"
Year: 1877

ciliation. This Brown declined. They
met twice afterward, once in the office
of the Lexington Observer and Report
er, where Clay made a motion as to


ward recognition, which Brown refused
to notice, and they passed each other
once on the street, but as strangers.


On the % of October, of the follow.
ing year, the steam~r Lucy Walker ex.
ploded on the Ohio river, about eight
miles below Louisville, with u dread
full loss of life. Among the victims
was the unfortunate Brown. General
Clay said to me he had long apprehen-
ded another fight with him, and went
constantly prepared for it.


1t is rather singular fact that, in
the organization of Clay's company for
the Mexican war, George Mason
Brown, son of his old antagonist, was
chosen Lietenant. Their relations
were distant and formal for some time,
but an opportunity occurred for Clay
to do his subordinate a signal service,
and he did it in his usual manly way,
and the young man and he were ever
after friends.
Year: 1877

1t is very curious to observe the regularity
with which We are told in the autumn that
''the first frost will change the color Of the
leaves" whereas the frost has nothing to do
with the change. 1t has, indeed, happened
in New England that tine foliage las changed,
as if by magic, in single night, so that, upon
looking out of the window in the NOR ming,
the eye was surprised with the spectacle of
the world well nigh on fire; and since this
transformation took place in connection with
the mercury at low point. the whole affair
is referred to the agency of Jack Frost. But
why not refer to this prestidigitator the glow
ing tints of the apple, the rich crimson of the
velvet peach, and the purple of the plum !?
Many years ago'this error was pointed out by
an eminent botanist, who sho wed that the
gorgeous color of the autumn leaf came in the
regular process of ripening; and though bot
any is generally studied in schools, the old
notion comes back with the beavers every
year, showing that error, in common with
truth, especially when supported by the coz
popu6, will ''rise again." however deservedly
crushed to earth.


Leaves find their parallel in man, az already
observed, and, like the human species, they
may ripen suddenly. Ii, however, any one
chooses to make mystery nj the intensity of
the autumnal colors, there should be no diff
Guilty in explaining the cariety. Indeed, the
apparent superiority over the strength of color
in the foliage on the continent OF Europe may
be attributed chiefly to this variety. In Great
Britain the climate is evidently unfavorAble
to the production of bright forest-tones, but
in parts of Germany the brilliancy Of certain
kinds of leaves is quite equal to that of the
corresponding varieties in North America. At
the same time the greens of Europe are quite
different from those OF our own land, where,
beginning with burnt green in the South,
we pass northward along the Atlantic sea-
board, reaching the true green Of the greatest
of the hay-producing States, the State Of
Maine. Everyone has noticed the unparallel.
ed green of the Emerald Isle," which be.
comes pale sea green in the south Of Eng.
land and in France only to change to an
ashen-green in Germany, and somber olive
in the Italian States.


Bur we were remarkipg upon the variety
cf the autumnal tints in our own country.
This is explained by the fact that, while in
Europe there are only forty trees that attain
Year: 1877

The national vice of Russia is drunk
enness. The lower classes are so brut-
allied by excessive drinking that they
are rarely sober, and during fete days
land there are about 130 of them) they
are always in state of intoxication.
The popes, or priest, seem to think it
part of their religion to be habitually


in muddled state. This is the reason
that the Russian peasant appears so
stupid and hick-headed. Naturally
he has good understanding, but his
brains are so soaked with vodki
(brandy) that they are never fully at
his command. When ne sees his
spiritual guides are as degraded as him
self, "a poorly clad, as lily housed and
as much addicted to the use of alco-


holic drinks, the peasant stultifies and
brutalizes himself with less compunc-
tion of conscience and sense of shame.
Year: 1877

Those who have never personally in
spected the lower Levels of our mines
says the Virginia, New, Enterprise
may obtain some idea of the degree OF


heat to be found therein by visiting
the Savage works at the change o.
shifts. The men, parked together as
close as they can stand on the cage,
are popped up out of the shaft all stem.
ing hot, for all the world like a bunch
of asparagus just LITE d from the pot.
They nske their arp'eranc in cloud
of steam that pours up continuously
from the ''depths profound" and are
dimly seen until they step forth upon
the floor of the works. AS the men
land and separate, each carries with
him for half minute his little private
cloud of vapor. AS this passes off, the
man is seen TO be naked from the waist
up, his skin as wet as II he had just
been lifted out of pool of water.


The men bring up with them-be-
ST .es the steam-an amount of heat
that may be felt by the spectator as
they pass. All this Is at the top of the
shaft, where it is considered quite cool.
What, then, must it be hundreds of
feet below, where the men started at
157 degrees Fahrenheit? Down there
no steam is seeD-it is too hot for it.
1t is only when the hot, moist air com
ing up from the lower regions strike
the cool air towards the top of the shaft
that it takes the form of steam. Down
there where the men come from you
must keep your hands off the pump
column and the pipes, and il you pick
up any iron tool you will at once put
it down without being told to do SO.


Down there they handle things with
gloves On, or wrap rags about the drills
they are guiding and iron apparatus
they are moving, and down there, too,
you will learn to keep your mouth
shut after you have drawn a few
mouthfuls of hot air into your lungs.
Perspire? 1t is no name for it. You
are like sponge that Ia being squeez-
ed, you are ready to believe that you
have Ten million pores to every square
inch of surface, or as many more as any
authority may mention, and that those
pores are as big as the cells of honey
comb. You go for ice water and it
almost seems to hiss as it passes down
your throat-yOu keep going for it, and
thus in short time, find out what be-
comes of the tons and tons Of ice that
are daily consumed in the mines. Re
main below among the miners for an
hour or two, and when you are finally
popped out at the top of the shaft, all
redhot and steaming, among the other
asparagus sprouts, you will appreciate
the beauty, the light and the cOOlness
of the upper world.
Year: 1877

~ The recent Decoration Day was observed,
in many places, by loyal and rebel together, and
the graves of the dead of both sides were deco
rated Perhaps it is all right; but when those
who died in attempting to destroy the Govern
ment arc honored equa- to those who died to pre-
serve il, aud when military companies are allow
cd to arm and parade in the uniform omblematic
Of treason against the Government, it is not sur
prising that leading statesmen are compelled to
admit that the law is powerless to sustain legal
ly elected officers in their rights when assailsd
by those who delight in keeping the memory of
the rebellion fresh. No other country under the
sun will permit such things.
Year: 1877

y 1t is now reported that the Southern peo-
pie fear an uprising of the negroes throughout
the South, in revenge for the wrongs they have
endured, and that they look upon the army as
their protectors against this evil. After all the
bowling against troops being stationed in the
South, wouldn't it sound melodious to hear them
squeal on the other side of tho mouth, and to sec
the Democratic papers throughout the country
abusing the President for not sending more SOL
diers down tberei Strange that that they should
apprehend an outbreak, when paciication is
complete!
Year: 1877

n We are pleased to note continued evidenc-
es that the color line has been completely broken
down in Louisiana since Packard and his Gov
ernment were sacrificed to appease the wrath Of
the bull-dozers. Two colored men, who were
appointed Postmasters in December, have report
ed that they are not allowed to take charge of
the offices. One, who was a native of the place,
was told that there was no objection to him,
personally, but that he had given testimony on
the Republican side; and that he would be al
lowed to accept the appointment of Postmaster,
but not to take charge of the property of the
Office
Year: 1877

a See here, Mr.. John Davis, of the Junction
City Tribune: We have been treating You with
all dne respect; yet you could not reply to the
Burlington Patriot, and ease yourself of some Of
your bile against George Martin, without bring
ing in our name, where it had no business to be.
If you keep quiet until we give you provocation,
perhaps ron will have . long resting spell.
Year: 1877

AZ caucus Of Republican Senators ON the
23d resolution was unanimously adopted
that the Senate should not edjourn viii lie any
exeentiye business is on It's docket or in the
hands OF any committee. 't


Senators Thurman, Eaton and Armstrong
announce that they will vote for the conilrma-
tion of no Democrat appointed to office by the
President. The other Democratic Senators
are In favor of members Of their party get
ting all they can.


The Senate Judiciary Committee on the 24th
disposed of nearly all the nominations before it.


The Commissioner of Internal Revenue in
his annual report recommends that the rates
Of taxation on spirits and tobacco be allowed
to remain undisturbed Since the beginning
Of the last fiscal year s157, ,443,S3O have been
collected from these'sources. He deems it in
expedient 20 relieve banks and bankers from
the tax on capital and deposits or the two
cent impost on bank checks, but thinks the
law taxing matches could with'yery great pro
priety be repealed.


The Cabinet on the 24th discussed the stu
alton in the Senate. The President said he
should use what influence he legitimately could
to assist the Republicans to maintain their
majority. Senator Conover had called on him
and explained that he was a personal friend OF
Butler and believed him entitled TO his seat;
he should act with the Republicans until the
end of his term and vote for Kelloggs admis-
sion.


In an interview on the oath Senator Patter-
son, of South Carolina, said he agreed last
spring to vote for Buffers admission stated
positively that there was no bargain about it,
and he should act with the Republicans on
every other question:
Year: 1877

LIFE INSURANCE sTATEMENT.


R-EPORT


or THE
SUPERINTENDENT OF THE
INSURANCE DEPARTMENT
OF rua STATE or NEW YORK, on THE
Examination Of the New York Life


Insurance Company,
OF NEW EoFE CIT &
Year: 1877

The instant death of girl ten years old,
run over by locomotive in the streets of
Brooklyn on Tuesday, needs something more
than passing notice in the column OF acei-
dents, or perhaps, verdict OF mild censure
against Il flagman by Il CorOner's jury. The
occurrence, and others of like character, will
be used TO advantage by the opponents of the
steam road in that city liability to such acci-
dents will be urged against any further
extension of the steam traffic in Atlantlc-ave.;
aud even the use of dummies on the city
roads will encounter further discouragement.
Such a result would be the more to be re-
gretted because there is no city in the Union
more in need of facilities for quick convey
ance than is Brooklyn to-day. The recent
decision of the Court of Appeals has given to
New-Yorb the certainty of Rapid Transit
within a few months-as soon as the roads
can be bult-while Brooklyn has neither
the certainty nor even the prospect of
rapid transit road, and cannot afford
to lose any chance of substitutes for 1T,
inferior though they may be. An extension of
the present steam road four or five blocks
down Atlantic-ave., would bring it to the head
of tunnel, which extends from that point
nearly to South Ferry. The tunnel was closed
many years ago, under pressure of legal pro-
ceedings, but there is no good reason $50 far
as the public is cOncerned) why it should not
be opened and put to use. Brooklyn would
then have rapid transit from East Newly ork
to South Ferry, and probably would find it
advantageous to extend the route, by way of
Furman-st., below the Heights, to Fulton Ferry.


But if steam on Atlantic-ave. means killing
and naming the less there is of it the
better. Hence it is desirable to look into the
causes of such accidents as that of Tuesday.
The locomotive engineer says he did what he
could to prevent the occurrence, by applying
the steam brake, though vainly. The con-
ductor says he was in the car with his
back to the engine, and knew nothing
of the accident till it had occurred. The
hagman saw two girls approaching
the track, and thought that the elder
one was pulling the younger one back;
after he got that notion he did not look fur
ther toward the children. And then the little
one ran in front of the engine, and was cut to
pieces The occurrence took place at the inter-
section of Washington -ave.-a large thorough
fare. The railroad has a wire fence on both
sides, except at the street-crOssings. A few OF
the crossings are guarded by gates the rest
are open. 1t would be the most improbable of
all things, if no accident should happen at these
open crossings, protected only by the presence
of a flagman, whose chief duty is directed tow
ard the coming trains. 1t may be too much
to hope that the Coroner's jury will clearly per-
ceive that Maggie Kenniff was killed because
the Long Island Railroad has no gates at most
of its street crossings but the public may as
well understand it at once, and know where
the blame belongs.