smithclay/nortonstories huggingface dataset:
Year: 1879

The United States Government, it seems, Is
to be asked to take the measures for the pro-
lection of New-YOIk HmbOr which even the
instinct of self preservation will not lead the
people of this city to take. \ bill introduced
in the Senate yesterday by MI. COnkling for
bids the depOsiting of garbage or strcet-sweep-
ings i'm the harbOr, or in either of the great
rivers, or in the ocean waters within five miles
of Coney Island or Sandy Hook, and provides
for the appointment by the United States At
tornoys for the New-YoTk aud Brooklyn Dis
tricts of special officers who shall have power
to arrest persons violating the law. Mr.. Conk


ling does not commit himself to the bill, but
there can be. apparently, no question of its
constitutionality, and as little, we should say,
of its needfulness. If the protection of our
noble harbor is left to our local politicians,
that work will drift hand in hand down the
ages with the unsOved problem of street
cleaning: and tue New -Zealander of the iu-
ture will be unable to find that there ever was
any harbor, and must deny himself the
River Bridge and sketching the crumbling
walls of Trinity, because both of those splendid
structures will have disappeared long before
beneath the accumulated mud of centuries.
This bill proposes a roundabout way, perhaps,
of protecting the harbOr, but at first sight it
seems practical. And it would be a pleasure
to see q practical element introduced into this
queer business, for while the harbor is filling
up the streets are not being cleaned.
Year: 1879

There was a singular proposition yesterday
IN the House of RepresentatIves-that none of
the dissenting opinions of the Supreme Court
Judges should be printed in the Court
reports. As member aptly suggested
such a rule would have suppressed the minor
ity opinions in the Dred Scott case. Only two
votes were cast in favor of this amendment.
Year: 1879

The new Rapid Transit Commission, of
which Richard NJ. Hoe is chairman, has made
a preliminary report to the Mayor. In this
it is stated that it has been found
necessary to submit to the courts conflict of
authority which has has arisen with the old
Commission. 1t is hoped that this will be
considered by the General Term in January.
Year: 1879

Governor Halliday, in his annual message to the
yirg mia Legislature, speaks strongly in favor of
the enforcement Of the Mohet liquor law
better known the bel-punch law. There
IL an impression everywhere. among drink
ers and non-drinkers, that the profits of re-
tail liqnor selling are enormous; they certainly
are in Virginia, if the Governor is right. He says
that the net profits all drinks sold are at least
one hundred per cent and frequently even two. He
comes TO the conclusion that there are millions
In it," and that handsome revenue might be real
rzed from the traffic without being felt much by the
imbiber. Some moralists might not regard this as
desirable; Others might take an opposite view;
bur all morasts it is to be hoped, will be charmed
TO learn from Governor Hallidays message that
Virginia does not Intend to repudiate her debt"
whether the bell-punch sounds or is silent in her
baunts of fluid refreshment.
Year: 1879

The talk with NJ. Gambetta, which will be
found in our Paris letter. is politics in
charming form-a declaration of Governmental
policy made by the President of the French
Chamber of Deputies IN the comfort and quiet
of his own snuggery, speech from the throne
delivered before wood fire and in an easy
chair. The talk is, in some respects a
remarkable one. He shows with great clear
ness how far-sighted the great Frenchman is
in his craftsmanship, and for what remote
results he is shaping the course of the Re
pubic at the same time that he is busy with
the immediate concerns OF Government. What
he SAYS concerning the need of better educated
women and. at another point, of puer
wine in France sounds little strangely in
the ears of Americans who are not accustomed
to seeing social philosophy influencing the de-
tails of tax budgets. No one who reads this
talk can fail to conclude that Nj. Gambetta
naturally used the true word when he spoke
of himself as stimulating the work of the
Chamber. One brilliant man can push forward
whole Legislature, and it is not too much
to say that this man is the motive power of
the French Republic.
Year: 1879

There is nothing in this world more troublesome
unmana geabe. or. for that matter. more IN
comprehensive than n conscientious scruple. mat
IS what troubles John Brown Smith, NJ. d., for
it has kept him in Jail at Northampton, Mass, for
ten months The fact is that John Brown Smith,
NJ d.. had rather remain in state OF incarceration
for life than pay his poll tax. He is comfortably
supported in Jail by the town of Belchertown, which
las already paid the neat sum of $40 for his board
the tax itself being 50. But then there is primer
ple involved, and principles are expensive Belch-
crtown being entrcated to let out John Brown
Smith as a mere matter of public economy, doesn't
see it in that light and possibly Bclchertown is
right TIE number of people in this free and happy
country who have no passion for paying their taxes
- large, and they are quite ready to have cOnscen
tous scrupes if these secure them the privilege
of enjoying the protection of society without con-
uibuting to the expense. The truth is,
poll tax or any other tax is debt
due for value received. DR.. John Brown Smith has
had the privilege of living in Belchertown. HIS life
and his happiness have been watched over. He has
walked or driven over roads made expressly for his
accommodation. He has been enabled to enjoy life.
liberty and the pursuit of happiness, and now lie is
unwilling to pay first cost of these luxuries-the
simple expense OF securing them. He had rather
go TO JAIL where he lives IN a great glory OF martyr
DOM although if everybody should keep a con-
science as he does there would be jail for him to
90 TO- We should not think much of man bent
upon martyrdom. and with peculiar relish for ii.


# lie should refuse to contribute to the cost of the
fuel. Tue Belchertown people have solemnly voted
TO keep the Doctor in quod until he shall pay ND ;
and we are inclined to think that there is COM
mendable economy in their resolution.
Year: 1879

The dissatisfaction expressed by number
of the members of the Produce Exchange with
the GENITAL system has led to a decision that
ballot shall be had upon the question of dis
continuing the system with respect to the -four
and grain trades. This ballot will take place
upon Saturday. In another column the history
of the adoption Of this mode of measurement
Is told. Some discomfort is always TO be ex-
pected with the introduction Of any new
method IN business. and the public will wait
with some interest to see whether the present
movement is simply an expression of this
Year: 1879




And now the Mercantile Library gives up
tie attempt TO hold its familiar place against
the tide that carries most Of our great stores,
institutions and churches uptown 1t lets so.
and drops into the current. The change VIII
be for the better. The site chosen uptown
will be far more convenient of access, for the
mass of members, than the present location,
winch seemed pretty far uptown no doubt
in the old days when the Library stood on
the corner of Nassau and Beekman -sts., and
some of the present venerable trustees of the
Clinton Hall Association were the frisKy
young merchants clerks for whose especial
improvement the Library existed. The
change will be advantageous for another ana
more important reason. Ii will enable the
Association to erect what it does not possess
nova building designed for the uses of
library. With this. and with the advantages
accruing from the new site, the usefulness
of this excellent Institution cannot fail to be
increased


The vacancy in the Cabinet was speedily
filed The President sent in the name yes
terday of ex-senator Alexander Ramsey. oil
Minnesota, as successor to Mr.. McCrary, anu
the Senate, in accordance with the courteous
rule observed when the names OF members OF
ex-members of the body come up for action
confirmed it unanimously and without refer
ence to a committee. Mr.. Ramsey is, in
political sense, the appropriate successor OF
Mr.. McCrary, continuing as he does the repre-
sentation of The great Northwest in the Cab
met, aud, so far as locality goes, representing
II more accurately. Mr. Ramsey is man OF
power and long experience in public life.
Once Governor of Minnesota in its territorial
days. and afterward when il became State,
he is an excellent type of that energy and
strength of character characteristic of the
Western people, to which that section owes
its wonderful development. His two terms in
the Senate have given him also thorough
familiarity with National affairs. The Presi-
dent has made an excellent choice.
Year: 1879

When on the wing carrierpigeans new.
er feed, and after making q long journey
they arrive at their destination in half
starved condition. Norwill the bifd eat
on its arrival 1t simply drinks assmall
quantity of water, and then goes to sleep
for about two hours. At the end ofsits
nap the pigeon eats moderately and
again sleeps; and after forty-eight hours
of this alternate sleeping and eating, it
appears to recover its normal appetite.
Weremark in this instance the operation
OF a useful instinct, which prevents the
wearied and hungry bird from, taxing,its
already overwrought system by eating a
large meal; this practice being 10 strict
accordance with the teaching of physiol-
ogy and with the dictates or the healthy
science Of man, but which the latter an
fortunately does not always followsspods
Year: 1879

THE Democratic papers are saying with
great glee that the Mayor-elect OF Cincinnati
has never been naturalized. That may or
may not be; but it is undisputed that the
city gave msjority for the Republican can
didate and that the contest was made on
national issues,
Year: 1879

IT is said that the loss of life by the over
flow of the river at Szegdin has been exag-
gerated. There are only seventy-seven cases
of drowning. But that is more of food
than one has right to expect in skeptcal
age like this. Unless personal descriptions
are given of all the drowned, some German
scholar fifty years hence will be mentioning
the inunGati as ga local tradition.o
Year: 1879

VERMONT people have got the idea that a
hanging always brings snow. The day
Gravelin was hanged there was heavy
snow storm, and the strangling of Phair
spoiled wheeling. The green mountaineers
should come to this summerland of Maine if
they want to be convinced of their error.
Year: 1879

THE marriage of the surviving Smith sis
ter, leads the Hartford Cowaat to believe
that the women suffrage people have changed
their tactics and are planning that every
woman shall own her own voter. That may
be the next best thing to owning her-own
Year: 1879

THE press Of the country very generally
recognizes the fact that the appointment of
Mr.. Reed to the judiciary committee is an
excellent one and proper recognition of
conspicuous merits by Speaker Randall.
Year: 1879

We do not read anonymous letters and communi-
cations The name and address Of the writer are in
all cases Indispensable not necessarily for publication
but as guaranty Of good faith.


We cannot undertake to return or preserve COM
municstions that are not used.
Year: 1879

NEW YORK, April s.--The Heralfs cores
beerfield, near Utica yesterday. Seymour
said that he had no idea that any one thought
n nominating him as q candidate for Cover
nor. as that was a thing out OF the question.
He was not really unwilling TO be can
dldate but he was unable to do the duties OF
the Office OF Governor OF this great State. II
suppose my name,' he said, twas suggested
AZ the Belmont conference not 30 much with
4 view to my nomination as 1t was to show a
desire to place In office such persons as would
seek to promote the political interests OF the
whole Democratic party and those OF its ac-
tive. prominent men. It was meant to show
that the Democrats would unite In support OF
any person who cherished feeling OF good
VII toward ell. / feel confident that harmony
Win s6on be restored to the Democratic
ranks, and the Republican ranks as well, but
j think that the Democrats will elect their
ticket"


Cincinnatus from his cheese factory to the
political arena, 1t would be q great triumph
Tor the party. Lord BolingbrOke became
tired OF public life and retired to his farm
where he placed over the lodge at the main
entrance the latin inscription safes ruyis hon
was no sooner shown an opening for the dis
play OF his great talent than he left his land
~ serve his country. The unanimous NOM
nation Of Seymour might draw him TO the
front; In that case, his election would be I'M
preCedented for its enthusiasm and the ma
jority that might follow after such con-
quest OF the hearts OF his fellow-citizens OF
New York, would depend upon the will OF the
American people,.
Year: 1879

1t is pretty hard to get at the truth
in the case of the Poindexter jury, but
it seems accepted that five of them were
for a verdict of murder in the and
degree, S for voluntary man slaughter,
and two for involuntary man slaugh-
ter. The 10 subsequently agreed to
a verdict of S years in the penitentia-
~, but the two held out for a fine
with a short term in Jail. The case
will be up for second trial during
this week.
Year: 1879

The new Democratic Congress has
a hard time trying to Readjust the
outrageous election.law legislation OF
the Radical party. We mean to write
TO Gilbert Walker to farm out the job
10 Hugh McCulloch.
Year: 1879

The passengers and employees q train the
Third avenue "L" road. which left Ninth street.
going SOUTH at about eight O'Clock last evening.
We're thrown into lever OF excitement upon arriv-
ing at the Houston street station by that the
fireman had fallen overheard daring the run between
the stations. The substantiated by the
appearance of the and the engineers statement
that he missed him just after leaving the Ninth
street station. All was excitement; the train
held and men up the Bowery inquiring Of tho
passers-by il man had been to fall from the
train that had Just passed. No one Lad witnessed
anything of the kind, and the mystery was
rapidly growing deeper. The police were
notified but failed to find the missing tiroman. A
man sent back along tho track to IL he had
been over but found nothing that would
in any way solve the mystery. About half
hour later the missing fireman down
to the Houston street station, where people
at first could hardly believe their eyes.
He explained bis disappearance by saying that he
lost his hat just the train drew up the Ninth
street station. and, leaving his box by the engine.
he recovered his headpece after search OF several
minutes and walked down to the next station to got
on to his train when it came back
Year: 1879

vancing column of 500 men, and reserve of $500.
and ii has now been raised to, in round numbers,
IL 200O-a force which should be quite sufficient to
deal with Cabul and all the hill tribes put together.
Half should be enough for the actual advance
protect the rear of the rest over SO short
line that which General Roberts will operate.
General Baker. with brigade. will hold the country
Immediately on either side the Shuturgardan and
in the composition Of his column there is nothing
left to be desired. With the Ninth lancers and two
such regiments the Twelfth and Fourteenth Ben
gal cavalry. with the Sixyseventh and the two High
land dregiments-Seveny second and Ninety second
that have already in the Kurrum country SO finely
distinguished themselves. and WITH among tho
native infantry, such crack regiments the Fifth
Ghoorkhas and the Fifth Puniab infantry General
Roberts should be at Cabul within fortnight. The
original intention of sudden dash upon the capi-
tai has been abandoned The helpless condition of
tribes necessitate caution a. the outset. But.
on the march, movement must be very rapid, not
only to frustrate combinations Of tho hill clans bur
because in the East rapidity is half of success In
any case there will have been no time to put the
Bala Hissar into formidable repair, and the capital
may fall into General Roberts hands without fight.
1t will be noted that the aid of the heliograph,
dismally neglected In the Zulu camraign. has al
ready been enlisted. In the last Afghan campaign
sun signalling was everywhere used with very i'm
portant results and immense advantage and many OF
the messages which the HERALD has published have
been photographed to Ali Kheyl from the Shuturgar-
dan crest.
Year: 1879

carry their measure through the House, but they
have no power to meet the Republicans in debate
for there is no comparison to be made between
the ability in this regard to be found on the two
opposite sides of the chamber.


Southern Democratic Senator admitted this
evening while discussing the present situation in
the Senate, that the more discreet members of his
party ale somewhat troubled at the attitude IN
which the party has been placed by General Car
fields speech. He said THE Northern Democrats
have put us in this hole. We did not seek it, We
only cared really for the repeal of the test OATH but
the Northern Democrats said III caucus that they
could not carry Ohio aud New-York unless the cleo
tion law was repealed, and we were forced nto TINS
business
Year: 1879

RESISTANCE STRONGLY APPREHENDED.
A LARGE FOREIGN FORCE DEEMED NECESSARY FOR


THE OCCUPATION OF EASTERN ROUMELIA-


FRANCE HOLDING ALoOF.


1t is announced from the Turkish capital that in
Eastern ROumelia Bulgarians are drilling. as many
as 10000 being now armed. In view Of
this display of force. it is stated the
Powers will have TO send large force
there, if the scheme of mixed occupation s adopted.
France will not take part in that project. Tho
French Senate Committee has reported adversely
to the proposed return of the Chambers to Paris.
The Government is in favor of the scheme but will
not make il Cabinet question. The likelihood Of
war between Peru and Chill is increasing. Tho
latter has rejected the mediation Of Peru in her
quarrel with Bolivia.
Year: 1879

ELEVEN MEN IN THE HOUSE VINO WOULD LIKE TO


ARRANGE AFFAIRS FOR THE WHOLE BODY


SOME SLIGHT OBJECTION MANIFESTED TO THIS.


icy TELEGRAPH TO THE TRGPCNEl


WAsHINGTOy, March 3O.-During the last two or
three sessions of Congress public attention has been
widely attracted to the fact that the Appropriations
Committee of the House was arrogatlng TO itself
many of the more important functions
of the entire body. It's power TO cur
tail or entirely omit appropriations for
specific objects which had been passed upon by
other committees gave it so much prominence that
a membership of the committee was by many con-
sidercd 10 be an equivalent in power to the chair
manShlp of most of the other committees OF
the House. The worst feature of this arrogaton OF
power, however, was the delay which was unavoid-
able when one committee attempted TO examine
carefully all the schemes which were brought before
Congress requiring the expenditure Of money and
perfect at the same time all the regular appropria
ton bills for the support of the Government.


A movement is on foot to effect relief from this
state of things The Committee on Rules of the
House will consider at its meeting tomorrow.
plan for the distribution Of the work now per-
formed by the Appropriations Committee among
several committees. The plan suggested is a re-
turn to the old practice of sending each
Of the regular appropriation bills to the committee
which is especially charged with the supervision OF
the particular branch for which the Appropriation
is intended, and after action by these committees,
then to send the bills to the Committee on Appro-
pT1tlOns.


This plan has much to commend it. If is certainly
am improvement upon the present system. 1t Is
probable that the formation Of committees or the
House will be delayed until after the Committee on
Rules has considered tins matter.
Year: 1879

An exchange says: awe find
upon our table one of the newest
pictures. 1t is beautiful in design,
small, but showing great artistic
skin i'll its makeup. The prevail
ing colors are green and black, the
two blending so harmoniousiy that
the effect is pleasing in the highest
degree. We shall not, of course,
presume to give an exact descrip.
tion of this picture, but some of


the characters look so noble, so
striking, that we cannot refrain
from describing them. The head
centre, or rather the hero of this
picture, holds in his left hand
banner, in his right hand a sword
his hat is thrown on the ground
his head is thrown back, his lett
foot extended, and taken altogether,
his appearance is that of one chal,
lengiDg another to mortal combat,
waiting for the other fellow to
knock off the chip. His eyes are
cast upward, resting on the word
fl. Hello! what's this Great
snakes! if it isn't i've dollar bill I
We took it for some new kind of q
Christmas chrome, that had come
in the mail. But we see how it is
either oul devil has been robbiDg a
bank, or some delinquent subscrib-
er has been conscience stricken"
Year: 1879

Mobile Register.


From one of a party of gentlemen


who went huntingin the southwes.


tern part Uf the county last week


We have obtained the following


curious story of searchers for the


supposed be buried wealth of the


old Copeland gang. 1t seems that


the negroes residing along the


banks of Dog river, and in the


swamps OH either side of that stream


have had for years traditions OF


immense sums Of money hidden
somewhere in the low marslly


ground and the forest near Dog
river, aud many a them have made
attempts to fina some of this mon
ey, We need not say without sue
cess. Our informant, while hunt
ing in the locality mentioned, last
week, came suddenly upon an aged
and decrcpid darkey, whose myster-
iOus movements and queer dOings
excited his wonder, and remaining
concealed, he watched the negro's
actions. The old man had in his
hand stick about five feet long,
which he was holding extended
horizontally before him, following
the end around in a slow aud eau
tiOus manner. AT intervals of a
few minutes he would pause, stOOp
down, and examine the ground at
tentively, as if looking for some
thing, and then rise up and repeat
his movements with the stick. AT
ter watching him for about twenty


minutes, the gentlemen stepped
from his concealment and called to
the old darkey, asking him what
he was looking fOr. The old man
was SO astonished at finding he
had been watched, that for some
moments he was dumb, and then
tried to hide his stick from view.
BY dint of persuasion and drink
from pocket flash, the old darkey
was finally induced to talk, and
told our friend that he was hunting
for the gold buried by the Cope
lands. The stick he carried prov
ed to be his "divining rod," and
consisted of a rod of black walnut
on the end of which was poised "A
magnetic needle which of course
always pointed to the north. The
old man, being ignorant of the
polar attraction, religiously belev-
ed that the movement of the needle
was caused by the attraction of
gold, and had been following it's
pointers tor years, always hoping
that he would finally strike u bo-
nanza of hidden wealth. He had |
dug up the earth in all possible |
and impossible locations, but had |
lot'yet found anything more valu-
able than earth worms. Nor could
le be convinced that his search
vas an idle one, and all explanation
II regard to the magnetic attraction
If the needle fell on a deaf ear. He
old our informant that there were
scores of negroes in those regions
who believe there was money Sc
,reted somewhere about Dog river,
md that he would continue his
earch till he found something.
'erhaps if all these deluded freed
nen would spend their time in cul-
waiting "patch" of ground, they
would find themselves richer at the
nd of the year than they will ever
'ecOme by finding the mythical
Money"