smithclay/nortonstories huggingface dataset:
Year: 1877

Sr. JONHSBURY, W., Feb. q, 1877.
To the Editor of the Press:


see by your issue of this morning that your
Legislature is seriously considering the matter
of a biennial session. Now, Sir, allow me in
the light of our Vermont experience of several
years to protest against such a course. In
your very able and lengthy editorial yon treat
the salient points, and what L wish to do is to
emphasize some Of them as follows:


First You will get lower average standard
of ability in your biennial than your annual
sessions. shall not stop to dwell upon this
point The fact is quite patent with us for
reasons which thinking men will see.


Second. Very few old members are returned
the secord session. The American peculiarity
"a hankering after offiee-is so great and pow
erful that it becomes marked exception for q
man to be returned the second time. l heard
this evil deDored in a recent farmers meeting
by the farmers themselves, ard yet, in 1873
they will elect new men, as so many wish to
"go to glory aud shame too, may add, in too
many cases. Consequently, a few scheming
lawyers or other wire-pullers manipulate things
to their liking with much greater ease. A few
days since, one of our Vermont farmers said in
" PoohO oooSuDiJ- hO hac witty Acm
Der OF the last legislature-that q dozen or SO
lawyers practically lead as by string the 1876
farmers of the body, because they are green
and not familiar with the outs and ns of legis.
latve experience.


Third 1t is poor economy That was used as
an argument when the State went into it, but it
was deluson and the figures used by schemlng
men did Gle most egregiously. The State
will not save dollar practically.
Fourth. The average of your legislature will
be lower than low for reasons above enumer-
aled, unless you are very much wiser than we
are in Vermont.


might dwell upon other points, but enough.
When Maine goes into that folly she is sowing
seeds for great deal of vigorous repentance
when repentance ayaileth not. Foolish legis.
lation will exist until wiser race than ours
comes upon the world, and if the Solons of the
Pine Tree State expect biennial SESSIONS to
remedy that evil, they will live to see it aug
mented rather than abated by these appliances.
If the conditions of things in Maine are en-
| tirely unlike those in Vermont you may pro-
| ceed, but if there is an analogy between the
two States, make haste slowly


Yours, LEWIS b. HlBBARD.
Year: 1877

The Legislature has done wisely in indefi-
nitey postponing the proposed contitutional
amendment relating to biennial sessions.
There is no need of haste in the matter.
The proposition has not received that con-
sideration which its gravity claims. People
have as yet given it but little thought. The
discussion which will now be provoked will,
we are confident. lead to a rejection of the
measure. The Senate acted with great dis
cretion in the matter, and the House showed
much good sense in reconsidering lis first
hasty action. In this connection attention is
called to the communication elsewhere pub
lished from the pen of Lewis B. Hibbard,
editor OF the Vermont Farmer, communica-
ton valuable as giving the experience of a
sister State.
Year: 1877

The decision of the Electoral Commission
that it will not go behind the certificates
should give general satisfaction because it
indicates that the claims to the disputed
Presidency will be speedily passed upon.
One of the objections urged against the bill
creating the commission was that it permitted
the tribunal TO go behind certificates or re-
turns, and that the permission would be acted
upon thus delaying the final decision of the
question for months. By its action the Com
mission has done away with that objection,
though the large minority vote shows that
the apprehension of contrary action was not
lll-founded. 1t is to be regretted that the
vote for and against the proposition was so
nearly balanced, for people felt confident that
the Justices at least would not permit parti-
san sympathy to color their views on a ques.
ton OF law. Nor was it generally expected
that so strong and hitherto so consistent state
rights men as Thurman and Bayard would
place themselves on record as favorng the
right of Congress to 60 behind the action of
state authorities.


While the action of the Commission is not
decisive as to the main question it is generally
accepted as foreshadowing Republican sue
cess in the disputed Southern states. 1t is
believed by those best informed that the GER
ificate recognizing the Hayes and Wheeler
electors in Florida. will be accepted as the
lawful certificate from that state. and that no
reason will be found for pursuing a contrary
course in Louisiana. Over South Carolina
there will be no serious dispute. 1t now
looks as though the final decision will depend
upon the view taken by the Commission of
the Oregon case. The Republicans, believ-
ing that they have both law and equity on
their side, entertain no fears of the result.
While recognizing the possibility that they
may be deprived of their right by some legal
bubble they apprehend 30 such outcome to
the examination Of the Oregon certificates,
and have faith that the Commission will see
Justice done in the matter.
Year: 1877

AMONG the mysteries of so-called mesmeric
action there have boen none more puzzling
than that termed "mind reading," of which
frequent expositions have been given that put
beyond doubt the reality of the unexplainabe
performance. DR.. G. NJ. Beard, in the cur
rent number Of the Popular Science Monthly,
explains the process as muscle reading. The
process usually followed by the "mind read
err is to have the hand OF the subject pressed
firmly upon his forehead, while he holds the
other hand tightly in his palm, while the
mind to be read is directed to be absolutely
fixed on the article to be found. The opera
tor then moves about the room sometimes
rapidly and sometimes slowly, and if the mind
of the subject has been properly concentrated,
slight involuntary impulse will be COM
municated to his hand as he approaches the
article, and after that he must exercise his
power Of selection, This movement, an i'm
pulse, is usually uncommon as well as invo-
untary, aud very frequently the recipient may
also be unconscious of it; and have it pass to
his senses as slight shock of the mesmeric
transfer OF thought. The article gives num-
Der OF tests Of the truth of theory, as when
the article to be designated was upon the
person of the operator as button or watch
chain, when there was no involuntary move
ment of the muscle, and the reader was at
fault. Several curious incidents are related
in the annals of detectives by which criminals
are made to betray themselves by involuntary
movements and glances, and there are GER
tain experiments in that way which are
sometimes tried with success. The fact that
the operator himself may be unconscious Of
the nature of the movement which gives him
the information he seeks, is not the least
curious part of the theory, and makes il
hardly less strange than the mesmeric trans
fer of thought. The facts of unconscious
cerebration are beyond dispute, if unex-
planned; but the action of one mind upon
another without any sort of physical means
has yet to be demonstrated.
Year: 1877

The serious illness of Secretary Morrill,
will greatly distress his friends at home and
excite regret with the people at large at
the apprehension of losing valuable public
servant. 1t is to be sincerely hoped that the
crisis OF his illness is now passed. aud that he
will speedily be restored to his accustomed
health.
Year: 1877

We do not read anonymous letters and commune
cations. The name and address of the writer In
all cases indispensable, not necessarily tor publication
but as guaranty Of good faith.


We cannot undertake to return or reserve commu-
nications that are not used.
Year: 1877

She who sleeps upon my heart


Was the first TO win it.;
She who dreams upon my breast


Ever rel ms within il;
She who kisses oft my lips


Wakes the wArmest blessing:
She who rests within my arms


Feels their closest pressing.
Other days than these shall come
Days that may be dreary;
Other hours shall greet us yet,


Hours that may be weary;
Still this heart shall be thy home,
Still this breast thy pillow, a
Still these lips meet thine 81 sol ~
BLOW meeteth billow.
sleep, then, on my happy heart,
Since thy love hath WON'T;
Dream, then, on my loyal breast
None but thon hath done il
and when age our bloom shall change
With its wintry weather.
May we in the self-same grave


Sleep and dream together
Year: 1877

In the Senate, on the 10th, the Gen
eral Appropriation bill was reported
from the Finance Committee, with
amendments. A communication from
Gen. Walcutt, President of the Board of
Directors of the Penitentiary, was laid
before the house. 1t states that the
number of prisoners in the Penitentiary
is now very large and constantly increas-
ing Many are unemployed, and more
will he shortly unless the board are left
free to control their labor to the best adj
vantage. Contractors will not renew
their contracts at the price fixed by law
seventy cents per day, The board are
satisfied that, as contracts expire, large
number of men will be left on their
hands, and the institution become bur
den ON the State They recommend that
the law governing the price of
labor be repealed or suspended un-
til Aug. 1, 1878, and they be
allowed to exercise their judgment as to
letting the contracts. Referred. Bills
Year: 1877




This spring inertia pulls ON man,
We don't exactly understand it, but sup


pose it results from natures tussle with
winter. In her depression we are de-
pressed. We suppose It'll this, although
we may be wrong. But there is no deny
ing that degree of lassitude envelops a
man like a cloud of mist about a meadow
barn. A pail of water feels like tank,
and a scuttle of coal seems to weigh a
ton. 1t is just at a time like this that
woman can show her devotion to man in
a way to reflect honor upon herself, If
there Is anything man appreciates it's
delicate interest in himself, and a
woman has such pretty, unobstrusive
way of performing little offices for others
that it is really grateful sight to see
her thus engaged To be ministering
angel must be genuine comfort during
the mission, to say nothing Of the sweet
satisfaction which must accrue in the
years to come. Now that scuttle of
ours up at the house weighs, apparently,
half ton, but to loving, sympathetic
nature it must appear like feather
DdR6ury Netos.
Year: 1877

We wish we'll to ex-Gov. Chamber
lain, but we are filled with terror at the
suggestion that he proposes to open a
law office in Boston. If he only knew
the number of lawyers in this city who
wish they had grandmother living at
the sea-shore or in the country, with
whom they could pass few months next
summer, he would not settle at the Hub,
Boston Journal.
Year: 1877

Gen. Mcmillan and several other
prominent Republicans were in consulta-
tion with the commission several hours
to-day in the interest of Gov. Packard.
These gentlemen were assured by the
commission in the most solemn manner
that no proposition whatever has been
made to either party, and furthermore
that the commission have not agreed
upon plan. They urged upon the com,
mission the necessity of an early decision
by the President. Every interest of the
State and people demands it. If it is to
be Nichols they desire to know the fact
at oncei if Packard is..to be recognized,
Year: 1877

The San Jose Herald gives the
following: In this city resider a
lady noted among her friends for her
timidity and nervousness, together
with an adversion to snakes, toads
and reptiles. The sight of a lizard
was almost sufficient to make her
tremble, and close proximity to a
snake was accompanied by d sort OF
Mysteries. A few evenings ago.
while walking into grass plot near
the house, she felt some ething strike
her underpinning between the ankle
and knee instinct told her that
"snake had at last fastened to her,
and giving one loud screech, she
bolted for the house. At the first
few jumps the thing seemed wrathly,
and she could feel it insert its fangs,
almost to the bone. Before reach
ing the door she was aware that the
cold, clammy coils had unwound


themselves, and she reached the
interior with just sufficient life to
get to the cupboard. Her faculties
were at work instantly to think up
an autidote for the poison, and in
looking at her pedestals, she could
see the bright red spots where she
was wounded. There was no one in
the house, and she, remembering
that she had heard brandy mention
ed as being of service, took down
the bottle used for making mince
pies, and turning the neck into her
mouth drained the bottle, and offer
ing prayer for the speedy return OF
her husband, threw herself on the
bed, and scrawling on a visiting
card POISONED by snake" went 10
sleep. How long she remained this
way is not known. Her husband
arriving, saw her, and then, notic-
ing the incription on the card. ran
out and down to town for a doctor.
Arriving, the physician found she
was still alive. and in turning her
over to get some medicine into her
gullet, got his proboscis in line with
her breath, and shifted the whisky.
without saying much to the frighten-
ed husband, he administered the pc
tons used to sober people, and in
less than an hour the woman who
had been too drunk TO move, was
sufficiently recovered to relate what
had happened. A search for the
snake ended in the discovery of
few wires belonging to a hoop skirt
that she had stepped upon, and in
her endeayor to free herself the wire
had pierced the skin. Imagination
and the liquor did the rest.
Year: 1877

If you or I
To-day should die,
The birds would sing as sweet to-morI oW;
The vernal spring,


Her flowers would bring,
And few would think of us with sorrow.
Yes, he is dead,


Would then be said:
The corn would floss, the grass yield hay,
The cattle low,


And summer go,
And few would heed US pass away,


How soon We pass


How few, alas!
Remember those who turn to moldl


Whose faces fade,
With autumn's shade,
Beneath the sodded ehureh-yard cold
Yes, it is So


We come, we go
They nail our birth, they mourn US dead
A day or more, --
The winter DER,
Another takes our place instead.
Year: 1877

We understand little fare up
occurred at Carteret Superior Court
between Judge Moore and the
sheriff in regard to the subject of
colored jurors. 1t seems there were
none of the coIored brethren on
either the grand or petit juries. The
Judge wanted to know why this was
so. The Sheriff told him it was be-
cause there were only twelve negroes
in the county who had paid their
taxes. and that the names OF six OF
these had been throw out, with the
names OF two hund red whites as uh-
ft for juries- The Judge had the
county commissioner before him
who corroborated the sheritf's state
ment.


lie. then ordered the Sheriff to
summons co olored juries from these
present. The Sheriff looked round
and told the Judge he saw none
present ct to serve as jurors. The
Judge then pointed out certain ne
groes in the Courthouse and ordered
the Sheriff to summon them.


This affair gave umbrage to the
community and was considered an
unjusti fable interference with the
duties or the Commissioners aud
the sheriff. and the Grand Jury in
dicted the Judge for malfeaaancs In
Office WayTenton tN c.
Year: 1877

ME Ezra Hall, prominent member Of the Hartford
bar and widciy known IN political circics throughout
the State Of Connecticut earnest republican, died
In Hartford yesterday afternoon, from Inflammation
OF tho bowels, after brei illness. He was q native
OF Marlboro Conn, aud was forly.one years oil age
He was graduated at the Wesleyan University and soon
anerward engaged IN legal practice Hartford with
eminent success. Politics claimed his attention 10
some extent, and at the age Of twenty he was
elected to the state Senate and again in ISL While
there hc served as President pro tenn. during the
exciting controversy over tho election Of state oicers
Ho chosen by the Senate OF the Fellows of
Yale College to represent the Saie In that corporation
and as such voted Tor the election Of Noah Porter 10
tho Presidency. In 1867 he served IN tho Repubican
State Central Committee, ana during that year united
with Mr.. Marshall Jewell and Henry T. Sperry


In tho purchase OF the Morning Post and Evening
Press, which were subsequently, consolidated under
the name Of the Evening Post Three years ago
no was admitted TO the bar OF the United states Su-
preme Court aud marked his hrst appearance before
that tribunal W arguing several Important insurance
caseA
Year: 1877

committee waited upon the Third District German
Club in Germana Hail. Jersey City, yesterday for the
purpose OF securing Its support In behalf OF the repub
lcan ticket. The officers of the club promptly re-
ieced the proposition and stated that the club would
support Mcclellan. An effort then made 10 secure
the support oil the club tor the republican Tor
Director atLarge. Jacob Rngler, but that was also
fuse
Year: 1877

A DUcKIsG STooL.-In the crypt of
Warwick Church, the mighty ribbed
arches of which spring from one enor-
nous pier, there is an article which has
long gone out Of use-whether advan-
tageously or not shall not venture TO
say "a duckiDg stool, made for the pub.
lie discipline Of scolding women. This is
one Of the only two, believe, that remain
in England. II consists of a strong oak
frame on low wheels, from which a seat
rises upon an inclined beam that works
upon pivot or axle. The scold was
lashed into the seat, and then the "insti-
tuition" was drawn to the river side at a
convenient deep place, and rolled in until
the patient sat just above the water.
Then the land end of the beam was
tipped up, and consequently the other
end with its lading went down under the
water, where it was allowed to remain
not too long, and was then raised for
breathing time. This process was re-
peated as often as it was thought bene-
fetal to the lady under treatment, or
necessarily for the peace Of her family
and neighborhood. Whether husbands
ever interceded for wives thus disciplined,
as wives do now sometimes for husbands
who are unreasonably .interfered with in
the gentle sport Of blacking their eyes or
kicking their ribs, is not recorded.-The
GlLdry.
Year: 1877

PARTIES holding life insurance poll
cies iF Eastern companies, now in the
hands Of Receivers for liquidation, should
bear in mind that it is absolutely neces-
sary to file their claims with the Receiver
within the time specified by law, or the
time named by the Court or Chancellor,
as the case may be. A failure TO comply
with THIS requirement leads to forfeiture
of the claims.
Year: 1877

a Brooklyn. man writes to the New
York Sun: I drank more intoxicating
liquor from the year 1857 to the last day
of 1873 than any other person ever
knew or heard of; and in the meantime,
knowing this sure cure, did not practice
it on myself, but for fun, did practice it
on many others, and effected permanent
cures. The remedy of the cure is this:
When a person finds he must have a
drink, let him take drink of water, say
two or three swallows, as often as the
thirst or craving may desire. Let him
continue this practice. His old chums
will laugh: bat let him persevere, and it
will not be week before the appetite
for any kind Of stimulant will disappear
altogether, and water be taken to quench
the natural thirst. If at any time the
victim should feel craving, let him take
the first opportunity and obtain a swal-
low of water, and he can pass and repass
all saloons. When he goes home at
night he will feel satisfied and be sober
and have money in his pocket l com
menced this practice the first day OF 1874,
and never think of taking drink Of
stimulant,
Year: 1877

Young men often fail to get on in this
world because they neglect small oppor-
tunities. Not being faithful in little
things, they are not promoted TO the
charge of greater things.


A young man who gets a subordinate
situation sometimes thinks it is not
necessary for him to give it much atten-
ton. he will wait till he gets place
of responsibility, and then he will show
people w.. at he can do. This is a very
GREAT mistake. Whatever his situation
maybe, he should master it in all it's
details, and perform all its duties faith
fully.


The habit of doing his work thorough.
" and conscientiously is what is most
likely to enable young man to make
his way. With this habit, person OF
only ordinary abilities would outstr1p
one of greater talents who is in the
habit of sighting subordinate matters.


But, after all, the mere adoption by a
young man, of this great essential rule
Of success, shows him to be possessed OF
superior abilities.
Year: 1877

The Troy IN. W Whig tells this
story: A couple of clerks in large
grocery store on River street, not far
from Washington square, had very
pleasant trip to New York Oh the City of
Troy, Tuesday evening. Some packages
were to be shipped by the boat, and the


young men were hurried off with them
a few moments previous to departure.
In their haste to get to the craft they


went in their shirt sleeves, and without
hats. On board the boat they met
couple of fair ones with whom they stop
ped to converse moment, and the chat
was so interesting that they did not hear
the cry call aboard" nor realize until
too late that the boat had moved from
the dock, and they were obliged to make
the trip to the metropolis minus hats
and coats, and what was still more en-
barrassing, without cash in their pockets.


They managed to negotiate loan when
the boat arrived, and with borrowed
coats and hats returned the next evening.