smithclay/nortonstories huggingface dataset:
Year: 1874

Our correspondence from Paris this morn
ing confirms the despatch we published the
other day in reference to postal treaty be-
tween France and the United States. This
treaty would have been matured some time
sinca but for the obstinacy of NJ. Thiers' gov
ernment, which insisted upon an extravagant
rate Of postage. Under the new treaty, post
age viii be reduced to reasonable rate, and
the French government will find an advan-
tage in it, as heretofore the bulk Of American
correspondence between France and America
has been transmitted through London, with
consequent loss to the French treasury. The
French have yet to learn that nothing is 30
desirable as revenue as cheap postage.


This is lesson, too, that should not be for
gotten by our authorities at home. Thus
HERALD despatch from Washington informs
us that the Postmaster General has ap-
proved new bill providing for the pre-
payment of postage on all newspapers and
other printed matter at the rate of two cents
o pound for journals and periodicals. Pub
fishers can thus pay in bulk for large pack
ages, without stamping each particular news
paper or magazine. The principle of pay
ment in bulk for all such matter seems to be
o sound one; but we think two cents pound
is too high postal rate. The experience Of
the English authorities in this matter should
not be lost upon US. They accepted the doc
trine that the Post Office was not merely to
earn revenue tor the government but to
minister to the public convenience and diff
fuse intelligence. What we want is cheap
postage. England has found cheap postage
more profitable as revenue even than the
old system and we have no doubt the Same
plan in America would lead to similar results.


Itseems to US, therefore, that in the interest
Of cheap postage it would be better to average
the rate Of postage on newspapers sent to
subscribers at one cent per pound. The
same rate might be applied to magazines and
books; although two cents would not be IN
exorbitant charge. This rate could be paid by
the publisher at the Office, payment being
made in gross for the absolute weight of mail
matter delivered This would be more Just
and feasible than the present plan, undar
which, as we learn from published statements,
the Post Office authorities only succeed in
collecting about one-third of what is due
them. Enforced prepayment would insure
the whole amount, and it would be far better
to have a uniform rate of one cent pound,
invariably paid, than the two cents pound,
which is never collected. This plan seems to
be worthy the attention Of Congress.
Year: 1874

The EVIDENCE in regard to corruption in
the Department Of Charities and Correction is
said to be Of very damaging character. 1t
lis rumored that the purchasing Of supplies
will equal anything perpetrated under the old
regime in downright rascality. 1t is difficult
ito believe this, since all the bills for purchases
have to undergo the scrutiny of Comptroller
Green, who would scarcely have allowed
them to be paid if they were open to sus-
picion. But why is not the investigation an
open one? Why is it conducted with closed
doors and with the seal of secrecy stamped on
every man lipsS
Year: 1874

GOVERNOR Dn is doing good service in his
close scrutiny Of the bills crowded into the
Executive chamber at the latter end of the
Legislative session. 1t is to be hoped that he
will withhold his signature from every law of
doubtful honesty or expediency. There are
enough loose and useless laws on the statute
books already. At the same time it is to be
hoped that such measures as are demanded
for the public interests or in the cause of hui
mainly will receive his prompt approval The
psople are well satisfied to leave the decision
in the hands OF Governor Dix.
Year: 1874

The FoRLoRN HOPE of liberal republican
ism, under General John Cochrane, rallied in
Albany yesterday and resolved to save the
country by maintaining intact their organ
ization. We hope they may be able to main
tain themselves without political success, for
their chances of preferment in that direction
do not seem to be very encouraging. Liberal
republicanism is child which ''nobody
owns"
Year: 1874

The DIRECT CABLE.-Our correspondence
from London this morning describes the prep
arations already made to lay what is called
the ''direct cable" This line will run from
English soil to port in New Hampshire
Twenty-four hundred miles of the wires are
now ready. and the company hopes to have
the cable down and in working order by
August Among the promises of the directors
is the assurance that rates will be reduced to
fifty cents word. If fthis promise is redeemed
it will be great advantage and the first blow
at monopoly that has never hesitated to
take Shylocks advantage Of the public.
Year: 1874

Steam Lsnes-Should Not steemships


San In Twin CompsnionshiPs


No suggestion that we have urged in con-
nection with the establishment of 'steam
lanes" has been more emphatcally
endorsed among seafaring men than
the proposition that two steamships
making the transatlantic passage should leave
port together and keep company across the
ocean. never being beyond "hail' or signalling
distance Of each other, every circumstance OF
wind, atmosphere or sec to the contrary not
withstanding Can this be done? Can one
steamship become the convoy of her COM
panion, and, if it could be achieved. would
not safety on the greatest ocean highway OF
the globe become an absolute certainty 1t
is the opinion Of seamen and practical navi-
gators that there is no difficulty in keeping
two powerful steamers always 'abeam" on o
fixed '1ane." Indeed, there has rarely been an
instance whom either monitor, transport or
any unwieldy sea leviathan has escaped the
sight Of her convoy, even along the stormy
coast OF Hatteras. Surely, if this is the
maritime record over the great area of cyclones
in the South Atlantic. it would be an easy
matter to establish the convoy principle in
connection with ssteam lanes"


AS we have said before, q system Of electric
lights must be used and fog signals Of the
most powerful class. But more important
than these, is accuracy in navigation, which is
essential to the establishment and observance
of the highways tobe laid down on the charts.
Two heads in an emergency are always better
than one, and especially in navigation. 1t is
O well understood hct that our merchant cap
tains are not scientific navigators, although
in many instances their land-falls are of sur
passing accuracy. But there is o class of off,
GERS in the United States Navy, in the junior
grades, who have been schooled in navigation
from its elementary principles to the niceties
of its intricate calculations. These officers
are poorly paid their salaries are beggarly;
their lives in time of peace monotonous and
unrelieved by any pleasing incidents. 1t
would be to the advantage of transatlantic
travel if the companies would constitute
grade of navigator, and the duty OF
this officer should be to keep the
steamer on given course, according
to the prescribed 'lane," taking charge of
oil the instruments, chronometers, log books
and charts, holding them subject alone to the
orders Of the captain. OF course it would be
impossible and unwise to divest the captain Of
any share of his authority. But now he has
too much responsibility, too much labor, and,
necassa rilv from hia 1onp md nrnctical life at
sea, too little scientific knowledge. There is
another element in such an innovation that
should not be ignored Naval officers are
masters of discipline, and in moment of
danger are cool beyond comparison The
mere knowledge that such an officer is on
board steamship would reassure flock Of
landsmen in q panic at sea.
Year: 1874

A SENSIBLE TEMPERANCE GospEL.-Henry
Ward Beecher lays down in recent letter that
''total abstinence is the rational and safe
remedy for intemperance" He sees no value
in preventive laws at this time which, however
right in principle, cannot be enforced now be-
cause of the low tone of public feeling he
would win his fellow men from the despotism
of strong drink by reasoning, moral influence
and kindness, rather than by any form OF vio-
lence
Year: 1874

Mr. WILLIAMS famous landaulet will play
rs prominent a part in the next campaign for
the Presidency as the celebrated gold spoons
OF Mr.. Ogle in the Van Buren campaign. An
ingenious politician has purchased the landau
let and proposes to drive it through the West,
drawn by four horses and with iveried SER
wants. His purpose is to show the horny
handed and hard-fsted people an example of
the luxury and dissipation of official life in
Washinrton
Year: 1874

Arkansas-The Legislature in Session.


There is clearly no room for further doubt
respecting the case Of Arkansas; for at last
the Legislature is in session and has called
upon the President to put it in possession of
the State House. By simple precedency this
appeal at once relieves the government at
Washington of the whole complication and Of
Before the President could decide whose
appeal he should act upon, as between Baxter
and Brooks, he had to determine which was
Governor of. the State; but there is no such
doubt in regard to the Legislature. There is
only one Legislature and no pretence of the
existence of another, and the call Of the Legis-
lature is of superior force to that of the
Executive. It is the call of the
Legislature upon the United States
government that is primarily contemplated in
the constitution, and the call Of the Executive
is to be recognized when the Legislature can
not be convened The general government
is to protect each of the States against inva-
sion, and. on application of the Legislature or
Of the Executive (when the Legislature can
not be convened), against domestic violence" :"
As the Legislature has, therefore, now been
convened and has called upon the President,
its call must be attended to in preference to
any other; and as it is the proper tribunal to
determine any issues as to the choice of q
Governor Of the State, it supersedes OF once
all the active measures Of the factious spirits
OF Washington, and the country is, we trust,
happily nd Of the whole excitement.
Year: 1874

ceaved this money otherwise than in trust for
the claimants. or that it has any right to do
what 1t win with it, or any right to do
with it any other conceivable thing than pay,
SO for as it may proportionately, those very
claims OF persons and corporations that were
presented by our government at Geneva and
vouched for by it as honest claims-these as
sumptions are false, and are belied by every
line in all the arguments and judgments and
opinions that touch these points.


As the Alabama claims now stand before
our government there is on the main point
regarding their character no difference between
them; but on the points on which there is .
difference it is in favor Of the honesty and
fairness of the class the bill proposes to ex-
clude. II an insurer has paid the owner full


value for a lost ship it is common sense as


we'll as common law that the insurer becomes
the owner of any part of the property that may


be saved, for he is, nationally in the position
of one who hos bought the property and paid
for it. He is also, in the same way, the
owner Of the claim for indemnity in regard to
the destruction of that ship, for he has bought
that claim as part of the property. Insurers
are therefore holders Of claims by purchase.
Now, by far the greater number Of other hold
ers Of Alabama claims rein the same position
on this point. Those claims have been bought
up-some for seventy-fve per cent, some
for fifty per cent and some, we believe,
as low as twenty-five per cent But
between these two classes of holders practi-
cally, by purchase there is this difference
underwriters bought their claims in the pur-
suit of legitimate financial transactions, in
traffic that is beneficial to commerce, and in
every way meritorious and useful So far,
as they may be called purchasers,
they are purchasers whom the law should
favor. But as for the other purchasers, they
stand in the position of speculating sharpers,
who gambled on the chances of England's
ever paying penny. Which of these posi-
tions is the more strictly moral and honest?


If the insurers recover the sums they paid
to owners less the sums they received as pre-
miums on the ships for which indemnity is
paid, they will only be reimbursed as to those
transactions. But if other holders are paid
they will get sums largely in excess of those
they themselves paid to the original owners.
They therefore have large margin on
which to gain, and it is the side which has the
margin that always Sppears in the lobby and
is able to excite the interest Of legislators.
Year: 1874

FROM accounts it seems that the
Young Gentlemen's Tea Meeting
at the Nj. Z. Church last week was
a pleasant affair though not such a
financial success as it ought to have
been. High taxes and scarcity Of
money are probably the causes of
light receipts.
Year: 1874

Our city charter provides that
the city printing shall be let an
nually to the lowest bidder. Under
this provision we have two or three
times put in proposals at figures as
low as any one could afford to do
the work for honestly; but by some
means or other we have always
been declared the highest bidder,
and the printing awarded to the
Democrat. Last spring we were
requested, AS usual, to bid, with in
formation that the printing for the
year would include 200 copies of
the city charter, in pamphlet form,
and all other printing and o1ce,tis-
ing that might be required. Upon
this understanding we made pro-
posal to do the printing for 500,
hnowing that it could not be done
cheaper without loss. Mr.. Peck,
however, upon the same understand
ing, made ofley to do the work for
$50, and was awarded the contract.
But, finding that, as we knew, he
could not afford to do it for the
sum stipulated, he goes before the
Council with claim for $50 for
printing city charter and ordinances,
and about Sl4 for other printing
done for the Mayor; sets up that
he did not understand that the or
dinances were to be printed with the
charter and is allowed and paid
Sl64 for work which he agreed to
do for $50, and which we offered to
do for 500. Now we do not pretend
that the price paid for the work is
exorbitant, or that it is not well
done ! ut protest against the man
II in which it was procured. Be
lore a sing ~"type was set on the
Garter see huem, and Mr.. PecA
might hare kao,cn, that the ordi-
nances were to be printed with it.
so that his claim of ignorance as to
counts nothing. Had our bid been
the lowest, we should undoubtedly
have been held strictly to it by the
Council, even though we lost twice
seventy-fve dollars by it; but we
make no special claim to public
economy and "reform."
Year: 1874

CITY CHARTER AMENDMENT.-
ton six, chapter six, of the Charter
OF Mineral Point city provides that
"Any personal property belonging
'1to the person taxed may be taken
"and sold for the payment of taxes
upon personal property, but shall
mot be taken or sold for taXas on
''real estate. The real estate shall
"be returned delihquxlt and sold for
"any unpaid taxes, as provided by
"iaw." BY an act which passed both
houses OF the Legislature last week,
under suspension of the rules, it is
proposed to 50 amend this clause as
to makeit imperative as regards the
taxes OF 1873. To us this appears
like an uncalled for act Of severity.
Many of our people who own
personal and real property actually
cannot pay the burdcnsome tax Of
this year on both, within the time
allowed by law, however much they
may desire to do so. To this class
the provision Of the Charter above
quoted is q highly priced advant-
age, and its repeal would be to them
of very serious consequence. An
other class who view the acknowl-
edged unequal assessment as justi-
fable ground on which to base OPP
position to payment and a suit at
law, will naturally regard this hasty
and unheralded amendment as an
attempt to compel them to submit
to the tax, however unjust, and III
advance OF the decision Of the court
to which they have applied.


We have been, and still are Of the
opinion that the best interests Of the
community at large would be con-
served by payment Of the tax lev
led, Notwithstanding the glaring
inequalities Of the assessment and
the injustice it works in individual
cases; but we fail to see any neces-
sity for, or good that can result
from such a measure as that passed
by the Legislature last week. That
the act can have any practical effect
is gravely questioned; and it would
no doubt be contested on the ground
Of unconstitutionality being a spec
ial act, against the passage OF which
the constitution explicitly provides.
At all events, if approved by the
Governor and declared law, it is like
ly to be fruitful Of litigation.
Year: 1874

WHY NORA city subscriber
propounds the query "why not sell
In lots or lease on long time the
block on which the old court house
and bank building stand, in order
to raise money to help the city to
get out from under the burden of
debt which is pressing her dowp!'
We see no good reason why these
grounds, which for business houses
are the most desirable in the city,
should remain unemployed and yield
no profit to any one. All except
that part on which the City Hall
stands might as well be sold or
leased for 90 years as not !, in either
way the lots would bring enough to
lift the larger part of the debt now
remaining, and if good buildings
were erected thereon the improve
ment to the city would be no small
matter of consideration. The sub
ject is worthy of discussion, and
we suggest that the Common Coun-
Gil proceed 30 get authority, if
they do not already possess it, to
dispose Of the property for the ben
eft Of our tax-ridden people.


THE Darlington RcpuJlicme says
that Ii. II. Ensign, A. A. Townsend,
and two other men III Shullsburg,
have recently discovered what prom
ises to be very large body of
mineral. Experienced miners are
reported to have said that there are
10000 or 10000 pounds Of the glis-
tening ore in sight, and that the in
dications are very favorable for a
large yield


FROM the Dodgevilie Chronicle
we learn that son Of Patrick BrG y,
Of Ridgeway, was killed one day
last week by being thrown from a
horse. The lad was II years Of age.
Year: 1874

The women of Ohio are fighting
the saloon keepers with prayer. 1t is
said to be a powerful weapon in the
hands of good people. Should the
ladies' of Texas conclude to engage
in the war, the saloon keepers would
not afford them breakfast spell. The
big guns would stampede them at
once.
Year: 1874

Two Radicals in Cincinnati had o
little fight the other day, about the
appointment Of one of them to the
postoflice in that city. The Radical
household seems to be pretty well di,
vited. Let us hope the OLD adage
will ho.d good in this instance.
Year: 1874

We give it up! We are no match
for our young neighbor in the use OF
Billingsgate and Fish market slang.
we only regret that we have ever
soiled our hands with his own wea-
pom. We trust our readers will par.
don us. "Dog collar" "turkey COB
Ter" and other similar elegancies
drive us out of the field. We hope
our friends will pardon this inexperi-
enced young mar. When he has
had few more years, and much
more experience, he may be expected
to improve. He is very wise, but
the discrepancy between his actual
requirements, and those assumed,
beats the gull between the publisher,
and the editor, of this paper, by a
good deal. = small gram of modesty
would not fatally injure his SNAKE
Hp."
Year: 1874


edy.


When the news of the horrible occurrence
spi cad the utmost wonder WAS felt that man
who was always proverbial for the deep and aIec-
tionate regard he bore for his children should oe
guilty OF sucha


RASH AND UNNATURAL DEED


Speculation was rife as TO the cause wnich ied
him to It. From the TACT that he was lately dis-
charged from has situation In factory, ana tnat,
coupled with the habitual intemperance practised
by his vile. IL Is conectured that the poor man
became demented, and III moment OF renZy per-
petrated the terrible act The day before, ne was
served with a dispossessng warrant, which IT
Is presumed only added fuel to the already en-
kndled name OF dependency and misery Kemp
was native OF England, about Iorty-hve years or
age and a member in good standing OF the New
brunswick Lodge, NO. g. |. o. y. f., which organ-
zatlon attended his funeral in body yesterday
afternoon.


Alter the examination OF nine witnesses, one or
whom testified that he saw Kemp throw his chi-
dren into the canal the Jury rendered verdict In
the OF the father that he came TO his deatn by
suicide in throwing himself into the canal Wnlle
under a temporary alteration OF nina. In the
case OF the daughter the jury rendered verdict
that she was thrown into the canal by her father
and drowned. The two surviving children are in
q lair state OF recovery.
Year: 1874

The Fate OF Best the Teutontc Tailor


Who Abandoned His Wife and Family


for the Wife OF Another Man.


The Brooklyn police authorities are In receipt OF
telegram from Albany notifying them that
German, Ludwig Best, had been found dead in the
streets OF that CITY, Best was well known tailor
ana kept small store in McKibben street, Eastern
District, wnere his wife and several children also
lived. few months ago he became enamonred
OF q Mrs. Eggrch, vile OF the proprietor OF
oyster saloon on Montrose avenue. The
Illicit acquaintance led to the eopement OF
the parties in April last. Before leaving
Best, VINO was about iOrty-One years or age, drew
from the bank the balance OF his account, amount
ing 10 $685. and left his family without any pro-
vision for their support HIS companion In crime,
Mrs. Eggrich abandoned her paramour at Albany
q few weeks ago, and took the residue OF the
money belonging to him with her. She went to
Chicago, and upon her arrival sent for her husband
In Brooklyn. He responded to the summons. and
is now with the trail sharer OF mis- Joys and sorrows
in the Garden City OF the West. brother OF the
unfortunate deceased mas gone to Albany to take
charge OF the remains, which Will be inferred IN
Brooklyn cemetery.
Year: 1874

COMPULSORY EDUcATIoK.-The board of
education or New York city, by way OF carving
oct the compulsory education law, win shortly


VITA the assistance or the police, make q census
OF the entire city. Visits will be made AZ each
house, and the names and ages Of the children
will be taken. In each district a COPY of the
census will be left at the station house, and one
with the school district board. Another will be
retained by the department OF education


Habitual truants will probsbly be sent 20 the
refoImstory institution for juvenile delinquent
Year: 1874

SAD DBsTITurIoH.-A little fellow broke ont
crying Boston school, the ether dsy from
sheer munger, and IL was found that the family
10 which he belonged had lived for several days
on oas meal mixed with little water while.
the night before, they had made their supper
from the contents OF aneighbor's swill barrel.
Year: 1874

seven to ten cents per ID. One of the larg.
est shippers in this city has received letter
giving tho results OF the factory system,
when applied TO butter. near Montley, N.
Y, village about sixty miles from Ogdens-
burg, in one of the best dairy regions in the
United States. There are four butter facto-
ries 10 operation there, each Of which uses
the milk Of from 400 to 200 COWS; and last
fall when the best dairy butter was selling
for 33 cents per pound, the factory max
had no trouble in securing 43 cents. The
greater value the Of factory system is the regu.
lar quality Of the article produced, as when
people have TO attend to any work as reg
ular business, with their whole success at
stake. il is claimed to be much more carefui-
ly looked after than when il is one among
many duties equally or more important, as
in the case Of butter making in any ordinary
farmhouse. We fancy there is now very lit
tie cheese made for sale in Canada other
than in factories, and we can see no reason
why the system should not prove equally
advantageous in the manufacture Of but
ter.