smithclay/nortonstories huggingface dataset:
Year: 1877

There has probably been no period in the
history of the country when sound practical
legislation was more needed than at the
present time. Business of all kinds has, in
great measure, come to stop. Capital
on the one hand is unable to find employ
ment, and on the other hundreds of thou
sands of workingmen are idle and have
been idle for years. If we could put these
two forces to work the dull times would
soon disappear. How TO do it is the prob
lem. We have already pointed out in these
columns some of the ways and means of
accomplishing so desirable result. We
have shown that some of our tariff laws
are so many Chinese walls built by
ignorant legislation to prevent us from
getting at legitimate markets. TO the
national administration, with the help of
Congress and the foreign governments,
which are really as much interested in the
matter as we are, we look for the removal of
these unnatural barriers, if not this winter


in the near future. This will be great
stride in the right direction. But it is not
the only direction in which we can help the
good work of improvement and recovery
from the errors and follies of the past.
What we need, as we have said, is practical
legislation, and we must have practical men
to doit With all due respect for the lawyers
we think we have too many OF them in Con-
gress and in our State legislatures, and it is
time they gave place to men who understand
the important financial and industrial ques-
tions that now SO loudly call for the wisest
Year: 1877

vention, but it would be contrary to all


usage for them to attempt to forestall the


action of the Convention one way or the


other. Governor Robinson's declaration in


favor of renominating the State officers will


have considerable weight in many of
the Assembly districts and may in
fuence the choice of delegates, but
he has repeatedly disclaimed any wish
to dictate. When the Convention as
sembles it is his purpose to keep hands
off and leave the two factions to fight it out
without any aid from him. A great portion
of the old democratic leaders will be on the
ground to oppose the denomination of the
State officers. The New York city delegates
will oppose them, the Brooklyn delegates
will support them, and they will be stifly
opposed by the delegates from Syracuse and
Rochester If the Convention should be held
in either of these cities the local influence
will be hostile to the old ticket, but if held
in Utica it will be favorable. At Saratoga,
where it was held last year, the Convention
would meet on neutral ground. The place
designated to-day by the State Committee
will indicate the preference by majority
Of that body. Meet where the Convention
may, it will be the scene Of q bitter, violent
Year: 1877

The dispatches printed yesterday morn
ing in. regard to the capture of Plevna have
not yet been confirmed, and we are left in
some doubt as to the actual situation of faffairs.
Dispatches of as late date from other
points contain no allusion to the event but
this does not necessarily imply that the
city has not fallen. Preparations were made
there by the Russians for great battle,
and it may be that owing to the difficulties
of communication definite information has
been delayed. The most significant news this
morning relates to the operations in the
rear OF Plevna, where the Russians appear
to be in great force, and where an impor-
tant, if not decisive, engagement may be
expected at any moment
Year: 1877

The Police Commissioners are constantly
making what they call improvements" in
the uniform Of the men under their control


They discarded the old and serviceable caps
and substituted therefor another that had
nothing to recommend it except its ugliness
The old cap was protection to the head
of the wearer in case of an attack, for it was
capable of resisting heavy blow and, be-
ing admirably ventilated, was not injurious
to health. The present style of hat is
too hot for summer and not warm
enough for winter wear, and the absurd
cord and tasscl adds to it's cost. BY this
change in hats the men were compelled to
lose the price of two, the discarded cap
being of course, no use. Then, again,
every policeman is expected to purchase
waterproof cover. Now the Commissioners
have made another needless change. Every
man on the force possessed rubber coat,
which in wet weather protected his entire
person, yet the Board decided that cape
would do as we'll, so the men are obliged
to discard their waterproof overcoats
and purchase a cape which will only
protect their shoulders. OF course all
these new articles are purchased on con-
tract and furnished by the Board; 80 the
inference is drawn by the men that some
body makes percentage on the same. We
do not think that the Commissioners are
privy to any such arrangement, but we live
in such degenerate days that jobs are sus-
pected on the slightest grounds.


The fact is the discipline of the depart
ment needs more attention than the matter
of uniform. The Board might put their
men in chain armor, but that would not
improve their efficiency. The average per-
sonnel of the force is Of high character,
and we have had abundant proof of the
reliability of the department, as body, in
the hour of danger; but there are men in
the ranks who ought not to be there, and
the Commissioners should weed them out
Men of brutal instincts, who are prone to
use the murderous club, are not fit for the
position Of o policeman, and whenever
such man betrays his ignorance
of, or disregard for, the rights of citi-
zens, he should be removed. Now
a peaceable officer finds no encouragement,
for the belligerent savage is allowed to go
on his warpath unchecked and unchidden.
What the public would like to see is not
new styles Of uniform on the backs of the
police but uniformity in conduct when
discharging their duty. Novel caps and
cords and natty capes are of no interest to
the taxpayer while the wearers indulge in
indiscriminate club exercise. Reform your
discipline first, Messrs Commissioners and
then the dress of the men if you must.
Year: 1877

The reasons given by Governor Carroll
for approving the disbanding of the Sixth
regiment Maryland militia, prove conclu-
sively how necessary it is that strict dsci-
pline be enforced in such organizations.


The fact that the colonel of the Sixth re-
ported to the Governor that majority of
his men sympathized with the rioters, and
that he could not trust them in face of o
mob, showed not only inefficiency on the
part of the commissioned officers, but a total
disregard of their duties. The Governor also
states that out of one hundred and twenty
men who were sent to the railroad depot
fully one hundred deserted their posts
q crime usually punished by death by the
Year: 1877

The public has not perhaps yet forgotten
the sad story of the death of the young Eng
lish actress who played in 'Life" at the
Fifth Avenue Theatre less than year ago.
Her name was Amy Fawsitt, and she came
to us only short time before from Lon
fully sustained here, of being an excellent
actress. When her death took place the
journals of the day contained mysterious
allusions to the dead actress, and not few
of them printed homilies on what they
called her life lesson. We were told
that she had died of consumption and
that death was fastened by an in
trinity to which she was unhappily subject.


In few weeks her name ceased to point
paragraph and disappeared from the public
prints. But almost from that day to this
there have been vague rumors that Amy
Fawsitt's real life, and perhaps her death,


were much more tragical than any she had
ever personated on the stage. These rumors
have been so frequently and persistently
reiterated that we have deemed them worth
the trouble of an investigation, and the
story is given in other columns. 1t is cer-
tainly strange and curious one, and those
whose official duty it is to investigate such
matters will fail in their duty if they allow
the case to rest and do not take up the
threads and clews to, possibly, dark crime
which we place in their hands this morning.
Year: 1877

SOME STEPS OUGHT to be promptly taken to
put down the intimidation of worzingmen in the
mining regions. The spectacle of bands of mid
night parties parading through the country and
numbering honest men who are striving to sup
port themselves and their families is not credit
able to Pennsylvania.
Year: 1877

THE LITIGATION in regard to the water front
pf Wards Island, which involves an immense
amount of money and will form precedent in
nearly two hundred other cases, was advanced
\ step yesterday, to the infinite delight of the
htigant and his small army of lawyers.
Year: 1877

THE WASHINGTON GossIPs' standing topics of
speculation at present are the organization Of
The next Congress and the Mexican question,
and upon each of them they appear to be about
equally Uniformed.
Year: 1877

NEW YORK, May 1.-While a gang Of
about fifteen men were at work strength
ening the mansard roof on the north
east corner of the new post Office by put
ting in new wire girder that whole
portion of the roof covering the room
known as the old agents room. on the
fifth floor, suddenly gave way burying
beneath it a number of men. Two men
were killed and four injured, one it is
thought fatally. Thomas A. Oakshot,
supervising inspector in charge of the
building, on. being asked the cause of
the accident, said he thought upon ex.-
animation it would be found that there
was flaw in the iron truss. Mr.. Ed
ward H. Dougherty, general foreman,
said he came there after the work which
had given way was completed. The
mansard roof has about eight inches Of
concrete on it. The room in which the
men were at work was 81 feet square.
The truss was built under the wall, in
order to replace the cracked wall which
had been removed. He is also of the
opinion that there was a flaw in the
truss. In the United States Circuit
Court room underneath the ceiling was
very badly cracked, and it is thought
that the greater part of it will lave to
be taken down.


Dennis Fleming, who was injured by
the postOfice ACCIDENT, died tonight.
Year: 1877

When Secretary Thompson revoked
all of Chief Constructor Hanscom's naval
contracts made since the 1st of March.
Mr.. Hanscom had it announced by the
Associated Press that he was in entire
accord with the Secretary; and now,
when the Secretary has dismissed him
from his place, Hanscom has had it an
nounced that it does not affect his rank
as Constructor, and that he will be re-
tired on the I'd of June. Both statements
convey false impressions. The dismissal
of Hanscom by the Secretary of the Navy
when within five weeks of the period for
his retirement proves that Hanscom's
abuse of his trust was so fagrant that it
could not be excused; and the effect OF
the dismissal is to degrade him in rank
on his retireme
Year: 1877

at our annual fair. Will not every far e
mtr prepare HoH, in the planting season,
for the fall exhibition; every mechanic
and manufacturer produce something
Crcditable to his calling. The ladies'
to- their everlasting credit he it suid-
have never been behind hand, hut have
echpsed their lazy lords in the beauty
and brilliancy OF their displays, as well
as in the interest and zeal they have man
ifested for She cause They need NJ"
drumming up. Their part will hc we'll
done. 1t is no wonder that "wOmcn's $
rights" are such a source OF terror to II
certain class When we have compared
the productions from the dairy. the pan.
try, the kitchen, the magnificent needle
work, the delineation of pencil and
brush, and the garlands AMI bouquets
from the flower garden, with the meagrr
representations from the farm, is it any
wonder some are afraid of woman's
rights. II they ever get them there are
many who will have to take back seat.
And they ought to,


Many who call themselves farmers, and
we must allow them the title since they
make a living by it, who have plenty to
exhibit, find time to attend the fair, yet
bring nothing with them. They have
come to "sce the show to be amused,
not dreaming that it was necessary for
them TO bring samples of their farm pro-
duets in order to make "the show" sue.
cess. 1t is only 10y sample from every
farm in the county that general aver
age of county productions can be made.
Some think that unless they have mon
strous beet, an enormous pumpkin, a
hundred pound cabbage, u thrce-legged
calf, double-headed sheep or striped
pig, or sume other abortion of nature.
that they have nothing worth bringing
for exhibition. This is all wrong. Fairs
are not institutions on the Punch and
Judy plan. 1t is to bring men together
fo- an interchange of ideas. To com
pare experiments, so rs to decide on the
hest varieties ot products according to
locality, soil and climate, so that if any
new variety has been introduced that
promises a greater profit than the old
ones, that all may he benefited Iy the
experiment. 1t is to advertise what you
wish to sell to place it in the most at
tractive form on the tables and grounds,
SO us to catch the eye of purchasers, and
a hundred other purposes that will tend
to elevate the cultivatOr of the soil, the
occupation of farming, to the dignity Of
n science, as it should have been all over
the land years ago.


We have made this article already too
long. 1t is OF SO much Importance, and
so much may be said about it, that we
hardly know when to stop, Will not
our farmers, and every one else, all over
the county, begin now, early in the
spring, so as to be able to come full.
handed to our next county faira


Since writing the above news has
reached US of the inevitable war in Eu-
rope. Flour has advanced $2.00 per
barrel, and all cereals in proportion.
Farmers should make hay while the
sun Shines" l. g., take advantage of the
present high prices and raise such crops
MS will bring the highest prices. We
fear the fruit crop has been injured by
the recent heavy trosts.
Year: 1877

Telegraphic orders were received on
the 18th instant by the Register and
Receiver of the U. s. Land Office, at
this place, to at once open their offices
for the transaction Of business.


While coupling some cars at
Piedmont, on Monday, Roadmaster
Garret O'Neal, by coming in contact
with one Of the cars, had his shoulder
blade broken. The accident will 10y
him up for some time.


Quite number Of horses have been
stolen from this section of the country
curing the past summer, and in most
cases the thieves have got away with
their plunder. It seems that the rope
and telegraph pole will have to be re-
sorted to before It will be stopped. [Age.
Year: 1877

THE army of Mexico is on very
shifting foundation and the system of
paying the soldiers is very irregular.
They are paid by their officers, not by
the paymaster representing the govern
ment, as our troops are. Nominally
the poor devils receive s16 per month,
but out Of that sum they have to feed
themselves, and pay the expenses of a
doctor. In fact Mexican soldier may
be set down at working for his board
poor board at that. 1t Is no wonder
they have so little heart for their work.
Yet, in spite Of Ill treatment, the army,
although internally factious, is true to
Mexico, and would fight as well as it
knew how against an American invad-
ing force.
Year: 1877

A WOMAN, said to be well known in


respectable circles in Hornellsville, N.


Y, effected an entrance into the resi-
dence Of well known citizen, and
fired two shots at him and his wife
while they were in bed. Neither shot
took effect. The fair 'shootist" claims
that she expected to find her husband,
and actually thought he was the one
she shot at: also that she intended to
SNAP the golden cord" for both, and
thus put an end to the told, old story
Year: 1877

THE New York Herald says the un-
derlying question which is at the bot
tom Of the Democratic quarrel in that
state, is whether Mr.. Tilden shall be
Democratic candidate for President in
1880 or not. The Herald thinks that,
meet where the convention may, it will
be the scene Of bitter, violent quarrel.
Year: 1877

1T Is gratifying to learn from Lon
don journal that the government of
President Hayes may possibly be re-
lieved Of one of its domestic difficult
ties by the death of Brigham Young.
Year: 1877

There are ways of attracting custom.
says the Fancy Goods Record, as there
are ways of repellng it; and we are re-
minded of the value of manners in


business by an incident of our own ex-
perience when we accompanied some
ladies shopping in quiet country town.
The shop-keeper's manner was we'll cal
culated to drive people from his shop.


He was q slovenly, bushy-haired man,
with . smileless face and suspicious
eyes, that seemed to regard every passer-
by as q burglar and every customer as q
possible sWindler. His till was fitted
with patent burglar alarm, which gave
a clang every time he opened it to change
ten cent piece. He watched with the
glance Of a detective every lady who
handled piece Of goods, as if she pur-
posed slippinga whole piece of Horrock's 's
cotton under her cloak. Indeed his
entire manner made the people feel un-
comfortable and anxious to be out of his
place. Finally, when one of the ladies
gave him q five dollar bill to pay for her
purchases, he put on his glasses to
examine 1t slowly and carefully, then
pulled out the burglar proof drawer
with its ring OF alarm, closed it on
second thought with another clang, and
hied away to the further end Of the shop
to make sure from an old bank note de-
tector that the note was not counterfeit,
after which he moodily made change.
The party have never called upon him
since, and no member of it ever will.
The whole conduct of the man said, as
if in 80 many words, ''Look here, you
people, you can't cheat me, and you
can't have my goods until am satisfied
about you. I have every device for
swindlers, so keep your distance" The
result was that he lost custom, for no
one cares to be suspected obviously of
being thief. It is possible to please q
customer by your manner and your
business arrangement, and also to dis
gust him or her by pettiness or dis


courtesy. Proper caution isa good thing,
but it need not be exaggerated, as in this
case, into universal distrust and offensive
suspicion. A shopkeeper, to attract
customers, must see that the looks, Is
well as the ways of his shop, are invit-
ing. .rr
Year: 1877

from the New Orleans Democrat.J


We were the witness of tender and beau
tiiul scene in 1861. 1t was early in May, and
a fair young Louisiana girl was bidding her
soldier lover goodbye. Her head was bowed
upon his breast, and she was weeping
bitterly. But when he besought her to dry
her tears and display a brave heart, she
lifted her head, and looking him proudly
in the face, said: 81 am weeping because
YOU are going where there is danger and
probably death, but" and the blood man.
tied to her white cheeks, il you were not
going. you would see me blush and bow my
head in shame" Once again we saw that
Girl. A division Of Federal troops were at
tacking body OF Confederate cavalry near
where she was taking refuge, in full view
of her house, and the shells and round-shot
hissed over the village and ploughed through
its streets, and there she stood gazing eager
" at the battle, needless of shot and shell,
as though they had been rose-leaves scat
tered around her by an autumnal wind;
her hands were clenched; her cheeks were
whittier than lilies; her whole form seemed
to heave with excitement; but there was
battle-tiIe in her blue eyes. BY heaven!
we believe that, had it been possible, she
would have dashed into the thickest OF the
fight; her very soul seemed to glory in the
blaze and thunder of the battle. That girl
had the heart OF Richard Ceur de Lion.
But she faded away with the strength Of the
Confederacy, and then they dressed her in
white robes, folded her hands on her bosom,
and laid her away; and when the last rag
ged Coniederates had surrendered their
guns her soul had vanished from the earth.
Year: 1877

TEMPERANCE MEETING AT ASSOCIATION
HALL To-NIGHT.-Mr. Robert McCandliSb,
of Middlesex county, who is devoting his
time and talents in the temperance cause
when not professionally engaged, is in our
city and will deliver an address tonight in
the hall OF the Young Mems Christian Asso-
citation. Mr.. McCandlish is we'll known as the
law-partner of Judge Montague. For some
months past he has been laboring earnestly
in the lower counties in the cause Of tenn
perance, until nearly one half OF the white
population are enlisted in the work. At the
last session Of the Grand Lodge Of the In
dependent Order OF Good Tempars OF the
State Of Virginia he was elected State Lee
turer, and comes to the city with cheering
news of the rapid spread of the order
wherever he has labored. Dir. McCandlish
is gentleman of ability, and the address
will doubtless draw n large attendance OF
the members of the order and friends OF the
cause.
Year: 1877

. The FUNERAL TOLL PAST MIDNIGHT.-At
about O'Clock Saturday morning residents
in the western part OF the city We're awaken
ed by the dismal tolling of the Richmond
College bell. Policemen Baker, Jones,
Shepperson, and Clark left their beats and
went to the college to ascertain what was
the matter. They found that number OF
students were in the beliry tolling the bell
Us a'matter of fun. Two OF them were ar
rested and carried to the Third station
house, and were before the Police Justice
Saturday morning. The Justice turned
them over to the college authorities for
such reproof as may be deemed proper.
Year: 1877

BOARD OF ALDERMEN.-The Board OF
Aldermen will hold their regular meeting
this afternoon in the Council chamber. One
OF the most important subjects that the
Board has under consideration is the an
nual appropriation ordinance, which has
not yet been passed. 1t is understood that
if it is passed in the present shape the
Mayor will not approve it. A number OF
the members OF the Board are anxious to
dispose Of the subject; for il an appropria-
ton bill is not passed in a short time it may
prevent the two branches from adjourning
as usual for the summer months.
Year: 1877

PROPOSED PIc-NIc.-The Catholic Bene-
fetal Society have inaugurated arrange
ments for a picnic on the 4th OF July for
the purpose of raising funds to entertain
the delegates to the Convention OF the Irish
Catholic Benevolent Union, which meets in
this city in September next, and which will
be attended by representatives from all
parts OF the country. The Benefcials have
ever been ready to respond to the calls OF
charity, and as this is the first time they
have ever asked our people to aid them in
any undertaking OF their own it is eX-
pected they will meet with the encourage
ment they so richly deserve.
Year: 1877

A NEW Coal MINE.-Messrs. Pitcher Il
Forloine, of Norwood mines, brought to
our office Saturdaya sample Of coal from the
Hope mine, which they have just opened.
The coal is said to be superior in quality to
any yet developed in those extensive coal
fields
Year: 1877

FEAST AND FAIR.-The ladies OF the
Eleyenth-Street synagogue will hold q
strawberry feast and fair at Monticello Hall,
on Broad street between Sixth and Seventh,
for two days only, commencing on Tues
day evening, May 10th, and they extend q
cordial invitation to all.
Year: 1877

FESTIVAL THIS AFTERSooN.-This after
noon the ladies OF the new English Lu.
theran church, on the northeast corner OF
Grace and Seventh streets, will give straw
berry festival, and devote the proceeds 10
their church.
Year: 1877

The disposition of the legacy
bequeathed by Joseph l.. Lewis
the eccentric millionaire of
Hoboken, to the United States
government to be used in paying
off the national debt, is likely to
involve a protracted litigation in
the New Jersey courts. At the
time of his death it was supposed
that he had no relatives, but now
a lady, claiming to have been his
wife, and a young boy, alleged to
be his son, have entered a claim
for the inheritance, consisting of
S1,000,O00.