smithclay/nortonstories huggingface dataset:
Year: 1874

History is replete with instances of victims who
have been sacrificed ny tyrants to test the value
OF their own inventions. It is even narrated Of
the Duke of Wellington that when an ambitious
inventor claimed to have found bullet-proof
armor Of ordinary hemp mgeuiously wrought
into dense FIBRE he ordered an experiment. to
bo made immediately upon the inventor with q
platoon OF riflenen. Tho grim humor Of the
order was appreciated by the bold Bpeculator,
who preferred to forego any practical test
That arcl-tyrant Fate has recently made an ex-
ample OF IN ingenious old darkey in Ken
lucky. The man had fused tile two
manias Of yelocipedism and perpetual
motion into one practical test. He built .
velocipede which should run forev er after it had
once started-i the rider desired it. The mode
Of propelling it was tho force OF grayitation. \
heavy weight was 80 arranged On the machine
that when slipped forward it perpetually pro-
polied the wheels After completing this labor
saving invention the old darkey started out on it
to Franklin, to report to the Secretary Of tho
State Fair Association the wonder Of the thing
ho had made. Unfortunately, while travelling at
the rite OF Is miles al bour, one wheel came III
collision with saping, and the driver WAS
thrown over the dashboard. came in contact
with one ct the wheels. aud then mado
his exit. The infuriated velocipedo sped
on aloue, threatening to run Oh forever,
indeed, like the st:ugy merchant OF Rotterdam
when it struck another sapling. which reversed
the weight and brought tie machine to stand
still. Whether this is i political allegory or
huge but undscoverable joke, the Franklin (Ky.)
Patriot only knows.
Year: 1874

The Farce of Salary Repeal De-


nOunced.


DESMOINEs, Feb.26-The eighth resOlu-
tion in the platform adopted by the Anti
Monopoly Convention yesterday denounced
the pretended repeal of the salary grab af-
ter the members had drawn and
kept their back-pay and the eXempting
of the President from the operation of the
repeal as great fraud as the original bill,
and declares nothing but unqualified repeal
will satisfy the DeOple
Year: 1874

WASHINGTON, Feb. ga bill allow
ing the use of the unexpended balance ap-
preparation for the construction of a
branch mint at San Francisco passed.


The House then resumed consideration
of tha hill ravivinT tho
Year: 1874

convincing you that I, am greatly
tioubled at the failure to build vonr
road. Our company has spent ten
thousand dollars in surveys and re
penses upon it, but we can now 70 no
further. The fault is, not ours. The
narrow guage you suggested is the
best thing that can be done. The
change of route think well of, but
who will build the road? If the road
was built and presented to me, would
not give bonds to run it, unless had
absolute right to fix fares and freight
free from public control, other than
limit against extortion. If the public
will give that guarantee, I can build
your road at once. If it will not, you
cannot expect any one not To-
cally interested to build it
for you. You have voted
liberal bonuses for road; why not or
ganize as citizens and put in the mon
ey and bond it, and operate to suit
yourselves? If you would do so, and
connect with US, we would be gla d to
give you some help.


From all this, do not imagine that I
abandon all hope of future connections
with your county. 1t we are not all
ruined by the universal public senti-
meat, and we can live through the
storm and your people are not ruined
by the hard times, the sober second
thought will make all things even.
Let the people make up their minds to
repudiate false advisors. who are
leading them to ruin, and confidence
will soon be restored, and with an in
flux of foreign capital we shall again
be prosperous.


Very truly, yours, E. F. DRAKE.
Year: 1874

In the hands of man with true
heart and clear head, the interests OF
the country are safe and it matters lit
tie what may be his shade of political
faith.< As elevation gives broader
view and experience widens, such man
will better comprehend what is for the
public good, and being true to his
country he will shape his public acts so
as to best subserve the interests Of the
whole country.
Year: 1874

just after our paper was off the
press last week we received the following
communication from the Faribault
County Council. We hope that the
cry for help, that is coming from the
starving settlers Oh the frontier, will re-
ceive an immediate answer. There is
no doubt of the present pressing neces-
sity. Last week we published the ap-
peal of the Governor to the Patrons of
the State in behalf of these sufferers.
In making this appeal the Governor
paid one of the highest compliments
possible to our order, and let every
Patron in the State see to it that the
Governor has no reason to waiver in his
confidence in the generosity and true
nobility of our order.


We like this appeal from the Fari-
bault County Council, coming from the
members Of the order, it has the ring ::
and we hope that the Treasury of the
National Grange will be thrown open !:
was it not for some such time as this,
that it was called into existence?


But let no member wait one moment
for aid from any source outside of indi-
vidual contributions, the emergency is
too great to admit of delay. The call
of the Governor was based upon the
most reliable information, and since the
last issue of our paper We have been
called upon by subscribers to the paper,
good and true Patrons, direct from
the region afflicted, and down here in
search of work, who fully support the
worst reports that have been given.
Our readers will remember that j. w.
Benjamin, of Window, Cottonwood
county, was last winter named to dis.
tribute contributions sent by Patrons,
aud the Governor has also appointed a
committee whose names will be found in
our last issue: .1..s T.. 7-..: i
81 -. a@.s.4s & FOUNTAIN BRooK.


FARlBAulT COUNTY, July s, 1874. {


TO the Executive Committee of The st.t.


Grange:
Year: 1874

HONESTY in the administration of all
the affairs of the governments broad
enough, long enough and strong enough
for the foundation of united move
ment Of all good citizens at the pres
ent time. Such platform would mean
something, could be comprehended and
appreciated in this year of A. D.. 1874.


The wise men differ as to the dist
ance between the comet and the Garth.
Some place it at 50,000,O0O miles, and
others at 250,000,000 miles. Either
seems to be safe distance, and if it's
all the same to the aforesaid wise men
we hope they will keep him about that
far off, not that we are afraid of the
comet, but there is something sublime
in such grand distances.
Year: 1874

TIE GRANGE ADVANCE is furnished in clubs
Of ten for $3.50 per year, and will be furnished
for the next thirty days to single subscribers
for three months, and to clubs Of ten or moro
for four months at 50 cents each on trial. We
want five thousand new subscribers in the next
thirty days, snd can have them il every one OF
our friends will go to work in earnest.
Year: 1874

GEORGE WASHINGTON was shot and
killed on the 10th inst. He was at
tempting to escape while being taken
to Jail, under arrest for numbering a
man by the name of Dunn. We had
formed a very different idea of George
from what this would indicate.
Year: 1874

Cf WEST FOURTEENTH STREET.-WILL OPEN
OF for the winter on September l6-Parties wishing
TO engage Rooms the lady of the house Mon
day and Wednesday from 10 q second Floor would be
rented with private table ii desired best references given
and required.
Year: 1874

The Lieutenant Governor and Council
returned to Boston on Welnesiay from An
Inspection of the Hoosac Tunnel anc have
closed contract with the pennsslrania
Steel Raj! Company for furnishing the
rails for the tunnel, to be delivered on or
before the lst Of October The proposals
for the additiona! brick arch were opened
by the Tannel Committee at the State
House Thursday, and the Committee will
report to the Council next Tuesday, when
the contract will be awarded. An arrange
ment Is to be made with the contractors
for the arched work near the central shaft,
to permit the running Of one freight aud one
passenger train each way each day. This
work will be protras sted six months, wheu
the tunnel will be entirely done, but Mr..
Walter Stanley gives assurance that the
tannel, so far as his contract is concerned,
exclusive Of the track laying, will ali te
done in about a month, and that We may
surely expect the first train to make its
passage by Nov. |. The blasting is all
done. and the compressors closed mouth
ago at the central shaft, and now the re-
manning work Oh the tunnel is chiefly con-
fined to finishing tie central drain, aud
completing that part of the brick work
which comes under the cor,raet. The
tqRpel itself is complete, Hith the exception
of one place at the vest shaft, where 100
foot block mqst be taken opt, just as soon
AS the passage-way out the west end is
free, whsn the shaft will probably be
closed Up. Only 200 men are now employ
ed in clearing out the tunnel, and the
Messrs. Shanley are doing some work not
III the contract for the Sta in enlarging
some of the worst PLACES where the new
brick arcting will have tc be done. 1t is
probable that some plan will be soon
settled upon by the Governor and Council
for ftly comm emorating the opening of
the tunnel on Nov, !.
Year: 1874

The celebration of the birthday OF Hoche at
Versailles has peculiar significance at this
moment when the French Republic finds it.
self engaged in struggle with modern Bona
partisan. The French people are quick to
perceive the value and full meaning of
demonstrations like that Just made by
the republicans, and the contrast sug-
gested between the loyal republican soldier
who was true to liberty and the Corsican
adventurer who overhrew the Republic will
be made with damaging effect against the
Bonapartist cause throughout France. In
speech Of marked moderation Gambetta
pointed out that the safety of France required
the establishment of the conservative Repub-
lie, and the great tribune made an eloquent
appeal to Frenchmen of oil parties to aid
the only possible government for France.
The conviction Of the urgent necessity fer the
establishment of the Republic is forcing itself
on patriotic men of all parties. Some promi-
nent royalists have already declared their
opinions that the only safety for France is to
be found in the Republic. It is at
such moment that the Bourbon
pretender agitates his white flag
and threatens France with another manifesto


Young Bonaparte attempts to win the suffrages
of the people by circulating his photograph,
as if the face Of beardless boy could make
the nation forget the shame and degradation Of
Sedan. These pretenders would not be dan
gerous if the republicans were united and if
ever either obtains control Of the destinies of
the French nation it will be owing to the divis-
ion and folly Of the republican party.
Year: 1874

Our news columns to-day contain long
and interesting accounts of the Commence
ment exercises at some Of the leading colleges
in America. notably Harvard, Dartmouth,
Union and Columbia. The influence which
such institutions exercise over the young men
whom they send into the struggle Of life.
armed, as they claim, cap-i-pie with oil that is
necessary for success and the fulilment Of
ambitious yearnings, cannot be overesti-
mated. The Alma Mater is supposed to be
the Mentor Of every youth who leaves its
sacred precincts for the hurly burly of the
world, protecting genius in hours of trial
and suffering and o wise counsellor at the
more dangerous moment of triumph when the
judgment is liable to be thrown off it's balance
and sef-control becomes irksome. The task
of moulding virgin mind to the degree of
strength and durability necessary to grapple
with the multitudinous and wearying questions
of everyday Life and to inspire it with the
practical spirit of the motto, Excelsior" is
one which calls for Solon-like minds on the
part of the professors intrusted with such
delicate task. However such results are gen.
orally attained a glance at the reports of yes
terday's exercises will show that in such insti-
tutions on Commencement Day the brightest
and most imposing display is made and
honors are poured without stint on the lucky
heads designated by the faculty
Year: 1874

We have received o number OF communica-
tons in reference to music in the public
schools which indicate significantly the deep
interest taken by the public in subject which
the President Of the Board of Education says
has been in o state of incubation for q very
long time, without any practical results being
reached. The incubus Of old fogysm has so
far crushed all hopes of sensible action OH
the part of the present Commissioners, and
the metropolis will, perhaps, have to remain
in a position far behind that OF Boston and
St. Louis in branch of public education in
which il should be first The present slip
shod system of teaching music to the children
is worse than none at all, as it inspires only
positive dislike for the divine art What is
wanted is q capable superintendent of this de-
partment, uniform system Of instruction and
encouragement equal to that held out
for proficiency in other branches The study
Of music is no waste Of time even for those
in humble circumstances. It softens many of
the asperities OF character which the struggle
Of life engenders, creates harmony where
social dscord might reign and makes better
men and better women by its magnetic influ-
ence than mere dogmatic teaching. The
apathy of our Board Of Education on this
important question is rs reprehensible as it is
at variance with the spirit of the age.
Year: 1874

and it takes more money than the farmers can
get to discharge them. Rather than have q
mortgage foreclosed and his property sold a
farmer will subsist on the barest necessaries
and borrow at exorbitant rates of interest all
the money he can Of his neighbors, who. in
turn, restrict their purchases because thepro6t
of loans is 80 tempting. Many of these mort
cages are held, directly or indirectly, by East
ern capitalists, which, together with the stag
nation OF business, accounts for the harassing
dearth of money in the West, while it is drug
which seeks in vain for employment in the
Eastern cities.


We are approaching period of enforced
economy, and . frugal year or two will set
everything right It is really good thing
Tor the country that We must stop exporting
bonds, as it will bring us to q true sense of
our situation. The annual interest on all our
debts held abroad, including government and
railroad bonds, must be considerably within
one hundred millions, and our total exports
for the last fiscal year amounted to between
five hundred and Six hundred millions at
gold valuation. BY reducing our i'm
ports hundred millions year we can
balance our yearly account with Europe and
recover genuine prosperity.
Year: 1874

The protests Of the gentle-hearted Bergh
have not moved to pity the City Fathe5-


Notwithstanding the piteous pleadings Of the
dogs friend the fate of wandering CANNES Is
sealed. Even the generous, Quixotic crusade
of Berghs leutenants for the rescae of cap
tive ours is likely to come to naught in view
of the latest precautions taken to secure the
utter extirpation Of vagabond dogs. IAe war
waged by enterprising boys for the considers
tion of fifty cents was mere guerilla skirmish-
ing to the operations about to be carried out
under the direct orders of the Board Of Alder
men. In every ward executioners are to be
appointed. and, so to speak, the guillotine set
up to satisfy the Aldermanic craving for the
blood of canine victims. Knowing the chival-
rous nature of the followers Of Bergh, we are
alarmed for the possible consequence of this
new outrage offered to their tender and SYM
pathetic natures So long as the cause Of gen.
tleness only required the stoppage OF small


boys and the freeing Of captive dogs there was
no danger to the public peace save in the
grateful yelps Of liberated ours. Now, how
ever, the case will be different, for the men
charged with the collection and massacre OF
vagabond dogs are not likely to allow even
the virtuous agents Of Bergh to interfere with
their pursuits without showing fight, so that
we may yet see the frie &ls Of IL, dogs and
their prosecutors engage in a general row.
It is, perhaps, natural that Berghites should
consider the liberty of the animal above all
such considerations as the safety Of mere
bipeds; but the latter are conceited class OF
animals and set themselves on a pinnacle,
whence they look down on the rest OF crea-
ton. Principle ought to be above all other
considerations, according to the virtuous code
of Bergh. This may be sound morality, but
with the chances OF hydrophobia in the vague
distance the natural selishness of man will
assert itself with the multitude, and principle
will be thrown to the dogs and both cast into
the Pound to be smothered tor the good ct
society. As the Aldermen have an interest in
the votes Of the bipeds it is quite natural that
they should take sides against the dogs. II
however, Mr. Bergh could give security that
the CANNES would bite none but those likely
to vote against the City Fathers at the next
election he would do more to secure the
safety of his prot<ges than his appeals to hui
manity or morality are likely to accomplish.
Year: 1874

If GENERAL GRANT Is RENoMINATED for q
third term in 1876 the traditions of the Re
public viii become more potent enemy to
his election than all the corruptions of the
republican party. In the centennial year of
American independence the example of Wash
ington would be quoted by his antagonists
with deadly effect, and we might expect re-
vival OF the od-fashioned stump oratory which
once contributed SO much to the amusement
of the people
Year: 1874

The SENATORIAL CONTEST IN RHODE ISLAND
though prolonged until it has become absurd
never had any significance. 1t is in no way o
struggle tor party or principle, but a fight
between half a dozen commonplace people
over seat in the United States Senate. The
whole trouble consists in the fact that there is
but no clear purpose Of electing any other
candidate
Year: 1874

The BOARD OF ALDERMEN, at special meet
ing yesterday instructed the Commissioner
of Public Works to eject the so-called Court
House Commissioners from the room they un-
lawfully entered in the new Court House
Building, and OF which they still hold posses
sion. Ii no doubt existed as to the legality Of
the appointment Of these Commissioners, and
if they had any official business to trans
act, the lawless course they have pur-
sued would be reprehensible. 1t is doubly
so in view Of the fact that they hold on un-
necessary Office on doubtful tenure They
should not only be elected from the room they
have iorcibly seized, but should be prevented
from running the city into any expense until
their title to Office has been legally settled.
Year: 1874

CREDrrABLH Acr-The rejection by the
Senate of Governor Shepherd for one of
the Commissioners Of the District of Colum-
bia. This act was the more remarkable as
the Senate has IN overwhelming majority
of administration republicans who are
naturally disposed to confirm the appoint
ments of the President when they can con-
scientiously do SO. Thirty-six votes against
confirmation and only six for it shows unmis-
takably the independence of the Senate and
the bad odor Of Shepherds name. It seems
very strange that the President should have
nominated this man in the face of the revela-
tons connected with District affairs and
against public opinion. We can hardly think
General Grant has got so far as to despise
public opinion and to imagine that he can set
up his own will in opposition to that Of the
people if even he has deluded himself that
Shepherd is Immaculate. Powerful as the
President is this rejection of notoriously
obnoxious man proves that the Senate is not
the blind instrument Of the Executive 1t is
gratifying to know there is some respect for
principles and decency LETT notwithstanding
the corruption Of the times and the tyranny
of political partisanship.
Year: 1874

The question Of the legality of compulsory
pilotage has been before the Court of Com
mon Pleas, and yesterday decision was de-


ivered by Judge Robinson that will give
general satisfaction to the mercantile commu-
nifty. Efforts have been made by certain
class Of shipmasters trading with this port
to evade the payment of pilotage fees The
question has, however been finally set at rest
and the rights Of the pilots asserted. In de-
livering the opinion Of the Court the Judge
pointed out that 1.-THE exigencies of commerce
require that provisions Of law should be made
for the employment of persons of competent
skin and ability known as pilots to take
or the harbors, who shall be at all times in
readiness to render their aid and assist
ance." In view of these circumstances
it was held that the tender of
service by pilot entitled him to receive
his fees, the object being to encourage
watchfulness on the part of the men to whom
this important duty Of plotting ships into
the harbor is assigned. This decision,
taken in connection with the failure of
the attempt in Congress to repeal the CON-
pulsory pilotage laws, may be looked on
as having set the question at rest-at leas.
for some time. Those who have the interests
Of New York at heart will rejoice that the
effort to injure SO useful body OF men as the
Sandy Hook pilots has signally failed. The
prosperity Of this city depends on the safety
OF its commerce. and the maintenance of a
body of men acquainted with the intrlcacies
and perls Of the harbor is necessity. The
public will therefore be pleased to know that
the law clearly defines and protects the rights
of this most useful class OF citizens.
Year: 1874

EXQUISITE COMEDY. Nothing more ex-
quisite in the comedy of political life was
ever seen than the haste with which certain
members of the District Legislature returned
property stolen by them at the time of the
adjournment of that body upon the intima-
ton that the police we're looking for the miss
ing furniture. Public corruption has at last
reached its ludicrous stage when the men,
bers of a Legislature carry of the chairs
and other articles from the hall OF the Assem-
bly,; but public morals ought to begin to i'm
prove when official venaity is satirized by
such exquisite comedy as the return of the
stolen articles.
Year: 1874




The SYRACUSE DISASTER. loss Of life
caused by the giving way of the floor of
Baptist church at Syracuse proves to have
been greater than at first supposed. The
disaster is shown by an examination TO have
been caused by defects OF construction,
which leave the builders open to
grave censure. The foon upon which
SO large number of people were
assembled was supported by on iron rod, and
when this support gave way the floor and its
occupants were hurled into the room beneath,
which, unfortunately, was also crowded with
human beings. In the present state of the
law we fear no adequate punishment can be
meted out to those guilty of the deaths Of these
latest victims Of reckless greed. But the
frequency with which similar occurrences
succeed each other may lead eventually to the
passage of law to punish selfish spectators
who endanger the lives of their fellow citi-
zens by running up insecure structures which
sooner or later give way causing the death
of unfortunate victims, manning and reducing
to misery hundreds of innocent people.