smithclay/nortonstories huggingface dataset:
Year: 1878

"Twenty years ago | was little girl
living in farm house on one of the
slopes of the "Laurel hill" in Penn
sylvania. II was wild place, though
pleasant. and we had no near neighbors,
for the houses though not 81 few, were
far between. But when yoI went to
the school-house that stood in small
square clearing on the mountain-side,
you would have found large number
of boys and girls gathered there; and
most likely you'd have said, Where
under the sun do all these children
livey" There they were though, from
six to sixteen, and there was |, de-
mure little thing of eight, so grave and
sober that when the girls played keep
house, they always set me up for
grandmother of the family. And there
was my hero, Ned. Wilson, boy of
sixteen, who had elected himself my
protector, and whom adored; we had
promised to marry each other after
twenty or thirty years, and we felt very
solemn and important about it. j be-
lieve all the boys aud girls liked each
other pretty well; we had TO, in fact,
for we were shut up there on the noun
tain side, and the children must like
some body, you know.


''The boys had built the girls a play
house out of hemlock boughs, down by
the spring not far from the schOolhouse; ;
sometimes we would spend the noon
time there, and at others we would climb
on the coal shed and play house The
ground was slantIng where this build
ing stood, and ut the back VIC could
easily jump up on the roof; We had
fixed it up with blocks and boards so
that our house keeping was very conve-
nient and grand indeed.


zone day we had great difficulty in
deciding where TO spend our nooning;
some said go to the spring. others
wanted above all "A family gathering on
the roof; finally the spring folks gave
in, and We tumbled up in great good
humOr. L was planted in block with
white handkerchief tied on my head
for cap and another one folded across
my chest for cape All L had to do
do was to pretend To knit with four
sticks, and every now and then say
less noise, chil'n.' The boys were
little ways off, busy at a game of ball.


"The housekeeping was getting OH
famously; the more accidents. the more
fun the bread was burned to cinder,
and the cook was dismissed with
dreadful threat Of having her head Ia
ken of if she ever dared 'darken those
doors with the light of her countenance.'
Then 'Tagrag,' the youngest child,
created out of chaos, and an old duster,
was quietly dropped over the front of
the house, and a terrible wall arose that
'the baby was in the well y all the fam
lily except grandmother at once jumped
off to save the dear infant; and having
got her and dipped her in the water
bucket, they scrambled back again, all
excitement, and great was the ito do
over the drowned darling. The 'fa-
ther' of the family was distinguished
from the others by wearing her paste
board sun-bonnet perched up on her
head like a stove pipe hat; the strings
tightly tied before putting it on making
it stand very upright and manly in
deed. The chief business of this parent
was to whip the children and order
meals about once in five minutes, and
pretend to smoke corn-cob pipe. OF
course we hadn't great while for our
Year: 1878

The leaves are fading and falling,
The winds are rough and wild.
The birds have ceased their calling
But let me tell you. my child
Though day by day as it closes,


Doth darker and colder grow,
The roots of the bright red roses


VIII keep alive in the snow.
And when the winter is over,


The boughs will get new leaves.
The birds come back to the clover.
The swallow back to the caves;
The robin will wear on his bosom
The vest that is bright and new.
and the liveliest wayside blossom
WI shine with sun and dew.
50. when some dear joy loses


II beauteous summer glow,
Think how the roots of the roses
Are kept alive in the snow.
Year: 1878

The choice of the coming Republican con-
vention for the Office of State auditor, SO far
as we are able to predict, is between the
present incumbent and Mark D. Flower.
Mr. Whitcomb has made an excellent audit
or, and is a gentleman of undoubted integri-
ty, but experience has demonstrated that a
change in the administration of this Office
once in six years is highly proper, and for
this reason, all things else being equal, we
think the choice should fall on Mr.. Flower.
Year: 1878

The following is the weekly statement of the ca
nal collector at this port showing the total quantity
Of east bound freight arriving here by canal from
September 23 10 80 inclusive:
Year: 1878

The action taken by our business
men last Friday, in regard to improv-
ing the condition of the various roads
centering in this village, and putting
them in passable shape, is wise move.
There is no question or subject of
more Importance than the one to
which we allude, and we are glad to
see that our citizens are feeling alive
to their interests. It is well known
fact, and we do not need to quote in
stances to corroborate our assertions,
that those towns, villages, and cities
that have provided good roads and
bridges, and have kept them in good
repair, have out-grown and distanced
other places, where no attention has
been given to the subject. If we pro-
vide good roads, and keep them in
good repair, we are inviting trade; if
we do otherwise, we repel it, for it is
well known that farmers favor the
town which they can reach with the
least trouble, distance not being so
much of consideration, as accessible
ty. We cannot expect parties to
come here to trade unless we provide
good roads, and if we expect to hold
even what trade we now have, we
must encourage it; but this is not
enough, we must add to it, and there
is no surer way to do SO, than by these
means. We have one advantage over
rival towns, and that is, we have sharp
competition at this point, and parties
would gladly avail themselves of the
opportunity of taking advantage of it,
could they do so without injury to
their teams, and without going round
about ways to reach US. II, therefore,
we provide good roads,-we must
put our hands in our pockets to do it
our trade will be largely increased, and
the town correspondingly benefited.
In this connection it may be well to
state, that the road-masters and over.
seers of highways must not consider
themselver relieved from any responsi.
bility, as they will probably be visited
by the committee, and any neglect by
them to attend to bad places in their
various districts viii be duly reported
and published, provided Of course thai
said neglect or oversight is due to neg.
ligence on their part.
Year: 1878

The European Congress is now in
session at Berlin, and very little is
really known as to what is being done.
1t is probable that some satisfactory
solution will be arrived at, satisfactory
at least SO far as England is concerned,
for she has got matters in such shape
that Russia will have to accede to her
demands, or else suffer defeat. From
the tone of the dispatches it appears
as though the other nations were hav-
ing but little to say in regard to any
of the matters before the Congress.
Year: 1878

Secretary Evarts has in writing no.
titled the Potter committee that the
President considers it has exceeded the
scope of its powers in calling upon him
for the papers relating to the Louisiana
commission, but that he will transmit
the papers to the House, without fur
ther request, for such action thereon
as the House may choose to take.
Year: 1878

1t is officially announced that the
invitations issued by the government
for an international Monetary Congress,
have been accepted by France and It.
ally. Other nations are expected to
participate, and although the British
Cabinet is divided in opinion on the
subject, yet there is some hope that
they will eventually accept.
Year: 1878

The travelling public will find news OF
an interesting nature in the new adver-
tiSement. in our issue of today, devoted to
the fine, dashing steamer Olympia. Her
officers are most worthy, urbane and de-
serving in every respect, and her super
ior accommodate are known to be SO
thoroughly well suited to the demands OF
all that extended notice of the matter is
wholly unnecessary. We belieye her
claims are fully appreciated by all.
Year: 1878

BY strange coincidence, or mental
freak, we recently wrote and published a
few local items which were exactly like a
similar number published in The Tacoma
Herald" We can boast, however, of
publishing them Il week sooner than did
our cotemporary. Why is he so slow?
Year: 1878

MASTER Robert McCabe, OF this place,
ran very narrow escape from losing his
lite on Monday, by falling down between
the steamer Isabel and the wharf just as
the Annie Stewart was coming alongside
of the Isabel. lie was pulled out barely
in time to save him from being crushed.
Year: 1878

SUCH exhibitions as that which recently
resulted in the killing Of one variety per
former by another, in Providence thea"
tire. are NO better than those unanimously
condemned by our people when they oc-
cur in other countries. Skill in the hand
ling of rifle could be well be exhibited
with targets so arranged as not toendanger
the life of any one as by the doubly dan
gerous device of shooting at an apple on the
head of performer, and of taking aim in>
directly by means of a reflected image in
mirror. A performance of that kind may
be more Attractive to some people than
ordinary target practice, but only for one
reason, because it exhibits the foolhardi-
ness of ihe assistant performer. If there
is no danger, the display of that sort Of
courage is not remarkable, but if there is
danger Of the most seriots nature, and
there cannot be much doubt on that sub.
iect, the audience are accessories with the
performers in committing the homocides
which sooner or later are sure to result.
An application of laws already on the
statute book would doubtless provide for
the punishment of the principals in such a
crime, and would put an end to perfor-
mances likely to result in murder; but, if
necessary, special laws should be enacted
to prohibit specifically this class Of public
exhibitions.
Year: 1878

IT is thought to be an important piece
of intelligence TO the country from Wash
ington that competent board Of officers
inspected the rickety ship, Wyoming, be-
fore she started on her abortive attempt
to cross the Atlantic to Havre, and that
'they pronounced her seaworthy in every
respect" Something like this has been
heard in other instances, the Metropolis
case for example. She was examined and
re.examined, and certified, but turned out
to be poor concern for all that. What
seems to be wanted is competent board of
examiners to examine the examiners, in
order to ascertain what powers Of observa-
ton and penetration they are possessed Of
Year: 1878

At the meeting of the representatives of this county held Wednesday last.s it was decided by vote of 21 to 16 not to lay tax this year for the building of a new jail, and we believe that this action fefiects the wishes of a large majority of the people of Litchfeld County.

 Litchfeld, with the hope of having 8 new jail built this year. and thus in measure helping it to retain the county seat; came forward with q proposition to receive the old jail property and pay half the expense ofa new jail Winchest- CT, at town meeting, authorized a committee to make a proposition in the interests, of this ] town, and through it's local papers advocating Winsted as the, connsy seat. New Milford, Sl- though interested in the matter of the location of a new jail If one was to be builD and the changing of the county seat, has come forward with nopfope pesitieE40 influence action in these matters more than toadyise for the good, and the accommodation, of the people of the whole county.

 ! 1 We believe that before and definite action is tAkep'in regard to building 8 jail the people of the county should be consulted as to their wishes in the matter. If the county perfers to have the jail remain in Litchfeld, and that place retain the county seat, thenlet it remain there. But if the people of the county wish the removal of the county seat to some place, or places, easy of access, where they can transact their court business at the least ex- pense of time and money, where they can be the least inconyenienced, then let them secure it We believe that, situated as the county is, with the means of communication such as they are, no one place will be convenient for the parts of the county. We believe that for the convenience of all, two places in the county should be selected for the county seats, and from their positions there are no two places which will afford so much accommodation to all sections as Winchester and New Milford. Winchester alone would greatly inconvenience the people of this and surrounding towns

 New Milford would not accommodate the peo- pie of Winchester or those living on the line or the Naugatuck road. But both together will suit admirably. We hope that this county seat question, and necessarily the jail question al- so, will be settled once for all next year by the removal of the county seat from inaccessible in- convenient Litchfield to the places named. We believe it to be for the best interests of the whole county that this result should be speed fly arrived at.-Ne,o Mt!tord Gazette
Year: 1878

In my judgment, nothing too severe can be said about that large and ill-advised class of persons who permit their boys to harass trav- elers on the highways and byways, with that invention of the arch fiend known as a velOc- ipede. You are hardly more alarmed by the suddenness of the attack than by the uncer- tainty of it's direction. You are startled out of your wonted repose of manner by the ene- my dashing round corner you hastily take refuge in puddle to avoid rear attack, and perhaps run part way up the steps of strange houses to save yourself from the combined charge of three racing abreast down the side walk.

 1 have about given up going to matinees on account of the immense amount of school girl gabble to which I am compelled to listen. in- stead of the entertainment for which 1 pur- chased my ticket. If the gabble should stop,it is only to besuperseded by munching of candy and suppressed giggling. If girls must go through the vealy age, let them undergo it at home, and not invade the domains of the pub lie.

 Another cause of complaint is the way in which the public are called upon to listen to rectations of ''We are seven," Little drops of water" etc. The increase of kindergartenS has done much to bring about this sad state of affairs, but parents ought to interpose to save the public, Let me suggest that if the pub lie met with more consideration, life would be made much more pleasant to children. 1 know those who never enter aplace of amusement eX- cept when accompanied by little faces, whose eyes fail to see aught but the berutiful. l could tell of many drive and picnic postponed till Saturday or vacation gave the children a chance to go. But, they were children whose parents recognized the public, and upheld their rights. could also name several libra ries, picture galleries, greenhouses, and muse ums, whose treasures never unfold themselves to children, because the little fingers are SO rarely taught not to touch. Most children love music. Witness the crowd around a grinding organ, even when unattended by the attractive monkey. Yet, how many children does any one know whom she would risk inviting to a musicale.

 cannot say wholly agree with the man who thought boy should be brought up in a hogshead, ond fed through the bung-hole, for doubt not that on being released the wild OK of the desert would be more desirable com panion; but do think that parents should so bring up their offspring that no one should have occasion to make the suggestion. Yet many of us feel with and for the sufferer who said his sister followed to the letter one Bible injunction with regard to children, namely Forbid them not. ."-H0me aud iSOcioty;" ,Scyij- fler for Mnrch
Year: 1878

A noticeable feature in the national life is the immense number of monasteries and nun neries which are to be found scattered over the countries It the neighborhOOd ,ot l4hasa alone there are Il monasteries, in which are cloistered upwards of 20, 900 monks, and the nunneries are found in like proportion. This apparent devotion to spiritual concerns is at first sight calculated to arouse our admiration and sympathy, but little consideration sug- gests she idea that the religious fervor of these Thibetan monks and nuns is good dearheigh- tened by @ keen sense of .s0rdid self-inteFeSa. If the blood of martyrsis the seed of churches, poverty, especially in the East, has wonder ful effect in multiplying the crop. To men who have no taste for the hard labor demand ! ed by the soil from it's tillers, and Co women E who have no means of gaining livelihood for themselves the secluded idleness and secured meals of a monastery or nunnery present at- fractions which it is next to impossible to re- sist. The women also have an excuse for en- tering religious orders whichis denied to men, for.there existSin Thibet one of those extraor dinary marriage customs which are ocanson- ally met with in Out-of-the-way parts of the world, and which are to be explained only by reference to the surrounding circumstances of the people. A numerous progeny, in poor and sterile country, is doubtless distinct evil, and it is one which naturally suggests the inl- position of check even to those who have never heard of Malthus or his doctrines. This we may suppose to have been the position of the Thibetans when they cast about for some plan by which they might limit the increase of the population. The plan they adopted for this purpose is almost unique, and is called polyandry, which may be explained as being the exact reverse of polygamy for, as in most Eastern countries it is lawful for man to have plurality of wives in Thibet it is the custom for woman to have plurality of hus- bands. The usual practice is for two, three, or four brothers in household to marry one wife. They all reside in one house, and the children are considered to be the joint offspring of all. It is inconceivable to us that such system should exist for an hour but in Thibet, far from giving rise to the evils which might be expected to flow from it, it works easily and well, and the pictures which travellers give us of Thibetan housholds display degree of domestic happiness and affection which cer- tainly equals that enjoyed in much more favor ed lands. This is a description Mir. Bogle gives of family at whose house he spent the night ''The house belongs to two brothers. who are married to a very handsome wife, and have three of the prettest children l ever saw. They all came to drink tea and eat sugar-can- dy. After night came on the whole family assembled in 8 room to dance to their own singing, and spent two hours in sthis manner with abundance of mirth and glee." -Th1 C0rlahiU Magazine
Year: 1878

Amuse your boys if you wish to keep them at home. Play whist with them ''What 7" hear some enc of you say, Why, 1 am a member of Dr. So and-sos church." Well. let him go to the dogs for once let your church go to the dogs, and save your boy from going. When was young man at college there was a deacons son there at the same time, and he told me he learned to play ''old sledge' on the hay-m when his father was reading com mentaries. It is fact, and not matter of laughter, and that same young man died drunkard and a gambler. He lived in the Con- necticut Valley, and 1 could give you his fath- CTS name if 1 was so disposed. Bob" told me more than 6 dozen times if his father had only played some kind of game with him-..if he had only been human with me, Deacon Murrao," said he, '1 should have been church member just as you are" want you to un- derstand was deacon then. 1 think Bob was right. So say to you play whist with your boys, play dominoes or checkers-in fact. any, pleasant, healthy game. Read poetry with them, for boys like poetry if not read bear stories. Get him to read to you ; and here let me say that this is one of the best possible ways to keep your boys at home, and one Of the most beneficial in it's effect Teach them to feel that you are dependent upon them for company. So say to you make your home happy in way that boys like, and not in the way that some cnurcneS nke. Boys are worth more than church forms, for boys are germs of angels, or else they are the seeds out of which devils spring. If felt that my boy would eat peanuts in church, that he would go to sleep because he was not interested, should spend .one-haf of the day under the hedges or by some running spring. should preach to that boy in way that would make him forget his peanuts and sleeping in church. The running spring should remind him of that fountain of living water which flows from the throne of God. If there was bit of sea, it should re- mind him of that sea ofcrystal before the throne of God. If there was an empty acorn, it should remind him of the temple of clay out of which the spirit has departed. All things should be a service to God The fields and the skies should be the church, and that boy should be made follower of Christ in that way because he is best adapted to that kind of service. " II. H. Murray.
Year: 1878

When one of Architect Mullet's buildings falls down he goes to the ruins examines the chaos of masonry very critically, and says they might have known that one coat of whitewash wasn't strong enough to hold up to heavy a wall as that why in thunder didn't the idiots know enough 50 put on more whitewash9
Year: 1878

Talk about female curiosity-it's all one sid ed. Let one man stop on the street to spell out sign on the top of high building, and every other mothers son that goes by will stand still and stare for ten minutes trying to make out what the first idiot is looking at.
Year: 1878

What world of fraud this is! One by one the idols of the hour are smashed by some straig ghtforward tale. And now it is Kimball, the jealous Christian who, for religions sake alone, took unto himself the country to assist in raising churches from the slough of debt and mire of mort gagcs, who is at present the target of the iconoclast. Peter Mallon, superintendent of glass works ln San Francisco, charges that this pious laborer in the field of the Lord is an agent of A. H. Andrews & Co.,, manufacturers of stained glass windows in Chicago, and that he is simply working for the interests of his employers. That church committees in California have re- fused to receive bids for windows, saying that they were indebted to MT. Kimball and that lone good turn deserves another" And thus this exhorter combines religion and business in a neat and methodical manner, treating his customers to plenty of the former and yet keeping his weather eye open for the latter. Surely, this is an age of business and advertising; an age in which even the mantle of the Lord is pla- carded with the posters of some firm or other. If the charge be true, Kimball is entitled to front rank as the Prince of the Kingdom of Cheek and ruler over the Land of Enterprise.-[Bee.
Year: 1878

feel under increased obligations for the patronage so liberally accorded me as the successor of the old and successful house of Wm. B. Hooper & Co.,, and while ac- knowledging this fact allow me to add that those dealing with me will find as complete a stock as was ever offered by the old firm with all that is new and desirable in addi- tion.
Year: 1878

SHEEp- Ep-RA1slNa.-As u matter Of
interest to sheep -raisors we publish
tho following Act:


BE it enacted, by tho Senate and
House Of Representatives Of the
State of South Carolina, now met
and sitting in General Assembly,
and by tho the authority of tho
same: That from and after the
passage Of this Act any person who
may find any dog in the act Of wor-
rylng or destroying any sheep in
this State, it shall DO lawful for said
person to kill said dog, and he shall
not be held to answer in any action,
either civil or criminal. Approved
March %, 1873.
Year: 1878

He stood barofooted on tho soa-
shore in tho moonlight and turned
his poetic car to catch what tho
wild waves wore saying, but when Il
wandering crab appropriated one
of his toes for n tootl-pick, he
l1colcd over and lot out tho othor
nine in q ..shadow dance that
just made tho gods scream.