smithclay/nortonstories huggingface dataset:
Year: 1877

This story is taken from a New York
paper. 1t is boiled down from an English
paper published in China: Chu and wife
lived with nephew and wife in a house in
Iung-hwuy. The uncle was a dyer and
the nephew tailor; their wives were con
genial, and they all were happy. Last
Spring the nephew died and his wife vowed
that she would be true to his memory and
never marry again. In November Mrs.
Chus mother died, and the dyer and his
wife were compelled to 60 to Shaou-peh to
attend the funeral and settle up the estate.
AS they did not wish to leave the beautiful
young widow unprotected in the house,
they asked an old neighbor to stay with
her during their absence. Now there
hved IN town soldier named Chao Tehshen,
a bad man, who had been casting sheep's
eyes at the widow. He armed himself with
a dagger and about midnight jumped over
the wall Of the house, and entering the
widows room threatened to kill her. She
replied by offering her throat to the dagger.
Suddenly the door was kicked open and in
burst tall fellow who wrested the dagger
from the ruttians hand and threw him on
the floor. The widow rushed out to arouse
the superannutated neighbor, and the bad
man was secured with coil of rope. Then
the neighbors flocked in, and recognizing
the soldier set to and hammered him.
Ihen they turned to the widow gallant de.
fender and asked him who he was and how
he had happened to be in the house. my
name Is Tsao," said the tall stranger; "and
| am a rObbcr by trade. | was passing
through the town, and having no money
came into this house to steal something;
but finding this fellow on a worse errand
than mine made him fast" The defender
of innocence was a robber. But the neigh.
bors thought so well of him that they raised
a subscription and collected enough money
to set him up in an honest trade. The bad
man went to prison; the virtuous robber
hasn't married the widow yet.
Year: 1877

The FAIR SEx.-We talk of pretty women
as IT they Of all others were elect; as if
woman's sole claim to admiration rested on
her possession of fine eyes, or luxuriant
hair. e" Is she pretty2" is the first question
asked concerning a new acquaintance, as
though that embraces the whole subject.
If man likes a woman he generally con-
slders her pretty" for the term is merely
conventional. A pretty woman in the
lexicon OF masculinity signifies o women
interesting from whatever cause. Who
has not known woman to be called pretty
that could hardly boast of handsome
feature? Who has not been acquainted
with those enjoying a wide reputation for
prettiness, that had almost any other than
physical charms. She who has distinctly
graceful manner, or an elegant air, or a
fine tact, or talent for conversation, or
quick sympathies, or cordial ways, or the
art of listening we'll, albeit plain in the
face, and Of ordinary figure, is frequently
styled pretty, and the adjective is repeated
until it is fastened upon, and constantly
associated with her. Merely pretty women
do not rule sooiety--never did and never
WILL When beauty is allied to pleasant
manners or accomplishments, tact, quick
wit, then indeed il is all powerful; other
wise, really plain woman,s who has con-
spicuous graces of mind and manner, will
prove more than match for her beautiful
insipid sisters.--Er.
Year: 1877

BREAErAsr DIsH.-A very delicate break


last dish can be made Of oatmeal Jelly.
Soak half pint Of good oatmeal over
night IN one and Il half pints Of water. In
the morning drain off the water through
sieve, adding to it one and a half pinfs of
not water and put it to boil over Quick


fire. Stir till it boils, then set it back and
let 1t simmer ten minutes. Turn il into
moulds, and in fifteen minutes it will be
set sufficiently to turn out into saucers,
and Will be warm enough to eat. Serve at
once, without trimming, orwith alittle milk
or Sweetcncd fruit juice. The soaked meal
that IS left can be utilized in batter, biscuit
by itself.
Year: 1877

Novel FEAT-R. A. Pennell is preparing
himself physically for the attempt to hold
IN his hands one thousand,poundc cannon
while 1t is fired, the feet to be performed at
a coming athletic entertainment in New
1ork. Speculation is rite as to what will
be the penalty he may be made to pay for
what some characterize foolhardy under.
taking.
Year: 1877

A dandy was sitting one day in a tavern
porch, dressed in tights, when WAGNER
coming along said: "Stranger, I'll bet you
a bottle Of wine, that with mywhip | can
cut your tights, and not touch your skin.h
"Done," said the dandy-and at the word
the WAGNER drew his whip with all his
might and cut the fellow to the bone, at
the same time calling for the wine, and
declaring that he had lost the bet.
Year: 1877

The Philadelphia North american says
that the small number of building permits
taken out during the month of Janu.
airy indicates that the enormous amount of
building done in the last seven years has
caused surplus of houses and serious
depression in real estate in that city.
Year: 1877

In recent action in Washington county.
Md, to recover damages for pasturage Of
trespasslng cattle, the court decided that
under the local fence law, before any one
could recover such damages he must first
show that he had a legal and proper fence.
Under the common law what is called an
"outside fence" is only an imaginary line,
and therefore every person must see that
his cattle are kept at home.
Year: 1877

PARKER HOUSE RoLLs.-At night take
two quarts of flour, rub in three table.
spoontuls Of lard; make hole in the
middle and put in one pint Of cold boiled
milk one-half cup Of yeast, three table
spoontuls of salt; let it stand until morn
ing without mixing then mix and let it
stand until noon; then roll out. cut into
rolls. let them get very light; then bake in
a Quick oven.
Year: 1877

Real estate sales have decreased about
ten per cent. annually for the last four
years in New York and Chicago, so that in
both cities the sum of business was little
more than half so great in 1876 as it was in
1873.
Year: 1877

Like certain monuments of Egypt. the
great structure fronting on Fifth avenue,
between Fortieth and Forty-second streets,
has lost its original significance. It was
once useful reservoir, but is now regarded
as an encumbrance which occupies valua-
BILE piece of building property. Indeed.
there are not few speculative individuals
who watch for the disposition Of the great
pile Of masonry with the keenest interest,
hoping to find an opportunity of turning
an honest penny somehow in connec-
tion with it. Liberal-minded citizens
who own property in the immediate
neighborhood, and who are looking, perhaps,
for purchaser at a good price, advocate
the removal OF the Reservoir and the forma-
ton Of public park, ''where the tene-
ment house poor, sir, can bring their sickly
babies and breathe the air of heaven"
Others, with an equally sharp eye to busi-
ness, propose that the edifce should be
removed and the land sold for building
purposes, in order ''that our taxes may be
reduced by the sale of useless city property"
These people hope to get good bargains by





sellers. All have their particular pet schemes
for making money out Of the Reservoir
somehow, and we hope all will be disap-
pointed. Would it not be better for the
interests ofthc city that the Reservoir should
remain, because the pulling down and cart
ing away Of its material would certainly
develop into job rs costly as it is unnec-
essary2 We see no reason why tn ese mas
siye walls and areas enclosed should not at
small expense be converted into place
of public recreation. The surrounding dis
trict is not SO well provided with suit
able and safe promenades that the city
can afford to destroy this one around the
top OF the Reservoir wall. Cannot the bot
tom of the basins be converted into horticul-
tural gardens to which series of arched
entrances from the adjoining avenue and
streets can be pierced through the main
walls? These archways, If numerous
enough without involving the stability Of
the walls, artistically arranged and suitably
decorated, would form one OF the most orna-
mental features of transformation that
could be effected in the old Reservoir at
comparatively small expense. The present
dividing wall might be removed SO as to
throw the two sections of the Reservoir into
one open area, which could be made beauti-
full with towering shrubs, grass plots, walks,
fountains and statuary. BY piercing the
walls with high and broad archways per-
feet circulation of air and shelter from the
hot summer sun for invalids and others
who might frequent the garden would be
secured. Thus unique and highly pictur-
esque public garden could bo formed out Of
Year: 1877

The WEATHER.-The main area of high press
ure having passed to the eastward off the Mid
die and South Atlantic coasts we find the high
barometer from the north descending toward
the Middle States in advance of the depression
which fingers in the Northwestern districts
but extends its influence to the southwark
aud eastward. Rains have fallen very gen
orally from the coast toward the Msss-
sippi Valley, commencing at this city yes
tcItlay afternoon as a light drizzle, which by
nightfall had become quite perceptiblc. This
rain was preceded by decided fall of tempera-
ture, which added to the general discomfort of
those whose business compelled them to go out
of doors. In the Southern districts, however,
the temperature has risen, but cloudy weather
prevails, with relatively low pressure. The
weather in New York and its vicinity to-day will
be cold and cloudy, with rain
Year: 1877

Brass buttons and responsibility in
combination help amazingly in developing
the contempt OF the law which marks the
present administration of our police sys-
tenn. The buttons lend that aspect of ave-
inspiring dignity which is indispensable
to the police official but rresponsi-
bility Is the grand foundation ON which
the policeman's right to break the law


rests. After repeated warnings and appeals,


propositions and suggestions from press
and people, regarding the disposal of the
city garbage, the Police Commissioners de-
liberately permit their employees to dump
this refuse in the Bay Of New York by the
half dozen scowloads at a time. There is
no mere suspicion about this charge. 1t is
based on positive evidence and bears out
our recent articles on the manner in which
the city and its immediate vicinity is being
dotted with great heaps of refuse deposited
by the Police Department Street Cleaning
Bureau. Here is gross violation Of the
law perpetrated by the men paid to uphold


the law--an act destructive to the best in
terests Of health and comnarce as we'll as an
Year: 1877

turned against the democratic statesman
who was cheated out of the Presidency by
fraud after having been elected by the
people. Mr.. Morrissey's supporters will
welcome any alliance, and are certain to act
in good faith toward their allies, because
they never had so strong q motive as now
for attempting to force open the doors of the
State Convention and recover recognized
standing in the democratic party. MI.
Kelly's future power in State politics is
staked on his local success in this election,
and It is possible that solid combination
of the anti-Tammany elements of all shades
and descriptions may defeat him as signally
as he was defeated two years ago.


But he is q man of resources, and it is en-
tirely safe for his followers to rely upon
his courage and persistency: He has had
bad luck with Purroy, whose unfortunate
escapadc at Nyack withdrew an otherwise
strong candidate from the Aldermanic
ticket; bad luck, also. with his selection
for Register, which he was compelled to
change at the last moment; bad luck in
not finding candidate willing to run
against Morrissey for the Senatorship and
even his good luck at Albany will turn
out to have been really bad if the
resentments he then kindled shall make the
nnti-Tammany coalition in this city success
full. But he must remember that great men
are tried by difficulties, like fine gold in o
furnace, and he must accept opposition as
a part Of his destiny. If Tweed's ESTIMATE
Of him is correct as the ablest democratic
politician Of the last thirty years the new
Tammany chief will rise superior to all OBJ
stacles and the whole public will indorse
the opinion of the ex-Boss.
Year: 1877

the massive but unsightly pile that now
fronts on Fifth avenue. We offer these
suggestions in opposition to the plea that
the Reservoir should be removed. The
property is worth more to the city OF New
York, if judiciously treated for the public
benefit, than could possibly be realized for
it If the officials become the valuators for
the ''man who wants to reduce the taxes,
you know"
Year: 1877

THERE Was some very good racing at Balti.
more yesterday, and the attendance was un-
usually large. Our correspondent leads us to
expect match between Parole and Ten Broeclx
at Jerome Park this day week, which it is to be
hoped may be arranged.
Year: 1877

ACCORDING TO THE CIGAR MANUFACTURERS the
dock on hand is sufficient TO last until next
January, until which time they have resolved to
resist the demands of the strikers. The work
ingmen on the other hand, are rcsolutc in their
determination not to yield until their employers
submit. The true policy for both parties is a
cornpromise of their differences.
Year: 1877

outrage on the rights of property. We hope
the United States authorities will now take
prompt measures to secure that protection
for our port which the supine city officials
will not and perhaps dare not adopt
Year: 1877

WALL STREET YEsrERDAY.-The stock mar
ket was dull and without any points of interest.
Gold remained quiet Mt 1924 Government
bonds were dull, States inactive and railroads
quiet and firm. Money on call was easy at 6 a
z per cent, falling at the close to per cent
Year: 1877

APPLICATION has been made for struck
Jury in the seven million dollar suit Of the city
against Connolly. The will probably be
tried during the November term, and the appli
cation is o very proper one. ].
Year: 1877

SCIENTISTS WILL AWAIT with interest the
publication Of the results of the observations
Of the National Observatory on the satellites Of
Mars, which still in progress. The latest
information on the subject will be found in our
dispatches from Washington.
Year: 1877

We grant, as has recently been said that
an open hire is "incompetcnt to heat our
houses" but we believe it can be made
such an important factor in the culture of
children, that we have no hesitation in
urging others to try it. In hous4s tL,t
are wholly warmed by furnaces. the family
circle Is likely to become impaired. The
children take their friends to their own
rooms, and the mother rarely becomes in.
timately acquainted with their associates


Around a wood fire, all naturally como
together; what interests one. comes IN =
little while to interest all. and the children
learn to be open and free. The fire warm.
the heart as we'll as the body. A wood fire
lit early in the evening when the children
are home from school is all that is neccs.
sary. When the boys get used TO coninc
in from the cold and snow to find n cLcn,,
tul hickory fire blazing on the narlor
hearth, with the room not too nicely
furnished for them to use, thew will not
want to leave it for any outside attractions


The moment the familiar whistle is ba,rd
IN the evening let some kindlng wood be
thrust under the logs. The pleasant scnsa.
ton produced by blazing fire. if reneotnd
every day, winter after winter, amounts to
a great deal OF happiness in a bows life.
time, and will never be forgotten. II i
dlthcuit to Overestimate the value of this
central gathering place Cor the whole
family Wood fires are not dusty. and
when used not for heat, but for cheer and
only IN the evening, are not costly. The
moderate heat OF furnace or stove is sufIi.
cient for the parlor by day, and but lttIa
wood IN the fireplace is necessary to make
II comfortable at night. Indeed, the roris.
ter often has to be turned off and the doors
TO be closed to keep the heat Of the house
from rushing into the parlor. The wood
tlre ventllates, and thus. not only are the
leet kept warm but the head remains cool


Hall cord of hickory wood last Ms about
month"; ana we use it on SUNDAYS after
cnurch, and on other days if we have
lrlehds TO dinner, or the children are to be
al nome. In spring and fall an open fire


place IS particularly useful. Every one knows
no" the furnace IS disliked in moderate
weather, out 0y using at such times the
"ood alone, the desired heat is obtained
ana Iar more than the cost saved in the
coal that would be burned to waste. If tho
fireplace is painted black, there will bo y


good background for the red flame. and tho
brick-work will not be made to Iooi, eb.bh,,


by the smoke. Let it be good heart, bIoy


ing fire or none at all. Better to save in
fine furniture, Or in rich desserts than mt
on logs sparingly. Brass andirons are the
best, for they never wear out, and the labor
IN keeping them bright is much exop.
gerated. The wood should be sawed in
put two pieces, so as to reach clear ovnr
both andlrons. A lot of corn.cobs will
make a hot, quick blaze, just before the
children go up to bed, and will make their
sIumber all the sweeter.--" Home and


Society y Scribnsr for Oct. '
Year: 1877

BOILING MEAT.-The secret of boiling
meat properly is one unknown to mosf
American cooks. The idea seems fastened
in their heads that fast boiling is indisnen'
sable to thorough cooking of meat. Moth.
ing IS more erroneous than this. Fast
boiling toughens the fibre, expels the iuiccs
OF the meat and makes of the tendereet
slrloin or round a tasteless, chippv. indioos'
tlble dish. The true way to boil beef
corned or fresh, ham, fish, flesh or fowl is
to put it into boiling water, and let il boil
hard two or three minutes only. This
toughens all the outside of the meat. So
that shell is formed, like the crust or n
LOAF, which holds the juices of the meat


80 soon as this coating is formed the meat
should be removed from the fire and kent
as near as possible just below the boiling
point until it is done. If il is to be served
cold, it should be left in the liouor in
which it is boiled till both are cold If
served warm, serve as much as is needed
for the meal, and, if practicable, leave the
rest in the liquor to cool. The touohest
piece OF neck or brisket, If the animal
furnishing it was Aavorous, may be made
perfectly delicious by this long, slow boil.
ing.-Er. DO'i'
Year: 1877

When the head of Bulgarian family
perccivcs that lie is about to die he sends
for the priest and begins to bargain with
HIM about the cost of his funeral. The
moment he dies all the pots, pans, and
Kettles in the house are turned upside
down to prevent his soul taking refuge in
any one Of them, and great care is taken to
prevent either man or animal-espccially a
cat or dog-trom stepping across his body.
as otherwise, in the opinion of his family.
he would turn into vampire and be a
continual nuisance to them and to their
neighbors. The body is buried without
any collin in n shallow grave and left there
for three years, during which time many
offerings Of food and wine are placed upon
it; At the end of the third year the bones
OF the dead man are dug up, carefully
washed, put into a linen bag, laid before
the altar in the village Church: and after
receiving the blessing of the priest are
finally buried for good.
Year: 1877

The following anecdote is told of Judge
Abbott, one of the members of the House
Investigating Committee which went to
South Carolina: When he was in Charles.
ton he asked the old darkey at work in
his room what made him so slow about
building the fire. The reply was: Fact
is, Judge, dar is no coal down stairs. I'se
been up and down de alley, and stole all
the wood ! could find, and in present de-
morlized condition Of society can't do no
BETTER" -O
Year: 1877

Love with some persons is a curious
sentiment. Not long ago young couple
IN Phlladelphia were engaged to be mar
RED when suddenly the lady changed her
mihd' and the engagement ring was re-
turned. third party was called in BY the
SGlSalPointed lover to intercede in his
BEHALF but the lady was not only inexor-
aOIe, but fell in love with the interceder,
ana the passion being finally reciprocated,
the two were welded the other day.
Year: 1877

"C Come up to the Capitol while we are
IN II session, and I'll give you a seat on the
floor of the House. said a member of
Congress to one Of his supporters, who
called upon him in Washington. "WalI.
no; thank you," said the countryman
poor as | am, always manage to have a
cheer to sit on at home, and ha'n't come
here to sit on the floor"
Year: 1877

General Grant writes that he had deter
mined to retire to private life from the lst
OF October, because he has found the labor
OF accepting the hospitality of his English
friends so great tax upon his health. lie
will visit the Mediterranean in one of the
vessels of the European squadron and spend
some time in the waters Of Italy. He does
not expect to return to the United States
until December of next year.
Year: 1877

IntoXication is said to be unknown in
Burmah. If one of the people gets drunk
IN that pleasant country he is liable to
have his head cut otf'-a law as rigidly en-
forced as is that for premeditated murder.
And yet Burmah is called a heather
country.
Year: 1877

The unpublished life Of General Grant,
written by his father, Mr.. Jesse r. Grant, is
in the possession of the Connecticut State
librarian. This manuscript gives a new
version of the way in which young Grant
got his name Of Ulysses; it says that the
name was one Of lot drawn from a hat
when his parents were debating what to
call him.
Year: 1877

Taking things too literally is a fertile
cause OF amusing blundcr. Two English
Workmen claiming proprietorship of one
oonkey' went to the Westminster county
court to get the dispute decided. After
hearing part Of the evidence, the Judge
sad they had better settle the case out of
court during the adjournment for luncheon.
Upon the court re-opening the defendant
loId @ lis Honor it was all right; the donkey
Judge saw his personal appearance was
altered Tor the worse but before he could
put any questions, the defendant went on
to say that they had found a quiet yard to
5flIe 15 II In' as His Honor had suggested.
lie had been rather rough on the nlaintiF
but couldn't help it; they had only half an
hour to pull il off in, and plaintiff was a
much tougher customer than he looked to
be. The explanation was conclusive. if
not quite satisfactory to the court, and the
donkey became the prize Of the victor in
the fight
Year: 1877

SILENT TRAVELLERS THAT ARE ALWAYS
GOING EAST.-A Colorado correspondence
says Bystanders at the railroad stations
on the Union Pacific, and observers along
the road, may often remark at the long,
omlnuos pine boxes stored forward of the
tram, generally in front Of the express car.
lhese boxes contain the bodies of those
whoh' either friendship or cxpedicncv for
ward t. homes or relatives in the far East.
AMID the jar, rumble, spring, laughter and
excitement of trip across the continent.
they alone are passively silent.


They are always going East-ncver West.
Ihey went West perhaps to seek fortune.
They have found the ultimate fortune of
all mankind. The body Of one NAV be.
perhaps, the remains of widows son, who
eXpends her little all that he NAV at last
repose beneath the trees of somc dear New
England home. Perhaps it is the body of
some noted capitalist. who was stricken
down IN some exciting battle of Mammon,
and IS to be deposited amid the pomp and
magnificent draperies of afflicted woe.
within the silent chambers of Greenwood
Cemetery. A long journey is before them
as they move out of the busy confines of
San Francisco on their dismal Journey to
the East; but who shall tell of the longer,
let US hope, pleasanter fiji ght Of the soul to
Its Saviour, whose star of nativity was first
seen IN the East, and whose light they now
follow, hopelessly, helplessy dead.