smithclay/nortonstories huggingface dataset:
Year: 1878

EATING PHILoPENA.-In Germany they
manage this little pastime in very pleasant
way. When couple meet after eating phil
opena together no advantage is taken of the
other until one of them pronounces the word
"philopena" This is the warning that now
the sport is to begin. Let us suppose that n
gentleman calls upon a lady. She invites
him TO walk in, and at the same time speaks
the talsmanic word. If he accepts the offer
TO walk in he is lost until she removes the
ban by telling him to go away. If she asks
him to take of his hat he must resolutely keep
it on if to be seated, he must stand; or il
at the table she should hand him any article
which he accepts, she wins the forfeit Dur
ing all this time he endeavOrs to take her by
surprise, for the acceptance of anysoGer from
the other wins the game. Both are constant
lyexercising their wits to prevent being caught,
apd the sport often goes on all the evening.
Perhaps the gentleman brings little present
and says, knowing that l shall lose my
philopena, l have brought it along-here it
is. If she is caught off her guard by the
smooth speech she loses for he Immediately
claims forfeit If neither wis Mt the first
meeting, the sport is continued to the second,
and it may happen that half dozen parties
meet at the same time. all anxious to win of
their philopena partners, SO that the scene
often becomes ludicrously amusing. 1t is
diamond cut diamond" in very truth.
Year: 1878

A fashionably dressed man went into Hunt
q Roskell's large jewelry store in Bond street,
London, selected articles worth $4,000, and
rendered a thousand pound note in payment.
Mr. Roskell ascertaned that the note was
forgery. just as he was about to summon
assistance, cab was drawn rapidly up and
two men in police uniform hurriedly entered,
saying that the man was an old offender of
whom they were in search. Directing the
porter to place the jewelry in the cab and
come along with them as witness, the men
in uniform said that they would inform the
firm when their attendance would be required
TO press the charge Then they drove of
with their prisoner, leaving the jewellers loud
in their praises of the proficiency of the po-
lice Next day however, their porter, bru-
tally beaten, returned with the information
that the two supposed police officers were
thieves in disguise.
Year: 1878




Perhaps the reader has noticed, while jour
neying upon the Boston and Lowell Railroad,
at Willow Bridge, Somerville, a. plain and
substantial neat brick house upon the hill,
only a moments walk from the station; il is,
WAS and will continue to be a wonder to all
who know its history, for its doors have not
been opened for twelve years. Twelve years
ago, one of the smartest and brightest me-
chanics TO be found in our bustling city, young.
handsome, whose only apparent fortune was
his daily wages, of which lie was very careful
saving all he could. for the one bright object
Of his life, which was to marry her whom he
had won. as soon as they could get money
enough to commence housekeeping She was
conscientious to fault, brought up in the
most puritanical of Puritan families, good,
pure and beautiful. One bright morning in
the spring he invited her to take a drive in
the suburbs. They halted after about an
hours drive in front of this house He asked
her how she liked it. OF course she wished
it was theirs, they could be so happy if they
only had a home like that He invited her
in. The house was just completed and very
nicely furnished. Judge Of her surprise
when he quietly informed her that the prop
crty was his, that he owned it. She was COM
pletely dumfounded, and of course wanted an
explanation. How, when, did he come in
possson of 30 much property He tried to
avoid the question, but she was firm. He f.
nally told her that he drew S2O 600 in some
lottery scheme, and with its funds had built
| and furnished this home for her She turned
upon him rs though he was the veriest gam
bier, vowing then and there she would never
be his wife until he gave back the property
which he had gained by what she termed un-
lawful means. She scorned all efforts of his
to occupy the house. They separated; parted
at the door, which has never been opened
| since. The furniture remains the same to-
day ms when they left it twelve years ago, ex-
cept what age has done. Both are wanderers
| upon the face of the earth, both lives blast
| ed
Year: 1878

The Paris correspondent of the New York
World has taken pains to ascertain whether
visitors at the international exhibition can
find good accommodations at reasonable rates.
His report is somewhat different from that
which recently came from Paris as to the ex-
tortionate charges prevailing there. He found
that single man could have good enough
room, not in hotel, for 81 or IS per month,
and there are numerous respectable restaur-
ants where meals can be had for from fifteen
cents to forty or fifty cents each. At many
of the boarding houses, board can be had for
eighteen dollars per month. A common tar
if' is a room charge of two dollars week,
or three dollars if two rooms be taken; and
such rooms are nuperous now, and increas-
ing in number as the season advances. 1t is
evident from the investigations of the World
writer that the people need not be frightened
away from the exhibition because some of
the hotels tried to make too much money out
of the public the first thing.
Year: 1878

FEVER AND AGUE IN NEW ENGLAND. One
of the inducements which the West has been
able TO hold out to restive New Englanders,
anxious to follow Horace Greeley's momQra-
Bile advice, might as well be abandoned. We
refer to fever and ague. Not that the West
has any less of it than it ever had, but its
prestige in that regard is lost, for New Eng
land is now able TO furnish the genuine arti-
Gle, so that nobody needs to ''go West" in


order TO catch it, The doctors say it was first
Haven; in year or two Middletown adopted
the fashion then Hartford and Windsor
Locks followed suit and this year there are
a dozen or more cases in Springfield The


type of the disease is rather mild-Out West
it wouldn't be called any great shakes, -
but it is severe enough 10 take the starch out
Year: 1878

The Democratic mind-that is to say, the leading
Democratic mind. is quite clear upon one point to
wit: That Mr. Tilden was defrauded Of the Pres
idential Office to which he was legally elected
There has never been any doubt upon that question
IL is now the cardinal principle of Democracy, its
first. and indeed its last and only article Of
faith. The utter collapse of the Potter enterprise
which was undertaken with the purpose of demon
strating the fact does not weaken the abundant
confidence felt by the Democracy in this regard
The failure of McLin and the mystifcations and
tyistlfcatons of Anderson do not disturb their
faith They knew there was fraud when the result
was first announced, and before any Of the
facts in the case had appeared and they have known
II ever since and mean keep right on knowing just
that and nothing else But they have been bothered
10 know what to do about it, First they were going
TO upset everything by means Of the Electoral
Commission, which they thought they had constl-
tinted 80 as to make a sure thing Of it, That falling
they undertook the Potter proceeding, but struck
at once into such nest of contradictions and
perjuies and mares nests, that they felt COM
peed 10 beat retreat and disclaim any revolution
nry purpose All the time, too there has been this
additional embarrassment. that, even if they could
oust President Hayes, they might be obliged to IN
state Mr. TdoU, which, after all that had happened,
would go very much against the stomach Of
the party. The Tammany Democracy Of this
city have been especially worried over this aspect
of the case There has been, of course, very gem
eral desire to utilize the Fraud crvi but to utilize
Il for the party, and not the candidate That being
all the stock in trade the party has left, they
naturally feel like nourshing it. How to do 1t
without it's resulting to Mr.. Tildens advantage has
been the question,


Mr. Augustus scholl. In his soul-stirring call to
the " Tammany Society or Columbian orderp has
answered 1t. This document makes no reference
not the remotest-to the late Democratic candidate
Year: 1878

President Morrison, of the Board of Excise, very
sensIbly recognizes. what THE TRIBUNE has already
pointed out that license to sell beer and ale such
as was granted to the Buckingham Palace, Gre
morne Garden, The Strand, and similar places in
the Twenty Precinct, does not warrant the
proprietors in making these places the public resort
of disordery characters Mr. Morrison viii be wise
not to wait for the police to report any disOrderly
conduct They do not, it is evident, intend to make
any report The police officials insist that the re-
sponMbility for the existence of these houses lies
with the Excise Commissioners who license them.
Let the Excise Commissioners revoke the licenses
at once The people who gather at these places are
of three classes only-professOnal thieves their
degraded women associates, ana the young dupes of
both sexes who are gradually being drawn into the
same paths of crime. There is not the slightest ex-
cuse for their continuance, and the public wish to
know what official, or what board Of officials, is
sponsible for continuing what is nuisance to the
neighbOrhood, and shameful and increasing school
Of vice.
Year: 1878

At one stage Of It's career the Sudry Civil
bill contained some judicious provisions to
regulate the public printing and there were
efforts TO furnish it with still further restric-
tive efficacy in this direction, but 1t would be
discouraging contract for an investigation
committee to report exactly what remains Of
the original bill after the additions and sub
fractions it suffered in worming its way
though both houses and q conference
committee. Unless it turns out that this
great National industry has been pre-
cipitately reduced to tho ideal business
basis, an opportunity ought TO be offered for
some one TO make an authoritative denial of
the unpleasant charges brought against 1t by
Mr.. Finley and others while the bill was
under discussion, OF to show cause why it
should not be pretty thoroughly Tegenerated.
The eccentric bookkeeping Of this establish
ment, its capricious estimates, the enormous
cost Of material used, its expensive
Year: 1878

The Commencement season has not fairly opened,
and yet several graduating orators have already
solemnly warned their hearers to avoid Scylla This
and Charybds That, and by no means to listen to
the song of Siren TOther. The young men will
probably get over ii, but such manifestations Of
youthful deprayity have tendency to unsettle the
popular belief that glorious destiny is reserved
for our native land.
Year: 1878

knew it too.


In the last moments of the session, ex-
Doorkeeper Polk got a vindication with two
months extra pay. The tag-rag and bobtall
Of the House declared that nothing had been
shown against his character, though the coun-
try was under a contrary impression, and
clapped on a plaster of back-pay besides
This is reward of demerit, and will encour-
age Doorkeepers of the present and future,
like the DoOrkeepers of the past, to do their
level worst.


There seems to be no probability that the
banker who advanced the money for the ex-
penses of the Louisiana Commission will lose
it. Ex-Governor Brown, one Of the five mem
bers of the Commission, protfers a check for
his proportion of the amount, and Secretary
sherman returns it with the statement that the
President proposes TO pay the whole sum him
self, if Congress again refuses an appropria-
ton. Congress may think twice, however,
before forcing the President to this course.


In submitting at Berlin scheme of reform
to supersede the San StefanO Treaty, the OF
toman Government betrays It's dormant hate
for Russia, and its fatal inability to
discern the drift of events. Observing
signs of discord among the diplOmatists,
it jumps to the conclusion that it may pru-
IDENTIFY disavow its pledges to Russia, and
delude the Powers into reGstablishing the
corrupt system which made Bulgaria the
plague-spot of Europe. Were the Porte
not hOpelessly obtuse, it might see that
the Powers disagree from common jeal-
Ousy, aud not from any desire to reGstablish
the Ottoman Empire. Much as the diplomat
lists may chafe under the task of inventing
devices to cOunteract each others influence,
they will not attempt to solve the difficulty
by accepting the Porte's tardy promises Of re-
form.


Difficult as 1t is to overcome the inertia Of a
legislative body, there is no excuse and can
be none for the disgraceful delay which puts
off the final consideration of the most i'm
portant appropriation bills until the last hours
of the session. No adjournment OF Con-
gress in recent years has been marked by the
disorder and riot which made the sessions OF
Wednesday night actually outrageous, when
Democratic Representatives pelted the Ser
geant-at-Arms bearing the mace with dOcu-
ments and paper wads, and General Butler
played the buffoOn, and the long spells of
waiting were filed up by singing camp-meeting
songs. 1t was during this time that the en-
crossing clerks were tOiling to complete the
chief appropriation bill so that the impatient
members might pass upon it, and all the
chances Of laundering IN the haste of copying
were added to the chances of blundering in the
haste of legislative action. One serious
error has already been discovered; probably
others will be- What they will cost the Gov
eminent there is no knowing, when q change
in comma once made a difference TO the
Treasury of a million dollars. But the sys-
tenn of legislative procrastination would be
equally Objectionable if mistakes were not Of
frequent occurrence. 1t is a grossly undigni-
fed way of doing public business and as
dangerous as If is discreditabe
Year: 1878

The day Congress adjOurns, the sale of four
per cent bonds takes a new start with a sub
BcriptiOn Of million dollars from one bank.
There seems TO be one way in which Congress
can benefit the business of the country.
Year: 1878




wIih Houston Belle, ana the ne


nOuem cot.


From the Houst on Telegraph, april 81


A good story is going the rounds
about q New York drummer, and
how he "was left" by a young lady
of this city. The drummer, whose
name for reasons is omitted, is
handsome, well educated and is
possessed Of considerable good
things of this life. He travels for
a New York house, more for the
pleasure than the profit. His bust
ness often calls him to Houston,
and upon one Of hisperiodical visits
he met one of our young ladies and
fell desperately in love with her.
His suit, as he fondly believed, was
encouraged. Buggy rides and eve
ming walks followed. Every Sun
day evening found the young lovers
at church together, and one of the
best seats in the theater was always
occupied by them whenever a COM
pany visited us. Their wooing and
lovemaking passed off pleasantly.
Their enjoyment seemed to be In
each others society. At last the
Gothamite popped the question, +"
and, as may be supposed, he
was accepted. He told his
fance of his Northern home.
and with much reluctance
he left to arrange his business, so
that he might return and be united
to the one Of his choice. While in
the metropolis he purchased a resi-
dence on Murray Hill, had it finely
furnished aud fitted. 1t was, from
all accounts, cage worthy of the
bird. Hurrying through his bust
ness he, with fond expectations Of
soon beng with his adoled one, left
for our city, and arrived in due
time. A few hours after his arrival
found himself at the residence of
Miss -, when to his surprise he
was very coldly received. The
yonng lady, after keeping him wait
ing In the parlor for some time, at
length appeared and professed to
be surprised to see him back so
soon. He didn't exactly under
stand it, but supposed it "was her
way, you know"


After some hesitation he broached
the subject of their approaching
nuptlals His astonishmeDt can be
imagined when told by the young
lady that ''she supposed it was only
a little filtration, and really had no
idea of marrying him, so she hoped
be would excuse her, especially as
arrangements were being made for
her marriage with an old sweetheart
whom pa thinks is just the thing
for me-" Our friend saw immedi-
ately that he was cleft" and with,
out much ado picked mp his hat
and departed sadder and wiser
man. The only thing that troubles
him now is to know yhat 10 do
with his Murray Hill residence and
to keep the affair out Of the new.
papers.
Year: 1878

Twenty Thousand People
old and young, every week. It is Just to say
that the patrons of the WESTERN
METHODIST belong to the best class Of
community.


We desire our business men to make a note
Of the above facts before completing their
advertising arrangements for the coming
season.


We use our best efforts to keep our columns
free of all irregular and irresponsible adver-
tisingi for many good people seeing an ad-
vertisement in paper. especially their
church paper, take it as guarantee Of re-
sponsibility. such confidence should not to
abused when it can be helped. We want.
therefore,


The Advertising Patronage
Of such business men and firms as we can
recommend to our friends and the public
without compromising the character of the
paper.


Our Terms Shall be In Harmon


With the business Outlook.


Send I'm Your Favors.
Year: 1878

A newspaper in the fullest sense Of the word,
at once adapted to the Merchant. the No
chanic, the Farmer. and everybody
dosirOus of keeping up with tho
stirring news of this live and


progressive age.
Year: 1878

cold should be paid for all called bonds on
prcsentation, with accrued interest to date'
The effect of this step is to unlock fifty mil
lions of gold now in the Treasury, ii the de-
mand in the market is real, or to enable
those who have actual needs for gold
to act Independently of any fictitious
quotations. 1t is not supposed that the
whole or the larger part of this amount VIII
be demanded. In fact, gold will be drawn
only when the rate of interest paid for gold
in the market is higher than 6 per cent, the
rate which the called bonds are paying to
holders, and then only if there is reason to
eIpect that the higher rate in the market Will
last for some time.


The object of the Secretary is q good one
namely TO prevent that discouragement with
respect to resumption and that disturbance OF the
export trade which steady advance III the pre-
MUM OH gold might occasion. In fact, serious
disturbance had already been created IN the ex-
port business, and there was q prospect that the
Shipment of American products would be
considerably reduced. With the new order
of the Secretary, and with large amounts
of gold already on the way hither to pay
for produce sent to Europe, the mar
ket Will pTODdDIy regain iOS NO"""N'~'
and steadiness The effect thus far has been
satisfactory to those who feel, with Mr.. Sher-
man, that the first and most sacred duty or
the Government is to prepare to meet It's OBJ
ligauons precisely when it has agreed to meet
them. There are difficulties in the resumption
Of specie payments and it is not wise either
TO bclittle or to exaggerate them. But the
work is half done when the country feels that
a vigorous and resOlute Administration, sus-
tanned by powerful party, is determined to
put forth all the powers conferred by legisla-
ton, in order to make good the Nations
promises.


Mr.. Sherman also determined to adopt
new plan in the purchase of silver bullion for
coinage. Hitherto he has been not little
embarrassed by partial dependence of the
market upon London quotations Of silver In
asmuch as they did not correspond with prices
at which SILVER was purchased here, and mas
much as the United States Government, now
the chief purchaser of silver, has no occasion
to depend upon foreign markets TO fix the
price it shall pay to producers of this country
the Treasury will hereafter receive proposals
To sell silver. whenever it has occasion to buy,
i'm the same manner as gold was formerly sold.
1t is possible that these sales may have an
important effect upon foreign markets.
Year: 1878

Whenever the people of this country under
stand that what is called GTcenbackism is,
in reality, nothing but a more mlschlcyOus
and cowardly form of rcbelism, we are sure
that they Will give il "a decisive an answer
"a they gave years ago to the more open at
tempts to destroy the Union. In the Hot
Drops issued as Greenback tracts by NJ. NJ.
Pomeroy, and circulated all over the land by
Greenback Committees and Clubs, this pur-
pose is hardly concealed. Brick Pomeroy +"
himself has never pretended to conceal his own
hostility to the Union, and has boasted since
the war that he was rs thorough a rebel as
he was during the war, and he furnishes, and
Greenback Committees and Clubs scatter
widely, such declarations as this:


Next order will be the declaration that the United
States Government having the TO create money.
a. It Ia needed develop tho industries Of the United
states shall never more borrow dollar or less OF
any person and that II snail never more issue United
States bonds Of any Kind or cla'a


Every man who supports the Greenback
movement has seen in Its Journals
and its platforms, and heard in its
speeches, similar declarations to this. But
what does it mean That the Government
shall not borrow needlessyf All good
citizens agree in that. No man is advocating
new loan. Nobody contcmplates the possi-
bhty of any further borrowing of money by
the United States, except IN case Of lCdr, for
the suppression of another rebellion, or the
defeat of a foreign invasion. But the Green
back doctrine is that the United States shall
"ncver more borrow u dollar of any person,
"or issue United States bond of any kind
L" or class" That is. the Union shall he made
utterly powerlcss and helpless, so that anybody
who pleases can get up rebellion with
impunity. Is that not the obvious and only
objecti Except in dire necessity, the people
have no wish 10 incur debt. They prefer TO
pay off debt, rs the Republican party has been
paving the debt created in putting down a
Democratic rebellion. And they sincerely hope
there may never be another rebellion TO rem
der necessary the borrowing of money. But,
in order that there may be no more rebellion,
the people mean to retain the power to put
down any that may arise. The surest way to
cause reSellion and civil war is to strip the
Union Of power, 80 that any discontentcd fac
ton can revolt with safety.
Year: 1878

Secretary Sherman has again taken an i'm
portant step at the right time. His presence
in this city on Monday was in itself an impor-
tant indication to those who had feared the
success of combinations to defeat resumption.
The premium on gold, which had been stead
lily pushed upward for several days, as if there
were serious and growing doubts whether the
Government would be able to resume specie
payments, dropped quickly more than half of
one per cent as soon as Mr.. Sherman's arrival
in the city was known. During Monday


be conferred with leading bankers and
announced his determination to meet the sup
posed scarcity of gold in the market by the
order which was published yesterday. that