smithclay/nortonstories huggingface dataset:
Year: 1878

The Fourth in Canaan.-A couple of years ago, the boys saw fit to celebrate the natal hour of the ''Centennial Fourth" with ringing of bells, firing of guns and crackers, and divers other noises, hideous and indes- cribable, but dear to the Young American heart. This, if not pleasant, was at least considered patriotic, and, under the cir cumstances was endurable.@ Last year, al- though their significance had chiefly and their appropriateness entirely departed, the noises were continued until the peoples pa tience was pretty thoroughly exhausted.

 This year the night preceding the Fourth was veritable pandemonium of noise cannons. anvils, crackers. fish-horns, horse tiddles, and the like-and passive endurance is no longer possible. Our citizens are disposed to enter decided protest against such an internal racket In the middle of the night. To compel people in this manner to lie awake for three or four hours is an imposition upon good nature. If, in order to properly celebrate the birthday of Amer ican freedom, Young America must make itself noisy and generally disagreeable, there is certainly time enough between the hours of sunrise and sunset to accomplish the task effectually. Begin at the ''crack O day." boys, and, even then quiet people will readily admit that sufficient unto the day is tae evil thereof"
Year: 1878

William Cullen Bryant's advice to young man who had offered an article for the Even ing Post, acquires interest at the present time, when the whole country is mourning his death.

 My young friend, I observe you have used several French expressions in your letter. l think if you will study the English language, that you will find it capable of expressing all the ideas that you may have. have always found 1t 80, and in all that I have written do not recall an instance where was tempted to use foreign word, but that on searching l have found 8 better one in my own language. Be simple, unaffected; be honest in your speaking and writing. Never use long word when short one will do as we'll. Call g spade by It's name, not well known instrument of manual labor ; let home be home, and not . residence g place not locality, and so on of the rest. When short word will do, you always lose by long one. You lose in clear ness, you lose in honest expression of mean ing and in the estimation of all men who are capable of judging, you lose in reputation for ability. The only true way to shine, even in this false world, is to be modest and unassum- ing. Falsehood may be thick crust, but in the course of time truth will find place to break through. Elegance of language may not be in the power of us all but simplicity end strsightforwardness are.
Year: 1878

A story is current among the Chinese of great wine thinker, who was able to sit all day at table, and after consuming what would have been sufficient to drive the req son out of half dozen men. would rise up perfectly sober. The Emperor, hearing the fame of this deep thinker, asked him to dinner, that he might test his marvellous powers. AS the story goes, the king had ordered hollow figure to be cast in bronze of the exact size and model of this man, and, as the wine was served, for each cup the guest drank. similar cup was poured into the opening at the top of the head of the image. This went on for some houre, until at length the bronze statue over-fowed while the guest continued at the table, and rose from it perfectly sober.
Year: 1878

The following lines were written on the fy- saf of book, by e lady in Canaan Valley. hey were not intended for publication and 'ere brought to our notice through an inti- late friend of the lady.

 When am gone to rest, my friends,

 And bid adieu to earth, Weep not, that have passed away,

 But let your songs be mirth. When am gone where care and pain No more can trouble me; Then think. my friends, what joy and peace There is beyond the sea. To be at home with all the pure,

 Where sin can never come; There to be numbered with the blest, And weary, rest at home. know of loved ones waiting there,

 That long to welcome mo; And when we meet in heaven above, How happy we shall be. Then weep no more !; be calm, my friends, When the last sad look you take, At one who rests in peaceful sleep,

 But never more shall wake. And in the years that are to come,

 When gazing on the spot Where, resting in the earth, lay,

 Let me not be forgot. My form familiar you will miss,

 In my quiet lonely home; Then cheer the loved ones have left ;- Let not their footsteps roam. Again adieu, my loving friends;

 Adieu to one and all. And when the Saviour bids you come,

 Be ready at His call A. T.
Year: 1878

People get sun.struck every summer who might by proper care escape such Q calam' ity. A number of fatal cases have already occurred in New York, and the Board of Health of that city have issued 8 circular telling how to avoid sun-stroke and how to treat 1t when it occurs. We give it here with for the benefit of those who would take the necessary precautions if they knew them:

 ''Sunstroke is caused by excessive heat, and especially if the weather is 'muggy. It is more apt to occur on the second, third or fourth day of heated term than on the first. Loss of sleep, worry, excitement, close sleeping.rooms, debility, abuse of stimulsnts, predispose to it. It is more apt to attack those working in the sun. and es- pecially between the hours of II o'clock in the morning and 4 o'clock in the afternoon. On hot days wear thin clothing. Have as cool sleepiDg-rooms as possible. Avold loss of sleep and all unnecessary fatigue. If working indoors, and where there Is ar tiiciaI heat-laundries, &c.-see that the room is well ventilated If working in the sun, wear light hat (not black, as it ab' sorbs heat.) straw. etc., and put inside of it on the head wet cloth or large green leaf frequently lift the hat from the head and see that the cloth is wet. Do not check precipitation, but drink what water you need to keep it up, as precipitation pre- vents the body from being overloaded. Have, whenever possible, an additional shade, as . thin umbrella, when walking, a canvass or board cover when working in the sun. When much fatigued do not go to work, but be excused from work espe- cially after II o'clock in the morning on very hot days, if the work is in the sun. If feeling of fatigue, dizziness. headache, or exhaustion occurs, cease work immedi- ately, lie down in . shady and cool place i; apply cold cloths to and pour cold water over the head and neck. If any one IS overcome by the heat, send for the nearest good physician. While waiting for the physician, give the person cool drinks or water or cold black tea, or cold coffee, If able to swallow. If the skin is hot and dry sponee with, or pour cold water over the body and limbs, and apply to the head pounded ice wrapped in a towel or other cloth. If there IS no ice at hand, keep cold cloth on the head, and pour colo water on 1t as we'll as on the body. If the per son is very pale, very faint, and pulse feeble let him inhale ammonia for few seconds. or give him . Ieaspoonful of aromatic spirits of ammonia in two teaspoonfuls of water with little sugar."
Year: 1878

The Liver is the imperial organ of the whole human system, as 1t controls the life, health and happiness of man. When 1t is disturbed in it's proper sction, ell kinds of ailments are the natural result. The digest Ion of food, the moyements of the heart and blood, the action of the brain and nerv- ous system, are all immediately connected with the workings of the Liver. It has been successfully proved that Greens Au- gust Flower is unequaled in curing all per sons afflicted with Dyspepsia or Lver Complaint, and all the numerous symptoms that result from an unhealthy condition of the Liver and Stomach. Sample bottles to try, 10 cents. Positively sold in all towns on the Western Continent. Three doses will prove that it is just what you want.
Year: 1878

A hawk swooped down upon a weather vane on church spire, and was disgusted to find it only an imitation rooster. The bird now agrees with the preacher of the +church-that all is vane,ty. ..
Year: 1878

: It has been discovered that the sun Is about five hundred thousand miles nearer the earth than has been supposed. Perhaps after awhile, the man who is sunstruck will get chance to strike back.
Year: 1878

Occasionally the fluctuations of land
may be cxempliiicd TO an extent which
could hardly be expected, fact well
illustrated by the case of the Temple of
Jupiter Scraps at Puzzuoli, on the Bay
of Naples. This temple, now in ruins,
dates from very ancient period, three
marble pillars remaining to mark the cx-
tent of what was once magnificent
pile of buildings. Half way up these
pillars the marks of boring shcll-fsh arc
seen some burrows formed by these
mollusks still containing the shells bv
means of which they were cxcavatcd.
AT the present time the sea level is at
even below that site. Hence arises the
fish gain asccss to the pillars, to burrow
into them in the manner dcscribcd?"
Dismissing as an irrelevant and impos-
siblc idea that of the mollusks being
able to ascend the dry pillars, two sup
positions remain. Either the pillars
and temple must have gone down to the
sea through the subsidencc Of the land, ,
or the sea must have come up to the pill
lars. If the latter theory be entertain
ed, the sea level must be regarded as
having of necessity altered its level all


along the Bay of Naples and all along
all the Mediterranean coasts. And as
this inundation would have occurred
within the historic period, we would
expect not only to have had some rec
ord preserved to us of the calamity, but
we should also have been able to point
to distinct and ineflaceablc traces of sea-
action on the adjoining coasts. There
is, however, no basis whatever for this
supposition. No evidence is forthcom-
ing that any such rise of the sea ever
took place; and hence we are forced to
conclude that the subsidence or sinking
of the land contains the only rational
explanation of the phenomena. We
had thus local sinking of land taking
place at Puz3uoli The old temple was
gradually submerged; its pillars were
buried beneath the waters of the sea,
and the boring mollusks of the adjacent
sea-bed fixed on the pillars as n habita-
ton, and bored their way into the
stone. Then second geological change
supervened. The action of subsistence
was exchanged for one of elevation !;
and the temple and its pillars gradually
rose from the sea, and attained their
present level, while the stone-boring
shell-fsh were left to die in their homes.
The surrounding ncighborhood-that
of Vesuvius is the scene of constant
change and alteration in land-level !;
and the incident is worth recording, il
only to show how the observation of
the apparently trifling labors of she'll
fish serves to substantiate grave and
important chapter in the history of the
EARTH Chambers journal.
Year: 1878

n powder mill is not the least like
other mills. Instead of one great build
ing, it is composed of many rough look
ing little sheds--somctimes as many MS
seventy OF eighty. These are long dis
tances apart, separated by dense woods
and great mounds of earth, so that if
one house is blown up, the others will
escape like fate. or some the walls
are built very strong, and the roofs
very slight, in the hope that if an explo-
sion happens, its force will be extended
upward only. Other houses have cnor-
nous roofs of masonry covered with
earth; on the roofs of others are tanks
kept always full of water.


The constant danger inseparable from
the work would be greatly increased
were there not strict rules, always en-
forced. No cautious visitor can be
more careful than the workmen them
selves, for they know, if any accident
happens, it will be certain, instant death
to them. So no lights or fires are ever
allowed; no one lives nearer the mills
ings are carpeted with skins, and the
floors are always flooded with an inch
or two of water; and in front of every
door is a shallow tank of water. Before
entering, every person must put on
rubber shoes and walk through the
water, for the nails in u boot-heet
might strike spark from bit of sand
or gravel which might explode single
grain of gunpowder, and cause wide
spread disaster So the rubber shoes
worn in the mill are never worn else
where. Then too, every one is expec-
ted TO keep his wits about him; there
is never any loud talking and laughter
and no one ever thinks of shouting
Yet with all this extreme care, explos-
ions sometimes occur, and then there /:
seldom any one left TO tell how il hap
pened.
Year: 1878

'rll tell You how it was. You see,
Bill and me went down to the wharf to
fish, and felt in my pocket to find my
knife, and it was gone; and | said :;
Bill, YOU stole my knife and he said
/ was another; and ] said: 60 there
yoursclf;' and he said it was no such
thing; and | said he was a liar, and |
could whip him if was biggcr'n him
and he said he'd rock me to sleep, moth
cr; and said he was a bigger one /; and
| said for him to fork over that knife,
OF I'd fix him for tombstone at Cy-
press Hills, and he said my grandmoth-
er was no gentleman; and l said he
dersn't take it up; but he did, you bet ;
you never-well, you never did; then
l got up again; and he tried TO, but he
didn't; and l grabbed him and throwcd
him down on the top of me like several
bricks; and tell you it beat all-and SC
did he; and my little dog got behind
Bill and bit him; and Bill kicked al
the dog and the dog ran, and | ran
after the dog to fetch him back, and
didn't catch him till got clear home
and III whip him more yet. Is my eye
black
Year: 1878

A Kentucky preacher rose TO speak,
and opened the Bible. The first verse
that met his eye happened to be, "The
voice of the turtle shall be heard in the
land" "Brethering" said he, "at first
sight one would not think there was
much in the text, but, OH little consid-
Grafton, you will see that there is a
great deal in it. Now, you all know
what a turtle is. If you've been along
by pond, You must have seen them on
a log summing themselves. Now, it is
said, THE voice, of the turtle shall be
heard through the land But the turtle
hasn't any voice, that anybody ever
heard; so it must be the noise he makes


in plunging of the log into the water
Hence, we conclude that immersion


is meant, and that immersion will be-
come universal"
Year: 1878

When man goes round the house
sighing and wishing himself dead you
needcn't trouble to put the bottle OF OPT
um away. He wouldn't touch il for
worlds. II he should be suddenly at
tackled with the collie, you would hear
him screaming out for doctor at the
top of his voice. One day Pompey said
he wanted TO die and go to. glory. He
wrought himself into an ecstatic state,
and told the people at prayer meeting
that he positively couldn't wait much
longer. That night, at twelve, some
one knocked at his cabin door. "What
do you want!' said the colored man
tremblingly. IL want Pompey TO take
him to glory" replied grufi voice.
The darkey thought moment and then
said. "Alisler Angel, Pompey done
moved up Norf three months ago, and
don't never expect to come back again.
Now go away" White or black we are
all the same.
Year: 1878

Some days since there was turkey
shoot at Glover, and the boys who hoped
to shoot or steal turkey were all there.
Towards night, three of them, who
had not been successful, started home in
rather melancholy mood. As they
were approaching farmers hOnse, they
the door-yard, and conceived the plan
"lifting" one of them. AS they drove
up opposite the house, they called loud
they were just returning from the shoot
ing match, and that the three turkeys
in the yard had escaped from under
the seat of the wagon. The farmer, n
very accommodating man, by their re-
quest volunteered to assist in catching
the escaped poultry, and immediatly set
about driving them into the barn. The
best one of the three was soon captured,
but the other two having escaped, the
boys told the kind neighbor that it
didn't matter, as they were coming back
in the morning and then would catch
them. The pretended owners kindly
thanked the farmer for his assistance,
slowed the gobbler under the wagon
seat and swiftly drove away. Next
morning, as the owner of the turkeys
was making preparations for the thanks
giving feast, he went ont to look up the
turkeys that he might appropriate the
best for the Thanksgiving table. After
considerable search only two could be
found. Suddenly, as if thunder-bolt
had rent the vail before the door of his
understanding. light burst in upon
him that caused him to see the beauty
and completeness of the sell that had
been played upon him the day before


Overwhelmed with chagrin, with his
plumcs trailing in the dust, he returned
to his armed chair in the kitchen to
mediate OH the heights of human folly
and the depths of human depravity.
Year: 1878

A Frenchman having heard the word
''press made use of to signify persua-
sion, as, "Press that gentleman TO take
something to eat" took occasion ut a
party to use term which he thought
synonymous, and begged friend to
squeeze lady to sing.
Year: 1878

"You wasn't around when they dealt
out hair, was your" said red-haircd
man to bald headed man in railroad
car. eyes, / was there" said the man
with the skating rink on the top of his
head; ~ was there, but they offered
me handful of red hair, and told them
to throw it into the coal scuttlc to kim
die the fire with"
Year: 1878

(which is the most valuable-experi-
cnce or instinct" was the subject up
for discussion at country debating
society recently. One member said ex-
periencc teaches us to back up TO hot
stove when we are cold, but when our
coat-tails catch fire instinct is boss.
Year: 1878

GOLD IS down to / 4 cent premium,
which is the lowest rate recorded. 1t
practically brings gold and greenbacls
together, for it would be lost sight of at any
time that a pressure for money should
arise. Gold has been an article of mer-
chandise, for the carrying of which the
owner was obliged to pay interest in the
same manner that he would on sugar, pork
or grain. When the whole volume of gold
in the United States shall be used as a
banking currency the holders will have
something which can be loaned so as to
earn interest instead Of an article on which
they have to pay interest either practically
or Theoretically. When this time comes
there will inevitably be an extensive ex-
pansion in the currency or the money that
circulates. The time must be near for
several large national banks have already
given notice that they will redeem any OF
their currency circulation in gold.
Year: 1878

WILLIAM NJ. TWEED, better known as
"Ross" Tweed, died last Friday in Ludlow
street Jail, New York. The evil that he
has done lives after him. No man of his
time did more to debauch public morals,
or dying will leave more unsavory record.
That he may have possessed some private
virtues or that doubtful quality of character
called personal magnetism" is probably
true, but so far as his connection with pub
lie affairs is concerned it was unqualifedly
bad and debasing to the last degree. Not
only was he the biggest thief of the age,
but he organized a school of municipal
rascality in which organized robbery was
reduced to a science and the work of plum
dering cities was brought to the perfection
of fine art. His example has been followed
in greater or less degree by many men in
many cities, and of all parties, thus his ex-
ample has been one of widespread evil.
To have risen from the position of an
humble mechanic to that of a political
autocrat in a great city like New York
argues mental characteristics of no mean
quality. But his powers were all devoted
to ell-aggrandizement, and so far as known
no person is the better for his having lived
while the public morals are much the
worse
Year: 1878

The European war question appears to be
far from solution. Bismarck is reported to
be favorable to peace congress, but de-
clines to say SO to Russia, because such an
intimatioR from him would be construed
as a menace on the part of Germany. The
difficulties so far appear to be a diplomacy,
but Great Britain is pushing her warlike
preparations, and Russia is insisting upon
her demands for possession of Bessarabia
and for numerous concessions by the Turks.
As to the latter, it is stated that the Sultan
IS removing his treasures and armament
from Constantinople to Scutari, evidently
with a view of flight to the latter place in
the event of the occupation of CONSTANT.
nopls by the Russians.
Year: 1878

The expectation of a speedy resumption
OF specie payments, says the Baltimore Sun,
gives a more assured tone to the business
community generally, where before feel
ing of dependency had prevailed. The
low prices Of merchandise, as we'll IS of all
other descriptions of property, give promise
OF more satisfactory business in the
future an urency question once
settled, 1t is thought confidence would be
strengthened and the way prepared for a
new departure in trade.
Year: 1878

NEW YORK, Jan. Especial from Harris
burg says: In the lower house of legislature
yesterday resolution was offered for the ap-
pOintlnent of joint committee of the senate
and house 10 inquire into the circumstances
Of the riots, and ascertain the causes as well
the results of The same and report the result of
their investigation To the legislature. The in
PRODUCTION of the resolution was followed by
protracted and very spirited debate. After
the close OF which a molten Ia indefinitely
postpone the subject was carried by small
majority. Tie members who voted in the
affirmative fear that the committee might
make report TO the legislature which would
throw the responsibility for the riots and the
consequent dana ge on the STATE
Year: 1878

TIE KING REUNIONS This evening will be
marked by the first literary reunion (by card
mytation) of the season at the residence of
Hon. HuratiO King. on II street. These even
mgS have proven very attractive heretofore
10 Il large circle i'll the society OF the capital,
who are not content with such entertainment
as mere formal receptions OF dancing parties
afford, and there is little room for doubt that
the series OF this winter will prove To be as
pleasant and eleYating as those OF previous
years. MIR. and Mrs. King have the faculty OF
bringing the most charming people together,
and i'll addition the literary exercises proper,
which are rarely too long and always interest
meeting in social converse a fair representa-
tion of the best thought and culture in the
citv
Year: 1878

Nature is never superfuous, what is necessary for man is provided, and from her vast treasuae house has been drawn and carefully selected those materials composing Home Stomach Bitters.
Year: 1878

The Christmas number of The Christian Onion, to
be issued this afternoon, will contain the following
letter from Edwin Booth, sent in reply TO request
from the EdItor for an article upon the drama:


DEAR SIR On my arrival here found your favor OF
LIST inst, but have been prevented non answer 1t
until to-day.


Having no literary ability whatever must decline
your haterng Invitation do know how to aid the
worthy you advocate coud do 80 be assured 1t
should DO freely done.


ny knowledge OF the modern Drama is so very neagre
Year: 1878

In great measure upon OF the teeth and the
from Impurities The Incompatible SozoDoSI nyi
crates and pnes them and Is safe ana agreeable oosu
preparation far preferable 10 powder or ordinary wash
Year: 1878

Miners are continually dying of heat in
the lower levels of the Comstock, but that
does not disturb the pride of the Gold Hill
Neqos in the facts that on the surface there
are suow-storms all the year round, and
water congeals at forty degrees. Gold
Hill, I suppose, is the place described in
the familiar missionary hymn


Where every prospector freezes.