smithclay/nortonstories huggingface dataset:
Year: 1877




In previous numbers, full descriptions
have been given of the difference be
tween the tide marshes and the ordinary
river marshes found higher up our river
valleys


To the prairie farmer, where land
costs but little to improve, where with
favorable seasons and no insects, good
crop can be realized every year at small
expense, 1t seems very strange that II
resident of Washingtou Territory would
value so highly land that costs much
more to get ready for crop, in draining,
clearing off the timber, diking, etc, than
his own fertile fields are worth with all
their valuable improvements. He can
not see why, in country with few
good roads, country 80 difficult to sub
due, any comparison at all should be
made with his own so easily titled prai
ries.


AT first view their objections seem cor
rect, and this is the way the Sound
country appears to many immigrants,
when they first come here from the Mis-
sissippi valley. Yet on further refec.
tion, several things are noted that
do not at first appear. Among these are
that it costs scarse nothing for fencing,
humber and fuel. Then there are no in
scots. The damp climate that forms our
marshes preventing the insects from
growing. Then crops are never destroy
ed by drought, nor, with good tillage,
are they scarce ever liable to fail from
any GAUGE. The winters are so mild that
stock needs little feed and no close sta
bles while the summers are 30 cool
that none find the heat at all disagree.
able.


Then to this very moisture and even
ness of climate is perhaps the chief cause
'ot the wonderful productiveness Of these
very marshes when improved, causing
them to yield double or treble the yield
of the prairies Of the Mississippi per acre.


Then when we reflect that we live be-
side the ocean; that our markets are
those of the world that the cbeapness
of ocean distribution gives W. the high
est market price for our products, one
that can never be gutted, he favor
with with which the Puget Sound
rsncher regards his marsh land is not al.
together unfounded.


The three principal marshes are the
one opposite this place eight miles long
by some two miles wide, containing
some ten thousand acres. The one on
Trench's slough, partly river bottom
and partly above the level of the bot
tom land. A great deal Of work is now
being done there by its hardy settlers.
THIS marsh comprises several thousand
acres, nearly all of which will be brought
into cultivation within year or two at
most.


A great deal ofditchiug has been done,
Q good road constructed along the edge
and part Of the way through it. Among
the energetic workers in this region are
Messrs. Hurley, Cedergreu, Cotton, SOrin-
son and Others. As soon as circunstan-
ces will allow a personal visit, an article
will be furnished specially descriptive Of
this valuable region.


The other large marsh in this valley
is the one on the snoquslnie, opposite
Duyalt'S This is as large or larger than
Year: 1877

A young woman incurably sick In New
Haven, desires that after death her body
may be dissected. She says 1T can do
me no possible harm, and it may benefit
science, and through it some other uEfor-
tunate affected like myself. Moreover
desire to express in this manner the graf.
itnde l feel to the many medical men
who have laborcd for my relief.
Year: 1877

A paper recently contained the follow.
ing item "A building in this city took
fire in the roofrcccntly from spontaneous
combustion. An examination into the
cause was made but nothing bearing on
the subject was ascertnined beyond the
fact that the editica was tcnun'ed


thirty.cight lawyers" ..scs
Year: 1877

NICK PALMER, who arrived on

 Wednesday from Globe district,

 and to whom we are indebted for many interesting facts concerning

 that really desirable mining coun-

 try, says that McMillan & Harris have sold their mine which they had previously bonded to a San

 Francisco gentleman for S120,00O,

 figure surprisingly low for such a mine and which fact, no doubt, the late proprietorS now respectfully admit, but cannot help themselves for the reason that that was the price nominated in the bond which was signed, sealed and delivered before the mine had developed such unparalleled richness. The instrument was given when the mine was sunk upon but fifty feet and M. & H. were authorized to continue the shaft until notice of acceptance or rejection of terms, within the time specified, were made known to M. & H. They continued to sink and now, at the depth of eighty feet. from the clause of the agreement they are made S90,OOO richer than if the bond had not contained it. The mine has been proved, in way known to mining experts, who say there is s5OO,OOO in sight. At the bottom of the shaft there is a vein of crude silver, almost pure,
Year: 1877

There passed through our streets dnring the past week detach- ment of Navajo Indians, all of whom were enlisted men in the service of the United States, un- der the commaed of a United States Regular Army officer. We are informed that these Indians perform the service for which they have been enlisted in a very satisfactory manner. AS accounts and guides they have no equal 1; and as fighters-well the people of this Territory have had ample experience on that point. It is certainly much more satisfactory to have these Indians fighting for us than against us. It was a wise suggestion to so employ them.-

 Mesilla Independent,
Year: 1877

Even mines may be robbed, and when that takes place it is the owners who are the robbers. This term is applied to the removalof ore from pillars which have been left to carry the roof, or to the improper removal of the rich ore while the poor is left in the mine

 The former destroys the safety of the operations. and the latter is likely to shorten the life of the enterprise, for the sake of imme- diate large profits. A case of the former kind occurred lately in sweden. The old copper mine Of FaIun has been worked for many centuries. and seems to have a history rather unusually broad, of alternate good and bad manage inent. in the seventeenth century several caves occurred, the mine falling in as a consequence of the weakeningO Of the ore pillars. These had been cut away partially on account of the scarcity of the ore. The disasters which this temerity caused compelled the adoption of better system of working; hut after a time another change took place and vast reaches of the mine were removed without leaving adequate supports for the great wall of rock which was thus un- dermined. A short time ago this hanging wall, from point about thousand feet below the surface, gave way. The surface sank fifteen feet over an area of several acres, the mining buildings were injured and it is doubtful whether the mine can ever be worked again.
Year: 1877

MINERAL oil wells are being developed with pronounced suc- cess in Ventura county Cal. One firm of San Francisco has eNpend- ed a very large amount in the purchase of engines, boring tools etc., and are boring two wells, each of which is to be sunk 1900 feet, unless a flowing well be found at lesser depth. All the oil hith- erto found has to be pumped from the wells. as it consists only of the seepage which is forced up by the gas through the seams in the rock from the grand reservoir supposed to exist at greater depth.

 The chief oil belt in Ventura seems to lie under what is known as Sulphur Mountain, a ridge lying about ten miles north of Ventura, rising to the height of 1000 feet, and continuing for about thirteen miles in a direction nearly east and west. On the north aud south slopes of this range the principal work has been done, the higher wells or those nearest the summit, invaribIy yielding more and better oil than those lower down. The summit itself, lying between the EX-MissiOn and the Ojai ranches, is Government land, and a local company has contracted to have a road made and steam machinery placed on the very top of the ridge. From the well to be bored here ill the very centre of the belt great things are expected. This will make four steam outfits at work, the owners of each of which will sink their wells to the grand reservoir below, or until they are satisfied it does not exist. Mean while from the other wells, black and green, about 300 barrels per month, are being shipped-the former being used in many places in the manufacture of gas.- Min ing Record.
Year: 1877

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- know ,edging this fact allow me to add that thofe 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- ton.

 JAMES Ea. BARNEY.
Year: 1877

The Denver & Rio Grande Rail- way company have just completed their road over the Sangre de Christo range of the Rocky mOun- tains, at an elevation of 9339 feet, to Fort Garland, in the San Luis valley, and now propose to offer inducements in the way of low freight rates to the people of Ari- zona to patronize them. The Kansas Pacific gives still another outlet and inlet to our trade.

 All that is needed is for some one of our merchants to break the way and the rest will be obliged 10 follow. Then we shall have goods laid down here at a price so little above San Francisco whole sale prices that we shall hear no more of the ruinOus rates people have to pay for the necessities of life.

 The present terminus at Fort Garland is in Colorado, but it is very near the line of New Mexico, and not a great ways from the northeast corner of Arizona. The distance is considerable yet, it is true, to transport freight by wag- ens, but a majority of the road Is excellent, and we'll adapted to oxen, which can find plenty of natural feed and plenty of water which, under the New Mexican system of freighting, will bring the price per pound down to about the rates that have to be paid for half the distance where teams have te be fed grain. Then again, when the owners of the railroad see that they have something to hope from Arizona they will, Ot course, keep extending their road in this direction, shortening the gap, quickening the time and cheapening the rate.

 This company seems to have but just walked up to the fact that there is d country south and west of Fort Garland that is worthy of their attention. and although they have no scientific data to go upon, ,never having sent their civil engineers to survey the route, they still seem to know the facts to be. and are determined to profit by such knowledge.

 All the surveys and projected routes, as delineated on the maps sent out by the Kansas Pacific show that they had no better con- ception of the lay of the country than 10 suppose the Rio Grande river to be about ali there was of New Mexico, and the only way to reach the waters of the Colorado of the West, or Of the Pacific ocean, was by way nf the San Domingo or San Pedro,and in order to strike the water of these streams have surveyed, as the red lines on the map snow, all around Robin Hoods barn, and lost themselves laundering back to the Colorado, after having nearly surrounded that outlet to the sea. They now evidently see their mistake, and are feeling their way westward from Fort Garland on more direct route and through as good coun- try to the very heart of Arizona, and thence on to tidewater al either one of half dozen good harborS.-lPrescOtt Miner.
Year: 1877

Gold, Silver, Copper or Lead, will be made at highest possible rates for account of owners. My long experience and con- nection with buyers in the different mar kets give me very decided advantage over any one in the Territory in making such sales to the profit of those entrusting them to me. Correct and responsible assays obtained and submitted when desired.
Year: 1877

On the principle that 1.-The early bird catches
the worm," some of the most sagaciOus dealers
in Holiday Goods are already arranging their
displays and getting ready to make their at
fractions known to the public. IL Is well un-
derStOOd fact that the best customers are those
who make their holiday selections early. while
stocks are fun and fresh, and when they can
be properly waited on. Dealers who would
secure this desirable trade should. therefore,
be prompt 10 give the widest possible publicity
to such inducements as they propose To hold
out 10 purchasers seeking bargains. We need
not add that the advertising columns of THE
STAR are the recognized medium for all CON-
municatiOns If this class. but We may be par
dOned for reminding business men that the
loss of a days trade before the holidays can
never De made up after they have gone by.
Those who commence earliest are consequently
least likely to have to carry over portion of
their stock Of goods until next season. with
the risk of being out of style, shOp-wOrn, and
ultimately sold below cost to prevent total
loss Of the investment.
Year: 1877

France is favOring newSpaperdOm with
another crisis. MacMahOn could not act with
more danger TO the republic if he were an am
bItiOuS and INSCRIPTIONS politician and his
''lOyalty and good intentions mythical. The
sinuOus course of the diplOmatiSt is adopted by
the honest old soldier" The Dufaure cabi-
net is indefinitely postponed. by reason of
misunderstanding between the neSOtiators
Meanwhile the monarchists govern and the
chamber refuses tn vote the budget. France is
Slowly working out the problem of true parlia-
mentary government. Her constitution is not
a growth. whose roots are planted in the affec-
tiOnS of her citizens il is a manufacture which
the French people are only gradually learning
To appreciate and support. A paper govern
ment is worthless without the official and pub
lie virtue necessary to carry it into operation.
According to the terms of the French cOnsti-
tuition the ministers, as a body, are responsible
10 the chambers for the policy pursued by
them, and il is this paper responsibility which
the chamber of deputies is trying to make an
actual one. This effort is i'm the interest Of
true parliamentary and representative govern
ment and is of course bitterly opposed by all
shades of the mOnarchist sentiment that still
infeets France. The power of the chamber i'm
this struggle lies in its hold on the nations
purse strings: its weakness is its liability to
dissolution. In England the Queen may dis
solve the popular body at her pleasure: in
France the consent of the Senate is required.
But with such difficulty do the French cOmpre-
hend the principles of parliamentary govern
ment, that while in England no prime minis
ter would dare to attempt a second dissOlu-
tiOn. the French executive. forgetting the
spirit and intention of the law. threatens the
popular body with the dangers of continuous
dissolutiOns. The chamber is making a sus-
tanned and vigorous effort to keep the republic
republican. and in spite of the opposition of
craft and force seems likely to succeed.
Year: 1877

Any one wishing to make Christmas pre-
sent of a literary character may find some
thing nice in that line in a set of the first four
editions of Shakespeare's works, now offered
for sale i'm New York. for which the trifling
little sum of four thousand dollars is asked.
The lOt-four folio volumes,-is said to have
cost its present owner considerably above five
thousand dollars, upwards of one thousand
dollars of which was expended in putting the
set in its present superb dress. The volumes
are little too tall for the book shelves in our
office, which do not well accommodate any
thing larger than quarto. hence we give our
readers the chance to get them.
Year: 1877

The conjunction of Venus and the moon
Saturday evening was the most brilliant celes
tial spectacle of a year which has been noted
for its planetary displays. The atmosphere
was extraordinarily pure, and the approach OF
the two heavenly bodies in a clOudless sky
was observed by thousands of our citizens
The scenes presented at different stages of the
progress of the planets were beautiful in the
extreme.
Year: 1877

Advertisers are requested to send in their an
nouncements early in the day possible, and in
all cases before IL o'clock VI. The insertion in the
same days issue of those reaching the Office after
that hour cannot lie assured.
Year: 1877

Those Of our citizens who are fortunate enough
to be able to seek reepite from the labors Of the
business season just closed, and to recuperate
their energies at some of the many delightful
summer resorts to be found in the Northern
States and Canada, will be glad to learn that the
old favorite Jackson route, under vigorous and
efficient management. has become one Of the
very best travelling thoroughfares in the country


Hundreds Of thousands of dollars have been
expended, as we are credibly informed, during
the past twelve months for new iron and steel
rails, new cross-ties and new bridges, and to-day
it may be safely said that no road south Of the
Ohio river surpasses the great Jackson route in
smoothness and perfect safety. We have had
occasion, during the past few weeks, to travel
quito extensively over that road, and we can thus,
from actual experience, bear witness to its ex-
cellence in every particular which goes to const-
tute good road.
Year: 1877

A number of prominent and inhuen-
tial citizens this morning publish a call
upon their fellow citizens to join with
them in the great effort to complete the
New Orleans Pacific Railway. This
road will be the cheapest road in the
United States, and it will pay heavier
profit on the investments in it than any
other. But, what is Of more impor-
tance to our people, it will restore the
commercial supremacy Of New Orleans
and bring to US prosperity, trade
and wealth. 1t is work. in
deed, which appeals to both our ma
terial interests and our patriotism.
There is wealth enough in New Orleans
to furnish the funds required to make
this great enterprise success in thirty
six hours. Let every citizen Of New
Orleans read the card to the friends Of
the road, printed in the DEMOCRAT this
morning, visit the office opened by these
gentlemen at No. 27 Camp street and
there subscribe to the extent of his
means, be the amount large or small,
to complete the work.
Year: 1877

Major J. Fl. New, one OF the most
eminent lawyers Of the New Orleans
bar. leaves to-day on trip to
Europe for the benefit Of his health.
He intends to proceed to the seat Of the
Turco- Russian war, and has promised
to send to the DEMOCRAT letters from
that interesting locality, upon which
the mental gaze Of millions Of people is
fixed at this moment. II Major New
derives as much benefit and pleasure
from the trip as we feel sure our readers
will derive from his letters, he will be
amply compensated for the fatigue and
tedium involved in 30 long journey.
We wish him pleasant trip and safe
and speedy return.
Year: 1877

As there are at present numbers Of persons o
the poorer classes out OF employment and who
have not the means to advertise their wants, the
DEMOCRAT will heroa fter publish such "Want
notices free of charge, when they do not exceed
in length three lines. This will include adver-
tisements of those desiring the services Of ser
wants or of any class Of employees. and will also
include advertisements Of houses to rent, where
the monthly rent does not exceed $25. In adopt
ing this plan, the managers Of The DEMOCRAT feel
that they will greatly benefit those not financial
ly able to make their wants known, and will be
serving the poor of the city who are out Of en-
ployment or in quest Of homes.
Year: 1877

The DEMOCRAT has just added to its office a
new and complete Steam Job Printing depart
ment, with all the latest and most desirable inn
provements in types, rules, borderc, etc. We are
now fully prepared to compete with any job
printing establishment in the South. We can
turn out, at the shortest notice, anything from a
newspaper or book TO lady's visiting card, in
the best style Of the art. We shall devote
special attention to commercial printing and to
the printing of lawyers briefs. We earnestly
solicit the support OF our friends in our progress
siye efforts
Year: 1877

willing to minister to them, yet pos.
sessed OF that prudence and caution
which no calling so fully developes
as that OF lifetime dealer in
exchange and discounts. Such a
man is the gentleman who has been
assigned to the temporary Presidency
OF the Citizens Bank, and we feel sure
that We but echo the feeling Of the
whole commercial community when we
express the hope that his incumbency
Of that position will be made perma-
nent.
Year: 1877

Our subscribers will confer favor upon us by
reporting at this Office every failure in the de-
livery to their address OF the DEMOCRAT, as we
are particularly desirous OF achieving absolute
exactitude and puncuality.
Year: 1877

City Council will hold . special meeting
this evening, at 7 o'clock, At 9th and Frank
lin streets, to meet the Water Commissions
ers, to consult as to tho fixing Of tho grade
of the streets north of tho New Reservoir.
Year: 1877

was expelled by the Kings ORDER and died Of the plague
his return the ago Of ~. Herr Benraths account
Of this cventful and restless life Ia enriched with
passages from his works and letters which throw much


cbt upon the struggles out OF which the Reformation
was born The work is very valuable contribution to
the history of the Protestant Faith.
Year: 1877

A white fifteen -yesr-old girl married a
negro In Fairfax, Va. No clergyman or
magistrate could be found who weuld per>
form the ceremony, so the couple simply
swore on the Bible in the presence of several
witnesses, that they would be faithful as
husband and wife. The girls father, on
hearing of the marriage, killed the negro.
Year: 1877

The ways of the buffalo as described By
travellers in the far West are as strange as
those of the Heathen Chinee. If "a herd Of
these animals gets on the north side of q
track, it will stand stupidity gazing, though
the locomotive passes within hundred
yards of it. But if two miles from the
track on the south side, the whole herd is
thrown into the widest commotion. Re
gardless of consequences, it will make for
track, and if the train is in it's way, each
individual buffalo will go at it with the
desperation of despair, plunging against or
between the locomotive and the COR. There
was notable instance of this in the winter
of 1871-72, when the ponds and small
rivers were frozen solid, and the buffalo
was forced to the larger rivers for water
The conductors of the Atchison, Topeka
and Santa Fe Railroad, after having trains
ditched twice in week, learned to have q
very decided respect for the idiosyncrasies
of the buffalo, and when there was posi-
bility of striking herd on the rampage for
the north side of the track, stopped the
train until it had passed.
Year: 1877

I What they do with the old rhinoceroses
has often been subject of thought by
those visitors to the British Museum, who
know that the staff of the establishment
invariably obey the Act of Parliament
which renders it impossible to remove any
thing from Great Russell street. Everyone
knows that q stuffed rhinoceros will, in
course of time, become unpresentable, nor
can the toughest elephant hide always keep
the straw lining from appearing in q very
Objectionable way. All who remember the
old staircase of Montague House, have felt
that there is limit to the exhibition of a
giraff which had been received at period
so remote that it was described as "camel-
leopard" The difficulty is got over in
way creditablc to the ingenuity of the sci
entifc staff of the Museum and honorable
to their sense of obedience. They stuff the
old rhinoceroses into the new ones; they
line new elephants with the unpresentablc
remains of their forerunners; in the bowels
of the last giraff lie the relics of his pre-,
decessors. This beats the selling of Pha-
raoh for balsams.