smithclay/nortonstories huggingface dataset:
Year: 1879

,adecs "6Sw Sv sight Is among the recent inven
tions in England. In this arrangement the
distance of any object Is ascertaincd by
simply reading off upon scale marked
on the base OF right anglod triangle the
number of divisions which are equivalent
to tho angle of two lines Of sight denoted
by an index scale; the two sides of the tri-
anglc-that Is the perpendicular and the
hypOthenusc-are the two lines Of sight to
the object, and tho length of the base varies
With the distance of the object observed at
the apex OF the triangle. Tho distance of
the same is measured by tho length of base
required to enable the line of sight to meet
the object of the oblique line. The oblque
line Of sight in the instrument is obtained
along radius arm, the angle of which to
the base may be set at pleasure. The part
of the instrument forming tho other line of
sight at right angles to the base has a
sliding action along the base, 80 as to ena-
able the latter to be heightened or reduced,
but Is always at right angles to it. For
the base, space Is divided Of 6. 282 inches
thus allowing the decimal readings of the
length Of the base to be obtaincd-6 282
being the proportion of circle circumfer-
encc to radius. A scale is provided by
means of which the radius arm may be set
for oblique line of sight to the decimal of
a degree The process Of reading off tho
distance of an object on the instrument is
in this wise: As tho chord of arc of an angle
is to the radius as to b7.35, then if then
the radius arm be 81. 35 inches, it follows
that for an angle of one degree it will be
one inch out of perpendicular to tho base.
The oblique line of sight being along the
radius arm, will therefore meet at 67.35,
tho perpendicular line of sight with one
inch base, and the object-at the apex of
the triangle-will bo distant 57.35 inches
from the observer, that is 57.35 times the
length Of the base line. The base line be-
ing divided to scale, the distance OF the
object NAV thua l)c read off
Year: 1879

A West Point recitation, by the way. il
something unique. When visitor makes
"fionPsS," and you feel ~ cadet rises a".,
entered your first freshman society, where
the walls were lined with your tender initi-
ators. This severe military carriage is re-
laxcd at sign from tho instructor, and the
recitation goes on. The teaching Is un-
doubtcdly tho most thorough in tho country
If not in the world. Tho reason will proba-
bly, be found in the fact that not only are
the cadets held to a strict accountability for
the work thcy go over, but in addition to
that tho assistant Instructors arc also strict
ly responsible to the professors in charge Of
their department.. Thus n professor of
mathematics will have one hours instruc-
tion with his class during tho forenoon, and
the remainder of the timo he devotcs to in
spccting the work Of his assistant professors
who are instructing other sections in the
same subject. AS th.re arc only nine men
In section, 1t will be readily seen that no
one can escape. The fact that a professor
Is known to mako tho rounds of the section
rooms is guaranty to the cadet that no in
Justice will be done him by "A young instruc-
tor who for any reason many betray partia-
lity The professor is sure to seek on ex-
planation for any great difference between
his mark and that on tutors book when
the same man Is under consideration. 1t is
the curse Of tho marking system at our
American colleges that manis at the mercy
of young tutor who by his mark-book sits
in judgment from which thcro is no appeal.
Every college man knows how much in


Justice is done by few callow instructor


who have perhaps forty mon to hear at q
time, who hear each man perhaps every
other day, and must determine his stand by
the two or three minutes lie is on his feet.


There. arc 30 many opportunities for the dis
honest student to impose on the tutor, and
tho tutor is 80 quick to suspect of laziness
the man who is too honest to sspony" or
hand In "sick-cxcuses," and, moreover, the
divisions are so large and tho examinations
80 infrcquent, that the marking system, in
my judgment, is fruitful of evil No edu.
cational institution in this country has prob.
ably so large teaching force in proportion
to the students rs West Point. At Yale
and Harvard the proportion is about l tc


10; at the Military Academy it is l to 8,
at Yale professor has sometimes 60 mer
In recitation-room here he has nine. Here
the student must learn; there he may
Here he must learn so much and no more


there he must learn little less than &c
much, hut may learn great deal more.
Year: 1879

Is volcano, and put it in oil tho gcogra-


Phles and advertise 1t all over tho world.


Gch. Ochoa who owns this dofunct volcano


is very ordinary looking person, and no


one, to look at him, would think that he


pays his board bills from tho income do
rived from tho sale Of birthstone, but he
| docs. Some of his enemies say that no ST


under contract to supply an unmcntionable


country with birthstone, but this Is hardly


to be credited There are good many rca-


sons why it Is not worth while to climb Po-


pocatapctl. The first and foremost is, sey


eral women have climbed 1t, and where q


woman can climb 1t Is no great feat for an


American young man TO go. In the SEQ
ond place 1t is sixty miles from the capital


which in Mexico means two days Journey
over bad roads and in uncomfortable stages


On tho upper part of the mountain the at


mospherc Is so rare that weak persons have
frequently been attacked with hemorraqe of
the lungs, and some have died The four
ncy is laborious one, and good milo of the
way, straight up hill is through ashes and
clndcr foot deep. Last, but not least, tho
Journey is very expensive for stages, board,
guides and costumes. Postscript Tho
game is not worth the powder 1t Is q
great satisfaction to see this mountain from
distance: to sit on the upper piazza of a
hotel, with your feet on the railing and a
good cigar, thinking, $50 that Is Popocata-
petl, is it9 That is the mountain my old
country schoolmastcr used to soy was tho
highest in America, with pronunciation
eighteen degrees wide of tho mark And
now there she is. Who'd ever have
thought it in those old days of school house
benches and wandering school atlases2"
while you are looking at it, if you choose
the right time of day-after the sun goes
down-it disappears before your cigar is
finished 1t is quite possible that the
reader may have heard that there Is no tw1.
light in the tropics-thc sun goes and in a
few minutes 1t is dark. The mountain
grows dim and disappears like the school |
day memories Of its unpronounced namo.
There is no fire and brimstsne coming out
OF the crater, as there ought to be out Of any
genuine volcano; there is nothing but a dim
spot in the distance to be seen only when |
the moon gets behind it and lights up it's
outline. Almost any stranger looking at
tho mountain from any elevation in the |
capital, will estimate that it is four or five |
miles away, unless he knows better, for It |
is sixty. The air is 30 clear there YOU can |
sec long distance. 1t is 80 clear a Mexi- |
can will see ivc-cent picco two miles of,
and go for 1t.
Year: 1879

In reply to Judge Gildersleeve's COM
plant that jurymen do great deal Of dis
agreeing the HERALD has received a pithy
letter from one of the gentlemen who,


according to the principle underlying
the jury system, are supposed to be
equal to duties which many other
men fail at, even after years of profess
sional training. 'Juryman" claims that
judges disagree ottener than juries do, and


if the proportionate number of cases delib-
Grated by the two classes is considered his
claim will probably prove not far from cor
rect. Then he states plainly the principal
cause of the trouble by saying that we have
"shoemakers trying disputes of commerce,


tailors trying disputes of housebuilders, "
&c. If business men-if lawyers and
Judges, even-were to leave case to
arbitration, which is what legal
consideration is supposed in fact to
amount to, they would not for a
moment tolerate the average juryman as
an arbitrator, but would search for experts
who were also men of clear heads and de-
cided opinions. But the fault is not al
ways of the jury alone. "You have" says
the writer, 'lawyers telling jurymcn some
thing they do not know and would make a
failure of if they should undertake it," The
assumption of knowledge with which many
a lawyer addresses juries is equalled in
dishonesty only by the attempts that are
made to befog tho juryman's mind upon
points in which the attorneys case is weak.


The public prosecutors are no better in this
respect than their opponents; they assume
that their duty is to convict, no matter what
the character Of the defence may be; their
standing as pleaders is of more impor-
tance to them, in view of practice after they
retire from office, than the States reputa-
tion for justice and uprightness. Finally,
the writer pays his respects to the judges,


of whom there are many whose only claim
to the Bench is found in their having suffi-
cient political standing to be elected to the
position. The appeals, in interminable
line, which have come to be almost the in
evitable thing with defeated litigants who
have money, show more hardly against the
Bench than the jury box. The only REM
edy easily attainable that suggests itself is
the "struck" jury, composed OF men who
Year: 1879

Who that has seen this dusky young
Apollo swinging around the track, every
muscle in motion-a picture of grace and
power-but will recall with pleasure the
ringing cheers that greeted him? 1t is not
the physique that we associate with men
OF his color. There is none of the slouch
of the plantation or dandyism of the barber
shop about him. He is in earnest, without
the grim set of Ennis or the perfect ease of
Rowell, but just intent on his work. AS he
walks he looks like bronze O'Leary, so
they call him Black Dan, and, as he is
a protege of the ex-champion, he likes it,
His face has almost an Egyptian cast, and
on the track he seldom smiles. How well
he has been doing A few days since he
won a seventy-fve hour race at Provi-
dence, and in spite of the telling effects of
such struggle he has at no time yet in the
great race now progressing been very far
from the leaders. He cannot be in
first rate form for this tremendous struggle,
but he is full of stamina, and WILL barring
accidents, be feature in the race right to
the close. 1t would seem generous of the
public to applaud him, if his every move
ment did not demand admiration, and as
long as he perseveres he will be sure to
meet encouragement without stint. If the
belt must 60 he will be good man to send
after it-our sporting envoy extraordinary
to England. Bravo Hart
Year: 1879

Never were honors more gayly tripped of
with than when this gallant little Briton
took away the belt in the race at Gilmore's
when it was said that he did not start in
the subsequent match at Agricultural Hall,
London, in June because Of o shoepeg in
his heel. They said the ''little giant"
was reserving himself, but he could
not have relished seeing the belt car
ried off by Weston, with q score
fifty miles greater than any that stood
to Rowell's name. But that fifty miles did
not make the American sporting public
think Mr.. Rowell anything less formidable,
for he rolled up his five hundred so easily
that it was believed he could add the best
part of another hundred to it any time he was
pushed. A fine performance has been looked
for from him, and well has he met public
expectation. The experts say he is trife
finer than he ought to be, but he travels
with his old dogtrot as easily as ever, walks
better than he did last March and beat the
record handsomely at thirty hours. To
see him in brush with Guyon or Hart
is always to see him hold his own, and in
little while it is found that he has done
still better. On Tuesday night three Of
his competitors logged up to within fifteen
miles of him; but then he was asleep, and
when he wakened up he tackled on mile
after mile till the best of them were like
Sheridan once on time. twenty miles
away"-ay, and more than that When
the plucky little Englishman's score is
compared with the record he may be few
miles behind; but remember that he is
walking against men and not against time.
If he keeps all his competitors fifteen
miles behind him his record will take care
of itself Bravo, Rowell
Year: 1879

doubt, or pretended doubt, rests on that
part of the language OF the statute which
is intended to protect the weaker side. The
precise wording of this part of the law
Stand those appointed to represent the
party in political minority on State issues
in the said city and county to be
named solely by such Commissioner, or
such of the Commissioners of Police, in
said Board, as are the representatives of
such political minority" This language
makes it perfectly plain that one side at
least is exempted from having its choice
overruled and set aside by collective vote
of the Board. One half of the inspectors
are to be named ''solely" by the Commits
sioners who represent the minority party.
Their choice at least cannot be nullified
by the collective Board without plain
violation of the law. And it is these Com
missioners themselves, the Commissioners
who represent the political minority, and
not anybody outside of the Board, that pos
sess this ''sole" authority to name one
half of the inspectors of election.


Now, does the omission to name the ma
jority in the same specific manner de-
prive them of their equal rights and
equal advantages in the election? This
would be a violent hypothesis even
if the whole law on the subject
were comprised in the section from which
we have quoted. But there is another Sec
ton the sixteenth) which fixes the inter-
probation Of the law and clears it of all
reasonable doubt. It is the section which
prescribes the manner Of filling vacancies
in the words following :-'Whenever, from
any cause, there shall be vacancy in the
Office of inspector of election or poll
clerk the person appointed to fill such
vacancy shall be named by such
Commissioner, or such of the Com
missioners of such Board Of Police, or his
successor or their successors, as named the
inspector or poll clerk in whose place any
such person is designated"


Nothing could be clearer than the full
equality between the two political sections
of the Police Board which is asserted in
this direction for filling vacancies. The
sole authority to fill vacancy is conferred
on that part of the Police Commission
ers who made the original appoint
ment. This provision reflects back a
clear light on the original power of appoint
ment. 1t conclusively establishes the in
depreciation which puts the representatives
Of the majority and the representatives of
the minority on an exactly equal footing,
and makes the action of the collective
Board merely formal and ministerial in
confirming the names which the two re-
spective sides had the sole authority to
select.
Year: 1879

What is the matter with this veteran and
father of long distance walking in America
When he made five hundred and fifty miles
in his last race for the belt on English soil
and captured that symbol OF the flying
foot we all exclaimed that he had renewed
his youth in excelling all he had ever done
before. We expected to see him stick
to the heels of the little English
man as he had to "Blower" Browns
at Islington. We heard wonderful
stories of Weston's systematic way of going
on a time table; how when he had made
three hundred and ninety miles at the end
of the fourth day he deliberately took five
hours rest SO as not exceed his schedule
time. We accordingly prepared to throw
up our hats for him in this match; but,
alas he has not given us u chance.
1t was unsatisfactory to hear that
he was dropping behind, though APP
parently in good condition; that ho
was dancing tin cup on q walking
stick; that his stomach was uneasy; that he
would not eat; that he was doing everything
but rolling up his score at the requisite
rate. Here was a champion who had no
sore toe, but was getting as dainty on his
feet as If he had half dozen No. blisters.


Then all at once we hear of his bursts Of
speed we rejoice, but he fickers out again
Year: 1879

Seldom has the public been shocked by
an occurrence SO lamentable as that by
which Connecticut clergyman lost his life
deceased and the pleasant nature of his
family relations give to the affair
q startling effect that is wholly lack
ing in domestic tragedies that have
their source in conjugal quarrels upon
the lower planes of life. The physical con-
dition of the unfortunate wife. as limited at
in our despatch upon the shooting, is one
which is professionally and privately
known to be the cause of intense personal
suffering, which in thousands of cases re-
suits in temporary or permanent men
tai derangement; but happily it's outward
manifestations are generally the reverse Of
personal violence. Until more is known
about the unhappy affair the only justi-
fable public sentiment will be one of pity
ing sympathy for the invalid wife who has
suddenly come into such unenviable and
terrible prominence. Legally the case
demands and probably will receive the
attention of experts in physiology and
mental alienation but, unfortunately, it
can hardly help being dragged before jury
and the public to outrage the sensibilities
of all true men and women to an extent
that is disgraceful to our present jury sys-
tenn. With such case, as it at present ap-
pears, the average juryman has no more
right than he has to determine the differ
ences between churches or conflicting
schools of philosophy.
Year: 1879

The WEATHER The pressure began decreas-
ing very rapidly within the depression that
was moving over the Gulf of St. Lawrence on
Tuesday night and yesterday morning consider
able energy was developed The influence of
the disturbance was felt over the Middle Allan
tic and New England States. The barometer is
highest in the central valley districts. On the
western Gulf coast it is falling quickly
owing TO the approach of disturb
ance from Mexico Rain fell in the
lower lake regions, Middle Atlantic, New Eng
land States and on the Gulf coast. The weather
was partly cloudy except in the Northwest.
The temperature rose decidedly in the Gulf
States, slightly in the Northwest and fell In the
other sections of the country. The winds have
been from fresh TO brisk in the lower lake re-
gions and light elsewhere. The storm in Eng
land was very sevete, as will be seen by the
special cabcgram from London. Another is
likely to reach there byto-morrow. The weather
in New York and its vicinity to-day will be cold
and clear. Tomorrow the same conditions are
likely to prevail.
Year: 1879

Ended.


The Court of Appeals has rendered a de-
cision which terminates one of the many
existing controversies respecting the rights
and powers of local officers in this city.
The Commissioners of Excise hold office
under general statute passed in 1870,
which fixes their term of service at three
years. Successive Mayors of the city, acting
in pursuance of that statute, have appointed
Commissioners of Excise at the expiration
of the three years terms, until the present
incumbents professed last year to have,
made the discovery that they were city
officers under the charter and that their
legal term is six years instead OF three.
Asserting their rights in the courts a de-
cision was pl ocured in November last that
their tenure of Office and mode Of removal
was regulated by the charter and not by the
general statute of 1870. The case was car
ried up to the Court of Appeals, which has
just rendered it's decision extinguishing
the pretensions Of the Commissioners. It
is adjudged that they do not hold their
offices under the city charter, and that
their terms expired at the completion of
three years from the date of their appoint
ment. The decision of the Court of APP
peals is unanimous, except that Judge An
drews did not concur in it, being absent
It is discreditable to our local tribunals
that they so often render judgments which
are unanimously reversed when they reach
the court of last resort. If there were
grounds for reasonable difference of
opinion there would naturally be division
in the Court of Appeals. Our recent
judicial history tends to show that there is
no sort Of illegal claims which some local
Judge or another cannot be found to in
dorse, and whose decision stands as law
until the Court of Appeals reverses it and
puts to shame the judge who rendered it.
A truly able, impartial, Independent and
conscientious judge should seldom be sub
jected to the modification of having his
judgments overruled by the highest court.
Year: 1879

POLICEMAN who was summoned to appear
before the Commissioners for not preventing a
robbery did not answer when called but how
could he answer, being under lock and key
for threatening to shoot "a bartcnderl Do the
Commissioners imagine that their men are a lot
Of spiritless fellows. who have time in which to
answer whenever they are calledl
Year: 1879

Following the death Of Mr.. Robert doelet on Mon
day last, rumor that his brother. Mr. Peter Goelet
dangerously Ill found its way into print yester
day. II ascertained upon inquiry that the
runor is without foundation in fact, and that tho
physical condition of the surviving brother is as
good as it has been for long time His physician
stated that although he Is advanced in years. there
Is no danger of his demise, either ut the present
time in the immediate future.
Year: 1879

BETWEEN THE TESTIMONY OF CoNvICTs and
the honesty of contractors who supply prison
food the public is not likely to hesitate long be-
fore trusting the former so the complaints
about vile food at Auburn Prison are likely to
be believed until they are combated by better
explanations and from better men than usually
are heard in such cases.
Year: 1879

WHERE ARE Those VINES that the New York
III road was going to plant, about such of
their structure crosses the Battery, to hide
the unbeautiful iron work from view! The Park
Department might have earlier called attention
to the neglect of the road in this matter; but it
is not yet too late for the directors to explain
why they did not do as they explicitly promised
Year: 1879

WALL STREET YEsTERDAY.-The stock specu-
lation was very active, but the market was only
steady to weak in tone, except for the coal stocks
which were exceptionally strong. Money was
sharp per cent until the final dealings, when
it was offered as low 3, with actual business
at 5. Governments were about steady and in
good demand. Railroad bonds were fairly
active but irregular.
Year: 1879

are at least intelligent regarding the inter-
ests involved, but this can be but partial in
its application. For the rest, small
amount, even, of ordinary sense of honesty
on the part of the average lawyer would
accomplish great reform the influence of
which would extend even to the Bench.
Year: 1879

SHERIFF REILLY may be rusty OH the charges
which his office is legally entitled to make bu
he shows fine sense of propriety in his card
disavowing any knowledge of or participation
In the political committee meeting held in his
office. He says that public Office is not u
proper place for holding political meetings.
Will oiice-holders in general please cut this out
and post in % conspicuous place!