smithclay/nortonstories huggingface dataset:
Year: 1874

The able journal, the Philadelphia Ledger -
In referring to the adjournment OF Congress,
draws the following picture, which is anything
but pleasant, Of the manner in which business
Is conducted In our national councils:


"While, the Constitution Prov de a
Senate and House OF Representative YES, and
We have memb bers of the Two bodies to the
number of about three hundred and sixty,
nearly all the important legislation is done by
Conference Committees ofslx men each. Thus
the Legislative, Executive and Judicial bill, the
Post Office bill, the Sundry Civil bill, the De-
ticiency bill, the Indian bill, and other appro-
priafien bills, together with the Currency bill,
ground out by Conference Committees, whose
reports are pressed through the Senate and the
House and voted upon by members without
adequate knowledge of what they contain, as n
choice OF evilsbetween doubtful bills and no
bills Mt all. Irtheir final shape these prodnc-
tions of the Conference Committees always
contain items and provisions which one House
or the other has entered an emphatic protest
as being against its deliberate Judgment. Yet
through they GO, under the plea that there is no
more time left to contest the Objectionable pro-
visions. Some of the legislation thus pressed
through Is OF the most pernicious character, as
witnessed among recent instances, 1.-THE double
back action salary grab" and the "Sanborn
contract law" The Conference Committee is
the great opportunity for the shrewd jobber
and speculator in legislation. Yet Congress
after Congress and session after session the
and mischievous business goes on, TO
the great damage of the country, the most i'm
portant busi ness being left to the hot and hur
ried Comprises" of SIX men in the last days of
the session. Weeks and months are wasted in
prohtlesS talk until there is no time left for the
of the important business for
which Congress is convened,
Year: 1874

A story has been set afioat that The Philadel-
phia and Reading Railroad Company are anxious
10 extend their freight road to this city. The
operations OF the Philadelphia and Reading Com
psny now extend over the old road Of the Phila-
delphia, Wilmington aud Baltimore Company
from Gray's Ferry to Chester, thence over the
small Riverside road nearly or quite to Thurlow.
These connections are now used only to supply
coal, iron, &C. to Chester and the factories and
shipyards along the shore. But it is known that
the Philadelphia and Reading Company has
thrown every obstacle in the way Of completing
the Wilmington and Reading r. r. to Reading,
and more recently embarrassed in every way that
it could the building Of the Berks County Road
from Reading to the Lehigh Valley coal region.
This road has now been completed and may be
made formidable rival to the Philadelphia and
Reading Road. This is clearly evident from the
policy OF the latter road which shows clearly
that it breads and fears anything likely to inter
fery with the monopoly which Mr.. Gowen had
been indus,riousy working for many years TO
secure Tor his company, and now that he has
purchased up the coal lands and was about 10
enter upon one of the richest fields of railroad
enterprizs in the world, lie does not like to be
annoyed by the road leading from this city to the
Lehigh Valley, hence 1t Is said the Philadelphia
and Reading Company will shortly urge their
new line down alonl the Delaware shore to Edge
moor, or to the mouth OF the Chr.stuna, or per-
haps pass this city on the western limits and
strike the Delaware again at New Castle.


Whether there is any truth in these rumors or
not we are unable to say But certainly the route
OF this riverside road Is that has advantages
in the future, and points directly the best point
on the river for great coal depot. Such depot
could be made with less money and more adyan-
tngeously on the Christiana opposite ilmington
than anywhere else. And the Philadelphia and
Reading Railroad could not find a better position
from which TO start their great lines of steam
coliiers for the numerous ports they intend to
supply, than cur city, which may easily be reach
ed in all seasons Of the year.
Year: 1874

TIE Gordonsville Gazette pitches heavily
into President Grant on the occasion of his
passage through that town, where he did not
alight even TO light his cigar. In closing col
umn leader on the subject, the editor remarks:


We could not bring ourselves TO accept a
kindly intended invitation to be introduced to
thePresdent, In the way of civility we hope
to be equal to all the requirements of courtesy;
that of Robert e. Lee and Matthew +. Maurey
and had paid the last rites 10 the great Stone
wall jackson (not boastfully but gratefully we
write IT'D would be none the whittier for having
shaken that OF this taker of gifts if not of bri be
of this despoiIer o: the weak and oppressor
of tho helpless.
Year: 1874

If the g coming farmer fails to thor
oughly understand his business, it will
scarcely be for lack Of advice as to the
proper course Of study to pursue. The
latest suggestion comes from an English
farmers club, and is to the effect that
the prospective stock-breeder should
study for three years in an agricultu.
raj college, and then for three years
longer in a butchers shop" the last
term being considered necessary to give
the youth "practical experience.
With such preparation he ought surely
to be able to carve his way straig ght tc
fame and tortune.-N T. Tribune
Year: 1874

THE frightful calamity in Massachusetts,
from the bursting of the banks of water
reservoir which supplied the power for
several manufactures in the vicinity OF
Haydensville has sent a thrill of horror
through every susceptible heart. Full de-
tails of the appalling disaster will be found
in our news columns this morning. Por-
tions of several villages were swept away
by the rushing flood without a moment's S
warning, and hundreds Of lives were lost.


Such disaster can hardly be considered
blameless in these days Of scientific engi-
neering 1t is practicable for competent
engineers to ascertain and know the amount
of pressure to result from the quantity OF
water a reservoir is capable of receiving,
and also the resistance its walls could afford.
Knowing these, such yielding to pressure
is inexcusable. There must have been
criminal alignorance, carelessness, negligence,
parsimony, or all of them combined, as the
primary cause of this wholesale drowning
of men, women and children. At whose
doors they lie is the thing to be ascertained.
The proper punishment should then be
meted out to the culprits. Measures should
also be taken at once to prevent the posi-.
bility of the repetition of such calamities.
Year: 1874

THE Committee on Elections Of the House
have granted the application of General George
R. Maxwell, to summon before 1t Apostle Can
non. sitting delegate from Utah, to give answer
whe ther he is or not living in open polygamy
with four wives, according to the Mormon re-
ligion, but in direct violation of the laws Of
Congress. Ifthe committee will act efficiently
and promptly, and obtain the facts in the case,
the presence of Cannon Will not long be tol-
Grated in Congress, It is high time that the
House place its seal of condemnation upon the
munity which Apostle Cannon is sent to Con-
gress to represent and support. His presence
is an insult to the Christian sentiments of the
nation, and should not longer be quietly sub
mitted to.
Year: 1874

ANEW YORK PAPER thinks It strange that,
with noble river on either side of it, the death
rate should be 50 much higher than in other
large cities. When 1t is recollected how little
the river is used by the average New Yorker in
the composition of his daily cocktails there Is
nothing strange about It at all.
Year: 1874

Far, far away across the sea.
In the still hours when | cit dreaming
Often and often voyage in seeming
And sad is the heart bear with me,
Far, far away across the sea.
Yonder towards the Dardanelles


follow the vessels disappearing,
Slender masts TO the sky uprearing;
Follow her whom l love so well,
Yonder toward the Dardanelles.
with the great clouds 80 astrav,
These by the shepherd wind are driven
Across the shining STARS OF heaven
In snowy floeks, and go their way,
And with the clouds | go astray.
take the pinions OF the swallow,


For the fair weather ever yearning
And swiftly to the sun returning
So swiftly my darling follow
Upon the pinlons OF the swallow.
Homeslckness hath my heart possessed
For now she treada an alien strandi
And for that unknown fatherlana
l long, as bird for her nest,
Homesickness hath my heart possessed.
From wave to wave the salt sea over,
Like pale corpse / always seem
On floating, in a death.like dream,
Even to the feet OF my sweet lover,
From wave to wave the salt sea over
Now am lying on the shore


Till my love lifts me, mutely weeping
And takes me in her tender keeping,
And lays her hand my still heart DER,
And calls me from the dead once more.
clasp her close and hold her long.


'Oh, have suffered sore" ! cry,


But now we will no longer die"
Like drowning mems my grasp IL strong
l clasp her close and hold her long.
Far, far away across the sea,


In the still hours when l sit dreamln
Often and often l voyage in seeming;
And sad is the heart bear with me,
Far, far away across the sea.


October Atlantic.
Year: 1874

Among the noticeable events of the week are the
spspeDsion of Messrs. Turner Brothers, very un-
expected event but still one which disturbed the
stock market but slightly; a considerable decline IN
stocks and the adoption by both Houses OF Congress
of the report of the last Conference Committee on
The newest Currency bill. This bill. II we under
stand II correctly fixes the legal-tender circulation
81 s3s2 OO0OOO the amount which has already been
let loose upon the public forbids the retirement OF
nnv portion of this circulation by the treasury
J)epartmept: makes no provision looking 70
q RESUMPTION of specie payments at any time
in the future; provides for the redistribution of
the National bank circulation, that is the with
drawol Of about S55,0OOOOO of circulation from
Nevy-Fn0land New-York and other seaboard States.


which they hold IN excess of their proper quota, and
.ivino II 70 the West and South, which at present
are that amount short Of their share according 20
wealth and population and releasing the banks
from keeping reserve 70 secure the redemption OF
their circulating notes. Beside giving the form OF
law TO the Illegal issue by the late Secretary of the
Treasury Of S28000O00 of lega-tender notes and
forbdding their recall tins act initiates the currency
TO the extent Of the released reserves of the banks
How the President be expected 70 sign such bill
IN view Of ms recent and more sensible outgivings
upon the currency question we cannot understand
Amt as be sometimes does unexpected and queer





his refusal 20 do so promptly there should prove to
e truth in the stock Obbing story set ahoat IN the
street late tins afternoon 20 the effect that Con-
gress will extend its session and override the eX-
pected veto and thus we should have this latest
financial bauthng done lnto law. Mnat uheh
What benefit 10 the PROSTATE industries OF the
country will have been acheved7 We may have
sOme millions added TO the dishonOred currency OF
The country but instead OF its giving life and vigor
10 business it is more likely TO injure our credit
andt create further distrust than 10 restore
that confidence essential 10 a revival
of trade and Of industrial enterprises TIE general
trade of the week closing to-day has been dull with
Heavy and declining prices for the staple articles of
merchandise such cotton. corn, and provisions
and very little has been done in dry goods though
merchants are still anticipating good Fal trade.
There has been a fair trade IN United States bonds
at frrner prices both here and in London. Tic rate
of interest being so low here as well on the other
side GA at Bank Of England makes our bonds,


which are alwavs easilv convertible into cash. Ia
Year: 1874

The day in Wall-st was one of extreme quiet
in financial circles. Business the Stock
Exchange suffered from the absence of numer-
Ous brokers and spectators, who either attended
the Jerome Park races. or went elsewhere out of
town. After a brief period of frmness at the open


ing the market became weak, and prices declined
TO l: per cent. Erie receded from 2Gs t. Pot the
lowest point of the week, and, for that matter,
for years past against pa at the close last evening


Towards o'clock there a general recovery, but
this soon gave way TO weakness. When the advices
concerning the probable action of the House on the
currency bill and still later the passage of the
bill were received, the whole market rebounded and
closed at the highest point OF the day The leading
features were Lake Shore. Western Union, North
West Common, Union Pacific, Pacific Mail, New
York Central Rock Island and Wabash. The IN
vestment and miscellaneous shares were dull and
steady. The opening highest, and closing prices
Year: 1874

Is it possible that the man who does
such thing as this can be honest?


Among intelligent members of congress
who have served with Mr. Poland and
have watched his course in committees
and on the floor, his reputation has for
some time past been that of most Lors
rupt and venal member. -Ne,o York Sun.
Year: 1874

The Boston Ddilu AdUertiser is severe on the
New Hampshire Democratic Legislature which
has just adjourned. 1t compares that body to
some of the Southern Legislatures in showing
reckless carelessness Of the public interest, and
a great zeal in securing partisan advantages
"No improvement in the conduct of public
affairs is to be anticipated by entrusting power
to the Democrats. Loud as they cry out for
reform, it is only a cry. When they obtain
possession, they make haste to pursue the same
courses they so vigorously denounced when out
plainly not the vices they decried, but the fact
that they were not in position to do likewise "
The same remark may be made as to the
Democratic administrations Of Connecticut and
Ohio: "They have served to make it clear to
the country that whatever abuses may exist
needing correction, it is useless to resort to the
Democracy for help which, to be sure, wa;
patent to all intelligent observers Of politics
beforehand. g.,
Year: 1874

Michigan will be the first State in the Union 10
decide at the polls the question of women suffrage,
and it will probably he the last. The cleo ton occurs
next November, and the question comes up in the
form OF vote on a constitutional amendment,
which, if adopted. will confer the right OF suffrage
upon every woman of age in the State. There is
an exciting canvass Of the subject going through
out the State but from the present lookout there will
be large majority against the proposed amend
ment.
Year: 1874

The following record will show the changes in
the temperature during the past twenty-iour
hours In comparison with the corresponding date
OF last year, as recorded at Hudnups Pharmacy.
HERALD Building, New York;
Year: 1874

Recent news from Japan seems TO show that
the demands of the representatives of European
Governments have driven the japanese almost
to desperation. The European ENJOYS insist
on additional ex-territOrial rights and they
do not enforce their share of already existing
obligations. With the exception of the United
States Minister, the foreign representatives
demand that the whole country shall be opened
to trade and travel but at the same time
they ask that all Offenses by foreigners against
the laws Of the Empire shall be tried by the
Consu, of the nation to which the alleged
offenders may belong. This concession would
naturally be repugnant to the pride OF the
Japanese Government. 1t is claimed. how
ever, that the country would be thrown open
if the foreigners would withdraw their request
for ex-territorial rights, and would enforce
the laws of the land. They also desire the
withdrawal of thp British troops at Yoko-
hama. These troops have been stationed at
Yokohama for three years, in defiance of all
treaty stipulations and without shadow of
excuse. 1t would really appear that the Gov
ernments of Europe have entered into a con-
spiracy to worry Japan into surrenderng its
nationality The Empire is in debt to Great
Britain, and now It is asked that local and
municipal laws be replaced by an extension
of foreign authority throughout the length
and breadth of the country. 1t is satisfactory
to observe that the liberal and cooperative
policy of the United States in Japan has not
been changed in any particular.


1t is quite evident that the European Pow
ers who lead in this selfish scheme are actu-
ated purely by motives of self-aggrandze-
ment. Certainly, none of them betray any
sentimental sympathy with the Empire just
struggling into the broader light of civiliza-
ton; each seems eager to secure some imme-
date advantage to itself in the midst of the
confusion and internal disturbances of the
country. The governing classes in japan are
divided into Conservatives and Progressiyes
the latter favor peace with all nations and
policy which shall open the Empire TO com
merce rs rapidly IA consistent with the safety
Of the nation. Tho Conservatives would
restore japan TO its ancient seclu-
Year: 1874

The Importance of Controller Hopkins's an
nouncement to the Legislature, that hereafter
he will rigidly observe the requirements of
the Constitution and sacredly maintain the
Sinking Funds, cannot easily be overstated


In the first place, We are glad TO see some
respect shown TO Constitution, State or
National. Ii has been fashionable of late
Years to look upon Constitutions as anti
quated sets of rules which it was proper at
any or all times TO suspend by unanimous
consent. Controller Hopkins is deserving Of
all praise for the firm stand he has taken, and
we sincerely trust that ho will not 1incJ,
Year: 1874

Every one who is compelled to use the
street cars at this time must have wondered
now and then how the unfortunate people
who live along the line OF the railways are
expected to get access to the thorOughfaro.
As soon as the snow falls the railroad COM
pauies start their pows and sweepers, and IN
the course OF an hoIr or so huge mound OF
ice, snow, and mud is raised on both sides OF
the street between the sidewalk and the
tracks. In many parts of the city the rails
occupy nearly the whole width Of the street,
and all the snow is then piled up along the
cutters. Thus a dirty barricade is erected in
front of peoples doors, preventing the ap-
nrnaoh &C vol,ioloo, and involving the hoOn-
ing of the walk as soon as the weather mod
crates.


We need hardly say that the action of the
railroads in this particular Is an outrage upon
individual rights; every man can see that for
himself; but the abuse has been pushed still
further. Several instances have been cited of
the arrest of householders or their servants,
on complaint Of the railroad officials, because
in clearing away the snow in front of their
premises small part of it has been thrown
back upon the rails. We are glad to know
that the persons thus wronged have brought
suits for false imprisonment. and we trust that
the corporations will receive severe lesson.
The Common Council, however ought to in
terfere and define the duty of the railroads
more clearly. When they deprive the public
of the free use of the thoroughfares, they
cease to be public convenience and become
nuisance. Ii they cannot run their cars with
out removing the snow, then it is very plain
that the Corporation ought to compel them
to cart the snow away, instead of plllng il up
to the obstruction Of other people.
Year: 1874

II now seems that the medical gentlemen who OBJ
tained the bodies of the Siamese Twins for sclen-
tifc purposes were obliged to bind themselves to
conduct their researches under such limitations that
the corpses should not be spoiled for pecunary pur-
poses. In other words, it is understood that the
dead brothers have distinct value curiOSities,
and whatever cutting the doctors have to do must
be done in such a way that the show shall not be
ruined. This is really carrying thrift too far The
horrible deformity Of Chang and Eng was not
nice thing to parade before the public when they
were alive and it always seemed to us one of the
worst consequences of their alliction that they
should be placed with mermaids and woolly horses,
and the What-is-t, and all manner of monsters and
wax statues, and stuffed beasts, where the vulgar
could buy the privilege Of afronting and ridiculng
them. But when the poor creatures are taken out
or their cofliDs, and converted into anatomical
specimens, in the hope that they may draw, even
after heaven has seen fit to release them from their
terrible life hope the decency of the community
will ina expression IN an Indignant refusal to go
near the disgusting exhibition. That Is the only
sort OF remOnstrance 10 which the propretors Of
these curostes are likely to be sensitive
Year: 1874

on tho wrapper Of his speech compels his expect
ant constituent to pay letter postage before he
can have it. This is the law according to the
Postmaster General, however; and tons OF
public documents advertising the good Inten-
tons of the Congressional senGers are SAID 10
be detained for deficient postage IN various
post-ollices. The proposed law to allow an
Endorsement Of presentation would WORK no
harm to the postal revenues, would be general
convenience, and greatly relieve the minds oil
industrious Congressional speech-makers.


As the Legislature has but little temptation
this year to dabble in special legislation for tiliS
city. the session is reported to be light ana un-
interesting to the lobbyists. Up to this datc'
the bills introduced are much less in number
than those brought in last year. Fortunately
the adverse reports on these schemes OF law
are more pr0pOrtiOnately frequent tnah uSuui'
The chances for heavy additional lncuin-
branccs on the statute-books, therefore, are
not very good. SO favorable are the prospects
of short session, sOme of the members are
talking of IN adjournment on the 18th OF March,
ono imontl before the expiration OF inc one
hundred dsys. So early an adjournment we
fear, is not possible; but the Legislature is
likely to go home early, having done less
harm than usual.


In the matter of The SanbOrn contracts, the
Treasury Department has been guilty OF
very shallow artifce. The House asked for
certain specified information concerning con-
tracts made by the Treasury Department with
various persons employed to collect moneys
due the United States through the
Internal Revenue Bureau. The Secre-
tary of tho Treasury replies by send
ing to the House statement that two or
three persons, whose names are given, have
been employed TO collect delinquent dues !;
the amounts alleged to be due are loosely
estimated, and the commissions are specified
There is nothing new in all this. What Con
gress wants to know is: With whom were
these contracts made7 Who are the in
dividuals from whom the money Is
claimed to be due7 What amounts have been
collected, and what proportion does the net
cost of collection bear to the amount collectcdY
Our dispatches very plainly Indicate part of
the responsibility for the evasion by the
Treasury Department. 1t is not possible that
Congress will suffer this deliberate snub with
out some show OF indignant resistance.
Year: 1874

A report comes from Paris that sharply
wOrded notes have passed between our Gov
ernment and that of Germany. There is an
air of mystery about the report, however,
which does not speak very strongly for its
credibility.
Year: 1874

TRIBUNE dispatches from Connecticut do
not afford encouragement to the friends Of the
State ticket which is to be nominated at
Hartford to day. Last year the interminable
Capital quarrel divided the party, and New
Haven gained the credit of defeating the
ticket in revenge for HartfOrd's success IN the
local struggle This year we are told that
general apathy and lack of election funds
disturb the prospective hopes of the Repub-
icans. 1t is evident that local causes will
largely determine the result OF the contest,
but it is equally certain that in Connecticut,
a. elsewhere the party finds the Administra-
tion ga heavy load"