smithclay/nortonstories huggingface dataset:
Year: 1874

The following story of the achievement
in respect of speed in an ice-b boat on the
Hudson in the vicinity of Staatsburg last
week is told by the Poughkeespie Eagle
Thursday last the wind blew very fresh
from the south, and the owner of the new
ice-boat Cyclone determined to take ad-
vantage of the favorable opportunity for
timing his yacht. The Hudson at this
point is very wide, and at the course Sc
lected its breadth is one mile. Having
made every preparation for the feat 10 be
accomplished, the reef points were shaken
out of the sails, and every stitch Of canvas
spread to the gale. With two men on the
windward runner to keep the boat down
to the ice, the helm was turned, the sails
filled, and in a moment, with every inch
OF canvas drawing, she was under full
headway. Like an arrow from bow she
dared away on the course, clouds Of pull
verised ice following in the track of her
runners as they hummed over the surface
of thes river. and in what seemed but an
instant the river had been crossed and the
milo accomplished in the almost incredible
time of thirty-one seconds, being at the
rate OF two miles in minute and two Sec
onds Persons on shore compared the
speed of the flying racer to that of mete-
or flashing through the sky, and watched
her movements with eager interest. The
owner afterward put the boat through
some movements on the ice, and astonish-
ed, as well as paralyzed, the lookers-on
by sailing all the way across the river on
one runner, the force of tho wind throwing
her over on her beam ends and raising the
windward runner from ten to twelve feet
above the ice. Although but few were
willing to partake of the amusement, all
seemed disposed to coincide in the opinion
that ice yachting Is the most exhilarating
of sports, and the evolution of which one
of these yachts is capable, the most grace
ful of anything he ever witnessed"
Year: 1874

Somebody wrote to the editor
of a paper to ask how he would
break an OK. The editor replied
as follows IF only one OK, a
good way would be to hoist him,
by means of a long chain attached
to his tail, to the top of a pole
forty feet from the ground. Then
hoist him by "a pole tied to his
horns to another pole. Then
lower on his back q five ton pile
driver; and if that fails to break
him, let him start a country news
paper and trust people for sub
scriptions. One Of the two ways
will do it."
Year: 1874

A man with some wit and a
very long nose met neighbor
one frosty morning who sang out,
"Halloo. Smith; 1 met the end of
your nose back here piece, and
saw it was completely frozen
mo fault Of mine," said the un-
disturbed Smith; II rubbed it as
far as could reach"
Year: 1874

will prove interesting to many of
our readers:


The governor and magistrates
convened in general assembly, are
the supreme power under God Of
this independent dominion. From
the determination of the assembly
no appeal shall be made.


Whoever says there is a power
and jurisdiction above and over
this dominion, shall suffer death
and loss of property.


Conspiracy, attempting to
change or overturn this dominion,
shall suffer death.


The judges shall determine con-
troversy without jury.


No one shall be a freeman. or
give a vote, without be has been
converted. and member in full
communion with one Of the
churches allowed in this domiu-
ion.


No man shall hold any Office
who is not found in the faith, and
faithful to his dominion; and WHO
ever gives d vote to such person,
shall pay fine Of twenty shillings
for the first offence, and for he
second he shall be disfranchised.


Each freeman shall swear by
the blessing Of God to bear true
allegiance to his dominion. and
that Jesus is the only King.


No Quaker or dissenter from
the worship of the established do
minion shall be allowed TO give
vote for the election of magis-
'trates or any other officer.


No food or shelter shall be af.
afforded a Quaker, Adamite, or
other heritic.


1t any person turns Quaker, he
shall be banisbed, ,and not suffered
to return but on point of death.
No priest shall abide ih this do
minion; he shall be banished, and
suffer death on his return. Priests
may be seized by any without a
warrant.


No one is to cross a ferry, but
with an authorized ferryman.


No one shall run on the Sabbath
day, or walk in the gardener else.
where, except reverently to and
from meeting.
No one sh II travel, cook
yictuals, cut hair, or shave on the
Sabbath day.


No woman shall kiss her child
On the Sabbath or fasting day.
The Sabbath shall begin at sun
set on Saturday.
TO pick an ear of corn growing
in a neighbor's garden, shall bt
deemed theft.
A person accused of trespass
during the night shall be judged
guilty, unless he clear himself by
oath.


| When it appears that an accused
| uuS COulcuCIdtCS duu uC lCluSCo ~
discover them, he may be racked
No one shall buy or sell land'
without permission of the select
men.


Whoever publishes a lie to th'
prejudice of his neighbor, shall 81
in the stocks or be whipped titteel
stripes.


Whoever brings cards or die
into this dominion shall pay fin
Of E5.


Whoever wears clothes trimme'
with gold, silver or bone lace
: above two shillings by the yard
shall be presented by the gran
Jurors, and the selectmen shall ia
/. the offender at $500 estate.


A debtor in prison swearing b


has no estate. shall be let Out,an
Year: 1874

The editor of the Brunswicker
has been to hear Phoebe Coins
lecture, and this is what he thinks
of it. "One illustration struck us
as peculiarly apt and happy. She
said she once saw a horse in a
treadmill-one of those internal
arrangements for saving wood, in
which the poor animal is compelled
to climb up an inclined plane, toll
ing ceaselessly in one spot, for the
benefit of a hard master. She
yearned to tear away the bars
from that horse, and let him out
to kick and grunt. Such she said
was the condition of women at
the present day an aimless,
thankless struggle for the tyrant
man.. AS the fair speaker grew
eloquent on this theme she drew
every heart in the audience insen
sibIy toward her, and there was
not a man amongs. the listeners
but feltiike rising in his might,
tearing down the bars of opposi-
tion that hedge in woman, and
saying. ''Go, God bless you; Go,
and kick and grunt."
Year: 1874

A lady; while engaged in the
pursuit of her domestic duties,en
countered u mouse in the flour
barrel. Now, most ladies under
similar circumstances would have
uttered few feminine shrieks and
then sought safety in a garret.
But this Que possessed more than
the 0 rdinary degree OF feminine
courage. She summoned the hired
man and told him to get the gun
call the bull dog, and station him
self at a convenient distance.
Then she climbed half way up
stairs and commenced to punch
the flour barrel vigorously with a
pole. Presently the mouse made
it's appearance and started across
the floor. The dog at once went
in D ursuit. The man fired and
the dog fell dead. The lady faint.
ed and fell down the stairs, and
the hired man, thinking .hat she
was killed, and fearing chat he
would be arrested for murder, dis
appeared and has not been heard
of since.
Year: 1874

The burial pits in the New York Pot ter's field are deep excavations (the average depth is about ten feet), as may be inferred, and extend almost below low-water mark on Hart's Island. When the Fidelity brings a load of bodies from the city, they are taken to the ground and laid side by side in the pit. There is no indecency about the treat ment of the bodies, and the handling is careful and orderly. A coffin may burst open now and then, and its frightful contents-for death is frightful at all times, and under such circumstances doubly so-tumble out, but the mishap is soon rectifed, and the burial proceeds as if nothing had happened. As boat load of coffins is placed in the pit they are covered with earth, not six feet in depth, but in winter, six inches. In summer, for protection however, the covering is put on much thicker. It is never very heavy, as economy of space is the rule at all seasons. The superin- tendent of those pits has marked every coffin put in them since Hart's Island has been used as Potter's Field. He is German, and appears to be perfect ly at home in the loathsome business, for it certainly is loathsome in summer, if not at all times. In these pits the burials are promiscuous-white and black, men, women and children are laid side by side.

 For the benefit of the poor who desire it, single graves can be purchased for the moderate price of three dollars. These graves are numbered and the sum named covers all expenses. Some times bodies which are expected to be reclaimed are given sepala ate interment, but if the reclamation is not made within Q reasonable period they are removed to the general place of sepul- ture.
Year: 1874



 A close observer of the marriage cere mony in the English chapel. St. Peters burg, by which the Duke of Edinbure and the Grand Duchess Marie were united according to the Anglican rite sends the following account to the Lon don Daily NeaUs

 "Dean Stanley began the exhortatior in loud voice, which, on account ol hoarseness, he was soon forced to aban don. As the ceremony proceeded the Duke seemed rather nervous, but look ed pretty steadily at Dean Stanley while the Grand Duchess cast her eyes down-now at the carpet, now at the bouquet that she carried-and regarded the Dean closely only during the usual interrogatories. In giving the VOW, the Duke answered in 0 very loud voice, T will,' which was audible all over the church. When Dean Stanley asked, Who giveth this woman P he looked significantly at the Emperor, who simply bowed. In giving her troth the Grand Duchess repeated the words after the clergyman in a clear, audible voice, and with excellent pronunciation.

 The presentation of the ring was not effected without some embarrass. ment. The Duke received the ring from Prince Arthur, and passed it to Dean Stanley, who looked at it with the eye of a connoisseur, and then returned it to the bridegroom. The Duke was somewhat embarrassed by the Prayer Book which he held, and tried to hand it to the train bearer behind. That functionary, apparently not understand ing what was required of him, did not take the profered gift. The Grand Duchess, who was waiting, then offered to take the volume, but the Duke final ly mastered the difficulty, and grace fully slipped the ring on the outstretch- ed finger. The Dean joined the hands of the bride and bridegroom with a great deal of emphasis, and held them pressed together longer than is cus- tomary, but not even this triple union of hands prevented them from shaking with very obvious agitation. Instead of the usual exhortation at the end of the serSice, a special prayer was substi- tuted, the felicitous language and sen timents of which left no doubt about it's author. The Dean delivered the prayer in very impressive manner, though he somewhat marred the effect by trying to raise his voice too high.

 "At the conclusion of the ceremony the bridal pair turned round to receive the salutations of the Empress, who had been standing with difficulty, and who looked very pale and feeble. She embraced her daughter, and gave her a long kiss. At this moment guns from the fortress believed forth their more boisterous greeting, and the splendid Russian bells shook hundred spires.

 "Slowly and solemnly the cortege took up once more it's march. The bride looked pleased that the long oere- monial was over, and both she and the Duke of Edinburgh walked out of the hall with a quicker and more elastic step."
Year: 1874

An important bill was introduced into the New York Legislature by MT. Daly of New York. It was drawn by John D. Townsend, Esq, of New York, who says that he believes the Legislature has as much right to prohibit the sale of i'm. pure liquors as they have of diseased meat.

 The first section prohibits the making of any imitation or commercials of the various liquors, wine, and beer under a penalty of not more than one years i'm prisonment and fine of not more than $500. Proof of the selling of impure liquor shall be held as prinaa facie evi- dence of the guilty knowledge of the person selling it.

 The second section provides for the appointment in New York city of a board of chemists, to consist of 27 mem- bers, to be known as "the Board of Liquor Examiners in the city of New York, :" to hold office for five years un- less sooner removed, those onl y who can prove their knowledge of chemistry, honesty, and sobriety to be eligible.

 Section three gives the appointment and gives them power of removal for cause.

 Section four provides for the organi- zation of the Board of Examiners, and gives them power to appoint twenty four assistants.

 Section five provides that the liquor examiners shall prepare statement showing the ingredients and their pro- portions as nearly as possible of all known strong or spirituous liquors, wines, and beer in their pure condition. Liquors not up to the specified schedule are to be deemed impure.

 Sections six and seven make it the duty of the board to assign one of their number and an assistant to duty in each ward, to be changed every six months, and no assistant to be with the same examiner for more than six months. He is to make list of all persons in his ward who sell liquor and report the same to the President of the board.

 Section eleven provides that if in the opinion ot the board or, any member, after an inspection of liquor it is i'm pure or an imitation and not as repre- sented, the board shall seize the same and cause it to be analysed, and should 1t prove to be impure, or not as repre- sented, it shall be destroyed and the vendor punished.

 Sectien seventeen provides that any examiner who shall except bribe or fail to perform his duty shall be re- moved from his position, and be liable to criminal prosecution, and upon conviction shall be imprisoned in the county jail for not more than one year nor less than six months, and fined not more than $1,000. Police Magistrates and Justices of the Peace and other off, cers who shall refuse or neglect when required to perform the duties inn posed upon them by this act shall be removed. .l
Year: 1874

One of our New England exchanges relates the following "A body of water, said to cover an area of two acres or more, has just been discovered on the top of one of the mountains in Glatenbury. Some of the oldest inhab- itants say that many years ago it was known to be there and was called the Lost Pond, and that one day Stephen Pratt, then of Bennington, Vt, and two other gentlemen were roaming about in the then seemingly interminable forests, trapping. Happening to have hooks and lines in their pockets they deter mined to see if there wasn't some trout in the small brook which they came across. After getting everything in readiness they threw their hooks into the little brook, and to their amazement, as they afterwards expressed it them selves, { it was filled with trout | They fished along up the stream Q few rods, and to their utter astonishment, came to the pond above mentioned. There they said the trout took hold too fast for sport ' They caught more than they could bring home through the woods, and were consequently obliged to leave some, but with a determination that they would visit the pond the next day. After long march they finally reached the road to town, where they had left theirteam, but greatly fatigued. They travelled all the next day, but could not find the pond, and it has not been discovered until now. ".. .....; 90.
Year: 1874

ASpITbGAOus If could send to distant seas, With spreading sails and kindly breeze, The ships my fancy builds at ease If could rear without the strain And sweat that comes of loss and gain, The castles would have in Spain If could lay all sin aside, And take the Savior as my guide, And have no other rule beside If could win deathless name, And catch bauble mon call fame, And never know the sting of blame If cruel gain came not by stealth, Across the current of my health, To taint the life blood's precious wealth. If could claim the good and great, Whose fellowship is rich estate, And feel their friendly correlate- Then life would pay it's simple cost, And hope and fame would not be lost. Upon Times ocean tempest-tossed. But man hath cares and toll hath stings, And riches take upon them wings, And labor only honor brings. Alas my ships lie on the strand, My castles in the Spanish land, Are built of rainbows on the sand.
Year: 1874

A man who was trying to dead-beat the Lake Shore road by playing deaf and dumb was asked by the conductor how long he had been so, and he replied; "Why, man, I was born this way r d .
Year: 1874

INcoNvENIENCE.-The practice On the
part of our rail road officials of leaving
train Of ears standing on the track where
it is crossed by the public highway leading
from Torhnro by way of Nnrfinet's Mil, &c
a matter of serious inconvenience to the
travelling public and source Of COM
plant. On yesterday we noticed that sew
eral gentlemen were kept waiting for a
length of time till the Engine had finished
shifting cars lower down. The officers
will, we hope, be kind enough to see that
the practice is discontinued forthwith.
Year: 1874

PUzzLED HM.--A lady telegraphed
from Richmond to modest young sleep
ing car conductor at Weldon, the other day,
that she wished two "births" the ensuing
night Our bashful Captain thought there
might be an error in the orthography of
the message-he hoped so at least. We
learn this from the Roanoke News"
Year: 1874

LosT.-A large Britannia waiter was ta-
ken from the Public School House on last
Friday, under mistake, we have no doubt,
but has not yet been returned to its owner
The one who has it in his possession will
do a favor by leaving It at the Enquirer
SOutherner office.
Year: 1874

RADICAL CONVENTIONAL Radical Con-
vention met at Williamson on last Sat,r-
day to make nominations for the offices of
the 2nd Judicial District. As predicted in
our last issue, billiard, of Pitt, was chosen
for Judge and Martin rc-nominated for
Solicitor. Their election is almost a Ger
tainty, but it is q doubtful question wheth-
er Hilliard will he allowed to qualify as
the matter will have to be referred ultimate
ly to the Supreme Court for its opinion
of the clause in the cons stitution bear
ing upon the subject. From the action of
the Convention, it seems that the radicals
manifect a disposition to shelve Judge
Moore. The wherefore has not yet been
made public. He is, in the opinion OF
many, the ablest man in their party in this
district-at any rate decidedly IIilliard's
superior in point of legal ability.
Year: 1874

Another Mystery i'm Jersey City-A Tenn


pernnce Lecture.


Yesterday morning, about four O'Clock, the body
OF man was found IN Communipaw avenue near
westside avenue, Jersey City, in such condition
TO arouse suspicious OF foul play The head was
bruised the face was covered with blood and the
marks OF blows were distinctly visible the body.
Three hours must have elapsed from the time OF
death when the body was discovered. After il was
removed 10 the Morgue 1t Identified as that Of
John Mccain, truck driver in the EMPLOY OF John
Scanlon the contractor. He was last seen al Il
late hour IN the evening going towards his EN-
poyer's mouse on Westslde avenue, where
ne boarded and ne was under the influence OF
liquor He and two other men drank freely in
OROurke's saloon, near Library Hail. When the
three men left the saloon tney were intoxicated,
The holes discovered IN McCann's hat point to the
commission OF murder, and no accurate theory
can be formed OF the cause OF death Till the County
Physician submits his report. The police have q
theory that McCann was run over by u wagon
while lying drunk the highway, but this is
highly Improbable from the character OF the
wounds. The men had been wranghng before
they lett the saloon and the three started III the
direction OF Communpaw avenue. Coroner Rein
hardt has employed a detective 10 worn up the
Year: 1874

CLIFTON, ONT, March 7.-The Great
Western Railroad Company is examin-
ing the river here with the view OF
building q new double track iron bridge
the present suspension bridge being
INADEQUATE Tor rsllroad traffic
Year: 1874

but are created by legislative enactments,
ami their power to ac. is derived from the
state He then answers some OF the claims
that are set up by the railroads as to what
is granted by the state and accepted by
the curpCratlUn,
Year: 1874

candidates. Some Of the friends Of Davis talk
ing of not going into the Republican caucus; in
whcs case, unless some understanding is arrived at,
Rsmseys defeat would be very certain. But 10 is
TOO early yet to speculate the Senatorial cleo
tiOn.


have purposely omitted from this letter all allu'
sion to the railroad question and the Grange move
ment as shall speak of those hereafter, and Of thes
relations to the politics of the State Ny theory in
this letter has been that parties will be organized as
they were last year.
Year: 1874




A movement is on foot for the
formation of an excursion party to
Lake Superior, composed of the
members OF the House and Senate
OF the last Michigan Legislature, to
start about the middle ofnextmonth.
1t Is notorious fact that the large
mass of the people of Michigan are
deplorably ignol ant of the resources
and wealth of their depe1aaency-
the Upper Peninsula. This excur-
sion will consist of some of the most
prominent men of the State and will
afford them an opportunity to exam
inc our resources and get acquaint-
ed with our people, No better op-
portunlty viii be afforded them to
get an expression Of the opinion of
the people of Lake Superior in refer
ence to ourseparation from the State
Of Michigan, and we hope every
man will endeavor to so express his
opinion, that our friends from the
Lower Peninsula will go home with
a pretty clear idea that our people
are very unanimously in favor of
such movement. 1t is true that as
a body the gentlemen may not be
called upon to legislate upon the
question, but undoubtedly many of
them will again be members of our
Legislature before whom the ques,
ton may be brought. We are glad
this representative body have decid-
ed to visit us; they will see much
to astonish and crafty them and
have chance to become acquaint-
ed with the most generous, and
whole-souled people of the State of
Michigan.
Year: 1874

VITALITY OF GRAssHoPPERs.- -
An Iowa doctor writes Of the re-
markable grasshoppers that do SO
much damage in that state: "In
my opinion they come from the
lower portion of the British Pos
sessions. They are very hardy
insect. 1t takes quite a breeze to
to kill them. Immerse one in water
for three hours, and he will come
to have a better masticative and
digestive faculty than ever. They
will devour arsenic with the avidity
of a modern belle. When their
wings are developed they have a
better locomotive power than the
old Western Stage Company ever
had, and those that are here have
at this date got wing develop
ment now of about a quarter of an
inch, while the body is about three
quarters of an inch in length.