smithclay/nortonstories huggingface dataset:
Year: 1879

Mr.. Cough tells the following story
knew a man who was startled with a face
peering out at him from the wall he went
up to it and wiped it out and stood back
again, and still it was there he went up to
it again and wiped it out; and stood back
it was there yet. His very hair seemed
to stand with horror as he went up to it, and
with terrible blow of his fist struck the
wall and left it marked with blood. He
stood back again-it was there; and went
and beat, and beat till he had broken the
bones in his hand, with beating out that
which was palpable to him; and yet he was
conscious, and the consciousness thrilled
through his frame with horror, that it was
but phantom of his Imagination. Let a
man suffer that six days and six nights let
physician sit by his side and tell him,
Now, sir, if you drink again, you will suf


fer it again" "But, doctor, will never
drink again, doctor, the thought is too ter
rible | shall never suffer it, | will never
take drink again" Aud once more healthy
blood comes in that mans veins, and in the
emphatic language of Scripture, he :" seeks
it yet again." and again he is brought down,
again he endures it all, aud again the physi-
clan sits by his side. "You remember that
which told you :" "Yes." If you drink
you will have it again and do not send for
me, for you will die" Doctor, will never
touch it again" Aud yet he rises from his
couch in agony, seeks it again, and again he
is brought down, and his shrieking spirit


flies in disgust into eternity from the body
so fearfuly and wonderfully made by God


He knew all the way along it must be So


Such is the terrible slavery of intemperance
Year: 1879

imperishable. We think we have forgotten,
until some breath Of circumstance, or some
touch of incident, suddenly removes the dust
oil years, and the writing is plain" He
went, upon one occasion, patriarch of
seventy years, TO visit his mother, who was
still living. past ninety. She did not know
The man, but she remembered her boy and
she would gaze steadfastly at him with her
mildly-beaming, faded eyes, and then walk
with feeble step TO the wicker-gate where he
had played more than three-score years be-
fore, and call softly in the true mother-tone,
Enoch, lad, it's time to come in p And
then she would chide or praise children
that had been dead for fifty years, and talk
blithely with invisible guests, speaking
names and making illusions that were all
strange to two generations present, but
which the old man recalled from the dim
past of his own boyhood as those of their
ueighbors, and relating to her daily life so
long ago. The experience of seeing the dead
past live again, as the white-haired mother,
bending under her century Of years, talked to
the boy he once had been, made upon his
mind an impression of the deathlessness Of
memory that he sought to convey, as his
ripest wisdom and choicest counsel to the
young and careless. The season for mem
ories-the holiday time of the year and of
the hearts approaching. Without being
in the least morbid, or in any way too Sc
rious-minded, may we not all proftably con-
slider what sort of a record memory is max


ing for us ? Will our pleasures stand the
test of being lived over in the mind ? Are
our friendships noble and free from selfish


ness Are we living too much to our


selves, and emitting from the conduct oi
our lives the divine rule of service fol
others Are we doing good as well as be


ing good A joy.bringing memory is above


the risk of loss, and beyond the reach Of
| time.-lSelecied.
Year: 1879

That view of life which makes of this
world simply an arena for money-getting,
aud the other view which makes OF heaven
mere bank of deposit for treasures which
neither moth nor rust corrupt, and where
thieves do not break through nor steal are
alike ignoble. What or where heaven is,
even those who talk most familiarly con


oerning it do not know. But there is no
warrant in revelation or reason for believing
that it exists for us apart from our charac.
ters and capacities. We must take heaven
with us, If we wish to find it. lmperishable
treasures are not accumulated to our credit
in distant locality. To follow the figure,
every man opens his account in the next life
with the deposit he takes with him. In this
view OF it, the business of making memories
is about the most serious in life. Nobody
yet knows enough OF the laws aud the nature
of mind to affirm with confidence that the
memory is perishable-that man ever for
gets. lie may not recollect-he cannot say
that he does not remember. A venerable
man whom we knew would repeat some story
or line, and say, with his sad, sweet smile,
81 have not thought OF that before in sixty
years" "The tablets of memory" he was
wont to say, are Of brass, and the record is
Year: 1879

A Christian woman in a town in New
York desired to obtain a schoolhouse for the
purpose of starting a Sabbath-school, but
was refused by a skeptical trustee. Still
she persevered, and asked him again and
again. g" tell you, Aunt Polly, it is of no
use. Once for all, say you cannot have
the schoolhouse for any such purpose" al
think am going to get it," said Aunt Polly.
"I should like to know how, if do not give
you the key?" al think that the Lord is
going to unlock it, "May be he will"
said the infdel "but can tell you this
He will not get the key from me-" "Well,
| am going to pray over it, and have found
out from experience that when | keep on
praying something always gives way" Aud
the next time she came the hard heart of
the infdel gave way, and she received the
key. More than this, when others opposed
the school he sustained her, and great good
was done for perishing souls. Something
gives way" Sometimes it is mans will,
and sometimes it is the man himself. Some
times there is revolution, and sometimes
there is funeral. When Gods Spirit in
spires prayer in a believing Christian
heart, Omnipotence stands ready to answer
it. Something gives way"
Year: 1879

The Boss " BooM."-The Albany Journal
says Philadelphia has raised her hand to
high heaven, and standing in that impress.
i've and significant position, has remarked
that her reception of General Grant shall
make all former receptions rendered to that
popular gentleman pale their Intellectual
fires. She feels that the country expects
her to excel all her sister cities in this re-
gard, since General Grants grand tour
began at Philadelphia aud at Philadelphia
is to be brought to an end. The people of
the Quaker city have not yet made up their
mind precisely what they will do by way of
showing the general that he is welcome and
is to make himself perfectly at home. The
details will be arranged later on. just now
every man, woman and child is at work
marking out the general features of the
boom and kindling up the enthusiasm which
is to burst into consuming fame of hospi-
tality when Grant arrives. Whether the
glory of the centennial is to be eclipsed by
this social exploit remains to be seen.
Year: 1879

found themselves surrounded at the black
board with groups of little ones who were
learning how to read almost without know
ing it;-learning how to read, in word,
exactly as they had before learned how TO
speak, not by rule and rote and by piece
meal, but altogether and by practice. The
hours of school were kept diversified the
fact was recognized that little children were,
after all, little children still, and that long
confinement was irksome to them. A play
table and toys were furnished them, and
from time to time the exercises were stopped
that all might join in physical movement.
That this system was harder for the teach
ers,-calling upon them at all times to ac-
lively throw themselves into the instruction
of their classes, to interest them and TO
keep the school room, as it were, in motion,
all this goes without saying. But, on the
other hand, while more exhausting, it was
also far more inspiriting. The drudgery of
the alphabet was gone,--so was the listless,
drawling instruction there was sense OF
constant activity in the occupation, which
gave to the teacher consciousness of in.
dividuality and perceptibe pride of call
ing. She felt, in fact, that she was doing
something in new way, and doing it un-
commonly well.


The effect produced by this changed
school atmosphere on the children was, how
fever, the point of interest. 1t showed itself
in the way least possible to mistake-going
to Schoo! ceased TO be home-Sick tribuidtion.
That this should be so seems opposed both
10 chid-nature and to all human experience
and yet that it was so admitted of no denial.
The children actually went to school with
out being dragged there. Yet the reason Of
this was not far to seek. The simple fact
was, that they were happier and more
amused and better contented at school than
at home. The drudgery of the impossible
primer no longer made infant life miserable


The alphabet was robbed of its terrors, and
stole upon them unawares while the mos
confounding thing to the members of the com


mittee was, that in hearing the primaries


read not a child among them could repea


its letters, or even knew their names unless


perchance, to the teachers increased trouble


they had been taught them at home.
Year: 1879

TEACHERS can spend few minutes extra
time, If such they ever have, in no better
way than by reading aloud to the school
some interesting story or bit Of information
from newspaper or magazine, asking the
scholars to note mentally the facts and re-
produce them in the grammar class in writ
ing, where the mistakes of every kind can
be talked over. The school will enjoy it
and at the same time be writing COM
position" without knowing it, a task than
which none other connected with the school
room is clothed in more hideous garb Or
better still, il the old well-thumbed reader
can be thrown aside and some sprightly
newspaper can take its place. Take all in
all, it would be difficult to find for this
better than the Youths Companion. 1t is at
tractiye with bright stories aud artistic H.
lustrations, aud is always instructive, CON
tanning information on all kinds of subjects
we like to know about. Try 1t a few weeks,
teachers, and let us know the results.
Year: 1879

Beside massive gateway built up in years gone by,
Upon whose top the conds in eternal shadow lie,
While the evening sunshine quiet wood and lea,
I stand and calmly wait till the hinges turn for
The iree-tops family rustic beneath the breezes flight
soft and soothing sound, yet whispers Of the nght
hear the wood thrush piping mellow descant more
And scent the flowers that blow when the Of day DER
Behold the portals open, and oer the threshold now
There steps weary one with pale and furrowed brow
His count Of years full his allotted task wrought
lie passes TO his rest from place that needs him not
In sadness then ponder how quickly fleets the hour
of human strength and action mans and his power
muse while stn the wood-thrush sings down the golden


day,


And as l look and listen the sadness wears away
Again the hinges turn and youth. departing. throws
A look OF longing backward, and sorrowfnly goes;
blooming maid, unbnding the from her hair,
Moves mounfuly away from amidst the young and fair.
oh glory Of that suddenly decays
oh crimson flush of morning that darkens gazei
oh breath Of summer blossoms that on the restless air
scatters moments sweetness, and flies know not


wherel



greve for fe bright promise Just shown and then with


drawn


But still the shines round the evening bird sings
Aud again am soothed, and. inside the ancient gate
In this soft evening sunlight, calmly stand and walt



Once the gates opened; infant group out,
The smile quenched forever. and sed the Joyous


shout.


oh fra fa tree OF fe that upon the strows
s fair young buds unopened with every wind that blows
SO come from every region, enter, side by side,
The strong and faint Of spirit the meek and OF pride
Steps Of earh's great and mighty, between those pillar


gray,


And prints Of little feet mark the dust along the way
And approach the threshold whose looks are blank


with fear.


And whose temples brighten with JOY in drawing
As II they dear faces and caught the gracious eye
OF him. the siness Teacher, who for us to die.


mark the Joy, the terror yet these within my heart,
Can neither wake the dread the longing to depart
And, In the sunshine streaming quiet wood ard lea
stand and calmly wait till the hinges turn for me.
III
Year: 1879

IT is becoming the fashion at distinguished
weddings in Paris for page boys to be substituted
for bridesmaids. They are all dressed alike,
mostly in red or blue velvet or satin, with silk
stockings and gold buckles; and for their busi-
ness have to attend on the bride. carry her
prayer-bJok and bouquet, support her train and
veil and generally be at her bidding all the day.
Young brothers or relatives under twelve years OF
age are usually selected for the office
Year: 1879

The committee to whom was referred the
renewal of the lease of wharf property at
the foot of Wood street to John Mackey
reported that in accordance with the opin-
ion of the City Solicitor the Trustees of the
Sinking Fund only had the power to lease
wharf property, and therefore recommend
ed that the request of Mr.. Mackey be de-
clined Report approved.


petition from property owners on the
street leading from the north line of Eden
Park to the junction of Kemper Lane and
Nassau street. asking that the grade of
said street be established, was referred to
the Engineer.


D. E. Gibson senta a communication to the
Board stating that he desired to establish
steam ferry between Dayton, KY, and Gin
cinnati, and asked permission to land at the
the foot of Hazen street free of charge.
Referred to the Commissioner of District


The Clerk was instructed to prepare and
transmit to Council an ordinance appropria-
ting from the General Fund the sum of
$4,000 to be used in repairing those streets
that have not been included in the contracts
for street repairs.


A communication from property owners
in Cumminsville asking that water main
be laid from Millcreek north along Ford
street to Dormann street, and thence bv
way of Apple street to the Twenty-fifth
Ward, was referred to the Water works
Committee.
Year: 1879

Although very remarkable for certain
intellectual qualities, nothing was more
debased, it must be confessed, than his
soul. He had no generosity, no true
grandeur. never saw him admire. and
| never saw him comprehend, noble ac-
ton. He always suspected any trace of q
good sentiment; he thought nothing of sin
cerity, and never hesitated to say that he
recognized mans superiority by the de-
gree Of ability with which he could man
age to lie. On these occasions he delight
ed to tell the story that in his childhood
one of his unces had foretold that he
would govern the world because he had
the habit of always lying. "Matternich.
statesman; he lies we'll" All his means
of governing men were chosen by Bona
parte among those which tend to debase
them. He feared the ties of Affection
he tried to isolate every one. he only sold
his favOrs in such way as to awaken in
quietude, thinking that the true way to at
tach men to himself was to compromise
them, und often even disgrace them in
public opinion. He never pardoned vir-
tue except when he could overwhelm it
with ridicule. have said that
he spoke badly, bnt his language was or
dinarily animated and brilliant his gram
matical Irregularities often gave him an
unexpected force, which was perfectly
sustained by the originality of his ideas
Ae would warm up in an instant. The
moment he entered on subject he pur-
sued it as far as possible, yet attentive to
observe il he was followed, and grateful
to any one who understood and applaud
ed. Like an actor who grows animated
by the effect he produces, Bonaparte en-
joyed the appreciation for which he care
fully looked in the faces of his listeners
Memories de Nine. DE Remusat.
Year: 1879




Eastern papers frequently have
long descriptions of mineral springs
which have been discovered in some
one OF the Territories The last
number of the Scientific american
has long account of mineral
spring discovered in Colorado.
These springs have ceased to be u
novelty except, perhaps, as one is
hotter than the rest, or is stronger
in some one of the mineral
elements, or pours out larger vol
ume of water. There are probably
a thousand mineral springs in CAL
ifornia, of which number perhaps
one hundred are more or less known
to the public, and fifty of these have
more or less local reputation. There
Is hardly any natural mineral
water found in the Atlantic States
or in Europe, which cannot be very
closely duplicated in California.
Nearly every county in tho State
has from one to half a dozen min
eral springs. Contra Costa county,
we thought, might be an excep.
tion. But one of the strongest sui
p'-ir springs In the State is that on
tn road from Martinez to Mount
Year: 1879

Professor Wm. Blake returned on the 30th from his trip to Castle Dome and Silver Mining districts. At the former he descended to the bottom of the Arkansas mine and examined the water, finding it soft and good and not at all impregnated with lead as was feared would be the case; he thinks it is seepage from late rains and not artesian He undertook an ana lysis of this water, but, while at breakfast. wise "burro" drank up his sample. He is very reticent in regard to Silver District; says the croppings are immense, in fact we could get little information from him save in regard to the croppings. He left Yuma yesterday accompanied by MT. E. L. Plumb, by rail, and will probably be next heard of at Tucsor. -Seuttney.

 For some time, large quantities of railroad iron have been going through for the extension of the Southern Pacific railroad in Arizona Hun dreds of tons pass through almost ev- cry day. In the last month at least 1000 or 5000 tons must have gone through, and more continues to come every day. This will indicate deter imitation on the part of the Southern Pacific managers to push their road East very rapidly this summer The probabilities are that the heart of Arizona will be pierced by railroad inside of year This railroad com pany are not buying this iron to let it lie in idleness.-SentineI.
Year: 1879

BERLIN, March 22.-In the debate in the


German reichstag last night on Herr


Schregon's motion for the establishment of


an autonomous government in Alsace and


Lorraine, Schregon pointed out that Bis


marck, tho responsible minister, was pres
ent. Reichland lived too far away. The


people were exposed to countless grievances


from the complex bureaucratic system now


prevalent. The presence of the lord lieu
tenant and secretary of state did not divest


Bismarck of the responsibility, and official


friction is continual. They wanted the
right man in the right place. Under the
present system they did not feel themselves
citizens of well-ordered state, but of an
occupied country. Give them but indie
pendence and they would become not bone
of contention, but bonds Of q union between
two civilized people-a bridge by which
the benefits of both might
Of internal reconciliation. Bismarck said IN
reply that the remarks OF Schregon made
favorable impression upon him, which
would have been better had not his perora-
tion contained an appeal to hearts which
could find no echo in Berlin, and an appeal
which pictured Alsace- Lorraine as neutral
territory, to which the claims of France
would be as justifable as those of Germany.
only state what have interceded success
fully for with the emperor, and hopefully
with the bundsrath, in all we concede in the
way of autonomy, we must consider the
safety of the empire not only in quiet times
like the present, but also in less peaceful.
have begun to question whether it is right that
to my other duties as chancellor I should
add that of minister of country of mil
lion and half of inhabitants. consider it
indispensable to the country that it should
have solid social and political basis, and
officials through whom the chief power in
Berlin may have intercourse with the people.
[ am in favor of the appointment of stadt
holder, with responsible ministry, as in a
grand duchy of similar importance. Mill
tary security will remain as before, in the
hands of the empire. The question as to the
separation of Alsace from Lorraine should re-
main open. Perhaps Alsace would be more
rapidly and so]idly organized if it did not
remain homogeneous with Lorraine.
Finally, the good sense of the population of
Alsace would work against the Parisians,
between whom and Frenchmen there is
wide distinction, who remain in the prov
ince. If Germany was quiet and had pa
tlence, this German oak, formerly pulled
down by the French, and now propped up
by the Germans, would regain its strength.
Let US see that it does. The speech was
loudly applauded.
Year: 1879

The chief objectin the seating of Hull, Of
Florida, was to give that State sDemocratic
vote in the election of the next President in
case it should bethrown into the House-a
remote contingency, but still possibility of
which the Democrats were determined to
avail themselves at all hazards.
Year: 1879

Among the schemes of general legislation
to be proposed in the House, there will be an
attempt to tinker at the tariff and at finances
With the exception Of Thurman, the Sena-
tors soidly oppose any such legislation, but
tho House will have its own way in this mat
ter, and will insist that committees be ap-
pointed and general legislation entered upon
and continued till the appropriation bills,
with the political amendments, shall have
been disposed of, or some compromise ar
raDrpd
Year: 1879

The Democratic Senators are OF opinion
that Clarence King will be confirmed as di-
rector of the new bureau of geological and
geographical surveys. Some of the most
prominent friends of Prof. Hayden, most
active competitor for the place, express their
opinion thot there is doubt as to Kings
fitness The fact that he is acceptable to
the enuiDenrs Gives him much stronoth
Year: 1879

pos Arc Citizen.


AS the steamer Winnie was steam
ing up White river, near Pepper
woodward, just below Devall's Bluff, a
black object was seen swimming
across the river ahead Of the boat.
1t was soon observed to be a bear,
when all hands gathered the best
weapons in sight to bring bruin to his
death. There was but one shooting
iron on the boat, a Smith & Wesson
revolver, which the owner got to the
bow of the boat with as the bear came
In good range, whom one shot from il
killed him. He was taken on board
and dressed by the time the boat ar.
rived at DeyalPs Bluff. Peppers
woodward would be good place to
pitch a tent for a camp hunt, as there
are plenty of deer and other game in
that vicinity.
Year: 1879

vicinity. After she had finished the
batteries opened fire and added their
shot to the danger he had already es-
capped. Before returning to the town
Mr. Bliss made a sketch of the vessel
showing where she had been struck,
and this sketch he presented to the
staff, by the members of which he was
enthusiastically received. The truth
Of this anecdote is vouched for by the
correspondents of all the papers and
many others who were on the spot at
the time.
Year: 1879

A poor fellow went to priest to get
married On being told what the fee
would be he pulled out of his pocket
about half the required amount and
said THAT is all | have; but you can
marry us as far as it will 60" When
we look into the records of the divorce
courts we are convinced that the mar
riage fees Of great many couples were
only half paid.
Year: 1879

The subscription price Of the DAILY
PUBLIC LEDGER is SIS per annum and
SOC per month fOrless than one year. The
WEEKLY LEDGER Is 81 per snnum-
postage free.


Persons leaving the city for the summer
can order the DAILY LEDGER at SOC per
month in advance, with the privilege Of
changing postOfioe.
Year: 1879

SUBSCRIBERS who wish to re-
new Will do MS a favor by SEND
INC MONEY before their time
expires, AS our mail list is very
large, and our force TO do the
work small. NO USE TO SEND
ORDERS WITHOUT the MONEY.