smithclay/nortonstories huggingface dataset:
Year: 1878

THE daily consumption Of lucifer
matches in Francei is estimated at the rate
Of half dozen per head of the popnla-
tion; the proportion for England is as
high as eight, and it reaches nine for Bel
GUM. Basing the estimate upon that of
six per head per diem, the daily con-
sumption of these useful little articles
throughout the whole Of Europe is set
down at over two thousand million. The
weight Of these matches varies consider.
ably, those most in use in France giving
about l,340 to the pound, while the same
weight will yield three times as many of
| the round and square description common
in other countries. Assuming, however,


l,1O0 us the average, the daily quantity
of wood consumed in their manufacture
| would amount to some 800 tons. Poplar
and aspen are generally preferred for this
purpose. The weight of the former, per
cubic foot, when squared and reduced to
available dimensions, is about twenty
pounds. Making all allowances for loss
by saving and other causes, that arise be-
fore the wood becomes converted into II
marketable article, it is found that out of
n cubic foot of rough, unhewn timber,
not more than quantity equal to eigh-
teen pounds can be practically utilized.
1t is calculated that more than 10000 per-
sons are employed in this industry in Eu.
rope, one establishment alone in Austria
mum bering some 5000 and the total val
ue Of the production reaches a very high
figure.
Year: 1878

crease in the amount of blachmail and hush
money realized by individual members OF
the police force. As for moral results, the
wretched women, discharged from custody
upon promises OF retornat. on that no one
believed, learned 10 hate and distrust men
more than ever, and to perfect various new
methods of bribing or outwttin9 the ofli-
cials. If the society's energy is going to
amount to nothing better than this it had
better be expended in some other direction.
There are no classes OF wrongdoers who are
more il need OF reformation than tallen
women, but mere persecution was never
reforming agency elsewhere, nor can it be
in their case Men who are true reformers
at heart will watch closely the results of
this raid, and make haste to applaud the
society if it does anything toward discour-
aging the particular form o. vice alluded
to, but they will be quicl. to detect any in
dications of that blind ngliness which some
sel.-styled reformers mistake for virtuous
enthusiasm.
Year: 1878

The gentleman who presides over the
Surrogate's Court in this city, and whose
eyes have been opened (since Tammany' $ re-
cent defeat) to the evils of some OF the time
honored Tammany practices in regard to tho
referee business, announced on Wednes-
day last another remarkable discovery.
It has become as clear as mud to his legal
mind that '.it there had been no newspapers
published in this city" the Vanderbilt will
case "mlght have been finished long ago"
Some persons may imagine that if there
had been no Surrogate in this city the case
might never have been commenced, while
others may gain the impression that if there
had been some one else Surrogate in this
city q great deal of seemingly improper tes-
timony might have been excluded, to the
economy Of time and the advantage Of pub.
lie decency. However, on the whole it is
probably fortunate for the rightful owners
Of the Vanderbilt property that there ere
newspapers published in New York, even
if they do prolong the proceedings and dis
satisfy the Surrogate.
Year: 1878

The Tarragonian cobbler who attempted
the life of King Alfonso has been sentenced
to death, and, although his appeal now
goes to the highest criminal tribunal in
Spain, there is little doubt that he will
follow HUdel, the German expert
menter in regicide, TO the scaffold.
A couple of weeks since we had
the attempt Of Passanantc, the Neapolitan
cook, upon King Humbert, and in Pesth,
the other day, the interna.ionals tried a
new and improved bomb upon Count An
drassy. 1t becomes, then, matter of
necessity TO treat with exemplary severity
these dangerous fellows who are not content
with aiming at mere kings, but include
cabinet ministers in their deadly designs.
So far the zeaIots have been without
any absolute success, but as they might
easily blunder into complete murder
. the wisest precautions cannot be taken
too soon. The most stringent guard is now
maintained over the persons of all the Euro
pean soyereigns since it has become plain
that there is no question Of ordinary ma
tional dislike of person in these attempts,
but Of war upon class. 1t is understood that
King Alfonso was at first inclined to clenl-
ency, but the interest of the other crowned
heads in the frst place and the interest Of
his ministers in the second have proved too
powerful, and Moncasi must go to his dom.
Year: 1878

In to-day's HERALD may be found some
observations by Sir George Campbell. a
member OF the British Parliament, and who
formerly held a high civil position in India,
on the policy of the British government
which has involved it in the Afghan war.
This gentleman does not mince his words in
condem nation OF the policy. He plainly
says that victory in Aighanistan would be
worse than defeat, because the difficulty is not
so much to put the Afghans down rs to keep
them down, and this will be IN expensive
labor for which the country conquered can
not be made to pay. 1t Is especially note
worthy that this we'll informed gentleman
believes that the war is not in any respect
necessary for the safety Of England's en-
pire, but results from the aggressive temper
Of the Governor General Of India, who has
somewhat over ravenously taken the bait
thrown by the Russian tempter i'll the form
Of mission TO Cabul.
Year: 1878

There are other qualities desirable in a
public school teacher besides that OF being
capable Of imparting instruction. A per
son who takes charge OF large number Of
children, many Of them scarcely able to
take care Of themselves, should possess
coolness, irmness, courage and judgment,
as well as those other mental and moral
qualifications essential in such RESPONSE
BILE position. This was exemplifed in the
case or the alarm Of fire ct Public School
No. 80, in 125th street, on last Wednesday
forenoon. The janitor, discovering that the
felting around tho steam pipe in the cellar
OF the building was on fire, notified the
principal, Miss Kate N. Falvey, who with
great presence Of mind rang the signal to
close the exercises and dismiss the classes.
Although the hour was quite early-about
half-past ten o'clock the children supposed
that their release from school ut that un-
usual time was in consequence ofthe Thanks
giving holiday, and joyously hurried from
the building in which death was lurking.
The principal stood calmly at her post
watching the happy little ones flock by, but
Wnlle ABOUT Oue-tHlIu VI tuS SlA uUIuEeu
scholars were still in the building the terri
BILE cry Of fire was raised. instantly Miss
Falvey closed the doors. quieted the af-
frighted children by her words and by her
selEpossession, aud passed them out gradu-
ally without a crush, until all had reached
the sidewalk in safety.


This is one of the ladies whose scanty SAL
aries have been pared down by the Board of
Education in order to leave more money
for the pay Of political employees Of the
Board and for liberal expenditures on leaky
supplies and repairs. But for this lady
teachers presence Of mind and devotion to
her duty the day of Thanksgiving might
have been sad one in many families. and
Mt this moment hundred bereaved mothers
might have been weeping over the bodies of
their dead children.
Year: 1878

| Mr. Blight's account of the circumstances
| in which the Ponmerania went down makes
the story of the calamity even more mex
! plicable in some respects than 1t was,
| though much palmer in others. He con-
tradicts the first statement in regard to the
weather, and says that it was not foggy,
and that the lights were burning and a
good lookout was kept. As this witness is
himself an experienced and Instructed sailor
his testimony is Of peculiar value in regard
to such circumstances, and the fact that
he heard neither whistle nor fog-horn seems
TO furnish conclusive evidence that the
weather, if thick at all, was not thick
enough to suggest to the commander OF the
steamer the necessity Of availing himself "
contrivances provided to prevent danger in
fogs. With good lookout, then, her lights
oil right, the night reasonably clear, the
sea smooth and the steamer going at
only moderate speed how did the steamer
and the other vessel get in collision: !:
Before. that can be satisfactorily answered
We need 10 know somewhat more OF the
other vessel Was this another case of
tEouple from lnlI pefcnniai SouIcS " SN.',
the present defective system Of steering
ships at night by green and red lights? Was
anybody color bind, or were they only
stupid? Has collision been adopted by
we'll insured coasters rs promising methcd
for captains instructed to sink their ships.
But though Mr.. Blights statement has put
that all in doubt which seemed plain
enough when this was believed to be COL
Iision in fog, he has cleared up the cause
of the rapid sinking Of the ship and the loss
of SO many lives on 4 clear night. The
stat tement he heard from one Of the officers,
that the passageways through the bulk
heads were oil open, is OF great importance.
1t would seem incredible that this could
be true if we did not know the in
difference to precautions against danger
that is common Characteristic Of
men compelled to constantly ftce it.
On the other hand it seems incredible that
ship so built could go down 50 suddenly
unless those ways were open. But the loss
Of the passengers lives seems to be the re-
suit of the wild fears OF the crew. 1t was
possible TO save all--crew and passengers
alike; but the panic of the crew, and their
conduct in driving passengers from the
boats, is likely TO earn for German sailors
peculiar fame for cowardice, want Of dis
cipline and barbarity.
Year: 1878

Nothing could better attest the increased
interest in athletic contests among Us than
the immense number Of contestants in the
games Of the Scottish American Club yes-
terday afternoon On their new uptown track


Although the course was so narrow that all
racers had to be handicapped, still careful
arrangement caused all to go of smoothly
and to the qualification of several thousands
who packed the grounds almost to overflow
ing. The wisdom of having grounds right
in the city and easy Of access was clearly
demonstrated. If some entire square
could be secured and fitted up with q
good track, purposely for public outdoor
meetings, it would NEE. a general want OF
all the clubs, and could readily be made to
pay fair rental while the Hippodrome
would, as 1t has done heretofore, be the
place for the winter meetings. 1t is pleasant
ia this connection to note that the plan so
common in England of gentlemen throwing
open q track on their own grounds. and under
their own patronage, which was also carried
out so successfully at Rideau Hall by Lord
Dufferin, is being followed here also, Mr..
william Walter Phelps having now in pro-
cess of construction, on his. grounds ri
Teaneck, N. j., a baseball field, which, to
meet the wishes OF the many athletic clubs
in the vicinity, he would doubtless will.
! inalv also adapt to their PURPOSES as well.
Year: 1878

Some disreputable houses were raided
recently by the police. and as the arrests
were made at the instigation Of the Society
for the Prevention OF Crime it is to be hoped
that they will be more serviceabie 20 society
and less disgraceful 10 humanity than SINH
lar ones have been in other days. Hereto
fore the ostensble object of such raids has
been the discoarsgeme Of vice, while the
only tangible result has in many quarters
been believed to have consisted of the in
Year: 1878

WHILE THE SUNSHINE OF popular favor is
streaming down upon the Marquis Of Lorne at
the opening of his viceregal career in the Do
minion the approval OF his own countrymen il
being showered upon the Earl of Dufferin as an
evidence of their appreciation of his brilliant
administration in the same line Of duty. At
the Belfast banquet just given him he took oc-
cssion 10 say some very kind Things about
America and Americans
Year: 1878

Continuous exhibitions Of loyalty and good
will greeted the Governor General OF Canada
and his Princess on their journey westward
through the New Dominion yesterday. To-
day they will arrive in Montreal, where
preparations on an extensive scale are
making for gyin. them q magnificent
reception. Wherever the seat Of govern
nlent may be Montreal is the chief
city north of the United States
border line, and there the Marquis
Of Lornc will experience whatever IS most
impressive III tie country he comes to rule
in the Queen Of England's name. The dis
tinguished party will remain in Montreal
until Monday and then pursue their jour
ney to the less attractive city CT Ottawa,
which is the official capital. The
young Marquis evidently improves upon
acquaintance, the accounts OF his bearing
and conversation agreeing in their con-
frmation Of the pleasant things said il his
praise by those among whom he has
hith arto passed his life. The dull tone Of
Canadian scenery in this time. when autumn
has completed its work Of leafy denuda-
tion and winter has not come with its
garment Of snow, cannot have very
reassuring effect upon the Princess as to
the natural beauties Of her new home;
but all that spontaneous loyalty. as
seen in decorated railroad stations and
cheering crowds, could do to make her mind
at ease has been the rule Of her progress.
Her Royal Highness, who is said to be m
admirer Of Mr.. Whistler's 'ssymphonies" Of
color, will have ample opportunity to study
that artists favori:e effects in white when
the repular snow season sets in
Year: 1878

THE CONDUCTOR on the Third avenue road
who so courageously dealt with the rowdies
on his car the other evening is good one to
travel with. If the company were to properly
reward him and their other employees who show
some zeal in the service Of the public the
line would probably have somewhat less en-
viable reputation.
Year: 1878

The Republicans of Maine are called once
more to battle against their ancient foe, for
behind the guerrillas and skirmishers of the
GreenDack party march The sonu RANKS OF Lne
old pro-slavery, secession, union-hating Dem
ocracy. Summoned once to battle for the
true Interpretation of the Constitution, sum-
moned again to battle for the preservation of
the Union, the Republican party is now sum-
moned to battle for the nationa! honor and
credit. The question at issue is whether the
debt incurred during the war of the Rebellion
shall be repudiated or not, whether the ma
-tion shall keep faith with its creditors or dis
regard the promises it made in the hour of its
extremity. This and this only is, the issue.
This is the dispute between the Republican
party and Its opponents. They as wen as
we recognize it, and all over the State the
Democracy is striking hands with the hosts
Of reputation and initiation, and Green
hackers and Democrats alike are training
their batteries upon Republican candidates.
The Greenbackers cherish wild and delu-
sive hope of victory. The Democrats know
that Republican defeat is Democratic tri-
umph, and they gladly welcome aid from
whatever quarter it comes. They are conf
dent of their ability to hold the soft money
men of their own party, and perceive that
every Greenback vote drawn from the Re-
publican organization is gain to them.
Their object is to break up the solid delega-
ton of Maine Republican Congressman, and
thus aid in securing Democratic majority
in the next House of Representatives. The
result of the Maine election is looked forward
to as a clear indication of the decision of the
nation at large. A Democratic victory here
will be hailed with rejoicing by every enemy
of the Union, by every traitor in the South
who warred against the Government and
every Copperhead in the North who con-
spired against it. Especially would the elec-
tion of man like Gen. Anderson, one of the
most ardent and outspoken of Southern SYM
pathizers, and vehement in his opposition to
the war, be construed as an admission on the
part of the people Of Maine that they were
wrong in attempting to subdue the Rebellion
and in resisting the encroachments of the
South.


1t becomes the duty of Republicans under
these circumstances to rally for the preserva-
ton of the national honor and faith as
they rallied for the preservation of the
national unity, menaced by the same
enemies. Any marked inroad upon our
strength will be comfort and material
aid to those whom we have so long fought
and whom we believe unfit to be entrusted
with the administration of public affairs and
the control of the government they sought
to destroy. Let every Republican go to the
polls, and thus again demonstrate that the
old faith is still strong within us.
Year: 1878

A dangerous and corrupt colition threatens
to capture the Legislature, and the efforts of
all Republicans, indeed of all lovers of hon.
esty and clean dealing in politics, should be
directed to its defeat. The Democratic and
the Greenback leaders have united all over
the state on candidates for members of the
State House of Representatives. Should the
coalition succeed in carrying the House and
defeating choice of Governor by the people,
there will be bargain and sale of candidates.
Either Garcelon or Smith will be BETRAYED,
sold out. The votes of our Legislature will
be put up at auction. The choice of a Gov
ernor will be the result of trade.


That is the meaning of a triumph Of the
political factions which have banded together
to defeat the election of a Republican Legis.
lature. Their success will be blow to pub.
lie morality, to cleanliness and good faith in
politics, to the best interests of the state.
1t is our duty to defeat them if we can. And
in order to achieve their defeat no effort must
be spared to elect our representative ticket.
Every name upon it should command our
united support. This is no time to give play
to personal likes or dslikes. The public good
demands Of US that we sink all personal feel
ing to-day and work together for the success
of our candidates.
Year: 1878

"With this sum specie payments can be
resumed at cnce, and the premise that is
written ON the face of the greenback to pay
the dollar, made good. This would Give
Bill a good dollar for his work, and the
wounded veteran good money for his PEN
sion, which is only justice and fair play to
Bill and the veteran; that is, Bill not only
would work for GOLD wages as he
does now, but would buy his goods
at gold prices, and thereby save
another large item of the $25434 that


is pressed out of him annually
SPECIE PAYMENTS Is THE ONE
THING NEEDFUL In OUR PRESENT
CONDITION, AND WILL CURE Us OF
MANY FINANCIAL ILLS. The oment
you have got specie payments, PendIeton's
and Builerstheory OF paying the bonds In
greenbacks, which means neither more or
less than more and meaner money, be-
comes obsolete. If Congress in its blum
derings, did mot agree to pay the principal
of the bonds in gold, il ought to have
agreed to, and specie payments Will make
the agreement what il ought TO be. The wit
ofman cannot devise any scheme that will
bring absut specie payments other than re-
deeming greenbacks with gold; that is, let
somebody else have some good money be-
sides the bondh hsIders.-SOLON CHASE,s
"POOR MANS TRACT" OF 1871,
Year: 1878

LISTEN to the Boston Transcript: Far
more than ordinary Importance attaches to
the Maine election on Monday next. Its
effect will be felt beyond political parties.
That State is in position where its verdict
will mould public policy. 1t is the first con-
test in which straight fight has been waged
between the advocates of constitutional
currency" as President Hayes rightly terms
It, and the supporters of unlimited green
backs. The latter, it must be admitted, are
confident and aggressive. They are sup
ported, secretly, by the regular Democrats,
who have coalesced with them on two ri
Congressional nominations, and generally on
candidates for the Legislature, in the hope
thereby of obtaining control of the State
government through failure to elect State
officers by the people.
Year: 1878

You are told, Republicans, that Maine is
no longer Republican State, that she will
not elect the Republican nominees this year.
Should she falter in her allegiance to Repub-
lican principles every traitor and copperhead
in the land would hail her apostacy with
heart-fe rejoicing, Do you want to see a
Democratic triumph?
Year: 1878

A VOTE for Cove is a vote for Anderson.
Bear that in mind. If you vote for the
Greenback candidate you assist in electing a
man who was bitterly opposed to the war,
who is strong Southern sympathizer to-day,
and who will, il sent to Congress, be found
plant instrument in hehands OF the South
ern leaders,
Year: 1878

If you vote for Reed you vote for man Of
national reputation, man who reflects hon
or upon the First District of Maine. If you
vote for Anderson you vote for a man who
sympathized with the Rebellion, and who
believes to-day in the Southern doctrines
that logically led up to secession. And if
you vote for Cove you vote against Reed and
for Anderson.
Year: 1878

If we elect Reed we shall have man in
Congress who will stand up against Southern
claims and refuse to reimburse the South for
the losses it incurred in attempting to destroy
the Union. If we elect Anderson we elect
man who has always truckled to the South,
and whose boast is to-day that he stands
where he always stood. And a vote for
Cove is vote for Anderson.
Year: 1878

Do not overlook the Importance of the
representative ticket. The Portland repre-
sentatives may have it in their power to de-
eide the choice of the next Governor. Vote
the whole Republican ticket.
Year: 1878

We do not read anonymous letters and communi-
cations The name and address Of the writer are in
all cases Indispensable not necessarily for publication
but IS q guaranty of good faith.


We cannot undertake to return or preserve COM
municatons that are not used.
Year: 1878

Says the Boston Herald in speaking of the
Maine campaign: "To US one thing is Ger.
tain: the Republican candidates for Congress
are hard-money men on hard-money plat
form. This can be said of none of their COM
petitors, except Major S. G. Belcher, the
Democratic candidate in the Second District.
inis is the paramount issue, the only real
issue of the campaign. Those who want to
vote for hard money will not be at loss
where to put their votes"
Year: 1878

The Colorado beetle is still an object
of apprehension in Germany. A com
mittcc has been for some time sitting at
the Ministry of Agriculture in Berlin to
discuss the measures to bc taken to
prey ent the insect from devastating the
potato fields. The cost of providing for
closely watching all the potato grounds
in the empire during the whole summer
would, it was found, he very great,
amounting to several million marks; and,
therefore it has been determined to con-
fine official supervision to the districts
in which the beetle appeared last year;
the police authorities being charged with
the task of seeing the work properly
carried out. Piacards are also to be
posted up throughout tho empire and
advertisements are to he inherited in the
local and agricultural journals, reminding
the proprictors of potato fields and
patches OF lDc Otucr WHICH makes III
incumbent upon them TO at once report
the appearance OF the beetle ON their
ground. If the area infected proves not
TO be very large, all plants and foliage
on it are to be burned, the ground GOV.
cred with benznc, and this latter set on
fire. The cost of carrying out this
measure will amount to from 10000 to
$4,000 marks per hectare. Where, there
fore, the plague is found to be too widely
spread to allow of the adoption OF this
expensive method oftreatment, the beet
les, larvae and eggs are to be carefully
gathered. and the plants sprinklcd thick
ly with arsenic. The patches OF ground
which were visited by the beetle last year
are to be again planted with potatoes,
in order that should any Of the insects
have wintered in the places where they
first appeared, they may not be forced to
travel further afield in search of food and
nourisbment; buamay, on the contrary,
be captured on the spot as they emerge
from tile ground to feed.