smithclay/nortonstories huggingface dataset:
Year: 1874

EVIDENCES OF ABSENCE OF ATMosPHERE.


When We begin to inquire into the relations Of
the moon We See how hopeless iL is to expect signs
of life. We have an orb having ne atmosphere,
that shadows thrown by the lunar mountains are
seen these black parts, indicating that there is
no considerable atmosphere. An observer watch
ing cur earth from the moon would not see black
shadows but dark shadows, Of greater and greater
darkness, but there would be q certain amount Of
light in ths valley all around the mountains; for
we know we can stand on q Rountain TOP when
the sun is rising and see that the valley below IS
not black; there is twilight there, and It comes
from the atmosphere. II there were atmosphere
In the moon, an observer from the earth would see
shadows thrown all around the mountains, but
not black ones. The blackness Of the lunar
shadows shows that there is no illuminated sky
such as ours, no atmosphere TO illuminate those
regions, and that is the first proof that the moon
mas no nppreetable atmosphere.


On our earth, as you know, there is twilight
suIi5ee sIie extending very great distance, which
divides true suSlight from the place where there
U degrees on the earth. On the moon we can
recognize no twilight surface whatever. Look
new" earth, when the earth Is between the sun
ana the moon, and there would be seen all around
the PACK olsk Of the earth this twilight. We, as
you know, on the contrary, when we have full
moon, see the edges sharply defined; IL is only
the same circle, no extension on either side by
tWlllght surface. That is the second proof OF IT,
Yet another proof Of it. When the moon uasses
over star, the star flashes out suddenly: II there
et were an a stmosPhere round the moon, that star
would De seen precisely our sun when sinking
When he sinks, though he seems NOT 10 mas he
low the horizon, yet he is really below 4, and
line drawn from the sun to the earth would pase
below the horizon. Thers san be no donbt that
nyon are looking at thsrsrth from the moon. YOU
would see the stars close around the earth when
by refrAction Of the earth = .-s5sphere


Now, in the moons casS s~ "a nothing Of that
kind A star, even some tslesccSie star Is visible
in one moment on the moons edge and the pext
It Is gone. These are threeconvincing proofs that
the moon has no appreciable atmosphere and if
a "A ntmNEuleTo kar ffo ar.oh
we know. There may be life of other forms in
conceivable, and It would be idle to iuquire what
they may be- believe there is no life. find
limit 70 where life 10 on our earth. We may say
the conditions on our earth are not the same
Acknowledgements or less light, less moisture or
moro moisture; but we lind that these conditions
Year: 1874

PRoePEcTs OF BUsINRSs AND THE De,


MAND FOR MoNKY-The Cleveland Her


aid, which has been sort Of q "mort
currency" paper, says that something
more than the assurances Of the N. Y
Tribune arc needed to induce merchants
and business men generally to take heart
and hope, and see what can be done to
utilize their chances for spring trade.
"New Yerk merchants and business men
want orders from the South and West.
The South and West want cur
rency to pay for tho goods or.
dercd. Where Is tho currency"


Tothis question the Tribune replies that
the Herald man and his business friends
In Cleveland can get all they want Of II
at present in any Of the great financial
centers at three, four and five per cent.
"1f they have real property on which 10
borrow there Is not tho least trouble in
making loans 10 any extent Currency
Is a drug In the market. II they have
not the property no amount Of issnes Of
shinplasters would give it to them"


AThe Cincinnati Gazette Of yesterday, in
speaking of the monetary situation and
the prospects for business, remarks that
the indications are that there will not be
muchif any demand for money for some
time TO come.


Trade In general Is not on o basis 10
make Il profitable 10 employ more borrow.
ed capital In 1t, and there Is little proba.
bllity that 1t will be during the summer
months. The tardy action Of Congress up.
on the financial question has been blamed
Tor the failure Of business TO revive, but
while that may have been influential, in
some small degree, in retarding the wheels
oftrade, 1t has probably had less effect than
many people imagine. The restoration
ot confidence after such shock as Il re.
ceived last annumn Is necessarily slow.
We think that the progress made in this
direction is as great as could reasonably
be expected under the circumstances, and
the expectation Of complete recovery
from the effects of the panic, and that
business should at once increase to
the volume which prevailed before the
great prUstration last autumn, Is unrea-
sonable. The things requisite TO revival
Of trade to It's iormer level cannot be OBJ
tanned by any forcing process Of legisla.
tion, and the only thing which Congress
can do TO help the matter Is TO cut down
the expenses OF the government, and re.
move all restrictions upon the tree devcl.
opment OF the resources OF the country
consistent with an ample revenue. For
the rest good crops and prudent business
management upon the part Of tho people |
will do more for healthful revival in |
trade than all the tiukering oil the cur.
rency which Is proposed.
Year: 1874

THE LATE SPELL OF wRATuRR.-The
Wellsburg Herald Of yesterday ssys that
sheep men pronounce the last ten days as
tho most disastrous in their line that has
occurred for years-the rough weather
causing the young lambs to perish even
where sheltered from the storm.


"so far as known the peaches and early
cherries are not yet killed, but II il prob
ably too carly to make any calculations
on 9 crop. A hot sun now, would be
nearly as destructive as a frost"
Year: 1874

The address Of Mr.. Ellwood Garrett,
President Of the "Union Aid Society"
was not received yesterday in time for
our entire edition. 1t will be found in
another column. ''The poor ye always
have with you;" the present is no excep-
ton, although there may be and doubtless
are more needy than in most other win
tiers. But this matters not. 1t is our
duty to aid the poor at all seasons, and
it is made especially so now. There can
be no escape from this if we fulfill the
command of the Saviour. OF your album
dance you may give much; but those
who have not been favored by fortune
cannot find valid excuse for withhold
ing in the fact that they have not an
abundance. 1t is the duty of all to help
the deserving poor, and if we deprive our
selves Of some Of the numerous luIuries
and pleasures of life, or even 4 few OF
the ordinary comforts, in order that we
may relieve the wants Of the suffering
and the deserving, We shall then only
come within the command which resta
upon every Christian and believer IN the
mission and injunctions OF the great
Head of the Church. do unto others
O. YOU would have others do unto you,


Is the golden rule, but it is hardly ex-
pected to be adhered TO in this day. We
have no intention of urging 1t now.
But if we will all only try what We can
do. and place even the value OF such
things as we can stint ourselves of within
the reach Of the Committees OF the sew
eral wards, we will De astonished at the
aggregate Of the work that will be done
The address asks nothing of you that
you are not bound to do, even without
urging. Do it, therefore. cheerfuliy' and
let the Committees find the work OF
charity in which you .rould and should be
a participant a pleasurable and "prcfta-
ble" duty. 1t may prove. indeed, the
happiest effort Of your lives; circum-
stances frequently make our good acts
cheering souvenirs through Gfe's unend-
ing tolls, and no man who gives literally
regrets he has done so, or fails to feel the
better for it. Much is not exactedj fail
not bywithholding the small thingswhlch
the Committees ask for; in this is their
nope Of success.
Year: 1874

This from the New York HERALD, OF
Saturday, is to the point; Recently Pres
ident Grant made the significant remark
that should there be any more resistance
to the Kellogg government somebody
will be hurt" The whole miserable
history Of the Louisiana business, from
the usurpation of Kellogg down to tho
second overthrow Of the form Of repub-
hcan government, is of a character to
hurt all who figure in it. The Republi-
can leaders have already been seriously
hurt by their criminal partisanship in
the business Of reconstruction. The
national Administration has been hurt
By its injudicious despotic interference
in State elections and in the aid it has
afforded to upsurpation when the will Of
the people has been in conflict with the
Interests Of Radicalism. Should this
latest and most fragrant outrage be con


ummated, should thegovernment elect


cd by the people Of a sovereign State b.
deprived of power through fraud, ,forger.
and conspiracy rendered effective by th'
force Of United States bayonets, tn


one man who will be hurt beyond al
hope of recovery will be Ulysses S.Grant
Year: 1874

TuE BATHING PLAcE-Lsst season, the
bathing place in the Brandywipe race was liked
at location not very satisfactory TO the baihers'
ON account of the rocky condition Of the bottom
of the stream. This year an effort will bs made
TO gain the consent Of the owners to enclose With
a fence the place known as slippery bot,


which Is excelisntly suited for bathing purposes,
The boys, at least, will be glad to hear this.
Year: 1874

The cable to Brazil has been successfully laid,
was Yesterday in perfect order, and London was
ia full telegraphic communication with that
Empire. The line will be open for general bust
ness to-day.
Year: 1874

We regard it as extremely unfair to
place the recent lawlessness at the door
of the present State Administration. 1t
cannot be fairly done, and when it is
attempted, 1t does great violence to truth.
The state of things prevailing to-day is
not one whit worse than they were dur
ing the last year of the Davis term, and
have unquestionably grown out of them,


There can be nS doubt but they ought to
be suppressed, some power should be in.
voked equal to the task Of restoring the
supremacy of the laws. In that SUI
premacy rests the future destiny of Texas,
and not moment should be lost in
asserting it, even if any extra session OF
the Legislature is necessary. 'As @
Year: 1874

The News copies an article from
the New Orleans Republican on the
recent hangings and other lawlcss
outbreaks In this State. In its com
ments on the Republicans article the
News unfairly seeks TO throw the
blame upon the present Democratic
State Administration, and not when
it belongs of right to the utter failure
of the military, and the Republican
Government that has ruled the State
since the close of the war. With .
depleted treasury, with doubt and
distrust in every department of the
State, with tull-grown villainy every
where, the present administration
has fought at a disadvantage; ater-
rlble fight against lawlessness, and
please God, will whip it in the end,
Notwithstanding the News lends its
aid to the opponents of Gov. Coke.





One Of the hopeful signs of future
agricultural triumphs is the abundance
and variety of fruits in our Texas mar,
kets. The cultivation and Improvement
of our native varieties,a and those which
have been domestlcated here, is one of
the most fascinating employments within
reach of the farmer, aud there is cerN
tainly none other that yields SO large q
profit, either in money or satisfaction.
In view of the Importance to health of u
liberal supply Of ripe, wholesome fruit,
and more especially, in our climate, the
culture Of fruit up to its highest stand
ard should be unremitting. The old
theory that apples cannot be grown here
has been effectually exploded by the ex-
pcrience of fruit growers this season, and
now we hope to see a vigorous effort
made to plant fruit tree upon every
vacant spot Of ground upon our farms,
and after the shrub is started, receive the
attention and care 1t is entitled to, in
view of its real and intrinsic worth





An English Earl has fewer privi-
leges than is generally supposed. The
Earl Of Marlborough became intoxica-
ted the other day, and, being an Earl,
the fact was ,telegraphed over the
world. What inducement does that
offer for an Englishman to become an
Earl? The fact might not bave been
circulated so widely but for the fact
that the Seargeant-at-Arms of the
House of Lords, thinking him drunker
than usual, eoaxed him into private
room and left him there, whence he
disappeared on the I'd inst, and hasen't
since been seen. THE great country
is to be felicitated on the fact that it
has no such-Sergeants-at-Arms.
Year: 1874

Alexander H. Stephens has delivered
his promised speech in the House of
Representatives in opposition to the
Supplementary Civil Rights bill. The
event had been advertised before hand,
and the galleries were crowded, the col
ored people turning out in force, as it
was announced that he was to be an
swered by Ransier, the colored member
from South Carolina. The speech was
read from manuscript, and is described
as dry one, argumentative, without
rhetorical flourish. at which the expect
ant crowd were greatly disappointed.
The tenor Of the speech was generally
in favor of civil rights for the negro,
but he argued that they should be
granted by the States alone and not by
Congress. In fact, the speech was i'll
favor of State rights all the way
through, and was savagely assailed in a
crude way by the colored member who
followed.
Year: 1874

The Springfield (Nfass.) Republican
is delighted at the improved signs of the
times. Among them is the increased
sensitiveness of some gentlemen to the
criticism Of the press. Two years ago
they scoffed and derided the press.
Gen. Butler was among the most auda-
cious sneerers at the press. He sup
ported the back-salary-grab-d
the Credit Mobilier steal-pronounced
Oakes Ames one of the most upright
and honorable men in Massachusetts,
and denounced the press ON all occa-
sions. Since then he has been beaten
in all of his political movements. He
begins to discover that he needs the
support of the press more than the
press needs him, and is becoming more
conciliatory and acting more respectful.
There are portions of the bar that are
very hostile to the press. Itist that por-
ton of them who aspire to take part
in public affairs, and yet have led such
lives as will not bear criticism. When
ever man is heard visiting the press
with Wholesale denunciations, it may
pretty safely be set down that he is
public plunderer, or his past life has
been such that if investigated it will
tell bad tales. Such men have great
horror of the press, and can be heard at
all times denouncing the "licentious-
ness of the press" The friends Of a
prominent defaulter, or other criminals,
always have much to say about the
ISLANDERS of the press. The press is not
always what it should be; but it will
proudly bear g comparison with the po-
litical lawyers who are so industrious in
denouncing it.
Year: 1874

public position, and after he had had time
to decline the same. which he did not do.
Therefore, when man allows his name
to be used in connection with public posi-
tions, his public acts are. and should be,
subject to honorable public criticism on
the part Of those who are expected to as
sist 70 place such persons in the desired
positions TO this, have tried to ad-
here. and have tried to avoid anything Of
a personal character in my eonnlunica-
tions. Your criticisms and answers to
them have been of the same order, for
which l am under obligations to you. 1
do not believe that honorable controversies
ever injure an honest cause or that a man
Of pure and honorable motives will ever
suffer from the truth being told in regard
to him. In all controversies try to state
facts. As you have not pointed out any
errors, I presume have adhered to them
in this case, which has been my object. l
wish I could say as much for your will
mington correspondent democrats. 1t
is generally time wasted to reply to anon
ymous writer's, and should not in this
case. only for its personal illusions. Not
knowing who "De nocrats" represents I
have not lost anything thereby, as, be he
who he may, he is either ignorant Of what
be writes. or is willful falsifer His
last communication referred to me, and he
no doubt intended it as a personal insult
to myself. He intimatcd that the leaders
of the Louisville Convention were bought
with Gold, and that was ambitious 10 be
Governor of Delaware; be either does not
know me, or if he does, when be wrcte
the foregoing he knew that he was writing
that which was false. No such persons
as he can ever do me an injury among
honorable men who know me. and the
fewer advocates Of this character Mr..
Cochran has tho better, it will be for his
chances Of success no matter how pure the


man or his principles may be. A few
such friends as ..Democrnts" appears to
be would drag down any enterprise no
matter how worthy. Respectfully.


WIN. DEAN.
Year: 1874

The absence Of stages from Broadway,
New York, caused by the recent strike
of the drivers, affords such a relief to
that thoroughfare that there is a general
desire that the strike may be continued
long enough TO secure a substitute for
the ancient and numbering stages.
Year: 1874

From the Knoxville Press and Herald.


AZ a LEGACY of the war we find our
selves burdened with d large public
debt-so large that to pay the legal IN
terest on it and meet our current ex-
penses. we must be pretty heavily taxed
for some years to come. There are only
two ways for us to look at this ques-
ton. We must either pay the interest
on the debt and the principal as early
as Convenient, or else we must repudl-
ate. We sincerely trust that there are
few persons who have so little regard
for the reputation of the common
wealth as to choose the latter course.
Then we must make provisions for Its
payment. We must 60 to work IN earn
est and put our financial affairs IN a
condition that will inspire confidence
in our ability to continue to do what
we promise. We must place our
public affairs in the hands OF men
who have the capacity and hon.
esty to do what is necessary we De-
Ieye that wecan discharge Ourlndsbted-
ness without the people feeling 1t mate
rially. but to do so, we must be exceed
inoly cautious what kind OF men we
elect to the Legislature. Our assess
ment laws want modifying and lmproV-
ing in too many respects to mention
here. They are as inefficient as they
are unpopular. We think our taxes
NAV be collected for less money than IL
now costs. Then we want the most
rigid economy in every department OF
tbs Stata Government. These are the
questions that candidates for the Legs
lature should be called upon to discuss.
These arethe points upon which solemn
pledges should be eIaeted' ana ,9 men En-
who will keep their pledges should De
elected and none other. 1t Is al wen Ell
enough to be advocating men who VIII
nIedSe themselves for Andrew johnson
or John G. Brown or some one else 1or
limited States Senator, but Just now
and for years to come it IS OF a great
deal more Importance 10 know how can
didates stand on the question OF re-
trenchment in our public expenditures
Year: 1874

JACKSONVILLE, ILL, March 29.-RepOrts
received by the National Crop Reporter to
the 18th of March, of the condition Of the
growing wheat, show that in seven of the
heaviest wheat producing Western States,
with the exception of Indiana, the average
is six per cent. above last year at the same
date. The prospects for full crop continue
excellent
Year: 1874

We heard the thrush's five long notes of woe,
Or jOy-whO learns the song may say,
We only listened when the sun was low;
But that was yesterday.
We found some viOlets underneath the hedge,
We gather'd blue-bells in the wild wood way,
We pulPd the king-cups from the rustling


sedge;


But that was yesterday.
We watch'd the rivers further ripple leap
To catch the suns last kiss, and grey
Soft mists Of evening up the valley creep;
But that was yesterday.
We sang together for the love and might
OF God and spring, and then she lay
Upon my breast, weary with her delight;
But that Was yesterday.
Alone Iwait and watch the sun go OdOwn,
Counting dnmb hours that must stay,
Ere that Supreme One comes with cross and


crown,


Bringing back yesterday.
Year: 1874

One Of the things demanded of the Legislature
by farmers meetings throughout the State, is the
postponement of the tax penalty until May. If
they would consider il in all its bearings, aside
frvrn the question Of tcrnprsary personal conven-
ience, We slo not think they would insist upon
the demand, or even contend for the justice Of it,


The present scarcity Of money is not the real
cause Of this cry being raised. There has not
been year since the State was admitted, bnt
that this Same appeal has been made to the Leg
islature. IL Successful once, nobody would there
after pay their taxes by the 10th of January, for
they would expect the postpouement to be made
again. Bonds of the State are ont, and the hon
or of the State is pledged to the prompt payment
of the interest; the State depends upon taxes to
be paid by certain time; and postPonement
Of the penalty would be virtually a postpone
ment of tax paying beyond the required date


Taxes must he paid at some time; and there rs
no time when farmers can do it better than when
they have sold their hugs, and their wheat, and
their corn. Market time is certainly more con-
vcnient than planting time or harvest time.


The punctual, well-managing men are the ones
who pay up before the 10Th Of January. Many,
of course are unable to do -; but there still
more who do not use the proper eff"rt, and if the
penalty were postponed four months, they would
still be "a far from it before. Another class
who are largely delinquent, are the NONRESIDENT
and the speculator. They have no interest here,
aid just now they eau make more by investing
their money otherwise, and paying the ten per
cent. penalty. The postponement would Le leg


slatng money into their pockets.


once Sr,,l.l fnr
the future, and would be the end Of prompt pay
ment of taxes. What would be the consequence
State and County scrip lin our County, at least,)
are st par, and any wsrk done or purchase made
for the public use, are at cost prices. Postpone
your penalties, and delay the payment of your
taxes, and you wond find scrip deprecated,
thrown upon the market for the best it would
bring, and any public work necessary to be done,
would cost double price, to make up for the dis
count on scrip. Onr financial affairs are now in
good condition, and one desires to see them
relapse into what they were from six to ten years
ago.


Another argument used is, that the 10th of
January is now past, and the penalty is in force
under the law as il stands, theru is new no in
tlucement for people to pay before the 10th of May
as nothing would be gained by it; but that
pOstponement might urge them up to pay before
that date. In other words, after hurrying up
the prudent and pu"ctual men, in order tn avoid
the penalty, now come in and favor the shif,less
or neglectful, and allow them four months use
Of their money at the public expense.


Our idea is, that if the farmers, by their elamor,
succeed in postpOning the penalty, they will he
heartily sick of it before they see the end.
Year: 1874

The WHIG is right when it fa-
vors the taxing OF bachelors ac-
cording TO age, instead OF taxing
marriage licenses.


The friends of the latter mea-
sure should couple rolygamy with
it, for then the rich can have a
monopoly of marriage and the
poor can 60 70 lcwdress and the
devil together.


We would like to have a list OF
those who favor it. Not many OF
them would bc returned to either
House.