smithclay/nortonstories huggingface dataset:
Year: 1878

The news that the repeal of the Bank
rupt Law is go nearly an accomplished
fact is one on the most hopeful signs of the
times. There are exceptional periods when
commercial failure, like an epidemic, fas-
tens upon people. A season of general
disaster carries down the strongest houses
and most strictly honorable business men.
In such times men are scsrcely responsible
for their inability to meet obligations, and
1t is but reasonable that government should
intervene to relieve them from an iucu-
bus of debt which would incapacitate them
from future exertion and usefulness.


But this cannot be said of ordinary times.
Generally speaking men must take the
risks of their own choosing and stand by
them. If q mans plantation is devastated
aHd his crop ruined by q tornado, the gov
ernmsnt has good grounds on which to
remit his taxes, but II the same loss should
occur from mismansgement or miscalcula
tion of his own, the motive for clemency is
no longer the same.


There is no doubt that even in ordinary
times the most scrupulous and careful
business men are sometimes the victims of
pure misfortune with scarcely any accoun-
liability on their own part, and it would ap-
pear that they too ought to have q chance
of being relieved. This is true enough, but
human wisdom has failed as yet to invent
law which would afford such relief and at
the same time not give rise to abuses of far
greater magnitude than the good to be ef-
fected. Where one honest man finds re &.
lief ten or hundred knaves put themselves
and their money beyond the reach of their
creditors 30 much 80 that the law may be
said to work solely in their interest.


The law in itself 10 q frightful evil,
bringing as is does, the most extraordinary
opportunities of fraud and dishonesty. This
commences with the Court which admins
teTs it, where judge and register and
Year: 1878

The most relentless appliances of the law
are put in force against the poor, and if
instant compliance is not made with the
claim of a landlord or other creditor, a
broker is put into possession and the whole
of the helpless debtors furniture is seized
and sold. The returns made of the amount
produced by the sale are "doctored" to
suit the broker aud his confederates. The
victim cannot help himself; he is too poor
to employ solicitor, too much afraid of
the law to appeal to it for protection. The
eale itself is a hole and corner proceeding,
huddled up among the broker and his con-
,federates. Furniture worth $50 may be
sold for S5. No doubt this is an offence
liable to punishment; but the poor man or
woman in debt is utterly broken down it
would be difficult to find more dispirited
or helpless creature in the world. The
other day, one of the brokers who carry on
the distress warrant business came, by
some accident, to grief. But for one case
of this wrongdoing and oppression which is
undetected. For debt of three or four
pounds the friendless debtor may have his
entire home broken up and his children's
beds sold from under them. In many an
instance dying wife has been truDdled by
the brokers' man from the bed to the floor,
and not vestige of furniture has been left
in the house. These are the things that
make people dangerous in time of national
trouble. They cannot always trace their
sufferings to the right causes, but they
resolve, instead of enduring these sufferings
any longer, to revenge them.
Year: 1878

assignee and attorney, may, If they choose,


share the assets among them with scarcely
shadow of responsibility to any one.
What's every body's business is nobody's
business. Perhaps there are fifty cred
itors each one is indisposed to make the
exertions necessary to ferret out the work
Ing Of such ring when there are forty
nine others to profit as much by his Iaboru
as bimself. If he does try it he comes ous
with moro kicks than ha'pence. Nobody is
inclined to emulate his self immolation,
and the ring reigns triumphant.


This corruption, commencing in high
quarters, spreads through wider circles and
the commercial community becomes in
fected. Merchants speculate more wildly /;
a spirit of gambling takes possession Of
them, because if they lose they can go
through with the ceremony of ablution,
coming ont with clean bands and full
pockets. The old fashioned sense Of dis-
honor at failure fades out at the same time
and an aristoctacy of bankrupts is built
up.


A bankrupt law is sometimes almost q
necessity, but very unhappy one, and it
ought to be most strictly limited within
the worst periods of general disaster. If
the repeal now apparently 80 near at hand
should become an accomplished fact, q
most perceptible change of commercial
policy may be looked for in many diree-
tions and a much healthier condition thau
now existing anticipated.
Year: 1878

Much as has been said and written of the
g!ories and regal majesty Of October, as view
ed in our northern latitude, the half has not
been told nor indeed can it be- for neither
tongue nor pen can fully portray its beauties.
While tray lcrs in other lands exult in foreign
scenes and, as it were, beggar the English
language in their search for words to express
their admiration Of such sights, still we need
not believe that our own land is one whit be-
hind them in her natural scenery. We may
be as justly proud of that rs of her institu-
tions and her laws. True, no stately castles
or palaces Of beauty have here left their ruins
to deck our landscape, but, grander than all
the works of man, we have our mountains
and our hills. our noble streams and fertile
valleys. Even among the hills of old New
England may be found scenes equal in point
of natural beauty to those of more distant
chmcs, and wanting only the pen Of some
master hand to make thom equally renowned.


Among the granite hills of New Hampshire
We last night witnessed sunset which would
have been fit study for the pen Of Il poet or
the pencil of an artist. After a walk of two
hours we reached the lrow Of n hill from
which there burst upon the view a splendid
prospect Of mountain, lill and valley, with
the old Connecticut winding through it, Away
on either side rose ridges Of hills, one behind
the other, seeming to form a vast amphithea-
tire, all natures own handiwork, in the midst
of which was the hill on which we stood
Here and there were seen on the hillsidcs and
in the valleys white spots in the landscape
telling of the sites Of the farmhouse scatter
ell promiscuously around. while over and
anon the eye rested on the spire Of some viii
lago church towering above the trees Away
down on the southern horizon was old Mt
Ascutney, standing like a grim sentinel at his
post, guarding the surrounding hills. Our
view toward the west was bounded by the
Green Mountains Of Vermont, looking dim
and hazy in the distance. while scattered over
the entire landscape were groves and patches
of woodland, here small and clearly defined,
and there of greater extent, entirely covering
the hills, each and every cluster or grove re-
splendent in green and crimson and gold. To
all this beauty add a setting sun, a cloudless
sky, save a single narrow golden strip Just
above the sun, following that glorious lumi-
nary as he gradually sank below the horizon;
then, losing its bright hue, it settled upon the
chain of mountains, seeming like pail spread
for the departed day.


Truly we may say October holds kingly
rank among the months, though warning of
decay and death. The foliage OF our summer,
beautiful rs it is in its growth aud maturity,
is doubly so in its death. Such thoughts fill
ed our minds as the shades of darkness came
upon us and the stars looked forth like an
gels eyes to watch over the earth during the
night GREYLoCR.


n,t
Year: 1878

Those who suffer from disorder or inac-
tion of the liver will never get.the upper
hand of the unruly organ SO long as they
use such irrational remedies as blue pill,
calomel and podophyllin. But from the
tried and popular medicine. Hostetter's 8
Stomach Bitters. they may expect relief
with certainty of obtaining it. The in
fuence of the bitters upon the great bill
ary gland is direct. powerful and speedily
felt. The relief afforded is not spasmodic.
but complete aud permanent. The sallow-
ness of the skin, furred appearance of the
tongue, indigestion, costiveness. headache,
nausea, pains through the right side and
shoulder, in fact every accompaniment Of
the obstinate complaint are entirely and
promptly removed by course of this in
estimable medicine, in behalf Of which tes-
timony is constantly emanating from every
quarter and from all classes Of society.
Year: 1878




from the effects OF the warm weather and are de-
bilitated, are advised by physicians to take mod
crate amounts of whisky two or three times during
the day. In little while those who adopt this
advice frequently increase the number Of drinks"
and In time become confirmed inebriates A bev-
erage which will not create thirst for intoxicating
liquors, and which is intended especially for the
benefit OF debilitated persons whether at home or
abroad, is DR.. Schencks Sea Weed Tonic Con-
taining the juices Of many medicinal herbs, this
preparation does not create an appetite for the
Intoxicating cup. The nourishing and life sup
porting properties Of many valuable natural pro-
ductions contained in 1t and well known to medical
men have most strengthing influence. single
bottle OF the Tonic will demonstrate its valuable
qualities. For debility arising from sickness over
exertlon or from any cause whatever, a wineglass-
| full Of Sea Weed Tonic taken after meals will
strengthen the stomach and create an appetite for
wholesome food. To all who are about leaving
their homes, desire to say that the excellent e-
fects OF DR.. Schenck's seasonable remedies, Sea
Weed Tonic and Mandrake Pills. are particularly
evident when taken by those who are injuriously
/ affected by change of water and diet. No person
should leave home without taking a supply OF these
/ safeguards along. For sale by all druggists.
Year: 1878

chase some real estate in New York,


and then he began to speculate in
city property until he was worth sew
eral hundred thousands OF dollars.
His family were ambitious them
selves, and John was ambitious for
them. They dressed we'll and made
many friends, and finally purchased
and moved into their present magnf-
cdnt home on Fifth avenue. John is
60 years old, and his hair Is silvered.
He kept steadily at his old work. for
he said be was too old to make a
change in his mode of life. He lived
in his palace, but he entered it By a
back door. and never came into mis-
parlors when there was company in
them. His family love him and re-
spect him. and would gladly have
him come to assume his rightful po-
sition, but he will not have it so, and
they have ceased to find fault with
his wishes. Soon after the Gautier
Wire Works were started at Johns
town, John went there, got a situa-
tion, and worked there until recently,
and the Johnstown Tribune referred
to his story. An old man named
Welsh, who had been Johns firm
friend and crony for thirty years, had
his foot torn off by the machinery,
and John took him to New York in
order to nurse and care for him. "Old
John Murphy" but it is not difficult
stretch OF the imagination to picture
him still drawing wire, his honest,
kindly face blackened with SCOT and
smoke, and at night, when the time
comes for rest, one can almost see
him as he picks up his lunch basket
and walks of to his princely home on
New York's most aristocratic thor
Year: 1878

WORKER Wealth Accumulated but


Not Enjoyed..The Habits Of


Lifetime.


In the novels of some OF the female
writer's of the day. we frequently
meet with a family who live in an
elegant house. and have all the cost
ly things which the fertile brain Of
the authoress can conjure up. In
many of these novels the father and
head OF the family, who has, by hard
work, accumulated the money which
the others are spending, is represent
ed as being eccentric" He is said
to be good-hearted. and allows his
wife and family plenty Of money, but.
as he lacks polish and a knowledge
Of that peculiar animal called $50
ciety,' he is scrupulously kept In the
background. and only shown up at
deaths and marriages, or when a
check for $4,000 is wanted to cover
up some little mistake made by the
hero. The sympathy OF the reader
always goes out to this shadowy faith
er Of the novelist.


1t is only where the father has
stepped year by year up the stairway
OF time and has opened the door OF
eternity and rest that he is missed.
At last he is recognized as being a
father as well as a banker, a man to
whom all present luxury and ease is
due, as well as gratitude for unwaver-
ing love and fraternal care. There
are. as has just been said, many such
fathers in modern romances; any one
who has seen much OF the world can
add, there are many such in every
day life In city, town, and country.
In order to illustrate this by example,
the following little story is given. 1t
Is true in all of its chief details, the
names are those OF the actual charac-
ters In the little drama OF real life,
and the locations mentioned are in
reality the ones where 1t all occurred:


In Johnstown are situated the great
works OF the Cambria Iron Company,
and among the hundreds OF men en-
ployed there at one time, was a man
named John Murphy-nothing won
derful in the appearance Of its owner,
save to those who knew him well and
were acquainted with his story with
all its manly, touching details. He
was truly eccentric" inasmuch as
he differed from ninety nine men out
OF a hundred. He was SO earnest,
hard-working, kindly hearted, eco-
nomical in habits, shrewd in business,
and ambitious fer his family's ad-
vancement. that to the world at large
he was eccentric" to those who
knew him he was--John Murphy. He
was at once a wire drawer in the
Gautier Steel Works, capitalist in
the real estate market in New York, a
workman who carried his dinner in a
tin pail on Monday. and ate the same
amid the noise and dirt Of the factory,
but on Wednesday he could, IL he de-
sired, dine in his own elegant dining
room in his superb residence on Fifth
avenne, in New York-surely singu-
lar compound to exist in one man.
Modest John Murphy has been a
wire-dfawer for forty-five years. and
he has been saving in his habits all
that time. He piled up dollar after
dollar until he had enough to pur-
Year: 1878

A New Orleans correspondent OF
the Cincinnati Enquirer telegraphs
that not less than thirtyfiye colored
men have been killed In Tensas parish
since the Republican convention was
held there some three weeks ago.
The Enqirer is not a bloody shirt
paper, and it will be interesting to
read the comments of the so-called
independent press on this state OF
facts. They will probably say the
negroes had no business to be born
black IL they didn't wish to be killed.
Indianapolis Journal.
Year: 1878

The following paragraph. clipped
from an article in the New York OJ-
serUer, has the true ring


Commercial integrity is the virtue
which, more than any other one, is
now the specific want OF the Ameri-
can people, and OF the church. We
put 1t very plainly. II it be true that
in business circles the profession OF
being Christian has ceased to be an
Endorsement OF character in financial
affairs, the disgrace is due to the fact
that so many church members have
proven faithless to their promises.
and in money matters are no better
than others. And when a man makes
his profession conspicuous, and seeks
confidence by reason OF this religious
reputation, he may be watched with
greater vigilance. lest under that
cloak he conceals hand with which
to rob the unwary. But the world
has learned that all who are in the
Church are not therefore sincere or
honest. And the sooner we come to
the understanding that commercial
integrity is the cardinal virtue in bus
mess life, the sooner will We recover
the good name our people have so
largely lost by past neglect OF duty.


Release of legal obligation to pay
an honest debt does not diminish, by
a feathers weight, the moral obliga-
ton of the debtor. The morality of
the law we will not now consider.
But it should be borne in mind, and
every upright man will remember,
that moral responsibility follows us
to the judgment seat OF God. 1t bas
it's source in Him whose we are, and
as we can never eyade His law, and
that law will never be repealed. so
the relations of man to man in the
common affairs of life are regulated
by the infiexible, because righteous,
acquisitions OF eternal justice. From
that court there is no discharge until
the uttermost farthing is paid In the
lawful currency of the realm
Year: 1878

Quite a large number Of people from
the Dominion OF Canada are locating
in this section the present spring.
They are a good, thrifty class OF peo-
pie, and generally bring the where
withal TO buy them homes, Give them
warm welcome.- Richm ond, Ma
comb county, Review.
Year: 1878

We extract the following from IA lengthy
article written by Chas. Anceny, of Gallatin
county, one OF Montana's prominent stock
growers. published in the Courier, of
March Is:


The introduction of thoroughbred cattle
into Montana is completely stopped The
shippers have met with no encouragement,
but on the contrary have lost money in the
speculation. Stock-growers do not feel JUS
titled in buying high priced cattle while
constantly exposed to the mercy OF scrub
progeny.


Here will reproduce reply I received
last spring from man of different opinion.
''Fine stock" said he, "are of no object to
me. Ii want to raise snakes it is my own
business; having an equal right to the
ranges OF Montana, l can herd them right
among your cattle, and you can't help your
self"


Evidently this mar. is In earnest and but
speaks tho sentiment of a number of stock
growers in the Territory, AS can be seen by
their raising this kind IF stock.


We, to-day, are powerless to help our
selves. Under this system those stock
growers who have taken the most pains and
expended the most money tor the improve
menr of cattle in Montana, are getting very
much discouraged by obtaining scrub pro-
geny In exchange for genuine property, one
Year: 1878

PRESIDENT HAYES certainly has
good grounds for his calm confidence
amid the assaults of the uneasy DEM
ocrats upon his title. The rigntfulness
and equity Of his title to the Presidency
will not be questioned by any fair
minded, well-informed man.
Year: 1878

ment and make the investigation broad,
full, fair and free, in short what it pro-
fesses to bean investigation into the
frauds by which the late election failed
to represent the views of q majority Of
the voters Of the country. 1 lay the
blame at the doors of the caucus system,
which is a cancer eating into the very
heart of American politics.
Year: 1878

RUSSIA is anxious for peace. But
then, even In the interest of peace, she
cannot surrender the object for which
she undertook the war with Turkey,
the independence and safety of the
Christians in tile Turkish provinces.
The regard of Russia for the Christian
population of Turkey is something
touching and beautiful.
Year: 1878

AN important item in the record of
the progress of civilization is the state
ment that Senators Conkling and Cor
don occasionally converse together dn-
ring the sessions of the Senate.
Year: 1878

CouLD not President Hayes effect a
compromise with Mr.. Tilden in the
matter of their rival and conflicting
claims, by agreeing to Withdraw the
prosecution for that unpaid income tax T?
Year: 1878

Broadway was thrOnRed Wednesday about the
doors OF Arnold. Constable Co.'s as their Fall opening
was one OF unusual interest In the department devoted
to shawls many novelties were shown. shawl
called Prascora, has groundwork OF silk. with the
flowers thrown up similar TO bOurette cloth but hand
somer Chudda shaws, OF French manufacture, in plain
coors OF the softest texture and most delicate tlnts
larger assortment than usual OF India shaws
hbited these being speciality OF the house. The Rus
sian India shawls something new and very rare.


The suit departments, the second and hfth floors
were thronged at early hour, and greatwas the
crowd that It was almost Impossible to see the costumes
street costume OF pum.oolored silk and satin had
the front laid in deep kilt peats; under the
edge Of each kilt four satin pleats The
back finished with narrow ruie OF silk edged with
narrow peang OF san and headed with bands OF satin
tied at intervals knots. The basque made with
deep vest OF silk finished with deep silk
and clair de lune fringe OF the same shade
dinner dress OF olive SILK aud silk matelass6 is made
with deep basque OF mateass6 with vest Of olive silk.
The front sides Of the skirt laid in straight
wise pleats OF matelass6 alternating with silk, both
edged with deep silk and chenille fringe The train is
long and square


sented an unusually brilliant dress Of striped
silk with embossed rOsebuds combined with pale blue
satin made In the p0mpadour style The front simu-
ates pstcOat OF satin laid In folds and caught at the
side with clustered loops OF many shaded morrow ribbon
square train Is finished with wide band OF frinRed
OF fribbOn. The elbow sleeves In the Vatican style are
finished with frnged SILK. wreath OF Marshal Neil and
JacquemnOt aud foliage fastened In the centre
OF the back, aud falls To the train.
Year: 1878

The Fall opening of millinery goods, hats
and bonnes at Richard Mearess took place yesterday
and wednesday. Among the many new and novel bon
nets was an olvegreen velvet cottage bonnet trimmed
on the crown with cs6auat satin ribbon, laid in loops
wreath Of bronzed grasses aud leaves, with velvet
and silk poppies surrounds the crown. The edge is
apished with puff Of caf6auait satin, with strings Of
the same color. garnet felt bonnet is edged with
band Of garnet leads, and fringe Of the same beads
adorns the back An ostrich plume, shaded from gold
20 garnet surrounds the crown headed by bow Of tin
eel-owered ribbon The same ribbon forms the sr1ng
An ecru felt bonnet OF peculiar shape ts trimmed Wh


striped plush and satin ribbon Ecru ostrich feathers
ar fastened on the top crown, which Is cut In
points and edged with o gold cord. The front has
spray OF velvet apples and leaves which form the lace
fTimminR A while plush bonnet, edged with heavy
silver cord the front cleft aud filled in with white
osfrieh pluue which entirely the winecOOred
velvet band This department has also large assort
ment OF all the new millinery goods.
Year: 1878

A singular accident, with fatal result, oc-
CURED yesterday the grounds of st. Marks Church.
at Tenh-st and secondave railing six feet high aud
built Of stout iron rods aperng to slender points, sur
rounds the church over this boys are wont to crawl in
search Of chestnuts blown from the trees David Mo-
range, q lad OF thirteen went into the church
yard yesterday and filed his pockets with nuts
He was half way over the fence on his RETURN
when he lost his hold and fell with the whole
weight Of his body the sharp iron pickets. Two
of them buried themselves in his side, penetrating
the lung The boy hung helpless on the railing the blood
flowing in a tiny stream upon the sidewalk. man who
was passing lifted him of and carried him TO the oce or
the Department of Charities aud Correction where ne
died few minutes after being brought in The father
hardware merchant at No 13l BOWery, ana the lam
lily reside at No. 155 secOndave.