smithclay/nortonstories huggingface dataset:
Year: 1879

NJ. Javel of Paris, has recently made a
careful study of the effect of reading upon
the eyesight, and the results of his researches
cannot fail to be of interest to those in this
country who spend hours each day at this oc-
cupation, particularly as he gives methods by
which the injurious effects Of continuous
reading may in some degree be obviated


NJ. Javel classes his reasons for thinking that
reading is a fatiguing exercise. as follows
First, it requires an absolutely permanent ap-
plcation of eyesight resulting in perma-
nent tension of the organ, which cannot fail
under any condition to produce wearness if
not in time absolute myopia. To obviate this
he suggests that the reader should rest at
short intervals, either for the purpose of tax
ing notes, or to reflect upon what he has read,
or even to roll cigarette No matter what
the reason may be, these rests of a minute or
two are highly essential. Secondly the
printing of books and papers in black ink
upon white paper strains the eye, by present
ing at all times the strongest possible con-
trasts. This could be in part overcome if
the paper could be slightly tinted, and NJ ia
vel advises that certain shades of yellow
should be used in the manufacture of paper
stock, as these harmoniZe well with the in
tense black of the ink. The third difficulty
lies in the arrangement of the words in hori-
zontal lines, over which the eyes pass rapid
ly, often without movement of the head or
book. The result is that the same parts of
the retina are affected at all times, and con-
dition is produced similar to that which aris-
es from looking long and intently at some
small and strongly marked object. That is,
rs any one can soon demonstrate, the eye
gets the image in some manner implanted on
the retina and does not for a brief space quit
its hold upon it, even though the object is no
longer looked at. This is exceedingly trying
to the eyesight, and it is recommended that
small books be used that can be held in the
hand, and varied in their position from time
to time. Lastly, the constant change in dis
tance between the eye and the point of tixa-
ton on the book is thought to be productive
of more serious consequences than either of
those before mentioned, if not more than all
of them combined. 1t will readily be seen
that in passing from the beginning TO the end
of the line the eye will have to undergo con-
tinual variations in order to accommodate it.
self to the difference in distances, and the
nearer the face is to the book, and the longer
the lines the more exacting the task is. In
order to meet this trouble in part, NJ. Javel
counses that readers should avoid those books
and papers which are printed with broad un-
divided pages or with broad columns, as max
ing demand upon their powers of vision
with which it is very injurious to comply
Year: 1879

An AsToNIsHED EDIToR. An exchange
says: "We find upon our table one of the
newest pictures, 1t is beautiful in design,
small, but showing great artistic skill in its
makeup. The prevailing colors are green
and black, the two blending SO harmoniously
that the effect is pleasing in the highest de
gree. We shall not, of course, presume to
give an exact description of this picture, but
some of the characters look so noble, so strik-
ing, that we cannot refrain from describing
them. The head-centre, or rather the hero
of this picture, holds in his left hand ban
ner, in his right hand a sword his hat is
thrown ON the ground; his head is thrown
back, his left foot extended, and taken alto
gether, his personal appearance is that of one
challenging another to mortal combat, wait
ing for the other TO knock off the chip. His
eyes are cast upward, resting on the word
Il. Hello what's this Great snakes if
it isn't five dollar bill We took it for some
new kind of Christmas chrome, that had
come in the mail. But we see how it is-ei-
ther our devil has been robbing bank, or
some delinquent subscriber has been con
science stricken"
Year: 1879

SToRTEs OF AN ELEPHANT. Some years ago
there was an elephant of uncommon size and
intelligence in the London Geological Gar
dens, who was the original hero of an Incl
dent which has since been related in differ
ent ways He was as well known TO the fire.
qucutcrs of the Gardens as the bcar-pit itself
and was n great favorite with children, to
whom he behaved with a geutleness that was
almost pathetic At word from his keeper
he would teuderly wrap his trunk around the
body of any child bold enough to make the
experiment and lift it gently TO his own
broad back, and was evidently delighted at
the trust rcposed in him. The nurse maids
and the babies always brought cakes for this
elephant, and sometimes gingerbread nuts,
of which he was particularly fond Among
his regular visitors was young man, who al
ways gave him bag of these nuts, and the
elephant soon learned to know his benefac-
tor. One day this young gentleman offered
to the elephant bag of nuts strongly sea-
soned with Cayenne pepper, and the big
beast unsuspectingly opened his mouth, drop
ped the nuts into it, and began to MUNICH
them up His throat was of course badly
burned, and he trumpeted aloud in his rage
and pain. Near him stood bucket, which
he picked up and handed to his keeper,





drained pailful after pailful while his tormen-
tor stood near laughing at the success of his
pitful trick. The keeper of the elephant,
who had been told of what had occurred
warned the young man to depart, but he re-
fused to go. Suddenly the elephant having
slaked his thirst, seized the bucket by its
handle and threw it with terrific force at the
head of the practical joker, and with so true
an aim that the missile missed its mark by a
few inches only. The pail was shivered to
atoms against a tree. Had it struck the man
it would have killed him instantly. The same
elephant-we tell the story as told 10y his
keeper-dropped an apple, which rolled into
the adjoining stable of a rhinoceros. BY in
serting his trunk between the bars of the par
titon between the two structures, he was
able to touch, but not to grasp the coveted
fruit. He made repeated efforts to obtain it,
but in vain, and at last apparently abandoned
the enterprise. Suddenly he again thrust his
trunk through the bars, and with a mighty
snort blew the apple violently against the op-
poste wall. On its rebound it came easily
within his reach and he ate it with every tolS-
en- of satisfaction. Whether his act was the
result of reason or chance our readers may
decide for themselves.
Year: 1879

A glass of whisky sells for dime and is
drunk in minute. 1t fires the brain, and
deranges and weakens the physical system.
On the same table lies a newspaper. 1t is
covered with half million type it brings
intelligence from the four quarters of the
globe The newspaper costs less than half
the glass of grog but it is none the less true
that there is a large number of people who
think whisky cheap and newspapers dear.
Year: 1879

National Associated Press to the Star.


New ORLEANS, Aug 30.-General John B.
Hood, of Confederate war fame, who fought
General Thomas at Franklin, Tenn, died at
O clock this morning of yellow fever He
leaves eleven children, one of whom is now
dying with yellow fever and another has
lust been taken i'll with it. General Hood
had been quietly engaged in the insurance
business since the close Of the war.
Year: 1879

Some time ago County Solicitor Charles W..
paker gave written opinion to the County Com
mssIoners precise in every particular as to several
ouestjons on the Biddinger Road contract. as to
how the funds, which were not sufficient, could
be augmented. o,.,


M. Baker was present at the Commissioners
meeting this morning. and was asked by Mr.. Zum-
stein what the Board should do.


Mr. Baker said that his opinion was given in
writing aud that the Board had it before them.


He was going TO say no more about the matter
a. be dld not want to get into the same trouble al
Year: 1879

The Republican Executive Committee
met at Hopkins Hall this morning, and
after the reading of the minutes it was de-
cded to hold meeting at the same place
every Saturday informing at 10 o'clock.


Mr. Geo. w. Williams was then given
permission to address the meeting, and in
a five minutes speech gave what seemed to
him to be the prospects OF his own success
and the success OF the Republican ticket.
Year: 1879

A MAN who had no luck at mining In
Colorado found himself in Denver with
only q little of his original capital left


He had large brick made of worth
less metal, except heavy coating of gold
and solid gold corner Then he went
to fortune seeker, and said: "Several
years ago a friend of mine was indiscreet
enough to attach himself to a gang of
road agents. A big haul was made, and
he received sold gold brick as his share.
All the robbers had been captured and
sent to the penitentisry with the excepr
tion of this young man. He kept quiet,
and is now leading a respectable life


He is still in possession of the gold brick


but he dare net offer it for sale at the
Denver mint or at any Of the jewelry
stores, for fear of raising suspicion. The
price is So. SEQ, about half what it is reals
ly worth" The fortune hunter was
told to break off a corner as a sample.
OF course the piece was taken nom the
small part that was gold. Eventually
he bought the bri OK, and sent it TO st.
Louis, where it is now on exhibition.
Year: 1879




The following is the letter IN which
young Napoleon stated his purpose OF
going to South Africs, and his reasons
for doing it:


MY DEAR NJ. RoUHER.-I am about
to quit Europe, and my absence may
last some months I have TOO many
faithful friends in France to think it POS
sible for me to keep silence on the Tea-
sens of departure. For eight years l
have been the guest OF England. have
completed my education in one of her
military schools, and on several occasions
have strengthened the bonds which
connect me with the English army, by
sharing in the crest mSneuvers it has
executed. The war which Englsnd
mas for more than year been carrying
on at the Cape of Good Hope has Just as
sumed a character of gravity which it
had not till now possessed. desire to
follow the operations, and I embark in
two days. In France, where, thank God,
party spirit hss not destroyed the mills
tsry spirit, it will be felt that l did not
wish to remain q stranger to the fatigue
and dangers of those troops among whom
[ count so many comrades. The time I
shall devcte to witnessing this conflict of
civilization against bsrbSrism will not
be lost for me Afar, as near, my thought
will constantly be directed toward
France. 1 shall watch with interest and
without disquietude the gradual phases
she will pass through, for l am certain
God protects her. I am certain that
during my absence the partisans of the
imperial cause will remain united and
confident, and will continue to give the
country the spectacle of party which,
faithful to its doctrines, remains ever
animated by sentiments of the most ar
dent patriotism. Accept, my dear NJ.
Rouher, the assurance of my sincre
friendship"
Year: 1879

The Paris Figaro contains an account
of the execution of SolOvieff. the would
be assassin of the CZaT of Russia. The
prisoner, ssys the writer, was pale, but
collected, and his expression was that Of
defiance. Round his neck was hung q
small black placard bearing in white let
ters the inscription, estate criminal


He got down unsided from the cart In
which he had been conveyed to the scene
of execution, and he looked fixedly at
the scaffold, which he Immediately alter
ward ascended. The authorities took
their places in front of him and the troops
presented arms while the sentence Of
death was being read, the hangman hold
ing the p isoner's right hand the WHILE
Ivan FrOlloff, the executiOner, is a muir
derer, who was condemned to hard labor
for sixteen years, but whose sentence
was commuted upon acceptance of the
Office of executiOner. His assistants
were robbers, who gladly exchanged their
prison life for temporary work OF more
active and exciting nature. No sooner
had the sentence been reSd than the
beating of thirty drums rendered au
/ other sounds inaudible. But q pope,
cross in hand, was seen TO advance to-
ward the prisoner and address 3 few
words to him Solovieff merely smiled
and made sign of the hand showing
that he did not desire the approach OF the
Russian priest. The latter retired,
blessing the prisoner, who bowed, turns
ing his head aside the while, and mutter.
ing the words, heard by the hangman
alone, " do not want him lit would be
useless" Solovieff was then covered
with long white dress, to which 8 cap
was attached for the head, his hands
were tied behind his back, 3 stool was
brought, and the prisoner stepped upon


it. The executioner Immediately placed


the rope round the neck of the WOuld~be


regicide, and withdrew the stool. The


cord frightened with a sudden jerk, but


the drop being very short, more than
seven minutes elapsed before life was
extinct. During these awful moments
tie violent contOrtiOns of the arms and
legs Of the miserable man gave signs of
the death struggle that was going on,
but the gigantic crowd seemed more
moved by curiosity than horror at the
scene enacted before them. Presently
the corpse was cut down, the physician
bore witness TO the prisoners death, and
his remains were placed IN p coffin. a
one-horse cart, surrounded by powerful
escort of gendarmes and COssacks, took
away the body, and the crowd dispersed.
Year: 1879

Louisiana land is coming up--out Of
the water. 4 company was organized
to recover from tidal overflow a large
tract of swamp land and maTsh land IN
the parish OF Terrebonne and devote it
to the cultivation OF rice The work Of
dredging and leyeliDg has been carried
on 30 far that an experimental field Of
seventy-five acres OF rice IS already IN
cultivation, and everything indicates
that the enterprise will prove entirely
success ful. The soil becomes firm and
solid when well drained, and can be
drained at a small cost compared with
the returns from the crops. As there
crops are benefited by being flooded
from April to August, the land when
once well ditched and leveled, would
only need to be drained twice year, for
the spring planting and the fall harvest.
ing, the water being then again let in
during the winter months for The benefit
of the soil. As there countless thousands
acres Of land Of this sort in Louisiana. the
success of the experiment opens the way
for q large extension Of the states sgTi-
cultural interests,
Year: 1879

Home JCuTna.


How much mischief these sentimental
firts do in their dayI They give you
the impression that you and only you
are the one sweet woman whOss love Is
needed for their happiness. Your touch
csn heal them, your smile rejoice, your
love render blessed. You give In to the
fond ilIusion-One of the most seductive
to q true Woman-and find that you are
Just taken as an perimentalist takes q
cat or a dog for vivisectiOn and that
you are only one of many who has been
30 taken before yOu-to illustrate tkat
point of female credulity and womanly
soft heartedness which the firt has set
himself to learn by all the methods given
to man. Or take the tragic fiirt from
the other side Of the house, that beauti-
full little woman with TIE big eyes and
melOdious vOiee, who sings sad love songs
as If she felt them, and around whom
melancholy cliDgs as q graceful garment,
how many men has she not CO ptured and
drowned in the unfathomsbie abyss of
her vanity. She looks all EorroW, and
her life has not a cloud sbe seems all
sentiment, and no neither milestone is
harder, more pTOsaic; she gives you the
impression of one seeking consolation,
and the merriest little grig who dances
sn night in pink and rosebuds is not
more light of heart. more free from care.
She IS shan all throughout, and she
attitudinizes-Ehe does not feel But
clever men believe in her and good ones
fall down and wOrship her. and she rides
on the crest of the wave in the worlds
esteem, while her sister, who disdains
falsehOod and eoquetry alike, gets only
scant sdmi alton, and her hesrt, which
never deceived human being, is disre~
garded "A a common kind of thing, worth
little love and Jess endesVor.
Year: 1879

would have patent engine put in his
boat on the morning of the race SO as to
enable him to win. Ihe engine, the
Tynesider said, would be worked by
means of compressed air. This is anus
ing enough, of course, but no one can
hardly blame the bewildered watermen
for thinking there is something un-
natural and mysterious about the amaz.
ing facility with which this young fellow
walks away from all rivals.
Year: 1879

All the leaf houuu


Sir Humphrey Davy was once tempted
into playing an amusing practical joke
by way of testing the curative power of
the imagination. When the properties
of nitrous oxide were discovered, DR..
BeddOes, jumping to the conclusion that
it must be q specific for paralysis, chose
a subject upon whom to try it, and Sir
Humphrey consented to administer the
gas. Before doing so, Davy, desiring to
note the degree of animal temperature,
placed q small thermometer under the
paralytic's tongue. Thanks to DR.. Bed
does the Fellow felt sure of being cured
by the new process, although utterly in
the dark as to the nature OF it. Fancy
ing that the thermometer WAS the magis
cal instrument which WAS to make q
new man of him, he no sooner felt it
under his tongue than he declared it
acted like a charm throughout his body.
Sir Humphrey wicked.y accepted the
cue, and day after day for q fortnight
went through the same simple cere-
no1Y when he wss able conscientiously
to pronounce the patient cured. NJ.
Voicipeiii, q Roman physician, played
s similar trick upon some Of his hospital
patients, who were greatly affecIed
whenever powerful magnets were
brought near them. Placing them un-
der exactly the same conditions, to al
ppearance, bat taxing particular care
to exclude magnetic influence, he found
that every one of them was disturbed IN
the same degree as when the magnets
were actually employed.
Year: 1879

enduring because founded on sound eco
nOmical principles. From all quarters of
the south come the glad tidings Of increased
acreage and increased fertility. The cereal
crop is likely 10 be larger than that of last
year. 1t is apparent that the southern peo-
pie are doing more than usual for their own
feeding, and at the same time will have
more of their great staple for export. Prices,
too, promise to be well maintained. The
outlook inspires the hope of very prosper.
Gus season for our agricultural interests and
this viii react in activity in all branches of
trade,
Year: 1879

THE large collections stored in the
vaults of the Smithsonian institution
are in fair way to become exposed to
public view one of these days, work hay
ing begun on the national museum, for
which congress aPpTol riated $3.50 COO
The builcing is 10 cover two and a half
acres, and will be finished next spring.
Year: 1879

The aphorism ''put begger on horse
back and he'll go to the devil, is peculiar
ly fitted to the following clipping from an
exchange;


AS the leading men of Morris did not
care enough about the proposed L. F. &
d. r. r. to endeavor to secure favorable
legislation in its benalf, the road will prob
ably turn towards the south after leaving
the outlet of Lake Whipple, and go to Ben.
son.-Pope County Press.


We presume there is no use in our plead
ing for forgivness, nor will our supplica
tions or entreaties to have the road follow
the route laid down in the charter avails vi
anything. Oh mighty power Tin you
mind) we beg, entreat, yea even implor'
thee, be not too harsh with US, we did no
'endeavor to secure favorable legislation
for steal and outrage, but had we know
the consequences; it were possible we nigh
hive secured your services, knowing you
willingness to advocate any measure TO
ten cents.
Year: 1879

One of the first things that should claim
the attention of the authorities is the filthy
condition of some of the yards and valleys
in this Village. Refuse of all descriptions
has been accumulating for some months
past, and it should be removed at once, or
as soon as the weather will permit, for
there is no question, but should this con-
dition Of things continue to exist, there
will be more or less sickness when
these malaria breeding spots commence to
thaw and decompose under the action OF
sun and rain. 1t is the poisonous and
deadly gasses which generate in and ex-
nude from spots of this description, that
causes so much sickness in the spring, and
if we wish to avoid it, steps must be taken
to have the matter attended to forthwith,
of course there are many who always make
it a point every spring to clean up their
yards and remove all refuse from their
premises, but one careless party by neg
lecting to give the proper attention to his
surroundings may be the means of not on
ly causing sickness and death in his own
family, but his cleanly neighbors and their
families, are subject to disease through
his carelessness. 1t is in cases of this de
scription that the law must interfere, and
where party has no regard for the health
and comfort of his family or that of his
neighbors, then the law must protect that
citizen, who, having complied with its re-
quirements aud enactments, is exposed
to danger by the negligence of the shiftless,
and slovenly. Ordinance No. 8, provides
for the abatement of nuisances and makes
it the duty of the marshal to give notice to
the owners or occupant to remove any such
nuisances forthwith, and provides that in
the event of any refusal or neglect after
such notice, and on conviction before a
Justice of the Peace, they shall pay fine
not to exceed twenty-iv dollars for each
day they shall permit the nuisance to re-
main, after being notified to remove it.
This is matter in which each parent in this
Village is interested, and they should see
that any who maintain nuisances of any de-
scription are promptly notified to re move
them, and in case of non-abatement they
should see that the law is promptly en-
forced. Some of our physicians have al
ready spoken of the great danger from this
source, and many Of our residents feel that
the subject should receive prompt atten
ton. That there has not been heretofore
any trouble or sickness from this source, is
no reason why we should remain inactive
and as IAN ounce of prevention is worth a
pound of cure, we take this opportunity
of placing the subject before the proper
authorities, in the hope that prompt actor
may be taken.
Year: 1879

Frequent tests have proved that thor
oughly pulverising and loosening the soil
in preparing it for seed, is essential, if a
good crop is desired If the ground is
worked up thoroughly, the seed is planted
more evenly and the young shoot has a
better chance to root and stool. Dragging
or narrowing the ground is indispensable to
secure the best results, and it is far better
to be week later with your seeding, than
to put into ground not properly prepared
to receive it. The man who cultivates his
land in careful and thorough manner
will find that every days additional labor
in preparing the ground for seed will amp
ly repay him. Why if ten days extra drag
ging in q fifty acre field will increase the
yield but two bushels per acre q farmer
would be well paid for his trouble, but il
would do more, it would increase the yield
from five to ten bushels per acre.
Year: 1879

Any parties who have claims in this vi
cinity and who have not returned to them,
had letter lose no time in taking possession,
as the class known as Claim Jumpers"
are getting quite thick in this vicinity, and
are inclined to take possession of any tracts
of land not occupied, they are not very
particular as to who is the owner, have no
regard for any ones feelings, are inclined
to ignore the fact Of previous possession
and appear to have a great liking for those
claims that have the most improvements
We therefore would urge upon all who
have an interest in lands in this vicinity to
promptly put in an appearance on their
claims, and therby save both time, trouble
and expense.