smithclay/nortonstories huggingface dataset:
Year: 1874

W hiAe Witches--A Curious Incident.


We have received from an eminent
American jurist the following interest
ing narrative:


Eeaf the close Of the seventeenth
century that renowned Judge, Sir
John Holt, Lord Chief Justice Of Eng
land, esteemed by his contemporaries,
as we. as by men of after"ages, as an
embod ment both of the law and Of
justice, was presiding at the assizes
held in and for his native county of OK
ford. A decrepit old woman was put
on trial., charged with the crime of
witchceaft. The history Of the case,
tae offense Of which the prisoner was
alleged te be guilty, were laid before
the jury by the Attorney General
prosecutin, for the Crown. The Chef
Justice listened to the opening OF the
case with unusual earnestness, tor
there was RECALLED to his memory Gu
rious incident connected with his own
early life. When student at
the University of Oxford his habits
were wild and irregular, and he gave
no promise Of his great future eminence.
In company with several other young
students he had been for several days
on carouse through some of the coun-
| try places in he vicinity of Oxford.
Young Holt haa separated himself from
his companions, and riding up to = way
sile inn, withou any money in his
pocket, he yet directed his horse to be
fed and an am ple dinner prepared for
himself. Strol@ing into the kitchen, he
noticed the daughter Of the hostess
was sick, and was told by her mother
that she was great sufferer from fever
and ague, aud shat the doctors had beer
unable to cureAher. The young collie
e gian at once de. Jared his ability to eff


feet cure. Taxing a piece Of parch


ment. he wrote q. on it a cabalisti'
word in the Greek characters, bount


it tightly upon thu wrist Of the girl


and then assured as.r that while she re


tanned it she would have no further re


turn of her chills aud fever. He re


maiued at the inn for several days, an


the girl had no returnsof her sickness


When demanding his bill the gratefr


mother said she had no stcharge agains


him, and only regretted that her lin


tied means would not psrmit her,


make him more ample payment for th


healing ~este' ~ roc
Year: 1874

The picture fades as at a village fair


A showman's views dissolve into the air,


TO reappear trans6gured or the screen,
So IN my fam this; and now once more
In part transit cured, through the open
Year: 1874

her; nothing will 90 right Woe also to


the bridesmaids if they keep one of
them, for they will not be married be-
fore Whtsuntide, or till the Easter fol.


lowing at the soonest Where the
Scottish custom is followed Of the newly
welded couple being welcomed home by
the husbands mother meeting them at
the door and breaking currant bun
over the head OF the bride before her


foot crosses the threshold, it is thought
very bad omen If the bun be by mis-
take broken over any head but that to
which the honor is due. If bridal
party ventures off dry land, they must
90 up stream; should they be fool hardy
enough to go down the water, either the
bride, the bridegroom or one of the
bridesmaids will infallibly feed the fish.
Year: 1874

He came up the four pair of stairs
Saturday morning, and as soon as he
had recovered his breath he wanted to
know if the Free Press would like to
engage another reporter. He said he
hadn't had much experience, but he said
it in tone which meant to convey the
idea that he knew his business. He was
tall and thin, had on a plug hat which
looked as if it had been run over by a
drove Of mules his collar had sweat
through and his bandana handkerchief
was remarkable for the many orevasses
in it. His boots were red with old age,
and his pants were stuffed into the tops.
Nevertheless, his face was one to COM
mand attention, and his tones were re-
spectful In reply be was told that there
was always room at the top Of the pro-
fession, just as Daniel Webster told
young lawyer once upon a time. He said
he thought four stories high was about as
near the top of profession as a fellow
could get, but his joke was too old to
laugh at. He didn't want much pay, he
said, his object being to identify himself
with some growing journal and let the
feeting years bring him wealth and lau-
rels He was bnt nineteen years old,
and he had plenty of time. He said be
could sit up three nights running, ingra-
tiate himself into the affections of the
police in one brief hour, and he knew
the fremen and the captains of the
ferryboats would love him on sight He
could report anything, he said, from a
dog fight to a regatta, and he wrote a
- 10 70 al
gious meetings, knew all about medical
conventions, and would go for woman
suffrage or become granger, just as the
paper desired. He preferred, he said,
10 work all day and all night; but if the
Office had rule requiring a man to sleep
three or four hours out of the twenty
four, he would obey.


He promised much more, and his tones
grew more serious as he talked. He
was being consumed by burning ambi-
ton to WELD lead pencil, and 6re-water
had no effect upon him. BE was CUP"
in grammar, posted in poets, and as for
history, he could repeat every important
event from the hour the boy stood on
the burning deck down to Eli Perkins
fight with the Fat Contributor" BE
had brought along few specimens Of
what he could do-faint efforts scratched
off with chain-lightning velocity. he
handed one over. 1t read:


MURDER ll-Aboute ten o'clock last
mite the cry of murder was herd on one
of our name streets, and as usual the
police was not in site. The cries WAS
repeeted sevral times, being enuf to
curdle the blood Of the bravest man that
Year: 1874

A third pronounces, Who marries
between the sickle and the scythe will
never thrive" while poet, compliment
ing the moRth at the expense of what
should be the ruling passion in marriage
minded folks, sings;
Year: 1874

In olden days June was held the most
propitious month in the twelve for mar.
riage-a happy result being rendered
doubly certain if the ceremony was
timed so as to take place at the full
moon, or when the sun and moon were
in conjunction. That unimpeachable
authority, the registrar general, tells us
that May is in these later days fayorite
marrying month in England, SO that one
matrimonial superstition has gone the
way all such fancies are doomed, sooner
or later, to go, for May used to be as
much avoided by persons about to marry
as June was favored, that merry month
being supposed to be specially under the
influence of malignant spirits delight
ing in domestic discord. " The girls
are all stark naught that wed in May"
is the verdict of one old saw; another
declares r rfo
Year: 1874

Mrs. Galhner, widow, of De-
troit, told an auctioneer one day
last week that she had no flour or
wood and must go to the poor-
house. He told her she must get
a husband and proposed to sell her
to the highest bidder. She consen-
ted and he Immediately drew a
crowd by his crying out, and the
sale commenced with bid of 43
cents. An old bachelor named Jos~
lyn speedily raised it to S., and then
to IS, at which figure she was struck
eft to him. 1t was stipulated that
there should be a weeks courtship,
which was faithfully carried out,
and at the expiration of the time
he married her.
Year: 1874

JUNCTION CITY ON THE FoURTH.-
The ball at Stones Hotel on the night of
the Sd Of July was largely attended, the
best in fact Of any ball given there for
several years. About sixty tickets were
sold, some forty ladies were present and
dancing was continued until after day
break. Toward noon the company began
to assemble at the picnic ground, near
John Whitmore's residence. Under the
large spreading liveoak, at the foot of the
mountain, platform was laid and tables
set, and the ground, which had been well
leveed off and covered with saw-dust
the day previous, used as dancing floor.
Abundant cheer was provided and Il large
company was present during most of the
afternoon, enjoying themselves with
dancing and the singing of patriotic
songs.


MINING AT JUNCTION CITY.-From
what we could gather while at Junction
City on the 4th, we judge that the pres
ent season has been a very favorable one
for the miners of that locality. We did
not obtain any figures, but from the way
some of the boys chin5ed the twenties in
their pockets came to that conclusion.
We noticed that Hager & Haas have
stripped Il few acres to the bed rock, also
that Keno Flat presented quite differ
ent appearance from a year ago, and on
inquiry learned that both companies had
made good Winters work. The Sheri-
dan Brothers have also done we'll. Fisher
& Prater have had a good run Of water
this season, which means, Of course, a
good supplyo of dust. Chapman & Fisher
have worked two claims-in the lower
one they have stripped large extent Of
ground and made good pay; the upper
claim has been hard one to work, the
heavy powders in the top strata requiring
q great amount Of blasting and progress
has been slower than in the claims below,
but as the claim was fitted up in the best
style for mining, good progress was made
with results accordingly. Billy Lulo had
q mountain slide to contend with which
took good deal Of his spare time, but
his Winters work is not to be sneezed at
if we are informed rightly. Post & GLOW
er opened the Good Friday claim this
season. They had cement to contend with
for some distance, but managed to take
out few hundred dollars, and how have
as fine a bed Of gravel rs could be wished
with good sIuicing prospects. In two
tunnels which they run back, one fifty
and the other eighty feet from whore they
quit sluicing, the gravel continues and
prospects as we'll as on the edge. They
intend to put on Giant next year. We
did not lean results in claims down the
river further than the season has been q
most prosperous one to all.
Year: 1874

RUNAWAY. - Johnny Driver got to
town all right last Monday and unloaded
his passengers. In crossing little ditch
Johnny bounced off the seat and landed
between the wheel-horses, but kept his
hold on the lines. The team started at
runaway speed, dragging Driver, on his
back, under the wagon. Two hundred
yards Of this kind Of riding was all he
wanted SO when he got that far he let go
the lines and gently told the team to
" Go it y They went until one Of the
horses fell down and then they stopped.
No damage done further than bruising
Drivers back,
Year: 1874

The value of lawyers jaw has lately
been decided by French court. A
young lawyer was paying his addresses
to young lady much above his station
in life, and she favored his suit against
the positive commands Of her family and
her friends. She had clandestine meet
ings with him and wrote him loving let
ters, and seemed in good solid earnest.
At least she made him believe so, and
he went to her grandfather's chateau
one day in desperation, got an interview
with his lady-love and tried to persuade
her to elope with him then and there.
She shrank from this rash step, and
pleaded her minority, and he became so
importunate as to offend her. She de-
manded the return Of her letters, and
her lover refused to make such restitu-
ton. At this point, her grandfather
surprised the meeting, and mixed in the
controversy. He had been out shoot
ing, and had his double barrel gun in
his hands. He demanded the letters
to which he had overheard reference
between the two, and the lawyer gave
the old man some Of his. jaw. The in
furiated Frenchman fired both barrels
of his fowling-piece in the lawyers face,
and carried away his whole lower jaw.
That closed the argument for the time,
but it came up again in court. The
lawyers jaw was brought into court and
placed on table before judge and jury
as a witness. The yonng lady was
there in a position to gaze upbn the
ruin she had made, and shesdid it with
out finch,ng. The other lawyers jawed
as usual, and the young lover minus the
whole lower part Of his face, was not an
object to be admired. The jury acc
ted the irate grandfather of f.
intent, but thought his ee'


something to the suppcs
less lawyer, who ha'
by means ofa


old man hsi
and an
the





Al
IS.
Year: 1874



 MR. ED1ToR.-In my younger days was taught never to keep that which did not be- long to me, and as have the reputation of writing an article which appeared in your last issue, signed "Elder Sniff1es," which never saw or heard of until it came out in THE NEWS, an explanation seems neces- sary in order that it's rightful author may receive credit for whatever of good there is in it, and although it may have been writ ten by sage or philosopher, for aught l know, yet l am willing they should have the full benefit of it. was somewhat surprised to find that we had third part ner in our business, but as the one who wrote the aforementioned article, returns thanks to Sol. for his kindly mention of our firm, 1 see we have one, and as 'tis un-- pleasant transacting business with person unless you know something of them, our heretofore silent and yet unknown partner, will obige us by calling as soon as conven- tent or by sending card. And now for the benefit of those whom it may concern. I would say that the one who took part in the Widow Bedott dialogue on Christmas eve. at the Congregational church, and was SO charmed by the sweet voice of the wid- der, never has until now written anything which has appeared in print, signed ELDER SN1FFLEs.
Year: 1874

This new hotel, built expressly for the business in the mammoth and elegant Union Depot at the junction of the Housatonic and Conn. Western railroads in Canaan, is provided with every ap- pointment requisite for First Glass Hotel, and | as every department is furnished in the newest and most approved style, feel that can give my patrons as much comfort at panic prices as any house in Connecticut. Idesire to express my sincere thanks to my numerous patrons and friends, for their generous patronage and words of good cheer since opened this house last May, and it is pleasant to realize that they rejoice with me in the good success have obtained here, and, if this satisfactory success is unfortunately such a source of great annoyance to my brother land

 lords in this village, that one of them should sta tion himself in one of the main entrances of my house, and his barkeeper with a large dog in the other, to keep out those who chose to become my patrons on the arrival of trains; or, to make 1t more difficult for them to enter should persist in placing old trucks and boxes in my stairwaysi or, still further seek to annoy me by pulling down my signs, it certainly is a of great regrets: and in this their great trouble, they have the sympa- thy of all who sympathise with them.

 G.H. CoRBIN. Canaan, Jsu'y, 1874. seu
Year: 1874

A short time since, while passing through the business part of this quiet village, saw the Congregational church was being fenced in; said fence when it is completed being l should judge about ten feet high. If it is all 10 be that height the church it. self will need another story to compare well. If enclosing is the fashion the other churches will of course follow suit when they see what an improvement such a showy fence eis......Something amusing took place here in one of the stores last week. A letter was left there and one of the clerks took it up and read the address correctly as he upposed-Rebecca Clark, care of Mr.

 L. L.. MT. L., without noticing partcu- larly about it,put it in his pocket and went about making inquiries for such person. without success. After carrying it around until it was much soled he chanced to to take another and closer look, and be- hold, it read-Roraback, clerk care of L.. L.. All concerned will have to bear some joking. .....The Dramatic Association have decided to play ''London Assurance" on Thursday evening, Jan. 22nd. If "Lady Gay" does not call full house, there is no one who can. The company are prepar ing to give entertainments often through the winter, and great pains will be taken to select plays that will satisfy the public.-. The high water did no great damage ID this vicinity. DtTTo.
Year: 1874

There is much that is curious and
interesting in the history Of lock ma
king. W hich dates back to far more
remote period of history than is gen
orally supposed. There are now, of
course, numerous claimants for dis
tinction in the production Of locks,
but for ingenuity Of design, eXcell-
ence of material, and above all abso-
lutte security, none sustainh higher
reputation than the celebrated Yale
I ..1.-
Year: 1874

DISCHARGES By JUSTICES OF THE PEAcE.-
The Chief Of Police has issued all order to
officers in charge Of station-houses directing
them not to recognize any discharge from
justice Of the peace unless such Justice be at
the time acting police justice, except in cases
OF misdemeanor, where the complainant has
remedy by civil action.
Year: 1874

scHAAP halls the agricultural Fair;


Invites oil to attend


And 10 call on him ere they go there,


Some funds with him to spend
Yon find his cigar and fancy-storc al 1402 Main
street, second door below Fourteenth street.
Year: 1874

How q Ltttle Kindness Of Heat Saved


the Character OF Young Woman


and Paid MsgnIficent Dividends in


the End-A Pleasant story OF Real


Life.


| In 1864 Mr.. Barnum organized troupe to


give exhibitions in various portions of New
England This troupe, after a successful
tour arrived at Whitehall, N. Y, and took a
short rest. VIM. L. Miller was the manager
of the concern. He was passionately fond Of
| fishing, and started out to enjoy his favorite
sport, leaving the net accumulations Of the
season, amounting to $4,000, behind at the
| hotel, in charge of Tom Thumb, who wasOne
Of the constituent members of the troupe.
The little man and his wife took notion to
walk about town, and thoughtlessly left the
door Of their room open and the cashboX in
an exposed place Miller returned with
string of fish, and wishing 10 write
a letter vent to the cash-box for pen
and ink. He discovered that the $1,000
package Of greebacks was gone. 1t was
quickly ascertained that the chambermaid Of
the hotel was gone too The Thumbs eX


planned that they had been out walking and
had forgotten all about the box. The case
looked quite clear. The chambermaid was
hunted up. She was found, dusty and travel
worm fifteen miles out of town, and increasing
the distance every step. She was brought
back, acknowledged the theft and gave up the
money. She explained that she expected to
be married soon and wanted an outfit. She
went into the room saw the money, and the
temptation was so strong that she could hot
resist it. She was very sorry, and begged not
to be prosecuted, as such exposure would
blast all her life-prospects. The girl had
always borne an excellent character. The lit
tie people pleaded for her, and Mr.. Miler's
heart, already softened with the beauty of the
poor young thing, relented, surrendered, al
most broke. He left town with his troupe,
kept the matter quiet, and the girl kept her
place. She finally married rich lumber mer-
chant, and he soon died aud left her a wealthy
young widow She had aproftable lumber
business and good deal Of cash. She was
not in the market for second marriage ven
ture, but she thought much Of Miller and his
kind treatment Of her in 1864.


A short time ago there was an inquiry in
the papers for certain William L. Miller
who was manager Of Barnum's show in 1864.
He turned up in New York, living in quiet,
small way, entirely out Of the public eye.
He wondered what anybody could have to tell
him for his advantage, but he went TO see,
He learned that about two months ago the
widow of a lumber dealer of Whitehall had
died and left her entire estate to William L.
Miller who was manager Of show and
visited Whitehall with Tom Thumb and party
in 1864. The bequest, it was expressly stated,
was in gratitude for Miller's act of forbearancc
toward her, which saved her good name and
made her fortune. Miller was not long in
identifying himself as the man inquired after,
and received 100000 in cash, and lumber
yard worth $4,000, 10 the Proeeeds Of a little |
kindly Investment years before.
Year: 1874

In letter to the Cashier of a Chicago bank
the Comptroller of the Currency gives the
following construction of the new Currency
act in reference to the reserve required to be
held by National Banks:


My construction of the act of June %, 1874 in
reference To the reserve of the National Banks Is
that the reserve upon circulation is abolished,
but that the National Banks are required TO
keep reserve upon deposits, as provided In Sec
tions 81 and 81 of the National Bank act
and certain other proportion with the reserve
agents in the city enumerated in the sections re-
ferred to. The banks are also required to keep
on deposit with the Treasurer of the United
States, which amount may be deducted from the
aggregate amount Of the reserve required to he
kept uDon deDOzIL4
Year: 1874

AN arrangement has been devised for
solidif, ing cast metals in their liquid state
by compressed air, which is forced direct
ly on top of the gate in the flask after the
metal is poured. According to this plan,
there is portable reservoir for COM
pressed air, with pump attached, which
latter is connected by rubber hose with a
cylindrical cap, fitted and clamped to a
cylinder fastened to the top of the flask.
Both cylinders are coupled together by
projecting fianges and clamps. The flask
cylinder is provided with clay wash,
and previous to the pouring of the liquid
metal, with ring or cap piece, set on
top to prevent the hot metal from coming
in contact with the clay wash. The ring
is removed as soon as the metal is poured,
the cap is then clamped ON the cylinder
and a stop-cock opened, so that the COM
pressed air is let directly on top of the
metal through the gate of the flask, com
pressing the metals in the molds.
Year: 1874

so far as may be necessary to promote the
peace and welfare Of society; favoring the
cquaIization Of bounties to soldiers and sail
ors, and advocating such legislation as shall
grant to each one of them or to his widow and
children homestead Of 100 acres Of land.
Year: 1874

COLUMBUS, o., Oct. S.-Gentlemen en-
gagged in agriculture who have been travel
ing in central, southwestern and northern
Ohio, make much more favorable report
on the crops than have been sent out by
the Agricultural Department. The drought
still continues to some extent, but the
wheat and rye are already well up and they
are looking well. In Union, Marion and
Delaware counties, and eastward toward
the river, there is very little corn, but in
the other sections mentioned the
prospect is one of abundance. The
acreage is greater than last year, and though
the percentage of bushels is less to the
acre, the corn is very solid, and will weigh
well. The dry weather has matured the
crop and the fodder has been entirely Sc
cured. The improved corn returns, and
the high price of hogs are resulting in an
increasing feeling, thus promising a greater
number of pounds of pork than had been
calculated on.
Year: 1874

with a proper development of the coal, iron
and lumber interests, would be reasonable
10 expect. And this view Of the case
sucgests that every effort should be made
bv tl,e South and North Alabama Railroad
Company, as well as by the Louisville ana
Nashville Railroad Company, toward the
building up of the iron and mineral IN
dustries of that road.