smithclay/nortonstories huggingface dataset:
Year: 1874

bya sale Of bonds or otherwise, to give perma
nent relief Is it not better to do this than 70
adopt a measure that win at once depreciafe
warrants at least fifty per cent, and 70 allow
the holders the only alternative Of small ac-
cruing interest, or to take bonds at par that
are admitted to be worth less than par. while
foreign creditors are 70 be paid their interest
in money and their principal in State bonds At
market rate Of discounts Thus dealing justly
with those who have the POlrer 70 eOeree, and
unjustly with those who are entirely depend
ant on the justice and magnaminity Of the
State.


Such an iliberal and unjust disposition TO-
wards our citizen creditors would impair their
confidence in their own government and hy
the foundation for deeper discredit at home
and abroad 1t would disappoint and iniure
a large number Of the friends Of the admins
tration in subjecting them to heavy peeuniasy
loss rather than distribute that loss where I
justly and lawfully belongs, among the entire
people Of Texas, either by taxation or bya
sale of State bonds at market rate.


The plea of necessity does not justify 50
great a wrong; for it is admitted that the debt
of the State is q nothing" compared with the
great resources of the State.


In this connection, it may be well TO COZ
slider the force and effect Of the latter clause
of section fourteen, article one, of the State
Constitution, which is as follows: Nor shall
any law be passed depriving party of any
remedy for the enforcement of-a contract
which existed when the contract was made.
If the State is bound by its own organic law,
in its own contracts with individuals, this
paragraph is certainly conclusive upon the
subject.


We are well assured that the judges, dis
trict attorneys, clerks, sheriffs and justices of
the peace, and other parties throughout the
State, whom we know to be holders Of State
warrants, win not accept the proposed meas
ure of injustice to them, until they have ex-
hausted every means within their power to
secure their Just and lawful rights.
Year: 1874




On Wednesday the above bill was under
discussion in the House. 1t provides the
most ample security both to the landlord
and the tenant, but in our judgment this
very ample security is apt TO work gen
eral hardship upon the public. It is neces-
sary that some such bill do pass, but the one
as now presented will, we fear, lock up the
entire resources from agriculture for too
long time for the general good. The bill
appears to be just and proper, but its opera
ton under its stringeney viii, as we con-
ceiye go too far for entire safety. Accor-
ding to its provisions there is left no secu-
rity against adversely. 1t may be intended
to reach class of worthless lahore who
can never be depended upon, but at the
same time it reaches all, and, in the end, If
put in force as a permanency, will degrade
the higher classes Of labor. In fact, in mis-
fortune it will come home 10 all of US.
White labor under it will be brought down
and subjugated. We may be wrong, but
fear that the provisions of this law will be
attended with evils that are not intended
by the framers of the bill. The bin was
ably supported by Messrs. o'Neai, Delany
and others, and opposed in a strong speech
by Mr.. Triplett. The majority in the House
are strongly in favor of passing bill of
this nature, and while we feel it is neces-
sary, we also admit that the question should
not be hastily dealt with.
Year: 1874




TEE best way to secure a solution of our


financial troubles is to inform capitalists, who
invest in State securities, of our wants, create
confidence in their minds that the pledges Of
the State win never be abridged to the thou
sandth part of a cent, and then let them name
the plan upon which they win be prepared to
loan the State what money it may need Ac-
cept the plan thus laid down, authorize the
sale Of bonds, and pay some competent bro
ker Of high reputation in New York to sell
the bonds Of the State Such plan, put on
footi a regular business way, win bring about
the early solution Of our financial troubles.
We dare say that If such plan was put in
force at once, not four weeks would pass be
fore bonds could be sold In New York At
eighty-fve cents They could be put


the market slowly. and each time as re
made It would be done at increased rates
Then the home creditors, those who have feIt
confdencei in the present administration. wosiId
be honOrably paid The dues already TOO long
withheld, public confidence would be csfaI-
lished, The administration would be strength
ened and fortified on all sides, and Texas
win have taken fhc proud stand Of being
not only politically sound, but financially fuIl
Of integrity.
Year: 1874

WHAT gives us great hopes of this Legisla-
lature is its untiring industry, conscientious
ness, ability, and the calmness with which
every important question is considered 1t is
a matter of profound solicitude to every citi-
zen of the State that this assembly of their
best mon should present a record that win
stand out in history as a model of patriotism
and enlightened legislation We believe the
members appreciate the responsibilities that
surround them; that they recognize the fact that
the Argus eyes of the State are upon them,
and that each member must stand or fall be-
fore his constituency, who, in this period of
our history, viii be either prepared to praise
or to censure. We believe that the enlight-
ened sentiment of the State has an abiding
faith in the ultimate fortunate result of their
deliberations, and is already prepared to an
ticipate favorable action on all questions in
which the people are interested. But, if our
counsels could be heard we would advise har-
mony and good feeling, looking only to the
enlightened and dignifed discussion of every
question involving the public interest and that
attrition of mind which leads to the just so
luton OF political problems.


1t may be the fortune of the STATESMAN to
differ from them, and very widely, upon many
important measures, but it will take part in
their discussion in no hypercritical or censori-
Gus spirit. Its only object viii be the eluci-
dation of that which is just and right, and to
advance the interests, honor, and prosperity of
a commonwealth, which only requires in the
future, fidelity, firmness, and faithfulness from
its public men.


The objection urged by Radicals to this
Legislature, and their great hope of its destruc-
ton is, that its members are nearly all of one
political faith, and that there win be conse-
quent errors and ultimate discord. But the
Republicans strangely forget fact, which all
good men remember, that our people have
passed through an ordeal, which has impressed
its thoughtful influence upon the country.
Since the meeting of the first Congress under
the Republic of Texas, and the convention of
the people that followed annexation, no such
important convocation has been called to
gether. The people so regard it, and the new
government is fully alive to the duties he
fore il.
Year: 1874




A resolution was recently introduced in
the Senate, complimenting President Grant
for his course in the late Davis imbroglio,
in which there was 3 gross and fragrant
attempt upon the part Of the Ex-Governor
and his satellites to set aside the civil
government, and to reinaugurate that con-
dition Of anarchy, misgoverumeit and mil
itary despOtism, which prevailed here three
years ago, and which was continued by the
last administration. It was amended by
the House and came up in the Senate on
Monday last.


Hon. John Ireland arose in his place in
the Senate, and moved its postponement
until Friday, announcing that he intended
to oppose its adoption, and that on that
day he would present analytically his OBJ
jections to it. For this, without knowing
the grounds Of opposition, for they were
not stated, his course has been the subject
of eensure by the extreme Radical press


What win be the character Of Judge Ire
lands remarks we do not know; but we
feel assured, while entertaining the high
est respect for the distinguished gentleman,
who introduced the original resolution, that
L ought not topass.


It is an Extraordinary spectacle, and in a
purer and better day than this, would have
shocked the moral sense Of the country, that
the chief Executive officer of the general
government should be complimented for
simply doing his duty, and that in terms of
sycophantic laudation. It is a severe COM
mentary upon the evil days through which
we have passed, in which corruption has
been therule and public virtue the excep-
ton. If this resolution was to pass, which
we trust it viii not, no greater satire could
be uttered upon the Grant administration,
which we cannot forget, and the country
will never sease to remember, has, since its
inception violated, every principle ofpublic
liberty.


We have no unworthy prejudices against
the President; We have no desire to offer
any factious opposition to his administra-
ton; we would be among the first to give
credit to all that is worthy in it. And,
while we admire many things he has done
recently, and particularly the course he pur
sued in relation to Texas affairs, we think
it unworthy of the representatives Of great
commonwealth to compliment him for it.
They owe something to their constituents,
not less than to themselves, and to that
sense of delicate self-respect which belongs
to the character and the dignity Of free
people.


Senators and Representatives should re-
member that we have passed the Rubicon
when such adulatlons will be relished or
gratefully received by the people. When
we say this it is with no spirit of censurc
or animadversion. Our people have passed
through so much, and have patiently borne
so many wrongs that when an officer of the
government, actuated by patriotic inn
pulse, and for once does right, they natu-
rally think his conduct should be the sub
ject of all the deliberate and solemn COM
mendation with which it coul1 be invested
by deliberative body.
Year: 1874

fallen of since Capt. Josselyn withdreA
from it; that its articles are stale, fat and
Improbable. Every intelligent reader win
bear testimony to the abuse which was
heaped upon this paper. he viii have much
more occasion to abuse this paper before we
get through.
Year: 1874

Hon. John H. Cochran, of Dallas, has
been done injustice in our'report of those
who debated the constitutional convention
question in the House on the night of the
thirteenth. In this report his name was
mentioned among those who spoke in favor
of the proposed commission to frame a
Constitution. Instead of this he made a
speech in opposition to this plan, and un-
qualifedly in favor of constitutional con-
Yention. He boldly claims that the people
should have an affirmative as we'll as neg
ative voice in framing their organic law,
and therefore judges it as harsh that any
attempt should be made to deny them the
power of exercising this plain and es-
tablished right, especially when they
have SO plainly expressed their desire that
the Legislature should accord them this
right. Mr.. Cochran is one of the clearest
headed members of the House, and We are
sorry that the error committed by one of
the editors of this paper found its way into
our columns. His people at home admire
him for his honesty and generous impulses,
and it would be far from our intention to
do him injustice. We also hope that if our
error has caused any other paper or person
to repeat what has been said that they will
promptly extend him similar correction.
Year: 1874

WE shall watch sedulously, and reflect
without prejudice upon the opinions Of the
press upon the condition Of public affairs.
Sometimes a Radical newspaper may utter a
truth without intending it-perhaps unin-
tentiOnally say more than it intends,
with. a view to provoke mischief and to aid
in the Outrages which have inflicted 50 much
trouble on our people We will notice
them. Their day is over There is the ser
pent, but where are his fangs.
Year: 1874

The so-called Governor and his so-called
Legislature are sorely perplexed to find q
way out of their financial difficulties
J0u7nal


That's what VIC call downright meanness
and impudence. After stealing everything
in the State treasury, and almost bankrupt
ing the State, the Journal, as the organ Of
its party, assailsa a set of honest men who are
laboriously and earnestly working to find a
solution of these financial troubles.
Year: 1874

SnTOncIc. April 10


The passengers on the New World.
as she lay ut the South Vallejo dOck'
yesterday, were treated to a very
amusing scene. A close hack, contain.
ing woman and her escort, drove up
to the landing, and before the driver
could get down from the box, the male.
who had evidently forgotten how he
had got into the vehicle, commenced
making his exit through the window.
The driver thought the joke was too
good to he spoilt by interference. and
80 he stood by with broad grin and
amid the ordinations of the assembled
crowd until the man had crawled ont
upon the wharf. Like a true gallant.
the latter then turned his attention To-
assisting his fair companion in getting
through the aperture. This was, as is
obvious, a feat Of greater difficulty.
and If the regulation bird-cage had
formed y portion of the lady's make
up, the thing could never have been
done. AS it WAS, however, she was
finally squeezed through, and the two
took their stand together OH the plat
form, amid the plaudits of the multi
tlluc.
Year: 1874

No branch Of science has been more
thoroughly mastered than optics. The
principle of vision must be essentially
the same in all eyes, but they differ re
markably, according to the habits Of the
animal. Birds Of lofty flight, as the
condor, eagles, vnltures and carrion-
seeking prowlers Of the feathered race,
have telescope visions, and thus they
are enabled to look down and discover
their unsuspecting victims. As they
approach noiselessly from above, the
axis of vision changes-shortening, 50
that they can see as distinctly within
one foot Of the ground as when at an
elevation Of one mile in the air.


This fact explains the balancing Of a
6sh-hawk on its pinions, half a mile
above q still pond, watching for fish.
When one is selected, down the savage
hunter plunges, the focal axis varying
always TO the square view Of his in
tended prey. As they ascend, the axis
is elongated By a curious muscular ar
so as TO see far OF again.


Snails have their keen eyes at tae ex-
tremity Of flexible horns, which they
can protrude or draw in at pleasure.
By winding the instrument round the
edge Of leaf OF stalk, they can see
how matters stand on the opposite side.


The hammer-headed shark has its
eyes nearly Two feet
apart. By will efforts they cau bend
the thin edges Of the head, on winch the
Year: 1874

But the wonderful knife Of Rayaillae
proved to be as weak al the intellect of
the would be suicide. The rusty weapon
broken, and blunt, only made an inslg-
nifcant wound, from which young Phil
lippe recovered within q week. The
knife in the meantime was deposited at
the police Office 1t is species of
poniard, with a bone handle cut in the
form of a cross, and bearing on the
blade the initials of the original owner.
Year: 1874

/


When the Anglo-Saxons settled in
Britain the patriarchial system was in
full force. The father was absolute
master in his own family he sold his
daughter in marriage, his son in slavery.
When ST. Augustine landed in the Is
! land the maiden was a simple article of
property, her price fixed at so many
head Of cattle. The primitive mode of
procuring a wife was this: When q
youth had fixed his choice ppon a
maiden, he went with a band of friends
sud carried her of, probably with her
own secret connivance. The relations
followed in hot pursuit, feud between
the families ensued, and was only ap-
peased by the lover agreeing to pay the
valne fixed upon by the father for re-
tanning possession Of the maid, he CIV
ing a wed, or security for his per.
formnnce of the contract - hence
tie werd wedding, This custom
Of stealing the bride is as an
cient as the Spartans and is
still kept up in Brittany, where it forms
one OF the ceremonies Of the marriage
festivities. The bargain made, the
amount Of the morning gift y settled
upon, the contracting parties took each
other by the hand and proclaimed them
selves man and wife; the ring was placed
on the drst finger Of the left hand and
the father, having received the purchase
money, delivered his daughter over to
her husband. The transfer of authority
was made BY q syulbolieal gifti the
father delivered the brides shoe to the
bridegroom, and the latter touched her
oves the head with it-a ceremony which
took its origin in the custom OF placing
the foot or the neck Of slave, and was
typical Of the wife's subjection 10 her
hnsband--a ceremony still preserved IN
the popular custom Of throwing the
Year: 1874

The Dallas Herald OF the 25th has
an article headed startling revolu
tion." 1t recounts how five lawyer.
lived together for q week, in one
room, and neither of them drank a
single drop Of the ardent during the
time. Is this the first little ripple in
advance OF the great tidal wave OF
temperance that is fast sweeping
southwark, carrying on its bosom
hope for the future and csntrition for
the past intemperancc of the people ?
Let ,the intellect and worth of the
men of the South unite with her fair
women in this holy war, and We will
have one great victory to sing of ir
the future, at least.
Year: 1874

The President is of opinion that q
failure of the proposed Centennial
Celebration would be deplorable. Oh !
yes, OF course, to the spectators, who
are to coin fortunes out of the large
appropriations necessary to set the
thing on its legs.
Year: 1874




Hotels


There are L number 81 first class
hardware, dry goods. drug. shoe and
grocery stores: and all the trade usually
found in thrifty city. 1t is said that
this city buys more wheat from teams
than any other city in the west. In
the year 1872 their receipts by wagons
and sleds were little over two million
bushels the receipts Of 1873 will ex-
ceed those Of the former year at leas,
one half million bushels. The money
paid for this wheat is nearly all retained
in the country. consequently there is nc
scarcity ofmoney here as compared with
the Eastern States. I have not had
the opportunity of seeing more than ;
small portion Of the country: but wha
l have seen leads me to think it one o
the best wheat growing States we have
Great cities ar springing up all owe
the State. St. Paul and Minneapoli
comes first on the list. with many 9th
ers following close after. these growin
like magic.


The health Of the community canno
be better This winter so far has bee
delightful about four inches Of snow
and have had good sleighing for tn
past six weeks. H. WATERS.
Year: 1874

in taking Al attitude which cannot
be misunderstood II the Church is to take any
position at all it should take radical one II oil
drinking Is an evil it is folly for the Church to
COMPROMISE with it. Tho teachers Of virtne have
no right to meot vice half way. By this bold
sctiou the Church South will no longer have to
souapb1o over fermented and rnfermented wine.
It will no longer have to apologize for the con-
duct Of Noah, Joseph, David, Solomon, and tho
rest OF tho drinking patriarchs. It will
not have to adopt triturated currant jelly
Is substitute for grape juice and the
extracts OF rye and corn. It will not
have to explain that miracle at Cana Of Ga1llee.
It sets the seal Of its disapproral upon all such
practices. It pronounces these old and er1atio
patriarchs IS unworthy Of membership in tho
Methodist Church South. Nevertheless, tho
Conference is to be credited With courage in
throwing out alcohol altogether. Now, will the
Methodist Church North have the courage to
follow in the steps OF their Southern brethren
and leave the products OF tho vine aud the d,st1-
latons Of the cereals to tie sinners, and forever
clear their skirts OF responsibility, and set An e1-
ample to the children Of darkness ?
Year: 1874

Whether it be wise or unwise for the Common
Council to grant franchise for street-railway
in Wabash avenue, it is incumbent on that body
to see to it that the contract does not run longer
than the existing contracts with the Chicago
City Railway. These contracts we're made in the
year 1859, to continue for the term Of twentY-
five years. Fifteen years have already expired.
Two-thirds Of the franchise has already "fallen
in" aud fortunately it is not possible for the
Council to take any action extending it
until within one year of its expiration, and then
only BY three-fourths vote of all tho Aldermen
elected. Il the existing south-Side Railway
could get their franchise partially extended by
taking Wabash avenue and resgning State
street at the end Of the time, they would prao-
ticaly accomplish what they intended to accom-
pliah by the celebrated ninety-nine year bill,
which caused 80 much excitement and slew go
many politicians In the year 1866.


The point to be watched most narrowly h7 tho
Year: 1874

the lowest stratum is volcanic, is boiling over
With hate of it's condition and rage at those above
it. When this ia the look out for an explosion
It Is not strange that workingman, sitting IN
an undrained, unsunned tenement on back
alley, should bitterly contrast his fate with that
Of his employer and argue: II am as good
man as he; why should he have everything and
I nothing? Why should not my mates and
seize upon tho houses, the furniture, the FOOD
he has bought with the product OF our labor
Might makes right. There is NO militia to meet
US. Hurrah for the Communel" Such vague
gropings after reason, ii acted upon, would put
the wealth OF any large city into the hands OF
the poor ore nightfan to-day.


The growing tendency must be checked.
There is but one way to do this. Tho working
man must be given comfort, mental and physi-
cal. Put sewers in every street and you check
CRIME and communism. Tentilate every house
and you check them again. Build school,
houses and fill them by compulsion, If need bo
put knowledge, by cheap lectures, and museums,
and public libraries, Libraries sot in the heart Of
districts in which poverty Hves.-within the
reach Of young and old secure the workingman
larger share in the product Of his labor by en-
cou1aging cooperation, and you make the
Commune impossible. We cannot wash our
hands of this matter. II We do we SOW the
wind and leave our children to reap tho whirl-
wind. "After Us the deluge" is neatly-aound-
Ing phrase compared with "After the Com
7rrra
Year: 1874

time, is known to most Of our citi-


zens. After the surrender Of Memphis


he became member Of the board of


school visitors, in which position he


proved himself, as he has ever been, q


friend to our admirable system of public


education. Our citizens also elected him


city tax-collector on privileges three


times in succession. In 1865 he was APP


pointed to and filed the office OF sur


veyor Of the port of Memphis, which he
held until called by the people of Shelby
county to fill the Office of county court
clerk. At the expiration of his
term of office in 1870 he retired
to private life, and has ever since
filled the position Of cashier of the EN-
NETT bank. Mr.. League is quiet, reti-
cent but firm and resolute man, one
who keeps his own council and thor
oughly honest will, if he can work free
Of his ignorant supporters, make an ex-
cellent executive officer. 1t has been
his ambition for years to reach the
position of chief magistrate Of this city
that he might prove to the poor
boys of the Irish city he left so many
years ago that this is a country where
a man may, by honest effort, lift him
self above and prove himself superior to
the humblest lot in life. He wanted
to prove, too, to the solid, thoughtful,
intelligent and highly cultured people
Of Londonderry that the United States
is all that its most patriotic citizens
claim for it, the one great field for indi-
vidual enterprise, as well as the asylum
for the oppressed of all lands. We hope
his ambition will now take another
of making a good mayor,
one whose name will long live among
our people, honored because of the en-
during title he shall earn for honesty
in that important office.