smithclay/nortonstories huggingface dataset:
Year: 1871

quite SO good as receiving a letter.


One man came every day for
three weeks, and made terrible
rumprs every time he came a.
bout the carelessness and inefi-
cheney of the mail service. At
last his important letter arrived,
and it proved to be a patent medi.
cine almanac for last year, but he
had got fifteen or twenty dollars
worth OF information out of me
nothing, and he was accordingly
satisfied.


| like an inquiring friend. 1t
shows research and progress.
1t is the spirit reaching out for
something by which to draw it.
self higher, and it gets hold of a
soft thing when it grabs a deputy
postmaster.


He can get more civil answers
out OF him IN one minute than he
can blast out of all the railroad
conductors in Christendom, and
he gets it for nothing, which is
wrong.


If the government would charge
a farthing for every no that is CIV
en- in answer to the inquiry, "Is
there anything in the Office for
me?" it would pay off the nation
al debt in six weeks; and anoth-
er advantage it would be, their
deputies would not be required to
no SO much, which would give
people of ordinary minds and
women chance to display them
selves.
Year: 1871

A New York letter writer
says, that the heaIthiest people
in New York are the physicians,
who see in others the conse-
quence of violating the laws of
nature, and hence are controlled


by caution. Besides this their
daily rides promote health
The next class in point OF hy-
giene is made up of the letter
carriers, who are out all day on
their mail errands, and who de-
rive from this exercise a benefit
which compensates for their
small rate of pay. These men
learn that the outdoor life is
the true method of existence.
Year: 1871

A Louisville wife wishing to get
rid of her husband at short notice,
sent him into the cellar with a
kerosene lamp for pint of cider.
She gave him just time to get the
cider in one hand and the lamp in
the other, and then shouted "mur.
der!" She had calculated well
The doomed man sprang up the
steps, the lamp fell, and-the wo'
man was free
Year: 1871

A man in Ohio, who was acquit
ted of murder on a plea of insani-
ty, secured the lawyers by giving
them a mortgage on his farm ;
but now repudiates the mortgage
on the ground that he was insane
when he made it.
Year: 1871

It requires about five hours for the stomach to work on an ordinary meal and pass it out of itself, when it falls into state of repose. Hence, if a man eats three times day, his stomach must work fifteen hours of the twenty four

 After nights sleep we wake up with a certain amount of bodily vigor, which is faithfully portioned out to every set of muscles, each its rightful share, the stomach among others. When the exter- nal body gets weary after long day work the stomach bears its share of the fatigue but if, when the body is weary with the days toll, we put it to bed, giving the stomach meanwhile 8 five hours task, which must be performed, we impose upon the very best friend we have; the one that gives the largest amount of earthly enioyments and if this overtaxing is continued it must as certainly wear out prematurely as the body itself will if it is overworked every day. ..

 And if persons eat between meals, then tue stomach has no rest from breakfast in the morning, until one, two, three o1 four o'clock the next day hence it is that so many persons have dyspepsia the stomach is worked so much and so con. stantly, that it becomes too weak to work at all. It is to be hoped that every intel, igent parent will press these things on the attention of their children as matter of conscience, because dyspepsia like consumption, has its foundations laid in large majority of cases during the "teens" of life.
Year: 1871

The committee appointed to visit the new Post-of1ce building and see if the men were working according to the pro visions of the eight-hour law, report that they had been unable to see the superintendent, he being absent from the city, but they had an interview with the assistant-superintendent and had as- certained that the work had been done by contract, but the contracts had been thrown up and that for some months past the works had been solely. under government control. That the men worked ten and in some cases fifteen hours per day, but were paid by the hour; and the assistant-superintend claimed that the men were better paid than were those working on any similar work anywhere throughout the city. That the work was all being done under in structions from Washington, and no re- ference was made ins those instructions to any given number of hours per day, only they were ordered to be guided as to wages by those given to other parties. The men at work on the buildings were mostly non-union men, for the reason that they did not like to employ others, as they frequently. made trouble. There were eighty one men employed at pre- sent, all told, as the work was delayed for lack of material, but soon a large force will be engaged. The superin- tendent was seen at later interview, and he told the committee that if the eight-hour law was not enforced it was the fault of the working-men themselves, and not his. He should go exactly ac- cording to his orders, and if they wanted any alteration in the manner of working, they must go to Washington for it.
Year: 1871

Harriet N. Austin, M. D., says It is terrible the hardships which women suffer on account of the style of dress which they are almost forced to wear, and some of them feel it to be so. Every woman who does feel it should assert her right so far at least to wear in her home costume in which she can work or rest, stand up, sit down, or lie down, wash or sew, cook or make beds, go up chamber or down cellar, without hindrance or obstruction. We, the women of our home, are determined that we will not be subjected to the impositions of fash ion and custom in this regard, and we have invented style of dress, which we call the American costume, and in the wearing of which we experience i'm measurable comfort and satisfaction. It so comments itself to the judgment and good sense of the women who come to us as patients that it is adopted by them in very large measure, and the opportu- nifty to wear it in peace, they prize as one of the greatest blessings of the in- stitution. The object of this costume is to afford complete protection to every part of the body, while the free, natural action of no muscle or organ is inter- fered with. The costume is fitted nicely, but so easy about the chest and shoulders that the arms can be used freely, the lungs expanded, and the ribs thrown out to the fullest extent without restric- tion; the stomach is free from pressure, all heavy, heating underskirts are dis pensed with, and bands of under-gar- ments removed, skirts and draw CTS being supported by suspenders or buttoning to we'll fitting, complete under-suit. The skirts are short, and the lower limbs are clothed with pantaloons or trousers.
Year: 1871

It is asserted that we are profoundly ignorant of the origin of the meteoric matter that falls to the earth from the sky.

 The fact is that the origin of the mete- orites, @rolites, uranolites, bolides, or star-dust, as they are called by various writers, is now we'll known. It has been demonstrated, as fo1cibly as the fact of the earth's diurnal rotation, that they are neither thrown out from lunar volca- noes, nor the results of whirlwind nor volcanic action on the earth's surface.

 They are genuine planetary phenom- ena, coursing in orbits around the sun, till drawn therefrom by the earth's at traction, when the motion in the orbits cause them to approach So near to us that the terrene attraction on the little has hitherto kept these minor worlds in known that untold millions of these bodies revolve within the boundaries of the solar system in elliptic orbits, just as the planets and comets, many of them forming large bands of matter which spread out over great part of the cir conference of the orbit.

 The orbits of these bands intersect that of the earth, and our globe some times passes through one of them, when some of it's constituent particles are drawn to the earth by her superior attraction, and give up their separate world existence. The form and extent, and position, the time of revolution, and the rate of motion in the orbit, has been calculated for several of these groups, and we really know as much and more about them than we do about the comets some of which form parts of these serolitic bands

 It has been often asserted that if these little masses are really of inter- planetary origin, they must be fragments of some world which has been burst asunder by an internal convulsion. Not only is there no necessity for accepting this theory, but we have good reasons to suppose that exactly the reverse is the truth.

 The universe of what we may call cos mical matter is still segregating nebu- lous masses are forming into worlds, and the greater world masses which have nebulous aggregations have left behind them greater percentage of still un- formed matter, which is being gathered in slowly to the large centers of gravi- tative energy.

 The million of notes that dance in the sunshine probably present very close analogy to the unaccountable bill lions of specks of matter that have yet to be gathered in to swell the masses which were long since formed, and have annually grown larger at the expense of this matter, as they encounter it in jour- neying round the sun.
Year: 1871

MT. Beecher, in recent lecture-room monologue, gave birth to the following There can be no question that many of the things which are called sinful are in the eye of God simply infirmities. Many of the things which men call sin are simply inexpertness, untaughtness, rude ness of beings that have to be educated into capacity through faculty. But ad- mitting all that, is there nothing beyondf Is there no such thing as deliberate choice against knowledge, and not from want of 1t ? Are there no such things in men as setting aside what they under stand to be the best part of their nature, in favor of what they admit to be the worst part It is not in the conscious ness of every man, that, while he goes through a probationary or apprentice system by which he is learning how to use his faculties, when he has learned how to use them he perverts that know ledge ? And who does not know that ii he were to bring up every separate feel. ing of his nature, and arraign it by the side of reason he would find that in his practice he comes short of his know ledge?

 If man were to ask himself, |" Does reason approve the way ln which exer- else my affections ?" he would be obliged to say, "I act unreasonably every day in my affections. Bring up the engineer ing passions, the master forces of the soul, by which God meant to drive life, as steam and the engine drive the ship, and ask every man, Have your passions been piloted, or have they run away with the hull ? Are you conscious that when you sin great deal it is largely on ac- count of ignorance and undevelopment And are you conscious that when you have reached certain point, sin multi plies, and you deliberately employ facult, after faculty for gaining things that you know to be wrong beforehand, and after ward attempt to cover up and tone dowr by promises and excuses

 The question is here plainly put. How many of those habitually pursue the wrong can justly claim that they do not know the right
Year: 1871

HELP WANTED.-The farmers of Can ada seem to be driven to their wits ends this year in trying to find laborers who are willing to assist them in gathering the crops. In some instances, they have offered to share the profits but, so far, have been unable to induce men to leave the towns. Last week farmer went to large boarding-ho in Ottawa, and declared that he would give two dollars day and board to any number of men who would go to work on his farm. Two only accepted the offer, and they did not remain longer than two days, when they got tired of country life and discharged themselves.
Year: 1871

FEMALE FASHIONS. Maria Child, in writing upon the absurdities of female fashions said :: Seven or eight years ago bonnets were hung on the back of the head and slipped down on the shoul- ders, instead of being perched on the forehead and tipping over the nose, as they now are. At that time bride in the vicinity of Boston left her fathers house soon after the marriage ceremony and rode seven or eight miles in winter evening to the dwelling of her husband. She became so silent during the latter part of the ride that the bridegroom was alarmed, and there being no house in sight, he drove as rapidly as possible. Arrived at his own door he lifted g corpse from the sleigh. Her bridal bonnet had afforded no protection from the severe cold and her brain was frozen.
Year: 1871

TROUBLES A German was lately found hanging by the neck near the Poligny railway station. This discovery greatly exasperated the Germans, and all night long they marched about the streets. Two shots were fired on squad of German cavalry who were watering their horses on the public square. One horse man was killed, another mortally wound ed. The signal of alarm was instantly given, and all the German soldiers ran with drawn swords through the streets, cutting down everybody they met, break ing doors and windows. They wounded twenty persons, eight of them danger ously. A man who passed along the the street in cart was so severely wounded that he had to be carried to the hospital. His horse was killed. The town was in the greatest consternation.
Year: 1871

The first man that commits murder, robbery, or larceny to the amount oi $2O is our meat. A word to the wise is sufficient. This is the first and last warn. ing. Thieves notified to leave this place will do so at once, or stay at their peril.

 By order of
Year: 1871

The Aldermen elect held a caucus on We'd
nesay evening for the purpose Of making sone preim
inary arrangemcnt and comforting with their counsel
ref to the dispute pending with the pres
cnt Board as to the validity Of the recent Alermanic
election. A committee also appointed to secure
rooms in the City Hall for the OF the new Board
Another meeting will I've held tomorrow evening Cen
John OchraDr Of the new Board. took the Oath OF
office before Judge Cardozo, in the Supreme Court. yea
tIday afternoon The mber- feel confident that
will decide in their favor reference to ths
legality OF their election.
Year: 1871

From the Baltimore American.


Another virtue on which Baltimore
greatly prides herself is the reverent
observance of its Sabbath by our people.
Our Sunday law is perhaps more strict
than any that is to be found on the
statute books of even the Puritan States,
and, what is singular with regard to


law so stringent in its provisions, it is
faithfully enforced. There is public
sentiment behind the law that will not
tolerate its violation; hence there is
seldom any need of resorting to its pen
alties. In all this great city there is not
single shop open on Sunday Except
ing, of course, the drug stores) at which
the most Insignificant article of mer-
chandise can be purchased. The hungry
stranger who walks the streets has no
chance to get mouthful to eat except
by going TO hotel and ordering regu-
lar meal. The rigor of the law often
works hardships and Inconvenience, but
the virtnons people of the city think it
better these should be endured than the
peace and quiet of the day should be put
in jeopardy by any mitigation of its pro-
visions and penalties. When it is re-
membered that, IN addition tQthe large
class in the city that is not restrained
from breaking the Sabbath from any
moral convictions, there are perhaps
thousand storekeepers whose religious
belief teaches them to observe another
day of the week as holy day, the total
and absolute suspension of business on
Sunday, even in its pettiest forms, be-
comes more surprising. There is an
impression abroad that such gentlemen
as understand the intricaoies of the re-
tail liquor trade can occasionally pro-
cure drink on Sunday afternoon, but
if such be the fact there are never any
demonstrations on the streets that would
give color to the suggestion that the law
had been violated The care with which
every infraotina Of the law is concealed
shows the force of public opinion in its
favor. I.f
Year: 1871

loftier intelligence and with the Deity
itself. How bright does this admirable
quality shine in the hour of sorrow and
anguish--by the pillow Of sickness and
death. Then, indeed, does woman seem
like guardian angel sent forth from a
higher and holier sphere, to cheer our
moments of despondency and distress,
to soothe our otherwise rugged passage
to the tomb, andsto prepare the depart
ing spirit for happy exit from this
world of woe. Who, then, will endeavor
with impious hands to withdraw her from
this position she was destined to occupy,
to mar the symmetry of her character,
and to plunge her into the turbid waters
of crime--a loathing to herself and a
drone to herself2-Erchange.
Year: 1871

The character of pure and virtuous
female is too tender and delicate to be
handled roughly. Like the dew drop
that sparkles on the bosom Of the rose
bud, the first rude breath is apt to sweep
it away. Surely, then, it should be
guarded with jealous care by her who
possesses it, and should never be sullied
by the foul breath of whitening calnmny.
The man who would cast o deadly blight
on the reputation of an innocent and
uneuspeeting woman, by accusations or
innuendoes, is q vile and heartless
wretch, unfit for the companionship of
his species.


The influence of woman in the endear-
ing relation of sister, or wife. and
mother, exceeds all conception in its
power. In this respect she is far supe-
rior to the sterner sex. How is the wild
and wayward brother restrained from
his career of vice, and led in the path Of
purity and peace, by the mild and per-
suasive entreaties, the soft and feminine
greatness Of his affectionate sisterY
How are the asperities Of the husband
softened. his evil habits corrected, and
the noble and better attributes Of his
nature developed in their lovely and ex
auisite proportions by the captivating
graces, the generous and selfsacriicing
devotions Of the wife of his bosom2
And how is the rude and reckless boy
met, at every avenue of guilt by the
hallowed form Of her who bore him, now
perhaps in heaven, as she knelt by his
side in the early childhood, and COM
mended him to God, or urged him, amid
fast falling tears, to emulate the example
and follow the steps Of his Saviour2


The sympathy Of woman is one of the
crowning exeellencies Of her nature.
This is the golden chain which unites her
Year: 1871

Come now with me and look upon a
sad scene. Family glow the embers
upon the hearth of ruined cottage. 1t
is cold winters night and the pitiless
blast shakes the easement and drives in
through many crevice the falling snow.
A feeble light struggles against the
gloom of the apartment. By the light
plying the busy needle upon a tattered
garment, sits woman shivering in the
bitter frost. Her face is pale and thin.
In her looks and attitude there is no
hope. Often she sighs, as the sharp
pangs of breaking heart rend her
bosom. The moan OF her hungry chill
dren in their sleep comes to her ears,
and the scalding tears overflow. She
thinks of the time when she was light
hearted girl, stood up bride and heard
the promise spoken TO love, cherish and
protect till death should dissolve the tie;
when in their bright sky the first glass
the little cloud like mans hand-gave
token of the rising storm, when the first
shock of drunken husband reeling
across the Threshold, smote her heart.


Sad musings are thine, lonely wife, as
thou pliest still the needle by the light
in the desolate room. But she pauses
in her work-a foot is on the step--a
hand pushes the door open. Oh, how
unlike the face, the form, the step the
salutation to those she remembers so
we'll And she is chained to this body
of death" He may approach her. she
cannot fly. He may silence her moan
ing children with blows and curses,
and she can only interpOse her
trail form. There is no release for her
till death comes. More than widowed
with society, to which the drearest soli-
tude were Paradise. Home, that dear
est word in earth dialect, to her another
name for all wretchedness, and no ap-
peal save to the chancery Of heaven, no
rest save in the cold and silent prave
Year: 1871

In large proportion of the Boston
marriages, last year, the brides were
older than the grooms. This was only
natural. Boston maids rarely get mar
ried until they are old enough to terrify
innocent and nervous young men into
it.-Chicdg0 Times.
Year: 1871

PRoFEssoR Muller, in course Of lect-
ures in Berlin, offered simple and me-
chanical explanation Of the universal sd'
miration bestowed ON these curves. The
eye is moved in its socket by six muscles,
of which four are respectively employed
to raise, depress, turn to the right, and to
the left. The other two have an action
contrary to one another, and roll the eye
on its axis, or from the outside downward,
and inside upward. When an object is
presented for inspection, the first act is
that of circumcision, or going round the
boundary lines, so as 10 bring consecutive
ly every individual portion Of the circum'
ference upon the most delicate and sensi-
tive portion OF the retina. Now, iftigures
bounded by straight lines be presented
for inspection, it is obvious that but two
or three muscles can be called into actions
and it Is equally evident that in curves OF
circle or ellipse all must alternately be
brought into action. The effect then is
that II two only be employed, as IN
rectilinear figures, those two have an un'
due share of labor and by repeating the
experiment frequently, as we do in child
hood, the notion Of tedium is instiiled
and we form gradually q distaste fol
straight lines, aud are led to prefer those
curves which supply more general anc
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