smithclay/nortonstories huggingface dataset:
Year: 1875

A correspondent of the Rochester
Express writes from Niagara Falls:


The ice bridge is formed in all its per
fections, more so than it has been for
the past twelve or fifteen years, The ice
columns rear their head ia all their mai
esty below the American and Horseshoe
Falls to the hight of over one hundred
feet. Those at the base of the American
Falls reach nearly to. the top of the
falls. and are as clear as crystal. On
visiting Table Rock the visitor passes
between the ice columns and the falls,
and they present to the view Of the be-
holder magnificent spectacle. The ice
bridge above the falls extends at least
a mile or more up the river, and. varies
in thickness from two inches to five or
six feet. Monday a party of seven
young gentlemen started from the head
OF the Third Sister Island, went up the
river opposite Grass Island, which is
about mile from the starting point and
stopped at the old scow which is an.
chored in the river above the rapids
returning, they went under the Second
Sister Island bridge down 10 McCul,
loughs Rock, broke some of the
rock of as a memento, went over to the
old scow below the Third Sister Island
aud returned home. The distance trav-
eled on the ice bridge was over FIVE miles,
and this, it will be remembered, is loca-
ted over a portion Of the swiftest rspids
approaching the cataract. II is said the
district trsversed has not been frozen
over before in twelve or fifteen years. In
some places the ice seemed frozen to the
rocks, leaving but little room for the
water to flow between the ice and the
bed of the river. The ice gorge below
the falls is very rugged 1t is supposed
to be in some places piled up to the
thickness of twenty or thirty feet. One
gentleman assured your correspondent
that in one locality it was forty feet
thick, but we took the story in with
good deal of allowance. The bridge be-
low the falls is very rough, making trav.
cling tiresome in the extreme to pedes-
trians, though this does not deter people
from crossing and recrossing the river
up to within stones throw of the great
cataract. The scenery, from both the
Park and Goat Island. is magnifcently
grand.
Year: 1875

Says a correspondent of the London
Daily News: "The effects of torchlight
and snow, of frosted birch and pine, of
the frozen pond and Of aaring wood fires
on its banks, render festival at the
Madrid rink one Of the prettiest sights
afforded by a hard Paris winter.
should not omit to speak of the arima-
ton of the company, and the gay cos
tunes in which luxury and fantasy have
each place. The pleasant fiction that


members of the skating club are incapa-


BILE Of introducing any one to the re-
served pond who would not be present


able at court, were there such thing
in France, tends to unrestrained


sociability. Mirth is fast, and in the


sense Of vapid motion furious. The


awkwardness of the skaters, instead of
being drawback, seems to keep the ball
rolling. When a French duchess is
intent on fun and yet half afraid of an


ignominous fall on the ice. she is more


charitably disposed towasd actresses
and such like, who cut tremendous
dashes on the pond, than she might be
elsewhere. The use Of skating chairs
enables gentlemen and ls.dies to hide
want of nerve. experience, and agility.
Almost any one who can at all keep on
his legs is able to push forward one OF
these vehicle without falling. What he
has to fear is collision with another,
which, instead Of being guided By
the conductor, drags him al runaway
pace after it. Those pretty Americans,
80 extensively taken up by the
Year: 1875

WadSwOrth Drake, a well-tO-dO farm
er of Williamsburg, went crazy, Fri
day, from the ignOminv of being served
with a writ of execution for the first time
in his life. Mr.. brakes wife has been
an invalid for a year or so, and this and
other troubles had made him down.
hearted, and for some little while he
has been acting queerly. On Friday,
Sheriff Ansel Wright called on him with
a writ for a note of dozen or so dol
lars due the CummingtOn Hotel keeper
He suggested that Drake 90 up to Levi
Drotlf0Td'o near Dy, ANA yet the prop
erty receipted for, but Drake refused,
saving that the Sheriff might take any
thing-take every thing; he didn't know
but he might as well die now as any
time, etc. in the midst of which talk
he seized strap and rushed into beer
and grocery shop in his house, locking
the door behind him. Mr.. Wright
broke open the door and seized him,
but had hard struggle to subdue him,
even with assistance. All Friday night
four or five stout men had all they could
do to manage the madman, who is of
slight build and easily handled by any
one of them when sane. He was hand
cuffed, but even in that condition made
it very lively for his friends, kicking
one of them across the room. On Sat
urday Dr.. Streeter, of Chesterfield, at
tended him, and he was a tritle calmer.
The case is an odd one; he is the last
man who would have been expected to
90 crazy. At present he imagines that
he owes unlimited sums and that every
body is going to sue him.
Year: 1875

A year of two ago we heard a great
deal about new plant called ramlc,
which we were told was going to form
an important part of the agricultural
product of the Southern States hercat-
ter. For some reason or other this san
guine expectation has not been realized,
and the interest in ramie seems to have
pretty well died ont About the same
time that experiments were begun with
this plant. here the English took hold Of
it with view to testing its value for
cultivation in their India possessions.
They seem TO have been considerably
more impressed with its value than the
eXperimenterS in this country We're,
and one manufacturing concern iii Eng
land is actually engaged in the regular
manufacture of fabrics from the ramle
fiber. This fiber is said to possess
many unquestionable advantages, and
Mr.. NJ. S. Fife, who now in London
in the interest of the Mississippi Valley
Society, has taken the pains to collect
for the Republicans readers all
information obtainable concerning the
growth and manufacture of ramie. The
specimens of ramie fiber and ramie
cloth, which Mr.. Fife has also sent to
this office, certainly indicate that the
cloth will be a most useful material if it
can be obtained at a reasonable cost.
The fiber is extremely fine and silky,
but at the same time remarkably strong,
and it is said excels in this last particu-
lar almost all known fibers. II Is claim
ed, too, that it is less affected by mois-
ture than any other vegetable fiber.
The cloth woven from it has a fine,
glossy texture, so much like silk that it
is easily mistaken for it, being much
finer in appearance than any products
Of cotton. In fact there would seem no
doubt that the ramie fiber, if it can be
obtained sufficiently cheap, will prove
most valuable commercial article,
and it is because it is peculiarly well
adapted to growth in the Southern States
that attention has been given it in this
country. The principle obstacle in the
way of the cheap production of the Gber
has been the difficulty in extracting 1t
from the stalks. The letter and papers
sent by Mr.. Fife are principally direct
ed to this point, and the interested
reader is referred to them for further
information on the subject.-a. Loafts
Republican.
Year: 1875

4 few years previous to the great fire
in Boston Il man i'll the grocery business
in that city was appointed guardian of
three orphan girls, whose father had
left for their support tenement house
in one of the courts leading oHt of Pearl
Street. When he got control of the
property the house was uninsured, its
value small, and the income triiling.
He had it insured, and made some i'm
provcments in the house that increased
the income. Soon the fire came and
consumed it with the other buildings in
that vicinity. He cot the insurance
money after a little delay, invested it
where it rapidly increased, and the
land being wanted for business purposes
he sold it for two or three dollars Il foot
more than other land brought along
side Of it. The proceeds of this sale he
also invested, and when, Il little while
ago. he made settlement with the
Probate Court, it was found that the
value of the legacy left to the childen,
now of age, had more than quadruped.
The Judge complimented him for his
good management, and said he richly
earned the percentage which the law
allows i'm such eases. The gentleman
thanked the Court, but said he worked
for reward greater than any human
law could allow, and declined to accept
any compensation.
Year: 1875

A well-knOwn literateur of San Fran
cisco, says the Chronicle, and Gov
ernment Inspector, yesterday conceived
the idea of scaling the lofty height, and
accordingly started Off Opera-glaSSeS
We're brought into play, and the twain
were watched rs they plodded their
weary way up the PERCEPTIONS and rocky
sides. When about half way up the in
spector gave out, while his companion
continued the Journey alone. When
nearly to the summit the gentleman was
attacked by eagles, which made sundry
and divers attempts to deprive him OF
his scalp. In fact, one of the preSump-
tuous birds came near getting portion
of that cranial adornment; but u blow
from Il stout cudgel which he carried
Sufficed to cripple it so eftectually that
it meandered rather hurriedly down the
hill. The situation of the gentleman
was any thing but pleasant. Ascending,
as he was at this moment, a narrow,
precipitous ridge, when miSstep would
have sent him hundreds of feet below,
with flock of hungry eagles playing
about his head, eager for his scalp and
the few ounces of brains beneath 1t, and
with no means of defense but the stick,
one can well picture the terror of his
position. But he was possessed Of
dauntless spirit, and he determined not
10 succumb even to the American eagle.
Sitting down upon the ridge and pulling
his hat close tOahis head he bid defiance
to the enemy. He knew it was impOS-
Sible to descend, for in that event he
would have to devote his attention to
securing fOotholds, and under the cir
cumstanceS that was out of the qUeS-
ton. The birds continued to grow
thicker about him, and he was fast ex-
hausting his strength in defending him
self. The willy creatures, finding that
they could not vanquish him single
handed, swooped down in twOs and
threes, but in every instance his stick
compelled them to change their course.
But his strength was fast failing him.
Should he attempt to descend, he would
certainly lose his scalp, and if he did
not, he would be food for the raycnous
birds any way. What was to be done?
A thought occurred to him which he
impulsively acted upon. Taking
policeman's whistle from his pocket, he
blew it with all the force his lungs could
command. The effect was magical. To
his great delight the eagles instantly
vanished to neighbOring mountain and
were lost to sight This ingenious eX-
pedient probably saved the gentleman'S
life. This story might appear little
apochryphal, but it can be verified by
number of witnesses, among whom was
the writer. The gentleman, after re
cuperating his energies, continued his
Journey to the summit, and in about an
hour and a half later made his appear
ance at the hotel, where he was warmly
welcomed.
Year: 1875

/. Don't whisper in the sick-reom.


When the doctor comes to see you,
remember how many pairs of stairs he
has to climb every day, and go down to
him if you are well enough.


When you are sitting up at night with
a patient, be sure to kave something to
eat, if you wish to save yourself unnec-
essary exhaustion.


Remember that sick people are not
necessarily idiotic or imbecile, and that
it is not alwayswisc to try to persuade
them that their sufferings are imagina-
ry. Thep may even at times know best
vh9t they need.


Never deceive a dying person unless
by the doctors express orders. 1t is
not only wrong to allow any soul to 90
into eternity without preparation, but
how can you tell but that he has some
thing he ought to tell or do before he
goes away?


If you have a sick friend to whom
YOU wish to be of use, do not content
Yourself with sending her flowers and
Jelly, but lend her one of your pictures
to hang in place of hers, or a bronze to
replace the one at which she is so tired
of staring.


Don't have needless conversations
with the doctor outside of the sick-room.
Nothing will excite and irritate ner-
vous patient sooner. If you do have
such conversations, don't tell the pa
tient that the doctor said "'nothing "
He won't believe you, and he will
imagine the worst possible.


In lifting the sick, do not take them
by the shoulders and drag them up on
to the pillows, but get some one to help
YOU. Let one stand on one side of the
patient, the other opposite, then Join
hands under the shoulders and hips,
and lift steadily and promptly together.
This method is easy for those who lift,
and does not disturb the one who is
lifted.


Do not imagine that your duty is over
when YOU have nursed your patient
through his illness, and he is about the
house, or perhaps going out again.
Strength does not come back in mo-
ment, and the days when little things
worry and little efforts exhaust, when
the cares of business begin to press,
but the feeble brain and hand refuse to
think and execute, are the most trying
to the sick one, and then comes the
need for your tendereSt care, your most
unObtrusive watchfulness -Scribner for
SCptCmbCr.
Year: 1875

To THE EDIroR ov HERALD


Of all the many and widely different doctrines and
theories which have been advanced in the cause Of
religion there is which has taken wider hold or
which oxer;s broader influence to-day than the So
called doctrine OF "Fatalism" And It seems TO me
that nothing can be damaging in It's influence, or so
ruinous TO progress and advancement this theory,
would like to say few words in reference to H.
Churchmen and the clergy will dispute the TACT that the
fataistc principles Of the day are the result OF re-
igious teachings but claim they are as they are the
direct result OF the doctrine Of Generalization which s
taught in 80 many Of our ehurehea The man whe
Year: 1875

NoRrHvmLD Mass, Sept. IL, 1875
The war against sin and niquty in the Connecticut
Valley Is being prosecuted vigorously Just how
many hard hearts have been softened and precious
souls saved up this time it is impossible to deter
mine but there misaking the fact that Messrs'
Moody and Sankey and their industrious colaborerS
Messrs whitte and Bliss, OF Chicago,) are destined
20 bring around religious ieeiihg mere
abouts OF no insignificant Importance. Already they
have passed the stages dicue and curiosity and at
zach meeting their visbly moved by their
sound and eloquent exhortations


THE SECOND EVENING NETTING,


which was held last night in the little Congregational
phurch was OF rare ana enectuai
power and the very few sceptics VINO
have hitherto maintained that there was a
shallow sincerity the efforts of the evangelists are
now enthusiastic in their praises In fact 1t would
be IN impossiblity to find single person who was
present the prayer meeting last evening TO entertain
FOR a single moment an idea that these missionaries
not aborng from pure and righteous motives Ad-
nttng that there is something Of the dramatic
slement in their Of conducting
the meetings, it is positively certain that
there is nothing the line of aectation about it. II
there is such thing heavenly inspiration in holy
work il possessed abundance by these celebrated
svangelsts.


s'sALvAroS's PREE Me-"


The weather not propitious for general turnout
Of the community but still there as large an at
tendance at the meeting the evening previous
heavy rain during the day was followed by
cold damp evening" not only suggest
Ing but absolutely requiring heavy overcoats and yet
the audience which filed the church edifce was
represented by many who had driven far as twenty
nve miles in search Of salvation.


OPENING SERVICES.


Mr. Moody heretofore, seemed TO have the general
management but still there nothing formal in his
manner conducting the servces When the concoursc
OF people had become seated he called upon his friend
Bliss sing Of his stirring melodies Then
he invited of the local clergymen 10 offer prayer,
and subsequently Mr. Sankey thrilled the audience with
his sweet vocal powers The hymn selected was that
Of


'T LOVE STORY"


and the mannern which it sung indicated that the
words, though not his really the sponta-
nsous outburst OF his heart The chorus, too, was
Joined In by the assembled multitude way that it
never before, each word, line and stanza
Indicating that every one was charmed and
cverHowng with the spirit OF the hymn twas one ofthe
Anes Of all that sung at the mee.ngs and inasmuca
as be heard throughout tn, country, appera
Year: 1875

A BRUTE.-Last night about IL o'clock q
boy entered the police station and informed
Marshal Parker, who was on duty, that John
Collins had killed his wife. As Collins is
known to beat his wife terribly at times this
report was believed to be true and the marshal
started for Collins house on Danforth street.
On arriving there he discovered officer Stevens
who had found the woman in an insensbe
condition on the floor. Her face was beaten
to a perfect jelly, and it was some time before
the officers revived her. They found Collins
in bed. He refused to give any account OF the
affair, and he was taken to the station. A
physician was called who dressed the woman's
wounds, which, although being very dangerous.
probably will not result fatally. Collins is one
of the worst characters in the city, and has
been arrested several times for beating his
wife. 1t is thought that they got into quar-
rel and that he beat and choked her until she
was insensible, and then left her on the floor
and went to bed Some of the Deighbors who
heard the noise gave the alarm to the officers.
1t is to be hoped that this man will be put out
of the way for the present at least.
Year: 1875

JAIL WoRKsHoP.-The County Commission
ers of Penobscot County have proposed con-
ference of all the County Commissioners in
the state to talk over certain matters in regard
to Jail workshops and their management. The
conference will probably be held at Bangor the
second Tuesday of March, and Mr.. Townsend,
the chairman of the board of this county, will
attend. Mr. Townsend will visit Massachu-
setts next week to examine the different shops
there and gather information to aid in the
proper construction of a shop at Jail in this
city. The plans for the shop here will be made
by Mr. Fassett of this city. The building is to
be of brick and stone with iron grating, will
be 45x16O feet, and will be situated on the
south side of the Jail building By this stua-
tion the sun will shine in some part of the
sbop from morning until night, thus making
it as healthy as possible. 1t is expected that
it will be necessary to drive piling in order to
get solid foundation.
Year: 1875

ACCIDENTS. laborer named John Finney,
who lives on Danforth street, scalded his hand
terribly yesterday morning while thawing out
his pump.


A little girl named Flannigan, who lives on
Washington street, broke her leg yesterday
while coasting on the street.


Hsleigh upset at the corner of Carleton and
Congress streets yesterday afternoon, and a
lady was taken up badly injured.


Yesterday afternoon DIR. Carleton Kimball
returned to his residence and found his servant
girl unconscious, in the kitchen. In the next
room bis sister and little girl were in the same
condition. They were all soon revived. The
cause of the accident was that the pipe to the
heating apparatus had become clogged with
Year: 1875

WINTER SPoRTs.-It is only once in thirty
wears that the ice is frozen in our harbor SO that
persons can 90 to the Islands on a sleigh ride
as they did yesterday. In the vicinity OF Fish
Point there was said to have been over 500 per-
sons, some of them on skates, others with
teams, and several with ice boats, driven by
the wind. Quite a party went across the har-
bor to the Cape But such state of affairs
will not probably last long as the first south
erlu wind will sweep the harbor clean.
Year: 1875

PREVENTION OF FIRE.-Soon after the fire
at the Portland Company's works the compan
decided to have some means provided for ex-
tinguishing fires in their buildings, Conse-
quently the new shops erected were provided
with pipes running around on the inside OF the
building with holes in them. The pipes are
connected with the hydrant. By this means
one man can turn on the water at the hydrant
in the case of a fire and flood the whole build
ing in a moment
Year: 1875

ANTIQUARIAN SUPPER-The ladies' circle at
Woodford's Corner will give an old fashioned
supper in the vestry of the church on Thurs
day evening of this week, if pleasant. There
will be an entertainment, md the ladies will
appear in ancient costumes.
Year: 1875

Buoy LIGHT The wooden house at Buoy
LIGHT is to be taken down and a large sheet
iron building put in its place. The foundation
is 70 be rebuilt of granite in the spring. The
iron building has been built by the Fortiano
Company, and IS ready to go into place. Ii Is
circular in form, and is painted red.
Year: 1875

CoNcERT.-The concert to be given in the
Congress street church tonight will be Ieaiiy
worth hearing. TIE last concert in that church
by the same talent, was charming. The read
ing by H. I. Robinson, Esq, will be worth
more than the admission.
Year: 1875

Starting Oi tIle


We are happy to announce this morn
ing the starting up OF the Belmont Furn-
ocr the fires Of which were lit on Saturday
evening By the venerable President OF the
company, Mr.. Henry Moore, The Bel
mont Furnace is an excellent piece OF
work, and cannot fail to be grand sue
ce,. under the management Of Mr.. TAFT.
hi. thoroughly seasoned, and ifiudicious-
Ivbiownin,as no doubt it will be,will soon
be making good metal and plenty OF it.
Tbi, furnace was commenced in 1879 but
not finished until the fall ot73. It has u
lG foot bosh, Il GS loot stack, and two
choice Hot Blasts Of the TAFT pat
tern,


We trust that the starting up
of this new enterprise in our midst
at this time, is a happy augury for
the whole iron industry Of the city We
trust, furthermore, that the uay u hot lar
off when we shall have the pleasure OF an
pouncing the blowing in Of the splendid
furnace at the Top mill, which event is
only delayed by the non.cOmplOtion Of
the Pittsburgh, Wheeling & Kentucky
railroad. Now that Brooke and Ohio
counties own this road, free Of debt, or
practically so, there is no reason to doubt
that it will, ere long, pass into hands that
will complete 1t. Then We shall sec not
only the fires lit in the Top mill furnace,
but also those already lit in other manu-
ufuc,uring concerns burning brighter and
higher than has been their wont for a
long time.