smithclay/nortonstories huggingface dataset:
Year: 1870

our regulations for mature Judgment and


conservative caution, by qualifying, in


grave and demure manner. our approval
OF Whatever may be presented to us for
Judgment A man never looks SO wise nor
feels half SO compliment IS when he bal
ances between approval and disappro7a1 Of


thing N manner that seems to say,


: Now this painting Of the Last Judgment
ls very good thing for Michael Angelo,
but If held the brush would have i'm
proved it so and so.' In this a,nusinc
manner some of our weekly rural Demo
cratic papers treat the proposed new con-
stitution. Theysay "The convention was the
ablest body ever assembled in the
State, and IN soma few things they
hive renlly acquitted themselves quits
creditably. But if we had been thero in
their stead the Constitution would have
been pervaded by 1oftinezs Of PURPOSE
md penetrated by a profundity of wisdom
which now, alas, it lacks. You perceive its
defects, of course. But, on tha whole, let
US adopt it, only the next time you have a
Constitution to make, send u.s." Really,
this mode Of dananing by faint praise has
neither wisdom nor specification. Not one
of these critics has Jet ventured to suggest
the point wherein he would have made it
differently. In the absence of such specin-
cation, this mode Of saying one thing and
limiting the opposite looks as. though the
critics were afraid to nnme the
features of which they complain.
Are they grieved because the lobby is
discharged and corruption rendered less
profitable field Of enterprise? L. it
because members of the Legislature must
swear that they have bought nobody and
will not sell themselves2 Is it because the
pay of public officers is reduced to reason
able salaries, and the surplus Of fees paid
into the Treasury? As the new constitu-
tion is framed throughout to put an end to
corruption, an intentional corruptionist
may intelligently oppose it. But on what
scruPles do honest men fight for co1rup-
ton?
Year: 1870

EE Another of the Little Rock Gdz
ehe's progenies fell still born at Darda
nellie on the 18th. Its not very pleasant
for the country people of this District, tc
be dancing up and down, hither ant
thither to the beck and nod of such tri
fling and trimming political leaders. Fol
our own part we wash our hands off al
such proceedings as was had at Darda
nellie. We have no candidate, and have
no particular preference for any man
only that he is a good one--but we die
mud do want standard bearer n leader
who in the demoralized state ofthc Radi
cal party would successfully lead us tc
victory.


We still hope that the good sense ofth'
masses Of the Conservative voters, vii
yet see the necessity of uniting on ont
man before it is too late to make thor
ough canvass of the District.
Year: 1870

For the information of all interested
and who is not interested in making
money we take the last opportunity OF
notifying all who would have chance OF
drawing prize in the single number draw
ing of the Louisiana State Lottery to-day,
that they have until ten o'clock this morn
ing to buy tickets, although it is better they
go earlier. The drawing commences at II
o'clock, we believe. " h--f'p 81.
Year: 1870

The following is an extract from private
letter from Mr. William H. Baber, cotton
planter near Hudsonville, Mississippi, to a
gentleman in Louisville. The letter is dated
fifth instant:


My crop is looking well, but if cotton con-
tinues to decline l don't think will be able
to realize much profit from my labors in the
Sunny South" l see spectators have al
ready placed their figures on the present
growing crop at four million bales, but from
all reports that have heard Of the ravages
of the lice and the continued rains that we
have had, judge that the crop will certain
ly fall far short of that estimate. l see crops
around me, and hear of others outside of
this county, that have been so completely
taken by the grass and weeds, that it is i'm
possible to do anything with them. They
got into this condition during the rainy
spell, when it was impossible to work them;
but, as said, my crop is looking well, and
am truly thankful for it.
Year: 1870

Some of the new fashioned trunks are
made with large drawers and compart-
ments, instead of the old fashioned trays,
and are much more convenient in the coun-
try, as they take the place of bureau q
Year: 1870

i suppose no man was ever more en-
phatically ''all things to all men," and
there are those in Vermont who hold pri-
vate opinions as to his abilities, whatever
may be his fitness, for filling such an
Office. For example. the minister's wife,
with whom he talked religion, lamented
the GOODNESS of the church, and their
stinginess in paying her worthy husband
so small salery, in consideration of
which latter fact he threw off-or appear
ed to-a liberal percentage from her new
black silk; likewise the superintendent
who discussed Sunday School with the
stranger, and found himself the possessor
of new and striking ideas with reference
to New York institutions of similar char
acter. Everywhere the man had q new
phase. From the parsonage he drove like
Jehu the Son of Nimshi, to the porch of
the village inn, dismounted, shook hands
all round, and five minutes afterwards was
convulsing the inmates of the bar-room
with stories of the last play or comic opera
-discussing the latest country ball with
the landlords daughter, singing, at the top
of his voice, the popular song, be it Dixie,
Uncle Ned, or whatever other absurdity
answered to the Captain Jinks or Shoe Fly
of our enlightened age, down at the Cor
ner Store" gravely talking stocks and mar
kets to the village merchant, back again to
light his cigar, mount his seat like bobo-
link his perch, blandly leaving his bene-
diction, and driving away with cracking
of whips, leaving a gaping crowd to watch
him out of sight.


Such is the man who few years since
went up and down the Vermont hills, the
man who now by jollity and scheming has
come to write his sign manual against the
algebraic symbol of equality with millions
opposite. Not very great man, nor
very good man. suppose even his warm
est admirers would hardly claim either for
him. That he is bad man, however, it
would be hard to persuade those simple
country folk who have known him Of old.
An outgrowth of our country and time
an instance Of what the money-making
talent can achieve-a striking type of our
exclusively moneyed man-this is james
Fisk, Jr. J. A. E.
I-Sprtngfeld Republican.
Year: 1870

The SHOEPPE CASE IN A New Aspect
The Shocppe case has made its appearance i'm
new shape. bill has been introduced into
Monday, which allows writs of error i'm cases of
murder and voluntary manslaughter no. only
where such cases may hereafter be taken to the
Supreme Court, but in cases now pending in
that tribunal. The bill further proposes that
the Supreme Court may not only review the law
of the case, which is all that has hitherto been
dene by that tribunal on writs of error, but that
the evidence may be considered and the Court
may determine whether thtre were sufficient
facts in the testimony to authorize a verdict 1t
murder in the first degree, and il the Court
should be of the opinion that the judgement was
not justified by the evidence, ii may reverse the
decision Of the Court below and send back the
case for a new trial. While IT must be admit cd
that there is much doubt i'm the ShOeppe case as
to whether his guilt was proved, il must be re-
gretted that the supposed necessities OF his
sieuatiOn require such special legislation as
this PhiiddelpAia iHqWr-r. ID
Year: 1870

The STORY that a couple of distinguished
Senators were introduced to the wife of the
colOrcd Senator from Mississippi in the gallery
the other day was a silly canard manufactured
by a hard-up correspondent of a New York
paper.
Year: 1870

A farmer once saved a very poor
boy from drowning. After his restora-
ton he said to him, "Whst can do for
you, my boy?"


"Speak kind word to me sometimes,
replied the boy, as tears rushed from his
ewes; II amt got any mother like some OF
them"


A kind wOrdi Think of ii! That
farmer had it in his power to give that boy
money, clothes, playthings, but the poor
fellow craved nothing as much as kind
word now and then. If the farmer had
ever SO little heart the boy must certainly
have had the wish granted.


A kind wordi You have many such
spoken to you daily, and you don't thlnF
much of their value; but that poor boy
in your village at whom everybody laughs
would think that he had found treasure
if some one would speak kind word to
him. Suppose you speak 1t The next
time YOU meet him, instead OF laughing
at him, speak kindly to him. Then
watch him and see how he looks. See
if his eyes do not brighten and his lips
smile.


KIND words, They are blessed things
Sneak them, children, every day. Scatter
them like sunbesms everywhere. They
please others and return to bless your
own hearts. Kind words forever.-Gesden
Hours
Year: 1870

THE Red River Indians have curious


legend respecting the origin of mosquitoes.


They say that once upon time there was


famine, and the indians could get no


game. Hundreds had died from hunger,


and desolatiOn filled their country. All


kinds of offerings were made to the Great


Spirit without avail, until one day two


hunters came upon white wolverine, q


very rare animal Upon shooting the


white wolverine an old woman sprang up


out of the skin, ana saying that she was a


"ManitO" promised to 60 and live with


the Indians, promising them plenty OF


game as long as they treated her well and
gave her the first choice of all the game
that should be brought in. The two


Indians assented to this, and took the old
woman home with them-which event


was Immediately succeeded by an abun-


dance of game. When the sharpness OF
the famine had passed in the prosperity
which the old woman had brought to the
tribes, the Indians became dainty in their
appetites, and complained of the manner
in which the old woman had took to her
self all the choice bits; and this fee ling
became so intense that, Notwithstanding
her warning that if they violated their
promise terrible calamity would come


upon the Indians, they one day killed her
as she was seizing her share of fat rein
deer which the hunters had brought in.


Great CONSERVATION Immediately struck
the witnesses Of the deed, and the Indi-


ans, to escape the predicted calamity,
bodily struck their tents and moved away
to great distance. Time passed on with
out any catastrophe occurring, and, game
becoming even more plentiful, the Indians
again began TO laugh at their being de-
ceived by the old woman. Finally, a
hunting party on long chase of rein
deer, which had led them back to the
spot where the old woman was killed,
came upon her skeleton, and one of them
in derislon kicked the skull with his foot


In an instant, a small, spirsl, vapor-like
body arose from the eyes and ears of the
skull, which proved TO be insects, that at
tackled the hunters with great fury and
drove them TO the river for protection.
The skull continued to pour out its little


stream, and the air became full of avengers
of the old woman's death The hun nters,


upon returning to camp, found all the


Indians suffering terribly from the plague,
and ever since that tine the Indians have


been punished by the mosquitoes for their
wickedness to their preserver, the Mantle
Year: 1870

THE following rules, from the papers of
DR.. West, were, according to his memo
randum, thrown together as general way
marks in the journey OF life:


Never TO ridiculc sacred things, or what
others may esteem such, however absurd
they may appear to be.


Never to show levity when the people
are professedly engaged in worship.


Never to resent supposed injury till
know the views and motives of it. Nor
on any account to retaliate.


Never to Judge PERSONS character by
personal appearance.


Always To take the part of an absent
person who Is censured in company, go
lar as truth and propriety will allow


Never to think the worse Of another on
account of his differing from me in politi-
cal or religious opinion.
Year: 1870

NEVER repeat a story unless You are
certain it is correct, and not even then
unless something is to be gained, either
of interest to yourself or for the good of
the person concerned. Tattling is mean. mean
and wicked practice, and he who INDUCES
in it grows more fond of it in proportion
as he Is successful. If you have no gsod
to say of your neighbor, never reproach
his character by telling that which is
false. He who tells you the faul. of others
intends to tell others of your faults, and so
the dish of news is handed from one TO
another till the tale becomes enormous.
Year: 1870

RHUBARB PRkskRvEs Pare six or
anges; slice them in stew pan, with
orange peel cut fine; add one quart OF
rhubarb, cut fine take a pound and Q
halt of loaf sugar; boil all together ss
you do other preserves.
Year: 1870

Below win be found a highly attractive and IN
struc,ive selection of dlscourses, embracing the
most interesting topics discussed or expounded by
the dlyines yesterday in New York, Washington
and elsewhere. The variety Is something greater
than is usually comprised within the limits Of such
q number Of sermons and services, and win no
doubt be read with appreciation and profit.
Year: 1870

As another security for Brigham Young
and his successors, we may mention the
general ignorance of the Mormon people.
Some of the leaders have fair education,
and the articles in the Utah MaQazine
show that there are men among them who
can write in good English. But these are
very small portion of the whole number.
Most Of the men aud women are utterly
illiterate. and are dependent upon the ser
mons in the Tabernacle for all their knowl-
edge. They have no means of learning
what is going on in the world of the Gen
s shS sis 2 IF ana spPs5s 4ssa iassgsS Ioranee sss
hopelessly enslaves them. They are at
the mercy of their spiritual guides. In
telligenee is the strength of free govern
ment; but ignorance strengthens despOt-
ism. The Mormon leaders, indeed, vehe-
mently deny the charge that they have no
public schools. They show their lists Of
teachers, their spacious school buildings,
their Libraries for children. What more
shall one ask for2 But, after all, educa-
tion is not free; those who will learn must
pay for what they learn; the quality of
the teaching is thin and poor and there
are many more children in the streets, on
weekdays, than one sees in the schools.
The next generation, doubtless, will know
more than the present generation; for
Gentle books, and magazines, and jour
nais are finding their way into the Terri
tory; yet we cannot look for more help to
secular education from the Mormon priest
hood than from the Roman priesthood.
Any culture that may stimulate free
thought and free inquiry, or let in the
ideas of the outside world, will be dis
couraged, if not prohibited. Indeed, the
Saints will soon have an alphabet, if not a
language of their own. Already the
Book of Mormon has been printed IN
mystic characters, to which Gentiles have
no key, and the New Testament will soon
appear in the same sacred disguise. 1t Is
the plan of the church that all their liter
ature and all their textbooks shall be set
in these hieroglyphics, which the Prophet
claims to be the simplest in form and the
easiest to learn of any that have been in


vented. When the new literature shall


have appeared in its new, safe and peculiar
dress, then all the people, young and old


wise and simple, will 60 to school together
An old man of seventy will be as swift T.


acquire the Mormon tongue as child o
seven, and the poorest of the Saints ma


become expert in the saving and heavenl


wisdom.-Otd and Ne,c.
Year: 1870

Lawyers and ministers are often com
pared together, to the disparagement of the
latter. We have no confidence in suct
comparisons. If they must be made, let a
poor minister be compared with a poor
lawyer, and not a poor minister with an
eminent lawyer. The result of such fair
comparison would probably be-nothing.
In our opinion, there's very little to be
learned or gained by trying to bring one
profession to the standard of another.


1t is often said, by way of berating a
people for not being captivated with ar
aged ministerial candidate, that lawyers
and judges grow in public esteem as years
and experience bring wisdom but minis
ters, forsooth, must pass for worn-out mel
as soon as they reach ripe age. A good
rod to chastise foolish people with but
it will not bear much leaning on as an ar
gument. How many aged lawyers and
judges depend upon their public speaking
for their usefulness ? There are in Boston
perhaps, five hundred lawyers in activ'
service. Dropping into the Office of
lawyer friend the other day, VIC aske'
him,


How large proportion Of the sBostC'
lawyers depend for their business on aP
pearing in court p


Seven-eighths of the legal business o
Boston is ofhce-business,' he replied.


How many lawyers derive their succes
from eloquence in court p


You can count them on your fingers.


The simple fact is, that in the ministr
public speaking is almost universally re
Year: 1870

The Boston Times relates the following
circumstance, which presents a case of Pc
culiar interest to students of mental phe-
nomena, aud affords a curious illustration
of the force of habit 1t says Within
the past month an article was published
in the Times which had most unparalleled
history. The writer, who is a steady GO
to-ueeting citizen, it seems, had his miad


filed with his subject before going to bed,
and determined to submit it to paper at
the first opportunity. His bedroom adjoins
his parlor, in which he customarily y writes );
and some time early in the following morn
ing our friend awcke while sitting at his
! escritoire wondering why the room was so
dark. His first thought was that his wife
had taken away the light to inspect the
ehiIdren's dormitory, and he sat until his
patience gave out waiting for her return


But she did not come, and he went to the
parlor door and inquired in tones some
what different from those which distin-
guished his courtship, what was the cause
of delay. The voice in reply came from
the bedroom, and thither he went to find
his wife in bed, who asked him in wonder
ment what had caused him to get up at
that untimely hour He had risen in his
sleep, partially robed himself, and had
written the article while in a somnambulic so
state. We regret that we did not preserve
the copy of the article so written, but from
our recollection of its chirography it was a
fair specimen of our friends peculiar but
exceedingly plain handwriting. He assures
us that he had not made correction mark
on it; and also that there were two inter-
lineations on the manuscript, carated and
interpolated with as much precision as if
the article had been written by him in day
light and with his eyes OPEN
Year: 1870

Some young people, camping on the
south side of Appledore, one summer,
among the ancient graves, dug up skele-
ton the bones crumbled TO dust, but the
skull remained intact, and / kept it for a
long time The Shoalers shook their
heads. Hog Island would have no luck
while that skull remained above ground"
1t had lain so long in the earth that it was
no more repulsive than bit of stone, yet
a nameless dread invested it. At last
took it in my hands and pored over 1T till
the shudder passed away forever, and then
I was never weary of studyinglt 1t. Sitting
by the driftwood blaze late into the still
autumn nights alone at my desk, it kept
me company vase of brilliant flowers
on one side, the skull on the other, and the
shaded lamp between, equally lighting
both. A curious head it was, thick as an
Ethiopian's, with no space above the eyes,
high above the ears, and heavy behind
them. But O, those hollows where the
49,. ance looked out, beholding the same
sea-ana s5ySe see soaday Those great
creature gazed from them? Cunning and
malice, anger and hate, may have burned
within them in sullen fame who shall say
I if any beauty ever illumined them If
hate smouldered here. did love ever look
out aud transfgure the poor, dull face
did any spark from the far heaven ever
brighten it any touch of lofty thought
or aspiration turn the clay to fire Aud
when so many years ago this being glided
away from behind these awful windows
and left them empty forever and ever, did
he find what in his life here he could not
have possessed, with this head, which be
did not make, and therefore was not re-
sponsible forf


Many and many a question l put silent
ly to the silent casket which had held a
human soul there was no sound to answer
me save only the great, gentle whisper of
the sea without the windows, and now and
then a sigh from the autumn wind. There
came to me sense of the pathos of the
infinite patience of humanity, waiting 50
helplessly and blindly for the unraveling
of the riddle that has troubled every
thoughtful soul since the beginning of
time. Little roots of plants were clasped
about the temples. Behind the right ear
were three indentations, as if made by
/ some sharp instrument, suggesting foul
/ play. An Indian tomahawk might have
made those marks, or a pirates cut.ass


who can say? What matter is it now /
kept the relic for months, till it crumbled
so fast when daily busted it that feared
it would disappear entirely; so | carried
i. quietly back and laid it in the grave
from which it had been taken, wondering
as drew the shallow earth over it, who
had stood round about when it was buried
for the first time, centuries ago, what
manner of people, and were they afraid oil
sorry. But there was no voice to answer
! me.-Mrs Tkarter, IN the May Atlantic
Year: 1870

Be Whatever you try to
do in life try with all your heart to do it
well whatever you devote yourself to, de-


vote to completely in great aims and
small, be thoroughly in earnest. Never
believe it possible that any natural or i'm
proved ability can claim immunity from
the companionship of the steady, plain,
hard-working qualities, and hope to gain
the end There is no such thing as fulfill
ment on this earth. Some happy talent
and some fortunate opportunity may form
the two sides of the ladder on which some
men mount but the rounds of that ladder
must be of stuff to stand bear and tear :;
and there is no substitute for thorough
going, ardent and sincere earnestness.
Never put one to anything on which you
can throw your whole self; never affect
deprication of yuur work; whatever it is.
These you will find to be golden rules.
Year: 1870

the lady, how dreadfully hot it is here"
: Yes, MADAME replies our luckless critic,
it is hot here: but can assure you the
heat of this place isn't circumstance,
when compared with the heat of the place
where your poor dear husband is suffering
today A horror stricken expression
comes over the face of the lady she rises
from her chair and Indignantly founces
away. Ah, Me miserable soliioquized
our wretched critic. : l have been mistak-
ing the one sister for the other, and she
thinks l meant to say that her husband Is
not in heaven.-Galary.