smithclay/nortonstories huggingface dataset:
Year: 1876

SAN FRANCISCO, April 10.-James
Woodward, barber about 80 years of
age was found dead last evening on a
sofa in his room, in the rear of the
barber shop, No. sos Third street, yes
terday afternoon.


A crowd of hoodlums mum bering
twenty-five, knocked down and Sc
verely beat heathen on the corner
of Mission and Twelfth streets, after
giving this evidence of their bravery
they valiantly descended upon the
wash house of another Chinaman near
by, with stones and brick bats crushed
in the windows and battered down the
doors. One Chinaman who stood in
side received a severe cut upon the
scalp from a flying rock. No arrests.


Saturday night posse of police
made a general raid on Chinatown
and captured Is gamblers and few
lewd women. A large number of 9TH
er gambling dens were in full blast
but as if in defiance of the recent de-
termination of the city authorities,
they have doubled their force of door
keepers and it is now impossible to
gain admittance.


The Chronicle to-day has what pur-
ports to be the expose of the manner
in which the government is defrauded
at the Custom House. 1t is said that
the Custom House ring encourage and
wink at the smuggling of opium and
silks and share spoils. 1t is shown
that they have been enabled to carry
on this nefarious game sometimes
with the connivance of the Treasury
special agents sent here from Wash
ingtOn to ferret out and put stop to
it and in some cases despite the pres
ence and action of these agents.


The Spaulding court martial is drag
ging along slowly, and the Judge Ad-
vocate thinks it will last six months
longer. The evidence so far has been
confined to the first count in the in
dictment, and the evidence since the
first witness has been cumulative
and strong against Spaulding.


Judge Sawyer to-day issued certi-
orari transferring the suit of Charles
Jost,o the Antioch distillery, against
John Sedgwick, Collector of Internal
Revenue, from the 10th District Court
to the United States Circuit Court.


The Citizens Centennial Com mittee
met to-day and organized with Gen.
John McComb as President. Beyond
increasing the committee to one hum
dred and fifty members nothing else
was done.


Silver coin is in better demand to-
day, owing to the boarding process
going on in view of the early passage
of the resumption bill in Congress,
and figures are 81 to p per cent. dis
count, decline of half cent since
Saturday. Trade dollars are a drug,
all retailers refusing to take them
for more than ninety cents.


O'Leary, the pedestrian, is getting
over the effects of his walk rapidly,
and is out on the streets, apparently
little worse for his long walk.


The schooner Caroline Medon is
ashore at Yacquima Bay and is to-
tai loss. The crew were saved.
Year: 1876

We went to the front Friday morn
ing to see what progress the squat
ters were making in the location of
public (?) land. Our friend Andrew
Joughin the well known blacksmith
on Aliso street near the corner of AL
ameda, has fine ranch in that vicin-
ity which don't happen to be public
land; consequently his proximity to
the squatters does not excite him, and
to him and his amiable family we are
indebted for the most generous hospi-
tality during sojourn of three days.
This ranch presents from the house
one of the most splendid landscapes
that our eyes ever rested upon, with
the mountains on one side, and the
sea on the other, with view of a por-
ton of this city. Being located on
the Cienega TETON with a United
States patent, friend Joughin is undis-
turbed by the squatters and occupies
the position of the woman who saw
her husband and a bear In fight, not
caring which whipped. The debata-
BILE ground is what is known as Rose
cranz land and contains several thous-
and acres. At the rate at which hous-
es were going up on that tract while
we were there, it will not be long
before it will be completely Gov.
cred wieh "actual settlers,n whereby
the revenue should be very largely in
creased. We do not tske sides with
either party, but are ready to sympa-
thize with those who win. The SQUAT
ters are very sanguine of maintaining
their rights, and those who have
bought and paid for their land are
equally so, but there is so far but lit
tie apparent excitement, and no vio-
lence, the only demonstration being
made by an old gentleman whose
name We do not remember. He was
after man who had not only taken
possession of the land he had bought
but the house he had built. We will
try and keep our readers posted as to
the progress of the controversy.
Year: 1876

The facts about Robeson's mode of
transacting Government business
abroad came into the possession of the
Committee in peculiar way. Beebe,
the Chairman, heard from Wall
street banker that certain drafts made
on Seligman Bros, London, and ac-
cepted by the Secretary of the Navy,
were offered for sale in the New York
market. Nobody was anxious to buy
them, and some indignation was ex-
pressed that the Government credit
should be injured in the market. The
arrangement with Seligman Bros. is
that they pay the Government four
per cent. on deposits, while the Gov
ernment pay Seligman Bros. five per
cent on all drafts made on the firm.
1t is stated that Seligman Bros. have
been in the habit of Immediately put
ting time rcceptances on the market
and realizing therefrom ready money
in addition to the interest. All the
indications are that Robeson drew a
long time draft, intending to pay it
with the appropriation for the next
fiscal year. This is clear and inten-
tional violation of the law, and makes
him liable to impeachment.
Year: 1876

No one who has read history with
care is ignorant of the truth, that an
increase of wealth, is often the pre-
cursor of degeneracy and decay. AS a
rule, it is true of nations, families, and
individuals. 1t is said there are ex-
ceptions to all rules, but we presume
there are as few exceptions to this as
any other. 1t Is one of the strangest
freaks belonging to humanity, to per-
sue with unwearied diligence, that,
which all history teaches must bring
ruin in the end. But we are all in 1t
and somehow we cant help it. The


race for wealth, like mighty current
seems to be sweeping around the globe
and has drawn into the stream, all


classes of all nations. Once be-
fore in the worlds history did SINH
lar mania possess the people and the
result was the wreck of EN- pi res, the
destruction of nations, and general
desolation, ruin and suffering among
the people. What is to be the end of
the present mania God only knows.
But the corruption in high places and
the general bad faith and distrust
among all classes indicates state of
wrecklessness in morals, that portends
evil. 1t is not confined to America
alone. Every nation on the globe is
as corrupt as our own. The
great hue and cry recently
made about corruption in our own
nation arises from the fact that we
have been an exception to the rule
until few years back, while it has be-
come to be the nominal state of other
nations and is hardly noticed by the
press and the people. The govern
ments of other nations, is better adap-
ted to suit the wants of the avaricious
and lovers of power, than ours-pOwer
is concentrated in all other nations,
and few lords and mobiles can con-
troll and filch from the people as they
please, and have done so until it is no
longer noticed by the people. Only
think of four millions of dollars taken
from the hard earnings of the people,
and given to Prince Albert to spend
on pleasure trip to India.
With all our faults such an
insult would not be tolerated
in America. With a blush we
have to endure the jeers of the
press of Europe when the name of
Belknap is mentioned. But the only
difference is our officials have to steal
what theirs take by law, and while
they bow with their hats off to their
noble officials, We put ours in the PEN
itentiary, and put them to work. We
want no more slurs from the Euro
pean press. In the time Of the old
prophets it was declared that "All
nations had gone astray" or Vild.
They are all off on another bender
now, and no one seems to have much
the advantage of another. They were
brought up with q round turn before,
and as history repeats itself we may
expect their wild career to terminate
In similar manner.
Year: 1876

The Times Washington special says
the Committee of Ways and Means
to-day struck the tariff on silks out of
the tariff bill. The action would
leave the tariff on silks as at present,
even If the bill should pass, which is
not likely.
Year: 1876

a PERSONS wishing to breed
- to this fine MESSENGER


Horse will apply to the SUBJ


scriber. who will take pleas


ure in showing some of the


colts of the get Of 1879. Colts


that will prove the ability Of
Year: 1876

l have examined these rich men,
and found that the happiest time
of their life is when they are making
their money. After they get rich
and sit down to enjoy it, trouble be-
gins.


Most people arl anxious to get the
first news; want my news about
four days old, then l think stand
some chance to hear the truth.


Men who originate ideas are sell
dom the ones to execute them.


Without trials and temptations
man would nothing more than fun
gus.


Things that must happen are 4
great deal easier 10 get along with
than things that may happen.


Misers are strange critters-they
seem to enjoy only, those things they
amt got.


There is no greater tyranny than
fear.


The most pleasant prospect from
the top of a high mountain Is to look
back and see the ragged way we
have come.


have tried all the most approved
plans, and | find that the cheapest
way to manage Il woman is to let her
have her own way.


Most of the miserable would be
comparatively happy If they would
only compare their condition with
those beneath instead of those above
them.


Truth is never in hurry, but a lie
is always on the jump.


There is a great are in carrying
your points without seeming ut all
anxious to do it.


1t costs less 10 agree with fool
than differ with him.


Obstinacy might he excusable in
wise man, but wise men are never
obstl mate.
Common sense is like salt-the
cheapest thing, according to its ac-
tual value, of anything in the mar.
kct.


All men owe much more to chance
than they are willing to admit.


Justice ought to be cheap, but cx-
cept bread, it is the hardest thing to
get.


The man who won't profit by the
experience of of others, amt going
to profit much by his own.


Men of real ability are the first to
recognize it in others, and the last to
recognize 1t in themselves.
All human nature loves 70 take the
chances-there is great tun in see
ing how near you can 60 to mules
heels without being hoisted.


Men who love the least to make
money love the least to spond it.


There is nothing that God loves
more, aud that makes us all feel bet.
ter, than thankfulness.


1t Is great deal easier to call 9
man a fool than to prove it.


There is no man more than hall
so cunning as he thinks he is.
Year: 1876

From the New York Century for Women.


Owing to the sudden changes of
our climate, it is of the greatest i'm
portance for Americans to protect
the entire surface of the body and
limbs nine months of the year.
How we dress the remaining three is
of less Importance than how we work
and eat; but unless the skin is well
and closely covered during the fall
winter and spring, we cannot be free
from the influence of sudden chang
es. This can be done by thick or
light underclothing. in silk, flannel
or woolen wear; but in some form it
is necessary. This important precau-
ton ought particularly to be remem-
bered in dressing little children
Their clothing ought to meet in such
a way as to leave no chance of bare
skin, for saqucs and ovcrshoes are
mockeries if the knees are uncovered.
AS for short stockings, they are sim
ply traps for disease. They may be
safe in July, but the chilly nights of
Autumn ought to warn allmothers to
put them away. After the skin is
covered the clothing may be light or
heavy, as the warer needs, but as Il
simple matter a complete suit of
warm underwear and long stockings,
do more for women and children in
the way of protection from coughs
and colds, than all the turs, flannels
and wraps they can possibly put on.
Year: 1876

The behavior of the engaged
couple affords the idle spectator
much food for amusing reflection;
and not their behavior only, but that
of the family towards them. If they
enter room together, every one
| fees from it Immediately, as if they
had the smallpo If you come up
on them in the library alone,you may
not so much as pause to find your
book, but must preclpitately retreat,
taking care to shut the door. The
gentleman does not always seem to
enjoy these conditions. He may not
find conversation very ready to hand,
may even like the society of others
of his own sex. He may look back
regretfully to the time when he
could talk to his sisters, or rather
when they were still willing to talk
to him. He may be SO cold blooded
as to anticipate time when he and
his wife will see almost too much Of
each other. When they 60 out to
walk or ride, he may prefer the com
pany of the elder sister, who is n
horsewoman; or of the younger, who
sketches. He may like the singing
of one, the wit of another,or possibly
even the looks Of a third. But he is
not allowed to enjoy any of these
things. Sisters who are loyal to each
other, would consider it shocking
He is bound to the one and the one
only, and it is sad to see him some
times when a stampede takes place
at his coming, as he hopelessly looks
after the retreatlng figures and seats
himself, with an Unsurpassed yawn,
by the side of the engaged one
Hardly less trying is the fate of the
lover who finds himself taken as a
brother by the whole family at once
who has to kiss all his new sisters,
and submit to the same familiarity,
and even the same lectures, which
their real brothers bear so badly
He cannot call them "girs" with a
contemptuous accent on the word,
nor can he shake himself loose from
their embraces with "rubbish" or Il
stronger expression. They give HIM
commissions to execute in town which
their brothers have long ago refused
to undertake, and expect him to pay
out of his own pocket for everything
he ge;s them. In fact, he finds his
position very unenviable; and if he
fails to divert theirattention by bring
ing friend upon the scene rs sec
ond victim to the family charms, he
probably ofends his lady-love by
contiding to her that he is not en-
gagged to all her sisters, as well as
to her, and only intends to marry
one of the family. In some houses,
too, different kind of trial awaits
the happy pair. They are never left
alone together. Some mothers keep
up the chaperon system in all its rig
or till the knot is indissolubly tied.


Silence is the most powerful ans
wer that any person can give to
abuse.


Politeness is the only thing that
can add any charm to honesty.
Year: 1876

the abominable jingle is heard in Gods
temple, even as it was when the indig-
nant Lord Jesns entered the sacred edi-
fee with his scourge of small cords to
expel filthy luere from the doors. We
say nothing here of the weary auxieties
that oppress the hearts of many of the
best pastors when they feel that all
their efforts to sustain their church are
burdened or, as the jockeys say, are
4" handicapped by crushing debt


We have left the serious argument
against church-debts to the last. They
are immoral. Nay, more by as much
as they impair and neutralize the spirit.
ual force Of Christ's representative on
earth they are odius and wicked. Christ
commands his followers to be witness
bearers for everything that is true and
pure and honest and of good report.
They are to stand for frugality, against
selfindulgence and extravaganza tor
integrity in paying obligations against
laxity, swindling, dishonesty. A church
is simply collection of hands and
hearts and if the whole collection of
" hands are not Z" clean from dishon-
orable dealings, then they have no right
to stand in His holy place."


The foremost moral conflicts of this
time and country are against drunken
ness and commercial dishonesty. The
foremost question before our nation is !:
+" Will she pay her honest debts r" No
question bulks so formidably as this.
Gods people have voice in the verdict.
But how can Christians bear testimony
for just dealing when they are building
their house for divine worship with bor-
rowed funds, which they cannot pay |?
How can minister preach for integrity
and independence when he stands in
mortgaged pulpit and his bell rings
from steeple mortgaged up to wealth
ercocK How can church that is
stepped and swamped in debt rebuke
the follies of avarice or the crime of
knavery and fraud


The revival we need is revival of old
fashioned Bible honesty. No church is
competent to bear part in such a re.
vival until it has strained its utmost to
pay its honest obligations. Before
dollar goes to the heathen, let its own
debts be discharged. If it has no sane
tuary built, let it be content to worship
God in barn until it has the means to
rear an edifice which belongs to the Lord,
and not to a mortgage-holder.
Year: 1876

We have printed the following beau
tiful incident many times in the last
twenty-five years, and it is as good as
new every time.


William Writ is distinguished as an
orator and as an author. His life of
Patrick Henry immortalized both Henry
and Writ. His description of the Blind
Preacher is inimitably beautiful. As a
lawyer he was eminent. His speech
against Aaron Burr when tried for trea-
son in Richmond, is surprisingly elo-
quent.


In early life he was fond of social
pleasures, and had a strong relish for
wit and humor, and was fond of gay
companions. He INDUCED in convivial
habits. Virginia hospitality had its
snares for such man for every dinner
party was revel, every ordinary visit a
temptation. In 1895 he was married,
and in 1900 his wife died. In 1902 he
married the second time. The story is
told that Writ. after an occasion of con-
vivial indulgence became intoxicated,
was unable to reach his dwelling, and
fell helpless and insensible upon the side.
walk. The young lady who afterwards
became his wife, was passing, and she
recognized him, and over his face ex-
posed to the sun she spread her hand
kerchief, which bore the initials of her
name When he recovered and saw the
handkerchief with the name of the own
er, he was much affected.


Such an incident touched Writ to the
heart. This touching incident appears
to be true, for there occurs in Wirt's
subsequent letters to his wife many ex-
pressions of grateful affection, coupled
with a sense of Indebtedness which init
mates that something of the kind oc-
CURED. How much / do owe you.
Not only the creation of my hopes of
happiness on earth, but the restoration
of my hopes of happiness in better
world. | must confess that the natural
gayety of my character, rendered still
more reckless by the dissipation into
which | had been allured, had sealed
my eyes and hidden from me that rich
inheritance of the righteous. 1t was
you whose example and tender exhorta-
tions rescued me from the horrors of
confirmed guilt and taught me once more
to raise my suppliant mind to God"
William Writ was Christian lawyer
and left behind him when he died
name of more value than great riches.
Year: 1876

When | was boy, my father one day
called me to him, that he might teacl
me to know what o'clock it was. HI,
told me the use Of the minute hand, anC
described to me the figures on the dial
plate, until | was pretty perfect in my
part


No sooner had | gained this addition
al knowledge, than l sat off scamperine
to join my companions, but my father
called me back again. Stop Hum.
phrey," said he. "I have something
else to say to YOU


| Back again ! went, wondering what
else | had to learn, for it seemed to me
that knew all about the clock, quite as
well as my father did.


Humphrey" said he 81 have taught
you to know the time of the day |
must now teach you to find the time Of
your life"


All this was Dutch to me so waited
rather impatiently to hear how my faith
er would explain it, for / wanted sadly
to go to my marbles.


The Bible" said he describes the
years OF man to be threescore and ten,
or fourscore years. If we divide the
fourscore years of an old mans life in
to twelve parts, like the dial of the
clock, 1t will allow almost seven years
for every figure. When boy is seven
years old, then, it is one o'clock of his
life, and this is the case with you when
you arrive at fourteen years, it will be
two o'clock with you and then at twen-
ty-one years, it will be three o'clock,
should it please God thus to spare your
life. In this manner, you may know
the time of your life and your looking
at the clock may perhaps remind you of
it. My great-grandfather, according to
this calculation, died at twelve o'clock
my grandfather at eleven, and my father
at ten. At what hour you or / shall
die, Humphrey, is only known to Him
to whom all things are known"


Never since then have | heard the
inquiry What o'clock is it?" without
being reminded of the words of nv
father


| know not what o'clock itmay be with
you, but | know very well what time ii
is with myself; and that if mean TO do
anything in this world, which hitherto |
have neglected, it is high time to set
about it. The words of my father have
given a solemnity to the dial-plate of
clock which perhaps it never would pos
sessed in my esteem, if these words had
not been spoken. What o'clock is it
with your"
Year: 1876

Admiral Farragut has worldwide
fame He is known


To every wind that blows,


And every star that wrinkles,


His heroism, his patriotism have writ.
ten his name high on the pillar of fame.


Secretary w. Fl, Seward, at Auburn,
related the following characteristic an
ecdote of him, which shows us the hero
in another dress The night before the
battle of Mobile, one of his officers said


4" Admiral, won't you consent to give
Jack gloss of grog in the morning
not enough to make him drunk, but
enough to make him fight cheerfully.' >
Well, replied the admiral, | have
been to sea considerably, and have seen
battle or two, but | never found that
l wanted rum to enable me to do nv
duty. | will order two cups of coffee
to each man at two o'clock, and at eight
o'clock will pipe all hands to breakfast
in Mobile Bay" And be gave Jack
the coffee and then he went up to the
mast head.


As ne manfully stood at his perilous post;
For the leader shrank not from the dangers they


passed,


For they knew hewould stand with them firm to
And many an anxious glance upward was cast
AT the heroic Admiral, lashed to the mast.