smithclay/nortonstories huggingface dataset:
Year: 1870

The following description of an execu-
ton in Japan is contained in a recent let
ter dated at Yokohama:


al had an opportunity of witnessing ad
execution on shore. By the Japanese
death is regarded With an indifference as
astonishing as it is lamentable. After we
had been on the ground an hour and a
half, the executioner and his son arrived
The old fellow would have rivaled in po-
liteness q French dancing master; he
bowed, scraped, and gave US to under
stand that he was delighted TO see us and
would make the entertainment as pleas
ant as possible. His son looked nervous,
as though but il-pleased with his duty.
(The office of executioner descends from
father to SOM. The old fellow was whet-
ting his sword all the time; it was about
fourteen feet long, double handled and
curved. Three judges officiated, one of
whom appeared to be q mere boy,


The condemned, three in number,
cleanly dressed, with their hands tied be-
hind them, were led to the ground by six
officials. Each had long string of beads
around his neck. On the ground, these
were removed, and light bandape passed
around the head of each and over the
ewes. They were led, one by one, to q
hole in the earth about three feet square
and nine inches.deep. Each was pressed
on his knees, with his head over the hole
when in an instant the sword fell, and the
head was severed from the body, and fell
into the hole. A bucket of water wa.
thrown over each head, after which they
were taken out to be exhibited in a pub
lie place for three days Eacn trunk wa
seized by the feet, jerked short distanc'
away, struck three or four violent blow
upon the back, covered with mat and q
left. Death is instantaneous, and the pas
sive state of the body would imply pain
less. The offensc of these men was theft
Crucifxion and fire are resorted to in ex
treme cases. The hari-kari is allowed +
criminals who belong to the nobility, o
of wealth and influence. 1t is performe
in public, and leaves no dishonor."
Year: 1870

Our brains are seventy-year clocks. The


Angel of Life winds them up once for all,


then closes the case, and gives the key into


the hand of the Angel of the Resurrec-


ton. Tic-tac! tic-tacl 60 the wheels of


thought; our will cannot stop them; they


cannot stop themselves; sleep cannot still


them; madness only makes them 60 fas-


ter; death alone can break into the case,


and seizing the ever-swinging pendulum,


which we call the heart, silence at last the
clicking of the terrible escapement we


have carried so long beneath our wrinkled


foreheads. If we could only get at them,
as we lie on our pillows, and count the
dead beats of thought after thought and


image after image jarring through the
over-tired organ! Will nobody block
those wheels, uncouple that pinion, cut
the string that holds these weights, blow
up the Internal machine with gunpowder!
What q passion comes over us sometimes
for silence and rest-that this dreadful
mechanism, unwinding the endless tapes
try of time, embroidered with spectral
figures of life and death, could have but
one brief holiday? VINO can wonder that
men swing themselves off from beams in
hempen lassos that they jump off from
parapets into the swift and gurgling gwaters
beneath THAT they take counsel of the
grim fiend who has but to utter his one
peremp.ory monosyllable, and the rest
less machine is shivered as a case that
is dashed upon marble floor? Under
that building which we pass every day
there are strong dungeons. where neither
hook, nor bar, nor bed cord, nor drinking
vessel from which sharp fragment may
be shattered, shall by any chance be seen.
There is nothing for it, when the brain is
on fire with the whirling of its wheels,
but to spring against the stone wall and
silence them with one crash. All, they
remembered that-the kind city fathers
and the walls are nicely padded, so that
one can take such exercise as he likes
without damaging himself. If anybody
would really cOntrive some kind of lever
that one could thrust in among the works
of this horrid automaton and check them,
or alter their rate of going, what would
the world give for the discovery? Men
are very apt to try to get at the machine
by some indirect system or other. They
clap on the brakes by means of opium,
they change the raaddening monotony of
the rhythm by means of fermented
liquors 1t is because the brain is locked
up and we cannot touch its movements
directly, that we thrust these coarse tools
in through any crevice by which they
may reach the interior, alter its rate OF
going for a while, and at last spoil the
machine. Oliver Wendell Holmes.
Year: 1870

In 1S49, Gen. W and family, now
of our city, fell in company with young
man who had left his wife and home to
seek fortune in the new Ell Dorado He
cheerfully drove his team through the day
over the weary road, and at night made
himself inter nsting about the camp-ir by
his well-stored mind and fine converse
tional powers. Upon arriving at Sacra-
mento, the company scattered, the Gen
eral located in San Francisco, where he
has ever since held high position, whilst
Others, among them the subject of this
sketch, wandered off to the mines. But
misfortune repeatedly overtaking him he
became discouraged and reckless, and
never wrote back to the beautiful wife of
whom he had so often talked on the way.


He did as many other miners permit
themselves to 'do-settled down into that
peculiar life that is SO fascinating and in
dependent-merely washing out enough
dust from day to day to pay for immediate
necessities, and forgetful of the outside
world, idling away the beautiful life which
should be spent less selfishly, and smoth-
ering the noble aspirations and ambitions
with which they set out in the world.


Twenty years of this mans life was so
thrown away, when about two months
ago, he CHANGED to pick up newspaper,
in which he read of the arrival of vessel
from the East, with mate, from whose
singular name he knew could be no other
than his own baby-boy, whom he left in
the cradle home. 1t brought rush of
memories over him; he suddenly awoke
to a reality his own wicked forgetful-
ness of his dear ones, and to knowledge
that he was growing old and stood alone.
x<,I har
face, came up before him, and, yielding to
money, determining, at least, to see his
boy; SO


.-Downward rom his mountain gorge


Slept the long hair d, long bearded solitary


Brown-lookng, hardly human, strangely clad"
And soon found himself in San Francis
co, where he learned the vessel had just
sailed. But the old home-love could not
be shaken Off


"-Enoch yearn'd to zee her face again.


IF might look on her sweet face again,


And know that she is happy So the thought


Haunted and harrassed him. anc drove him forth
At evening, when the dull November day


Was growing duller twilight"


to the Generals family, when freely con-
Tossing his disregard of duty toward those
naturally looking to him for protection,
they advised him to go and plead his case
to his wife. While they found him the
same charming companion, they remarked
his untidy, careless appearance, of which
he seemed ignorant Following their ad-
vice, he was soon on his way by railroad
for the old home. Arriving there, he
found his once-beloved wife still young
appearing, beautiful woman, who, having
long since regarded him as dead, had mar
ried good man, and as he marked them
with their happy children gathering about
the cheerful fireside, he silently slipped
away, returning to his old California cabin
with burdened heart as his punishment,
homeless and childle as old age comes
on.-San Francisco Oor Sacramento Union.
Year: 1870

IT is the duty of young men to do all
they can to elevate society.


To do this they must be honest, indus
trious, gentlemanly, and charitable.


Honest: As this is the only way to live
happily. This has been proven by the
experience of many men; so, II ever
tempted to do dishonest act, that time
honored maxim, ("Honesty is the best
policy,") should enter our minds with ten
fold force, and we should cast from us any
thought or implication of dishonest i'm
port.


Industrious: because it is our duty to
do something towards our own support
although we may have kind parents, who
will provide us with the necessaries of life,
vet, we should try to improve our time in
some manner, 50 that we may benefit our
selves and those around us. In the ami
NAL and vegetable kingdoms, on this globe,
we see the young of either class provided
for, but, when they arrive at suitable ages
they are required to provide for them
selves. This is true, with the exception
of few domestic animals which men pro-
vides for, but by providing for them, he
finds their value increased beyond what it
would be if they were in wild state. and
he thus receives compensation for his
trouble.


If this is true of animals and vegetables,
why is it not the duty of young men to do
something towards their own supportg


We do not pretend to say how this shall
be done; but every young man should
choose some occupation, suited to his taste,
and labos industriously in that occupa-
ton.


Gentlemanly as by so doing we i'm
prove ourselves and in the same degree,
that we improve; those around us over
whom we have any influence, be it ever
SO light, win improve.


Charitable: for by being charitable we
can help many people over the hills and
rough places in life; it is not always ne
cessary to extend charity in the form OF
worldly goods, but, be charitable, in spirit
have a feeling of sympathy for others In
their affections; though, if charity in the
form of worldly goods is required, do not
give begrudgingly, but give what you can,
remembering that Bread cast upon the
waters shall be returned again. Western
Farmer.
Year: 1870

sr ISAAC " sAssoRS.
Ever to the right, boys,


Ever to the right
Give q ready hand and true,
To the work you have to do


Ever to the right.
Ever to the right BOYS,


Ever to the rightl
Never let your teacher say,
Why my wishes disobeyf


Ever to the right
Ever to the right, boys,
Ever to the right
To every study well attend.
To every school-mate be a friend


Ever to the right.
Ever to the right, boys,


Ever to the right
No known duty try to shun,
Be faithful, frank to every one


Ever to the right.
Ever to the right. boys,


Ever to the right
Speak the truth, the rtgN pursue,
Be honest In all you say and do


Ever to the right
Ever to the right. boys,


Ever to the right
Tins Is gold; do what you can,
To make your mark AL be a man


Ever to the right.
Year: 1870

Arc two of the most common and virulent dis
orders prevalent on this continent. to these the
Ointment is especially antagonistic, its naodus OPP
erandi is first to eradicate the venom and then
cOmplctc the cure
Year: 1870

NEW York. January 4.-City Judge
Bedford to-day charged the Grand Jury
TO WELD their power fearlessly, fairly and
impaTtially, in order to aid the authorities
in their honest ondeavors to stem the cur
rent of the daring and reckless actions of
bad and unprincipled men, so as TO teach
them in emphatic terms that crime cannot
be committed with impunity, and if they
persist in their laWlesspess they viii be
made to taste the bitter fruits of their
misdeeds, even to the stern letter of the
law,
Year: 1870

ABUSE OF THE FRANEING PRIVILEGE.


The Government printing office is about
to invite proposals for the enormous
amount of over ninety thousand resms of
printing paper. This best illustrates one
branch Of the abuses of the franking priv
Year: 1870

Boston, January 4-The reduetion of
wages of the laborers employed in Dig
ging down Fort Hill led to indications of
a riot yesterday afternoon, but the excite
ment was suppressed by the presence of a
strong police force.
Year: 1870

,P should be discovered am
lost I, exclaimed the hero of nelo-
drama as he concealed himself In a
closet on the stage. Should you be
discovered you viii be found, WAS the
amendment OF wag in the gallery.
Year: 1870

But there is art, the most consummate
art, in appearing absolutely frank, yet
never telling anything which it is not
wished should be known, in being pleas
antly chatty and conversational, yet never
committing oneself to statement or an
opinion which might be used against one
afterward.


1t is only after long acquaintance
with this kind of person that you find out
he has been substantially reticent through
out, though apparently so frank. Caught
by his easy manner his genial talk, his
ready sympathy you have confded to him
not only all you have of your own, but all
you have Of other peoples; and it is only
long after, when you reflect quietly, un.
disturbed by the magnetism of his presence
that you come to the knowledge Of how
reticent he has been in the midst of this
seeming frankness, and how little recipro.
city there has been in your condolences
together.


4eu know such people for years, and
never know really more of them ut the
end that you did in the beginning You
cannot lay your finger on a fact that
would in any way place them in your
power; and though you did not notice it
at the time, and dou't know how it has
been done now, you feel that they have
never trusted you, and have all along
carefully avoided anything like confidence.
But you are at their mercy by your own
rashness, and if they do not destroy you
it is because they are retlcent for you as
well as toward you; perhaps because they
are good-naturcd, perhaps because they
despise you for your very frankness too
much to hurt you but above all things,
not because they are unable.


In manner genial, frank, conversations
al, sympathctic-in substance absolutely
secret, cautious, never taken off their
guard, never seduced into dangerous con-
tidedces, as careful for their friends as
for themselves, and also for strangers un-
known to them--these people are the sal
walton as they are the charm of society !;
never making mischief, and by their ha-
bitual reticence, raising up barriers at
which gossip hats and rumor dies.--Sat.
urdau Reuieac.
Year: 1870

Onions from seed are very uncertain
crop in many localities and soil. The on
ion-maggot will often destroy the crop if
sown early, or in time to have the onions
come to maturity, and some other system
has to be adopted for producing this veg.
etable.


We have tried the following plan with
good success, and believe that it will give
good results anywhere


Prepare a piece of good soil by thorough
plowing and narrowing, and if not rich,
make it so with the best materials at hand
In July or the first of August, SOW the
onion seed in drills, and cultivate the same
as though sown in early spring. When
the onions are as large as small marbles,
pass roller over the tops and break them
down about week after, pull up the
onions and spread them out where they
will dry.


If the weather is hot, shady place
must be selected, or the bulbs will be
softened and ruined by the sun. When
dry, cut off the wilted tops, and
put away the bulbs in a dry cool place,
and next spring plant the same as top.
onions.


These little onions will grow readily,
and produce large bulbs long before crop
can be grown from seed, besides avoiding
the attacks of the onion-fy Try it.
Hearth q d Home.
Year: 1870

Here's to the man with horny hand,


Who tugs at breathing bellows;
Where anvils ring in every land,


He's loved by all good fellows.
And here's to him that goes afeld,


And through the glebe is plowing,
Or with stout arms the AK doth WELD,


While ancient oaks are bowling.
Here's to the deliver in the mine,


The sailor on the ocean,
With those of every craft and line,


Who work with true devotion.
Our love for her who tolls in gloom,


Where cranks and wheels are clanking;
Bereft is she of natures bloom,


Yet God in patience thanking.
curse for him who sneers at toll.


And shuns his share OF labor;
The knave who robs his native soil,


While leaning on his neighbor
Here may this truth be brought on earth,


Grow more and more in favor;
There is no wealth but owes its worth


70 handicraft and labor.
Then pledge the founders of our wealth
The founders Of our nation;
We know their worth, and now their health


Drink we the acclamation.
Year: 1870

Those who think our cultivated lands
must grow poor as they grow old, will
find food for reflection in the fact that not
many years back, the average yield of
wheat per acre in England was rbout ten
bushels---it is now over 30 bushels. Brains
accomplish it.
Year: 1870

Out in Madison, Wisconsin. they have
only one fire engine. and the firemen
spend most of their time in dragging it
around the country pumping out cellars.
Whenever there Is a destructive confia-
grafton in Madison the engine is always
about forty miles out of town, and it only
gets back in time to squirt on the ruins.
The citizens think this is right down
disagreeable in the fremen. and some
violent radical says it ought to be stopped
if the department is ever to become eff
cient. But the iremen say they don't
like to take the engine TO fires just yet
awhile, because 1t is new, and they are
afraid the heat will blister the paint.
Year: 1870

WHAT ADVERTISING WILL Do. = A
family in Florida lost their little boy,
and they advertised for him in the daily
paper. That very afternoon an alligator
crawled up out of the swamp and died
on the front door step. In his stomach
were found handful of red hair, some
bone buttens, glass alley, brass bar
relied pistol, a Sunday school book, and
a pair of check pants.
Year: 1870

Among the many absurd there are
some sensible customs in England
that might be proftably introduced
into our American life. An English
servant never slams a door, bat puts
it to with the hand upon it; never
throws the window up or down, but
raises it or lets it fall deliberately {;
never addresses you without bow or
eurtsy ,sand never, or very rarely, be-
comes rude, no matter how great the
provocation. Again, no Englishman
ever eats or driaks in a hurry. The
tossing off the glass of spirits or pint
of ale is an American Innovation as
much as the boiling half masticated
food. The plowman in his holden
frock aad iron shod brogans requires
his time to sip his ale; the wretches
who haUnt their charms in the gas
light glare of the gin palace, and
drown their sorrows in its poIsons,
linger over the glass; and the cabman
no matter how great your hurry
whose good will you bribe by pot OF
half and half, stares as you hasten
him to drink it at a gulp. and won
ders "at the manners Of them Furri-
ners."
Year: 1870

put papers before you. but he has pot
raised me in that way. The men
whom the President sends US, soldiers
and all, have no sense and no heart.
l know it to-day. [ didn't ask that
whites should go through my country
killing game, and 1t IS the Great
Fathers fault. You are people who
should keep peace, for railroads
you are passing through my
country. 1 have not seen even so
much as my brass for the land they
occupy. l wish you to tell that to my.
Great Father, You whites make all
the ammunition. What is the reason
you don't give it to us? Are you
afraid I am going to war? You are
great and powerful. and am only
handful. | don't want it for that
purpose, but to kill game with. |
suppose I must, in time. go to farm
ing, but / can't do it right away"
Year: 1870

THE THREE SHADOWS OF NoIRMoNT.


Many years ago Norrnont was by OF The
Castle and the remains walls yet be traced
in the foundations manufactory built the site
Dark and sombre tales circulated among the peasany
respecting these ruins after many bold heart
preferred going round by Apreva distance Of
miles, rather than approach them.


Eventually, however, appeared the who
converted of the stronghold into
factory whereby he only enriched himself
surrounding country The water that had run idle its
course employed bring huge engines
into motion-hundreds of employed riddng
tho fertile soil its covering Of wood Within a
comparative short space of time marked improvement
could be noticed in the hoves inhabited bv the aborers
and an air of comfort rested every met with
in the surrounding district


alone had effected this change and tnat NJ
George Rancogne, who died about months pre-
vious to the commencement Of this narrative and was st
deeply mourned for by his young widow.


late in tho month of March The night is dark and
sad The huge cbimneys factory are smokcless
water wheels silent and the hammers
cause the earth 70 tremble under their ponderous
blows. The night wind alone reisns throughout
the deserted buildings The storm RACES fearfuy
and the Is rendered still more mournful
by the prolonged hows Of the large masr in the farm
yard attached to the factory At intervals, during
mentary u in storm, the catter of horses hoofs
could be heard splashing through tho liquid mre.


Nearer the castle between the banks OF pond and the
walls factory the shadow Of could be dscerned
walking to and On perceving the approach Of the
horse he stopped and listened.


the other sde In front OF the garden ratings, stood
another shadowthat of woman and shc too, evidently
expected some one.


Further between the walls Of the new factory and the
Year: 1870

Rhubarb roots require re-planting oc'
casionally. If the stools remain un,
disturbed for several years they often
commence to decay in the centre, and
after a while the whole plant becomes
diseased. Every four or five years the
stalks should be lifted and divided,
leaving but one large crown, with its
accompanying roots attached. These
may be again planted in the same soil,
or upon some fresh plat, the latter
being preferable, although we are not a
very strong disciple Of the theory that
plants run out il grown for many years
in the same soil


Rhubarb is very much like asparagus
as regards fertilizing materials; the
more the better, and extra application
afterwards will always he beneficial. a
very deep and rich soil are among the
indispensable adjuncts OF successful
rhubarb culture Transplant in fall, If
possible, and plant in rows or hills. al
lowing plenty Of room; no crowding
will answer if large and thrifty stalks
are desired. The crowns Of the plants
should be two to four inches under the
surface, and a coat Of mulch TO new
plantations will prevent injury from
cold, and assist growth very materially
the following spring.
Year: 1870

Judge Van Trump, during his recent
visit to the West, happened to tarry at
st. Joseph, Missouri. During the even
ing there were bon fires, speeches DC,
in honor OF the Democratic triumph in
that State. The Judge very modestly
took his place as listener in distant
portion OF the balcony Of his
hotel, and was enjoying the outburst OF
Democratic enthusiasm in the happiest
manner. when he was suddenly waited
upon BY the committee, as follows
Judge Van Trump, We are authorized
to request you to make speech, and #
you decline, to pitch you over the bal.
cony" Like wise Judge he accepted
the most agreeable alternative, and
made a speech. Plain Dealer.
Year: 1870

The Times of last evening sstated that 3
private dispatch had been received here ire
porting the arrival of the City of Boston.
A letter in the London Times, from gem.
tleman who had g brother on the City Of
Boston, SAYS she was deficient of two fans Of
her screw when she left Halifax.
Year: 1870

The city charter consolidation bill ha1s
not reached the Governor at three O'Clock
yesterday afternoon, but it was expected
that 1t would get into the Executive Office
during the evening.
Year: 1870

There is no material abatement in the
manifestation of the popular desire to wit
ness the grand impersonations of Miss Kate
Reynolds in the sensational play of 'sNo-,
body's Daughter presented to splendid
houses at the Academy. The keno, roulette
play, are evidently run by real actors in the
stage Of lite, but we do not think real money
is lost or won.
Year: 1870

A Doc CATCHING A SHARk.- A SEN
sation was created at Sandy Hook by
the capture Of Il shark four fee. long by
a large Newfoundland deg Belonging to
Mr.. Patterson, Of the lighthouse. The
dog saw the shark, rolling lazjly along
the ocean near the beach, and swimming
out he caught his dorsal fin in his teeth
and despite the efforts of the shark to get
a grip at the dog, the, latter drew him to
the shore, and landed him high and dry
on the beach. The dog, whose name is
monk, has suddenly become lion.