smithclay/nortonstories huggingface dataset:
Year: 1875

The eOmbustibility of iron is q
chemical fact well known, but a Ber-
lin experimenter has demonstrated
the phenomenon in q manner peculiar
ly bis own. He takes straight bar
magnet Of some power, and sprinkles
iron filings on one end Of its poles.
These filings arrange themselves in
accordance with the lines ofmagnetic
force, and, however, closely they
may appear to be packed, Of course
no two Of the metallic flaments are
parallel, and consequently a certain
portion Of air is enclosed, as in a me-
tallic sponge. The fame Of an or
dinary spirit lamp or gas-buruer
readily ignites the finely divided iron,
and it continues to burn most bril-
lisntly for considerable length OF
time, the combustion being, apparent
", as natural and easy as that Of an
ordinary substance. If the expert
menter with this operation stands on
slight elevation, and waves the
magnet to and fro while burning, =
most magnificent rain Of Ere Is said
TO be produced
Year: 1875

The new system was adopted on
January lst, for the destruction of
the national bank notes redeemed by
the Comptroller of the Currency.
Heretofore it has been the custom at
Washington to destroy the notes by
fire, thus wasting large quantity Of
material from which the bank notes
are made. Workmen are now en-
gagged at the national capital in erect
ing machinery for the purpose of re-
ducing the notes to pulp, by chem
ical process extracting from the pulp
all impurities that it may have ac-
quired in printing, circulation, ETC.
In this manner the United States
bonds and spoiled note sheets have
been treated for some time past, and
large amount Of valuable material
has thus been saved. The destruc-
tion Of circulating national bank
notes by FIRE has been so large that
it was deemed advisable TO try the
same system with them, and it is ex-
pected to realize large profit. The
pulp thus saved will again be made
over into new bank notes, etc. The
Comptroller of the Currency has also
adopted a plan of numbering every
note of issue with the designation
number of the specific national bank
by which it was issued, in order to
expedite the sorting Of such notes
when redeemed by the Comptroller.
The clerks in the Comptroller's Of6ce
at Washington have no occasion to
read the name of the hank from the
note, but can sort them numerically,
without the possibility Of charging
the notes of one bank to the account
Of another 1t is expected that a
large saving viii be effected by this
system, as well as preventing error
through the similarity Of the notes.
N. y Tribune.
Year: 1875

A correspondent to the Country
Gentleman writes: Manure Is q most
destructive material when it comes
in contact with woodwork Of any
kind. 1t is often difficult, however,
to avoid piling it against buildings
beneath stable windows, where it is
certain to cause decay in the weath0r
boarding and sill, but unless some
preeaution is taken, even if itTeDains
but short time, the effect will be
destructive. It's possible to prevent
this injury to the building, although
injury is inevitable if the manure is
allowed to remain in direct contact
with it. 1t is simply necessary to
provide q passage for air between the
manure and the building, az manure
never causes decay in wood unless it
touches it By mailing light scant-
ling horizontally to the building, i'm
mediately beneath the stable win
dows, also in the same position at
the bottom of the sill, and mailing


boards upon them perpendieularly, as
in tight board fence, a passage for
air is produced, which will prevent
all injury to the building. Old
boards, if sound, will answer. 1t is
questionable indeed if in this case the
manure will not act as preservative,
as it is a powerful absorbent of wa
ter, and attracts moisture from all
substances around it. Even if decay
has already commenced this precau-
ton will prevent further action.
Year: 1875

Oh! be not the first 10 discover


A blot on the fame Of a friend;
\ flaw in the faith OF another


Whose heart may prove true in the en'
\ smile OF a sigh may awaken


Suspicion most false and undue,
And thus our belief may be shaken
In hearts that are honest and true.
How often the light smile Of gladness
Is worn by the friend that We meet
To cover soul full Of sadness,


Too proud to acknowledge defeat.
How often the friends we hold deares,
Their noblest emotions conceal,
And besoms the purest, sincerest,
Have secrets they cannot reveal
Leave base minds to harbor suspicion,
And small ones TO trace out deis4ti
Let ours be a n0bler ambition,


For base is the mind that suspects.
We, none OF Us, know one another,
And Oft into error We falli
Then let US speak wen Of another
Or not speak about him at all
Year: 1875

An English inventor recently exhibi,
ted an apparatus for making hay when
the sun does not shine, Coke is burn
ed In a portable stove, surmouated BY
fan driven by a three horse power
engine. The fan drives the hot air
and gases from the engine and stove
into "the drier" at temperature of40O
degrees tanrenheit. Partly made but
wet hay or grass is instantly dried by
this apparatus and the hay is said to
be as fragant as though 1t had been
sun dried. The total expense OF the
operation. incluing cost of fuel, labor,
and wear and tear of apparatus, Is es-
timated at from seven TO eight shillings
per ton.
Year: 1875

TIE CoM1Ne STREET CAR.-TLe
coming street railroad car, it is said


in Boston, will have among its recon-
mendations to popularity large lamp
in the centre of the roof with a power
full reflector, 30 that light may be
thrown into every part of the car, and
with protective appurtenances, so that
the storm may be hindered from en-


trance. This will do away with the
hateful smell of oil or kerosene, ifeither
must be used, but gas supplied from a
reservoir beneath the car will probably
take thu place of these, The car will
wear its number on eacn side of the


four sided lantern, twelve inches in
diameter, that surrounds the lamp, and
that number will designate the esre-
c!al route TO which such car belong
Year: 1875

by.


The opinion concludes as follows: cal
though the public enemies within their own
disloyal territory have a right to make con-
tracts among themselves, and such con-
tracts are held valid in other countries, we
do not think the claimant acquired that
right by leaving the city Of his domicile and
residence after it had been six months in
possession Of the federal forces. Crossing
into the insurgent territory and then &C.
cepting under the Confederate government
as agent for the exchange Of its bonds,
especially as it does not appear that he
intended to desert wholly to the enemy and
take up his domicile in their territory, on
principle and theory, we are of the opinion
the claimant is not entitled to recover


Judge Loring dissented, saying, among
other things, the objection made to the petit
toners recovery is, that the sales of cotton
to him were made between enemies, and
are therefore absolutely void on the whole
case. l think the sales in question are valid
in law, because the petitioner and these
with whom he dealt in them we're Conted-
crates in fact and name, and all alike ene-
mics of the United States when the sales
were made in October, 1862; and l think
that is the time to which the question of the
validity of the sales is to be referred, and
the only time material to it.
Year: 1875

The Proposed Court OF QUARTER SEs


sIoNS FOR New CASTLE.-Owing to the
immense amount of business brought to the
New Castle county court by the city of vii.
mlngton, a bill has been introduced by Mr..
Riddle to establish Court of Quarter Sessions
for that county. The bill, were it enacted into
a law 1t would require six sessions of court in a
year at New Castle, instead of two, as at
present. The Quarter Sessions" would meet
IN July, September, January and March. 1t
dlSpsnses with the services of grand jury and
the trial is before ''six sober and judicious
men," The.States Attorney General is given
the power exercised by the grand Jury. 1t
provides. however, that the Court may, ION
the application Of the accused, order that the
case shall be tried before a jury of twelve
Instead OF SIX. There is some objection to the
measure on the ground of increased expense.
Year: 1875

The tremendous warfare upon the ele-
phant for the purpose Of supplying Eu-
rope with trinkets and billiard balls may
prove to be national calamity to some
parts of Africa. IE those districts where
clttle are destroyed by the tsetse fly, the
elephant is the only animal which is
available as beast of burden, and its
determination, which is progressing stead
lily, will be severe blow to such districts.
The war on this useful creature would be
prosecuted much more vigorously were it
not for the skill with which commercial
auds are perpetrated days. Real
is rarely used in the handles of mbrellas,
canes and palasols, which are fitted with
"ivory " that lived in the legs Of horses
and cattle, and the demand for elephants
tusks is consequently kept down to GER
tain purposes for which is has no substi-
tute. If something can be found to re-
place ivory in the manufacture of billiard
balls, the elephant can obtain a respite
which may be as serviceable to his pres
.ervation as the discovery of petroleum
has been TO that of the whale. Report.
from sea captains tend TO show crafty
ing increase in the mum Der of whales seer
almost all seas. Fifteen years Of rest
has enabled nature to repair the damages
which the persistent pursuit of the animal
by large fleets had made in its numbers
This rest does not appear to be seriously
threatened by revival of the whale fish
cry in anything like lis former proper
tions, though if the fleets were to be sent
out once more, they would find theil
chances for good catch once more re-
stored. But the demand for whale oil
will hardly return again, and if something
could be discovered which would give
that exact elasticity which makes ivory
so admirably fitted for the billiard play


er's use, it is probable that the elephant
100 might re e-establish its former numbers.
The demand for both the above animals
rests on what may be considered as abso-
Lutte requirements which can hardly be
satisfied otherwise /; but war almost Of an
exterminating character is waged upon a
third-the seal-merely to supply the de-
mands Of fashion. The seal skin sacques
for ladies are pretty, but they are not
healthy or comfortable tor more than a
very few weeks Of the year. A change
in the fashion may release the seal to 3
large extent from the pursuit now carried
on against him.-Gdtacy.
Year: 1875

AN English Judge once addressed a
criminal, who had been sentenced to
death for uttering forged one pound
note, in this wise 81 trust that, through
the merits and mediation OF our Blessed
Redeemer, you may there experience that
mercy which due regard to the credit
of the paper currency of the country for
b DIS you to hope for here"
Year: 1875

A TEXAS Judge is credited with the
following decision: 1.-The fact is Jones
the jail is an old rickety affair, as cold as
aniron wedge. You applied to this court
for release on bail, giving it as your
opinion that you would freeze to death
there. The weather has not moderated,
and to keep you from freezing will di-
rect the Sher fl to hang you at 4 o'clock
this afternoon.u
Year: 1875

A MAN made three unsuccessful at
tempts to blow his brains out, and then
his wife said to him, Don't try it again
John; you haven't got any" That man
now goes about saying that he owes his
life to that woman.
Year: 1875

OF late years, republican ideas have


made rapid progress in Spaini and
although the Carlists-a majority of
whom, it was known, were really Al
consists fighting for monarchy-may
lay down their arms to the new crown
head, the, Republicans will not be so
easily persuaded out of their liberties.
This party must continue in the field
against all monarchists, in whatever
guise they may appear. The Demo-
Gratis may be driven from one strong
hold to another, but the folds and fast
nesses of the Sierra Morena and other
mountain districts will afford them
just as good shelter for guerilla war
fare as the forests of Cuba do to the
patriots who have taken defensive
refuge beneath their shades. The
amount of resistance that may be
offered to the royal troops can only be


measured by referring back to the
gigantic struggle sustained on the
part of the Spanish mountaineers
against the first NAPoLEoN's invading
hosts. From what has been said it is
easy to infer that the reign of ALI
FoNsO will be a brief one. And as
there is little likelihood that Ameri-
can forbearance will be neither appre-
ciated by the Spaniardg nor of service
to their country, there no longer exist
any reasons why the Virginius claims
should not be vigorously pressed with
out further delay. Secretary FISH
has been long enough playing fast and
loose with Cuba. 1t is now high time
to demand that belligerent rights
should be at once conceded to the
patriots in that island. And if the
people there really want to become n
part and portion of these United States,
we don't see that the bluster of Spain,
the frowns of BISMARCK, or the pro-


tests of Britain should stand in the
way of adding another star to our flag
by acquiring the gem of the Antilles.
The truth is, that we want stricter
observance of the Monroe doctrine,
whether it touches European powers
or NOT. u tHe "A. Is.
Year: 1875

In an article ON A the reported candi-
dates for Governor and their merits and
qualifications published in Wednes-
day mornings HERALD we used the
following language respecting Gov
ernor DOwNEY: 1.'' Y.


Last ON the list comes our townsman, ex-
Governor DowNEY. The Governor Is young,
handsome, rich, liberal to a fault, but as the
HERALD cannot support him of course his
chance of election is just no chance at all.


Some one has informed us that this
is construed into disrespectltoward the
Governor. 1t certainly was not so in
tended by the HERALD and we take
this occasion to say that all who so
censtrue it misinterpret our meaning.
Personally we are friendly with Gov
ernor DowNEY. Politically We voted
for him for Lieutenant Governor, and
stood with him in the same party as
long as it had a local habitation and
a name. We have now no personal
quarrel with the Governor. AS pri-
vate citizen we respect and esteem
him; as politician we regard him as
one of the shrewdest in the State. AS
candidate for governor or any other
public office, the HERALD claims and
will maintain its right and privilege
to discuss and comment upon his past
official record and express its opinion





of his qualifications and capabilities
for the public position to which he
may aspire. In doing this We shall
deal fairly and speak truthfully of him
and of all other candidates for office.
This Is the prerogative of all public
journalists and we propose to exercise
it, peaceably if we can-but exercise it.
Year: 1875

THE Los Angeles and Pacific Raif
road Company held a meeting IN
Wednesday night and decided to push
their enterprise ahead as rapidly as
possible. The object of this company
is to build railroad from this city to
the ocean, striking the water at what
is known as the "Salt Works. The
line of the road is directly through
the Centinela grant, and that com
pany is largely interested in its con-
struetion.. rhe ronte is a good one
and the cost of building q road over it
comparatively light.
Year: 1875

SAN FRANCISCO, January 7th.-The
session of the Investigating Commit
tee of the Board of Supervisors yester-
day afternoon, throws new light on
the changes in the assessment roll. In
two cases, testimony was introduced
showing that property paid taxes on
the amounts for which it was origin
ally assessed, while the assessment
roll now shows material reduction in
the amount of the assessment. The
tax receipts were produced showing
the payment of one of the assessments
in excess of the present entry on the
roll. The receipts are made out from
the roll after it has passed into the
hands of the tax collector.
Year: 1875

DESPERATE ENCOUNTER WITH A NEGRO


Yesterday morning Sergeant Hall, OF the
Second police station, had desperate en-
counter with q negro man named Charles
Nelson, who was wanted by the police, in a
cellar or basement at DR.. Grebe's house. on
Fifth street near Marshall. Hall received in
formation of the mans whereabouts and went
up to arrest him. He went into the cellar
aud told Nelson he had warrant for hiH.
Nelson declined to go with the officer and
|,resisted him violently. A desperate strng-
gle ensued, Sergeant Hall having his club
taken from him twice, land recovering 1t as
many times. There was table standing in


the middle of the room upon which there


was knife. Nelson tried to get the knife


but was prevented. He also made an effort
to draw weapon from his breast, and each
time Sergeant Hall struck him With bis club
upon the arm and wrist, hoping to disable
him.


The struggle lasted fully ten minutes, du.
ring which partition wall in the room,
extending distance Of twenty. feet, was


knocked down by the scuf1iug men, HalPs
strength was being pretty well exhausted,
when he as last resort drew his pistol, ana
threatened to shoot the man unless he sur
rendered. At that moment Justice Crutchs
field, hearing the noise, came up, and the


man was arrested, taken to the Second police


station, chained, and locked up Until this


morning, when he will have hearing before


the Police Court.
Year: 1875

II MUCH OF the tronble experienced In running
'sewing.maehines Is caused by the poor quality of


the thread silk used may be avoided by using
the EUREKA SPOOL SILK, which Is always reliable.
Year: 1875

PUr oUT. When q man milIzs COW,
he should not attempt to smoke q cigar
at the same time. a country lad tried It,
and got along we'll enough until be low
cred his head and touched the cows flank
with the lighted end Of the. weed. The
next instant found himself and cigar put
OUT The COW forced about two tons
WEIGHT into one Of her hind legs, and
then passed It under the mixers left Jaw.


When he ceased Whirling around, and
nlyriads Of stars had disappeared, fle sald
farming was the hardest work man
could put his hands to.
Year: 1875

WoN'r We DEAR Hisarm had stolen
around her waist, and her fair young
head rested lightly on his bosom, The
October moon shone down upon thenl
as he painted a bright picture Of t1e
happy future when she should beeome
his beautiful Iride. He paused af last
Year: 1875

4 clergyman picked up . frozen wasp
on the sidewalk, recently, and with D
view to advancing the interests Of sci
ence, he carried It III the house and. held
ii by the tail while he warmed its cars
over q lamp chimney. lis object was
To see whether Wasps froze To death, Gr
merely lay dormant during the winter


lie is now Of the opinion that they mere
" lie dormant, and the doTmantest kind
at tnat; when they revive, he says, the
tail thaWs out first. for while this ones
head, right over the lamp, was 50 stiff
and cold il could not wink, its probe


worked with such inconceivable rapidity
that the minister couldn't grasp fast
enough to keep up with it. lie threw
the vicious thing down the lamp chin
.nev. and said he didn't want any more
truck with d dormant wasp, at which
his wife burst into tears and asked how


he. Il minister of the gospel. could Use
such language right before the ellilsl1en
Year: 1875

forgive his faults, he having done
much good for California in assisting
different enterprises.


The Bulletin and Call are denounced
on every side as the cause of the
trouble, and threats are made to mob
both offices tonight.


The military are ready to assist in
quelling any disturbance.


The death of Mr. Ralston will again
unsettle affairs, as there are doubts as
to the ability of the bank to pay up in
full.


An inquest will be held on Ralston's
body tomorrow and post mortem
examination will be made to settle the
questions of suicide or accidental
drowning.


LATER.-During the evening the
feeling against the Bulletin and Call
became very intense and riot was
feared. Troops were under arms ready
to assist the police in preserving order.
About s o'clock indiscreet policemen
attempted to secure wild steer by shoot
ing twice, which caused rush of crowd
to the locality; and to check the tor
rent of supposed riotous people some
of the companies were brought out,
but instantly ordered back when cause
of tumult was made known. Allquiet
at midnight.
Year: 1875

Gus trouble was anticipated in any
quarter, unless it might be in manu-


factnring establishments intimately
connected with, if not entirely depen-
dent on the Bank of California. The
officers of the various banks seemed to
have regained their usual equanimity,
and to believe that the worst was over.
Another reassuring feature was the as
surance of the officers of the Trust
Company that that institution will
soon resume, and conduct business
without fnrther interruption. The
London and San Francisco Bank Linn
tied expect to receive three hundred
thousand more through the sub-Treas-
ury tomorrow. The Stock Board, in
stopping all transactions, was certain
ly very wise, and went a long way to-
wards rendering possible a solution Of
the troubles and an early resumption
of stock business.
Year: 1875

OUR evening contemporary affects to
be in the best of humor. There is no
affectation about the HERALD's pla-
cidity of temper. We are really and
earnestly jolly. The candidates We
support are by long odds the best be-
fore the people, and their election is as
certain as that the sun will rise and
set on election day. If their prospects
were not so good we should still be
jolly, for the existance ofthe HERALD
does not depend on the success of can
didates whose cause it espouses. Ii is
not boasting of an early enlargement
and running dead ads to keep its COL
umns full. 1t is not kept afioat with
enforced contributions from candi-
dates for office. 1t has a well established
and paying business, and has no ghost
in the closet in the shape of an elec-
ton contingency. The HERALDis un-
affectedly jolly, while its evening CO.
temporary is trying to whistle as it
approaches the political graveyard in
which are soon to be buried both itself
and its mengrel candidates.
Year: 1875

SAN FRANCISCO, August 27th-9 P.
NV. c. Ralston, President of the
Bank of California, went to North
Beach to bathe, and is supposed to
have been taken with a fainting fit.
He was taken from the water in an
insenslble condition, and, to all ap-
pearances, dead. Efforts are being
made to resuscitate him, with hope
of success.


The accident occurred near the old
hulk in the cove near the smelling
works. He had undressed himself and
left his clothes on the beach, contrary
to his usual custom, which was to go
to the bathing house to disrobe. He
had swan out in the current once and
was about venturing out again, when
he was cautioned against it but paid
no attention to the advice given. Soon
after he reached the deep water and
strong current he was observed to sink.
A boat Immediately put out and got
his body while it was still on the sur
face and brought it ashore, where it
was rolled on barrel, rubbed with
fiannels, and every means taken to
resuscitate him. The muscles twitched
convulsively as if in fit, and his
breathing was heavy.


The news was Immediately brought
to town, and Capt. Lees, Mayor Otis
and other friends were soon on hand
and every effort made to restore him.
When taken ashore he was not re-
moved from the beach, but the labors
to resuscitate him were carried on
Immediately at the scene of the ca
lamity.


LATEsT.-All efforts to restore ami
nation proved fruitless, and shortly
before five o'clock life was extinct.
From the convulsive jerkings of the
limbs and frothing from the mouth
and other symptoms usual in case of
poison, it is thought by many that he
had first taken poison with the deter
mination of ending his life and then
swan out into the bay to render the
attempt effectual beyond doubt.


Excitement over the Death Of RaIston
The Builetin'' and ssCailo De.
nOunced-The Military Out TO Pre-.
serve Order.


SAN FRANCISCO, August 27th-1O
P. M.-The excitement over Ralston's
death is intense. The streets are
crowded with people discussing his
tragic end. Now that he is dead, peo-
pie remember his good qualities and