smithclay/nortonstories huggingface dataset:
Year: 1870




A curious investigation of the muscular
force of the human heart, and the com
parative amount of work it performs, has
recently been made and published by
Mr.. Haughton, an eminent English
mathematician. Starting with the pos
tulates-hrst, that three ounces of blood
are driven from each ventricle at each
stroke of the heart; second, that the hy-
drostatic pressure in the left ventricle
and aorta, against which the blood is
forced out, amounts to column of blood
nearly ten feet in vertical height third,
that the muscular force of the leftventricle
in contracting, bears to that of the right
ventricle in proportion of thirteen to five
he proceeds to show that the daily
work of the left ventricle is equivalent
to over eighty-nine tons lifted one foot,
and that of the right to over thirty-four
tons; or. for both together. to over one
hundred and twenty-three tons lifted
through one foot. The enormous amount
of force denoted by the preceding result
our author goes on to illustrate by show
ing, first, that if the daily work of la
boring man be equivalent to three hun
dred and fifty-four tons lifted through
one foot, the heart does over one-third
as much in twenty-four hours; therefore,
three old women, doing nothing what
ever, actually accomplish more work in
one day than the strongest average la
boring man second, that the laboring
force of the heart is greater than that
expended in propelling an eight-oared
boat through the water during the Sc
yerest boat race; third, that if the heart
expended its entire force in lifting its own
weight vertically, it would raise this
weight 2o,o 900 feet in one hour, or twenty
times as far as an active pedestrian can
climb in vertical altitude in the same
time fourth, that the greatest distance
through which a locomotive has been
able to lift itself up an incline has been
27oo feet in an hour, and that this equals
only one-eighth part of the energy of
the human heart. In fine, our author
thinks he has succeeded in proving that
the human heart is the most wonderful
piece of mechanism known, since he has
shown that its energy is equal to one
third of the total daily force of all the
muscles of strong man that it ex-
ceeds by one third the labor of the mus
cles in a boat-race, estimated by equal
weights of muscle that it is equivalent
to twenty times the force used in climb
ing vertically and finally, that it has
eight times the force of the most power
full engine invented by the art of man.


-AaIbez- J91- Nay
Year: 1870

A young John Phoenix tells how it was
as follows: "I'll tell you how it was. You
see, Bill and me went down to the wharf
to fish; and felt in my pocket and
found my knife, and it was gone, and !
said, Bill, you stole my knife and he
said was another, and l said go there
yourself; and he said it was no such
thing; and said he was a liar, and l
could whip him, if I was bigger'n him !;
and he said he would rock me to sleep,
mother, and said he was a bigger one;
and he said never had the measles ;
and l said for him to fork over that knife
or 1 de fix him for tombstone on Lau-
rel Hill; and he said my grandmother
was no gentleman: and said he darsn t
take it up, but he did, you bet, then
got up again, and said he was too much
afraid to do it again. and he tried to, but
he didn't; and ! grabbed him and threw
him down on the top of me like several
bricks; and tell you it beat all-and so
did he, and my little dog got up behind
Bill and bit him, and Bill kicked at the
dog, and the dog ran, and ran after
the dog to fetch him back; and / didn't
catch him till got clear home, and III
whip him more yet. Is my eye black ?
Year: 1870

A California paper commenting upon
the great temptations to the sin Of pro-
family in the country says: can in
telligent lady of our acquaintance, whose
little boy was beginning this strange
talk, anxious to explain to her child the
horror of profanity, hit upon the novel
process of washing out his mouth with
soap-suds whenever he swore. 1t was
an efectual cure. The boy understood
his mothers sense of the corruption of
an oath and the taste of suds, which to-
gether produced the desired result"
Year: 1870

From Dom PtatGs Correspondence


This matter of compensation is a burn
ing shame to our Government. While
women are forced over the country to do
the same work with men for half the
compensation, we ought then to have
here an example of justice. was given
an illustration yesterday. Colonel Fish
er, Commissioner of Patents, had bu-
reau where three men-one head clerk
and two assistants-were employed to
conduct the business. The clerk re-
signed, and one of the assistants was
taken sick. Colonel Fisher senttor Mrs.
Cleveland and requested her to take the
position. She declined at first, and had
at last to be ordered to the place. She
reorganized the same rooms, dispensed
with all help. and is now getting more
work from the same clerks. And this
place, which before cost the Government
Sd, 800, is now carried on by this ener-
getic, clear-headed woman for 5000. 1t
IS a sin and shame that such imposi-
ton should be Practiced.


am glad to add my evidence to the
volume already on hand, of the eficien-
cy Of the female clerkships in Washing
ton, and hope some day to see the num-
Der increased and the pay made just,
Year: 1870

From a Washington Letter.


If the honorable Solons OF the Ohio
Legislature knew of the contempt ex-
pressed, here, over their acceptance of a
free ride, to Washington, by the Balti-
more and Ohio Railroad, the said hon
orable Solons aforesaid would hesitate
accepting, or at least blush while doing
so. That a corporation, such as this,
reaching through our State, and continu-
ally at the doors of the Legislature solici-
ting privileges, should be able to buy up
in a dead-head ride, the entire concern,
is not complimentary to the great State
of Ohio. How honorable members of
the Senate or House may feel in the
presence of conductors and brakesmen
who must look down upon them with
contempt, as so many cattle, can not
pretend to tell. How they ought to feel
in the presence of their betrayed COnsti-
tuents, l may know.


These heavy corporations, following
in the spirit of the day, have combined
together for their own profit. They have
soughtto insure this profit to their several
properties whether the business of the
country enjoys such or not. They say /:
We cannot run our roads at a loss, and
so they augment charges on produce,
that is raised at loss, but while the far
mer and merchant suffer the railway cor
poratiOns grow in wealth.


By ingenious combinations between
through lines, that have been permitted
to consolidate until they reach from tide
water to the far interior, all competition
is destroyed, and if any springs up the
loss that comes to them is made up
again by overcharges on way-freight.
These abuses can be remedied only
through State legislation, and now the
only guardians the people have are
bought up like so many sheep. Every
member accepting the ride ought to be
marked as a dead-head and rebuked at
the polls.
Year: 1870

The New York World represented that
Gen. Thomas was 'banished'to the Pacific
Coast, to get him out Of the way as a
rival candidate for the Presidency, when
he was assigned to that command. With
his usual indifference to slander, the
President did not allow any attention to
be given this charge. The World a few
days ago exploded its own slander, by
publishing evidence that General Thom-
as was assigned to the Pacific over Scho-
field, 6Okh having requested the privilege.
Schofeld succeeds Thomas.-Ohlo Sfafs


9olOw0k
Year: 1870

w z have HAD Our Hammer ON the
outer wall. with PRICES 50 Low that
no hrrn in the State OF Ohio undertook to
meet US. We have driven our foe to the
wall, and occupy the field without fear.


We have silenced all men who years ago
assumed some power Of competition. They
are now willing to confess eonhdentiaIIy
that there is no use trying to meet or beat
us in prices, because we are game on a
Clothing "set-to." Their only hope is inthe
ignorance OF their customers, who will not
look around to see the difference in our
prices and theirs, which amounts to at least
Year: 1870

A dog belonged to a convent in France.


Twenty four poor beggars were daily


served with a dinner passed out to them


through an aperature in the wall by means


of tour, or revolving box. There was


bell rope hanging beside the opening.


Each beggar in turn rang the bell and re-


ceived his dinner. After time, the cook


noticed that twenty-five dinners were


passed out. A watch was set, and it was


discovered that after the beggars had each


received their proportion and turned away


this dog would go up and ring the bell


and get a dinner for himself. The au-


thorities of the convent, learning the case
decreed that the dog should continue to
have his dinuer for ringing for it.


Another case, related by gentleman
who saw it: A party of huntsmen had
to cross river, which they did by vim
ming their horses the pack of dogs all
following, except TERROR, who dreaded
the plunge. After looking on for time
with many distressful barks. he sudden
ly turned and ran swiftly up the bank
till ont of sight. There was bridge some
distance above After while the dog
came running down the other side of the
river, and joined his comrades.


There Is one more anecdote worth re-
lating, that is not in the books had it
from those admirable gentlewomen of the
old school, the Misses r., long time my
neighbors on the Passaic. They had
carriage dog that commonly accompanied
in their drives. Their cours often took
them across the river, over bridge four
miles from their residence. The keeper
of the toll house had big, surly mastif,
that always sailed out and attacked
their dog, who was no match for him, and
sometimes Beaujeu suffered severely so
that at length he declined accompanying
them if they took the road up the river
toward the bridge. The way through
the lawn from their house to the high
road was nearly half mile. One day,
when they came down to the gate, they
found the dog there waiting for them. As
soon as he saw them take the up river
road he turned and ran with great speed
back to the house. In very little while
he returned and overlook the carriage,
accompanied by powerful dog that ordi
narily kept about the house and grounds
and never went with the carriage The |
two trotted along. side by side, following
The carriage, until they came to the bridge
when the mastiff sailed out as usual. The
little dog then held back, and his big
comrade went at the assailant and gave
him tremendous Furnishing, evidently to
the little fellows great satisfaction.
Year: 1870

HOW OFTEN Is THE HOUSE EHOLD
IL loaf buried with the household head. and
FAMILIES that might have been comfortably
provided for, lett destitute by The wait Of \
proper foresight in its deceased protector?
Year: 1870

In Vermont, the maple sugar makers have
had an unusually poor season of 1t this
spring. The only first class days for sugaring
were last week. The nights have been far
too warm for successful work, and a crop
estimated by some as low as quarter OF
that commonly obtained, has thus far been
the result. In sections of the state where
there was large amount of snow, better
results have been attained,
Year: 1870

One of the most singular and wonderful
discoveries of the age was made in the Cur
rysvile coal mine few days ago. At a
depth of $50 feet, while the miners were
cutting through slate stone, they discov-
cred the petriiied body of serpent. We
examined this petriica,ion, and We can say
with truth, that it is the finest specimen we
ever saw. Unfortunately it was broken in
three pieces, and piece from near the CEN
tire is miSsing-perhaps thrown outin a s'iv-
er of stone. A limb had evidently fallen
across the serpent, and about eight or ten
inches from the head, and mashed the part
underneath Hat, and, strange to say, even
this thin part was formed into solid stone,
and was taken out perfect The wrinkles
in the body of the serpent, in its writhng as
if to extrcate itself from the stick that frll
across it, were as perfect and natural. as the
day the affair took place. The head Is
shaped like that Of an eel, and the tail, from
indications, must have been supplied with a
broad fin, or u fiat. tlcshy substance, as Il
propeller The eyes and mouth can be dis
tinctly traced, while the body is covered
with small sunken spots. similar to those
on hog-skin. though not so small Or so
numerous. This specimen is five feet three
inches long. and near ten inches around the
largest part of the body.


In addition to this most singular curiosi-
ty, perfect Impressions of leaves, limbs,
brush and other samples Of vegetation were
taken out nt this enormous depth. Among
these was beautiful impression cf what is
familiarly called snake weed, or fern, which
grows in almost every valley throughout the
Western country.


The most singular specimen is yet to be
described. and in attempting to communi
ca'e the fact to our readers. we feel a
though the history of our earth is just as
much mystery to the present generation
rs Il was to those who inhabited it before
the food -',he half vet having been told.
The sole of a shoe or sandal, was taken ou
in a complete state Of petri6cation. Th'
Year: 1870

frinSement of divine prcrogatiycs and a
step toward social anarchy. This explains
his contemptuous and arbitrary treatment
of the representatives Of the people in the
Prussian Chambers, and his arrogant as
sumption Of the right to carry ont his roy
al masters policy without their consent
and in face of their opposition. 1t serves
to explain, also, his attitude toward other
German states. He saw that everywhere
in Germany except Prussia liberal ideas
were making Roadway, and that the military
organization of that state alone offered an
effectnal barrier to their progress and ulti-
mate triumph. He regards the throne and
the army as the only true foundations of u
state. He will make use of public opinion,
when it agrees with his own, to further his
own designs, but will neither follow it nor
allow it to govern him. From the Emperor
of France he learned how to cheat the peo-
pie with the semblance Of liberty and self
government, and to make universal suffrage
the ignorant and servile agent of absolu-
tism.-S. S. CoNANT, in Horper's Naga
zinc for April.
Year: 1870

The way to get along in the world is 10
make every step one that is ahead. and
each to follow its predecessor. Full fifty
per cent. of the effort in the world is abso-
lutely wasted on indirect, ditfnse, indefinite
labors. Young men start out in life with
out purpose CT pon t, neither casting a
thought on their fitness or unftnes for a par.
ticular calling; now that, and after that moth.
ing; one day going on, another on the right
or left. the next backward, and then not 90
at all; which is, perhaps, as bad as tho
whole combined. The straight line in life
is The one that leads straight ahead. This
almost always secures success.
Year: 1870

A Maine man describes an encounter
with a catamount in Florida. He writes
from Jasper, Hamilton Co:


81 went to pond one mile and a half
from home, and caught fine mess of fish.
AS was leaving for home, | heard some
thing walking on the leaves behind me; l
turned, and saw large catamount within
seven fee: of me, and before could get fair
ly on my feet (for I was sitting DOWN he
sprang upon the top Of my head and cut a
large cash in my under lip with his teeth,
and scratched my eye with his claw, so that
l could not see. got my knife from my
pocket and dropped it before could open
it. soon found he was getting the best of
the fight, and jumped into the pond. He
then let 60 OF my lip and caught me on the
head. turned over on my face, and he let
go of my head and bit me on the neck.
put my head under water and he let 60 of
me. held my head under water as long
as could and live, expecting when l rose
he would attack me again, but he was gone.
washsd my eyes and got one of them so |
could see, took a large stick and started for
home without molesiation. Men started
with guns and dogs. and killed him within
quarter of a mile Of where we had the fight.
Thus had the great consolation of seeing
nv enemy dead"
Year: 1870

Then come out to the "New York Store, "
Good friends, from far and near,
You've everything to hope for there
And nothing sure to fear;
Well show You goods and sell them cheap.
A most abundant store
OF everything the people want,
And just trlde more.
Year: 1870

CoLoRAD0 As FARMING CouYrEy.-Govsrnor
AcCooK In his message to the Legislature OF Colo
rAd0 Territory Ia very enthusiastic In his autclpa-
lions Of the future OF that Territory He says that Its
mining interests constitute she present OF Colorado
but sno Colorado Of the future viii rest upon its
superior advantages ss an agricultural country.
Ho claims that ailpthe fruits cereals ana grasses
that can bo grown IN the temperate zone can
b0 produced in that Territory In abundance,
and that because OF the advantages Of climate and
soil al these can % produced with less labor than
In almost any other section OF the Union. lie looks
forward to the time which is sure to come, when
Colorado will be one OF the best stock growing
States In the Union. The grasses are abundant and
nutritious and the winters are so mild as 10 mako
sheltcr or hay quite unnecessary This is certainly
not the Colorado which people In the East have sup
posed was 70 be found Ia TIE West IL "a one vastly
better In All that Is essentA 10 Datona prosperity
and local HrcatueyS,
Year: 1870

The following record VIII show the changes in the
temperature Of he weather for the past twenty-four
hours In comparison with the corresponding day Of
last year, as Indicated by the thermometer al
Hudnats pharmacy. HERALD Building, Broadway
corner OF Ann street,
Year: 1870

The wise advice which the Courier des Etats


Unis gives its compatriots in New York, to
maintain, especially in places of public resort,


'the utmost GOODNESS and moderation" might
well be given to the Germans in our midst,
who largely outnumber the French. "All
intemperance of language is lack of self
respect or a lack of generosity, according as it
is occasioned by adversely or by prosperity"
1t is earnestly to be hoped that our French and
German residents will not repeat the painful
personal conflicts which have already taken
place. Why should they quarrel? At this
distance from the actual seat of war they
might both coollylook at the situation and
repress even the strongest natural sympathies
with one side or the other, rather than
come to blows at the dinner table, in the
club or in the barroom The Germans
at home are fighting not for Prussia
80 much as for Deutschland, not for
absolutism, in the persons of Frederick,
William and his able Minister, Bismarck, as
for the unity of Germany, and, it is not too
soon to add, for republic as a possible
ultimate result Of the war; They are thus
really fighting for France as well as for
Germany. On the other hand, should
Napoleon either abdicate or proclaim univer-
sal republic, there would no longer exist bar
to the enthusiasm with which the French
people would rise en- masse to the defence of
their native soil against foreign invasion. The
prestige of the famous armies Of the first
French republic would be recovered. French
republicans and German republicans would
shake hands instead of crossing swords. An
era of peace and cono:liation would be
inaugurated which nothing but the restoration
of imperial aud monarchical despotsm could
interrupt. The Germans at home are fighting
for German unity. The Frenchmen at home
are fighting against foreign invasion. Most of
the Germans and of the French in New York
are republicans and need not quarrel here. If
they are ''spoiing for fight" let them go
home to France or to Germany and volunteer
for the defence either Of Paris or Berlin
Year: 1870

The first of the series of political State con-
ventions to be held prior to the fall electo
will be that Of the republicans in Ohio, which
takes place to-day. This will be followed by
conventions in other States, and we shall soon
have the whole political machinery again in
active motion. Notwithstanding the extreme
heat of the weather politicians have kept
themselves cool enough to prepare their usual
wirepulling traps, in view of the complexion
Of the next Congress. Ohio will start off with
some subterranean operations looking to the
displacement of Senator Sherman, whose
term, however, does not expire until 1878; !;
but his opponents think it is not too early to
begin laying pipe for the purpose of event.
ually, if possible, ousting him from his seat.
In Massachusetts, it is reported that pro-
gramme is being prepared in which General
Butler will play the first overture for seat in
the United States Senate. In New Jersey the
election of successor to Senator Cattell is
already agitating political circles. In the
interior of this State the republicans are en-.
deavoring to heal their breaches and making
preparations to present solid front to the
enemy, with, perhaps, some one from this city
as their candidate for Governor. But tits as
yet too early to speculate In regard to the
schemes of politicians. After the State con-
ventions shall have been held, candidates
nominated and platforms presented, we shall
be better able to judge of what is likely to
happen and who is likely to turn up in the
grand whirligig of politics.
Year: 1870

1t is very possible that Antwerp is not
potent factor of European politics, and its
opinion that the Franco -Prussian war will be
over in week, according to somewhat silly
telegram received yesterday by the ocean
cable, may not decide the fate Of empires. But
Antwerp is nevertheless town which has,
within few years, revived to an extraordi-
nary degree from the decline into which it had
previously fallen. 1t may yet recover the
splendid position which it held in the height of
its prosperity, between the fifteenth and
sixteenth centuries, when it was the COM
mercial centre of Europe, and was frequented
by ships Of all nations, bossting of twenty-five
hundred vessels in port at one time, and of a
population of two hundred thousand. If a
letter from Brussels to London may be credited
Antwerp has already made an additional
stride towards its ancient position by the
establishment of weekly postal service
Year: 1870

THE YELLOW FEVER has appeared in Phila-
delphia with considerable violence, and that
quiet and cleanly city is greatly alarmed in
consequence. The present heated term makes
the matter very serious, especially in New
York, where we are unprepared for anything
like pestilence. Our streets are too filthy,
and some of our lower purieus are so dirty as
actually to invite disease. In this present
emergency it becomes us to cleanse the streets
and disinfect some of the fostering tenement
houses that disagure the questionable byways.