smithclay/nortonstories huggingface dataset:
Year: 1871

In the elections for filling our state and
county offices, there are two distinct Gle
ments one is the nomination of the per-
sons to fill these offices, and the other is the
casting of votes for them. Every man.
with but very few ex 'eptions, is supposed
to cast his vote for some one of the nomi-
nees but only a few-a very few-men
have the control of selecting these nomi-
noes.


This latter class of men has come at last
to have the virtual control of all our clcc-
tions for whomsoever they select as
nominees, are voted for by the people with
out much thought or attention of their own.
Hence, very small cliques or rings, are en-
abled to control and direct the official in
terests of the state. But this is not the de-
sign Of republican government nor is it
compatible with such government. 1t is
oligarchical, not republican.


1t is evident that if this system goes on,
any standing organization pervading the
principle centers of population, can control
our elections. Even Railroad organiza-
ton has great power in that way, buta sec
ret organization has greater power still.
The two combined would prove irrosisti BILE
unless the people should arouse and re-
solve to assert their rights.


We often hear it asserted that secret
society man is free TO vote rs he pleases,
and often votes against secret society can
didales but what does this signify il sec
ret societies have the nominating power? {?
There is nothing to prevent their having
this power, as our elections are now man
aged, or rather miS-managed. The Masons
and odd Follows may make or unmake
any officer they please. No one can fill
an oilico without their consent and when
ever one does go into office, he must give
the sign Of subseryience to Masonic
power, although, this power is oligarchical,
dangerous to republican government aud
injurious to the interests of the country.


In order to wrest the political power from
secret organizations and give it to the peo-
pie TO whom il belongs, We propose to make
use of one of our civil institutions, which
is open, fair, manly, and just. We allude
to the Town MEETING, which is one of the
safest and best organizations that we know
Of After the TowN MEETING has done up
the town business in March, we then pro-
pose that il should resolve itself into a
nominating convention for state, county,
federal officers, and that every freeman
should write his own ballot, and cast "A free
Year: 1871

EARLY History OF THE Potato. The
potato in its early cultivation met with
strange vicissltudes, and with great oppo-
sitlon. The stern old purtans opposed its
cultivation, and denied its lawfulnoss as an
article of food, because the plant was not
mentioned in the Bible Sir Walter Raj
egh carried the plants to England from
this country in 1886, and put them in his
garden. His gardener thought the green
potato apples were the potatoes and ex-
pressed his disgust to his master at such
products. lie was told to pull up the
weeds and throw them away. In doing so
he found the true potatoes, more than a
bushel in quantity, and he hurried back to
Sir Walter in very happy humor, to show
him the sample and make known his dis
covery. So late as 1925 il was only cult
vated in gardens in England and Scotland.
During period Of more than one hundred
and fifty years after Sir Walter introduced
II into Ireland, It failed to rise superior to
the prejudices of English cultivators. This
is q singular history indeed.
Year: 1871

inally laid out with great taste and the
grand old trees still standing give evidence
Of uniformity and care. 1t must have been
an elegant place, and cost a fabulous sum
to have built it. These castle ruins are to
be found here and there all over this coun-
try. They have history, but the truth is
wholly unknown to us. They were strong
holds against their enemies, when tribes
instead of nations contendod. This castle
is said to be tho home of the Royal McCar-
thy's.


There is a handsome lake not far from the
castle, and there is an underground passage
from it to the lake, out of which passage
there are vast caves and by-passagcs Who
ever comes TO ireland it will well repay
them TO visit Blarney Castle, which is not
all "blarney;" although, probably, the
strange stories and legends about it gave
rise to the term "blarney." G.
Year: 1871

Some people would croak about any thing
give some of them one million of dollars in
greenbacks, and they would grumble because
It was not gold. Thus it is in regard to the
"skating- g-rink." Some few people who know
nothing in the world about what roller-skating
is, and will not take the trouble to find ou t.,
cry out against it.. Now we assert that this is
all wrong, for if they know nothing of it,
what right have they to run it down? We
assert without fear of contradiction, that there
is not more innocent and healthful amuse-
ment in the world, and we will guarantee if
the parties who cry out against it, will visit
the "rink" once, they will go again many
times
Year: 1871

Washington, Jan. S0.-The Southern
Pacifc railroad bill will be disposed of by
Congress in few days. It has vastly
more strength than any other measure Of
this class, as it is conceded to be national
in its character. There are few members
from the South from unexplained reasons
that are withholding their support, a fact
which gives rise to damaging reflections, as
the interest of that section are so directly
concerned.
Year: 1871

Coal Car off the Track.--A ladened cal
of coal train, which was coming across the
bridge spanning James river, Saturday even
ing, ran off the track when between Manchester
and Belcher's Island. The local train to Man
chester was thus prevented from making its
usual trip, and good number of people, who
thought to have a ride, were compelled to
foot 1t, and then found it difficult to get around
the obstruction which almost blocked up the
entire roadway. Finally, after several hours
OF hard work with jack screws and men, the
car was replaced on the track.
Year: 1871

The Tribune Almanac. --Mcssrs. John
son q Selden has placed us under obligations
for copy of this faithful history of the old
year and guide to the new. 1t is one of the
most valuable publications of the kind extant,
containing large amount of political cur
rent information that can not be obtained
without great difficulty anywhere else We
are also indebted to the editor of the Tribune
for another copy. No family should be with.
out one.
Year: 1871

There is Senate bill pending at present
before the House of Delegates to amend an act
previously passed, SO as to give to collectors
the duties and compensation heretofore allowed
by constables in civil cases. The bill will
doubtless pass.
Year: 1871

Fall Of a Wreath. bout noon to-day
one of the bronze wresths of the Washington
Monument,-the one over the statue of Pate
rick Henry,--fell with great crash and roll
ing down the stone steps effected Judgement
on the ground. II was carried into the base
ment of the Capitol for safe-keeping by the
Capitol police. Had it staid on the square,
over night it would have been stolen, broken
up and sold to some dealer in old iron
Year: 1871




SWEET indeed are the uses of adversty ;
it may develop unsuspected friendships.
Near Louisville, Ind, recently an adven-
furious tiler of the soil found it necessary
to repair the roof of somewhat isolated
barn. While descending from the peak he
slipped, and rolling to the edge of the roof
was held BY a projecting spike, which
catching in stout corduroy eilectually pre-
vented him from falling to the ground. The
texture of the cloth admitted no hope of its
giving way, the spike wouldn't break and
the poor man saw no prospect of escape
from his inconvenient altitude. For a
while he abandoned himself to despair, or
as be put it, "made up his mind to hang
there until cured like piece Of jerked-
beef" In happier moments it had been
the good mans practice to amuse himself
by teaching fayorits horse various tricks
by whistling. In desperation he made the
usual signal to his equine friend, tied at
some distance from his own elevated perch.
The sagacious beast struggled vigorously,
aud succeeding in freeing himself from his
halter, hastened to the place where his
masters feet dangled from the projecting
caves. The intelligent animal, by stand.
ing on his hnd-legs, furnished a basis for
the mans feet to rest on. As the man him.
self natrates it, he "got purchase to raise a
stock Of corduroy and human flesh from the
spike that held my toes four feet from the
precious soil Of Wabaunsee County"
Year: 1871

An important will case for the past two
weeks has been undergoing trial before Judge
Sutherland, Of the Supreme Court II was
concluded yesterday with verdict setting
aside the will. The case is one, aside from
the strictly legal aspects of the case, present
ing many interesting though not altogether
unusual features.


Mrs. Eliza Helen Hogan died in this city
some four years since, leaving three daugh-
ters-her only children-and property, COM
prised mainly of real estate, of the value of
about one hundred thousand dollars. Two of
these daughters were married. The third had
retired to convent. Mrs. Hogan, at the time
of her death, and for several years previous,
resided with one of her married daughters.
She had been an invalid many years, almost
bedridden, in fact, and, whenever she went
out had to be taken up and carried to car
riage. This daughter with whom she lived
was the wife of physician, who also was her
medical attendant and adviser. Her will,
excepting few thousand dollars given to the
husband, left all her property to this daughter
This will bore date about two years before her
death. II was drawn up by the lawyer of
this daughters husband. In addition to the
will she also decided her property to parties in
trust for them.


The suit just rminated-though, following
the usual course of the laws uncertainties and
vexations, this may be but the beginning OF the
end-was instituted for partition OF the pro-
perty under The statute as If no will existed
and no deed of the property had ever been
made. The suit was brought, oil course, ny
Year: 1871

Taken from the party caucus of republican
Senators to the Senate chamber, additional
importance has been given to the displace-
ment of Mr.. Sumner from the chairmanship of
the Committee on Foreign Relations. Yester-
days debate on this matter lasted for six hours,
during which time the friends of Mr.. Sumner
endeavored without success to undo what had
Washington correspondent states that the scene
was as If the Senators were pronouncing the
death sentence Of the republican party, and he
reports that the feeling among the leading men
is that the quarrel between the President and
Mr.. Sumner, though resulting in victory for
the administration, has been won at the cost of
the party. While 1t lasted the debate was ex-
ceedingly animated. The friends of the Sena-
tor exhausted every argument calculated to
prevent his removal; but the supporters of the
President remained firm, and, whether for
good or evil to the republicans, Mr.. Sumner
no longer holds the craftsmanship.


1t would appear that this quarrel is destined
to lead to yet graver results than have been
thus far attained. A special despatch from
our correspondent in Concord, N. H., indicates
that the friends Of Mr.. Sumner in at least one
New England State have taken up the cudgels
in his behalf and are belaboring the President
Until yesterday the republicans felt confident
Of carrying New Hampshire by at least seven
teen hundred majority, but the news of the
action Of the Senate caucus is reported to
have somewhat shaken their confidence.
Yesterday evening prominent republican
published an article deuunciatory of President
Grant for his course towards the Massachusetts
Senator, which has, our correspondent states,
cast a gloom over the party and elated the
democrats considerably. Whether it will give
the State to the democrats is uncertain; but it
is evident that the quarrel between Grant and
Sumner is destined to produce war Of fac
tions in the ranks Of their party, at least in
New England.
Year: 1871

By special report from the HERALD corre-
spondent at Panama received by telegram from
Jamaica we learn that the revolution in the
State Of Boyaca has not been ended, another
battle having been fought on the boundary line
between two Of tie provinces, In which the
rebels were completely defeated and driven
from the capital. The legitimate government
will probably be successful in the end, and it
Is thought that the trouble in that State will
not spread to the others of the republic. If
this is so, if the revolutionists can be whipped
and quiet restored, so that other portions Of
the country will not become involved, it may
be safely said that Colombia Is improving, and
that there is hope for her yet. 1t will be a
case in the history of that country without
parallel, and mark should be made some
where to record it, for it may never happen
again. The Congress of Colombia will soon
meet, and it is thought that Murillo will be
elected President. If he is Colombia will
have cause for congratulation; he Is true
man and known to be good. 1t really appears
now from the nature Of the news received that
Mosquera has succumbed to years; that he is
willing to pass tho balance of an eventful life
in peace and tranquility in the quiet Of his
beautiful hacienda, and to leave wars and
fighting to others younger than himself II
this is the case-if he is willing to keep him.
self out Of politics and revolutions consequent
thereon-there is more chance for Colombia
than ever, and it may be that she will profit
by her sad and costly experience of the past
aud do something to change the present repu-
tation OF the republics of Spanish America.
Year: 1871




BY telegram from the HERALDs special cor
respondent at Kingston, Jamaica, we have
some interesting particulars regarding affairs
in the British West India Islands. The Gov
ernor OF Antigua has left for England, and on
arrival there he intends to lay before the Colo
NAL Office, his scheme for making West India
Confederation with the present Governor Of
Jamaica as Governor General, and the capi-.
tai to be Jamaica. This project will doubtless
be favorably received; 1t will strengthen the
British position in the West Indies by bringing
oil the small settlements under one govern
ment. The visit Of General Munroe to Jamaica
lately on a tour of inspection and for the pur-
pose of selecting sites for new and powerful
Notifications, were satisfactory evidence that
the home government is paying additional
attention to its principal colony in the West
Indies, with view, doubtless, of its ultimately
becoming the headquarters of all their possess
sions In that quarter Of the globe. 1t will be
made as strong as possible, will be fully gar
risoned with white troops, and, In the event OF
war with Great Britain, it will be an unpleasant
neighbor to have in our immediate vicinity.


We learn, also, that attempts are to be
make to irrigate the now barren districts Of
Jamaica. An engineer of high reputation in
India has arrived at Kingston, and viii at
oohSe Commence his work. The Governor Of
the island appears to be enthusiastic in the
work of raising jamaica to its former high
standard of wealth and prosperity. Besides
his plan for recovering the now worthless
lands, he proposes railway system, whereby
lines will be constructed to points that are
now almost Inaccessible. He hopes thereby
to open up a very rich country and
make 1t In every way productive. It
is evident that the Governors projects
for the Improvement of the colony are
making him very popular. He has the con-
fdence of his people. They give him the use
Of capital, and appear even anxious to assist
his enterprises to the extent of their power.
He desires Americans to note what he is
doing to aid him by investing their capital in
property that must produce handsome
return he wants American energy and
enterprise to come to Jamaica, and every
inducement is held out to those who having
money, are disposed to invest it in estates
that may be made very profitable. Our cor
respondent gives cases that have come under
his notice of how rapidly and certainly wealth
has been obtained, and he says that there are
many chances open to those Americans who
may see ft to come to Jamaica and try to do
likewise.
Year: 1871

THE EXECUTION OF THOMAS. law has
been entirely vndicated ia the execution of
the negro murderer Thomas, in the Tombs
yesterday. Few criminals, indeed, had so
many chances to escape capital punishment; I;
but the evidences Of deliberate murder were
80 clear that the appeals to the courts for a
new trial, and the supplications offered to
Governor Hoffman could not possibly have
availed. The counsel Of the accused having
failed to obtain any recognition of his claim
to another trial the course of the Governor
was clear. The law must be carried out, and
1t was carried out to the terrible end. The
execution of this criminal will do good 1t
will teach reckless men that private piques
cannot be avenged by the hasty use of the
pistol with impanity; that the law of life for
life can and will be enforced in this CON-
uunity.
Year: 1871

the other married daughter, the one in the
convent not allowing thought or care for
worldly possessions to obtrude themselves
upon the secluded sanctity Of her religious
life. Its basis was charge of undue influence
The defence was the validity of the will and
deed. After brief consultation the jury
brought in, as above stated, verdict setting
aside the will and deed.
Year: 1871

WHATS THE MATTER IN CONNECTICUT P
The Hartford Courant Ex-Governor Haw-
ley's paper ard the republican organ, has not
an editorial or a squb in its issue of March 8
in regard TO the State election which occurs in
a little over three weeks from date Is the
State given up to the democrats?
Year: 1871

The communication which we published on
Tuesday from an ex-captain Of police suggests
many improvements which might be made in
the management of the police force, and we
must say that there has been abundant reason
of late to sustain the truth of the suggestions.
Our police system has not bsen conducted
upon those strict principles of discipline neces-
sary for the protection of life and property.
Very gross charges, for instance, have been
occasionally brought against members of the
force, which have resulted in their dismissal;
but what guarantee have we that the places of
the dismissed officers will be filed by mora
trustworthy persons? 1t is all very well to
punish offenders, but 1t would be a
great deal better to establish such q
system Of discipline as would pre-
vent the commission of the offence. An old
proverb says that 'tan ounce of prevention is
better than pound of cure" This might ap-
ply very appropriately to the Police Depart
ment. The correspondence to which we refer
contains the allegation that the Superintendent
of Police has really no independent power at
all-that he is q superintendent merely in
name and subject in the exercise Of his will
and judgment to the commands Of the four
Police Commissioners or such portion of them
as may constitute majority when they come
together. If chief of police has no control
over the men under his command his position
only represents wooden fgurehead, and he
might as we'll be invested with the SEM
blance of an authority which he does not
possess.


The Police Commissioners should explain
this. They should Define for the satisfaction
of the public, the exact status of the Superin-
tendent-how far he is a master or cipher in
the management of the men, who are sup
posed to be responsible to him for the faithful
discharge of their duty. Divided RESPONSE
bility is always dangerous, If not worthless.
We know by experience that cabinet OF
ministers cannot conduct campaign with half
the efficiency which one general in the field
can. A disciplined force must have unit at
its head, and this is just as true of our police
establishment as 1t is Of grand army. Per-
haps we may trace good deal Of the increas-.,
ing crime In the city-ihe assaults and homi-
cides, especially notable on Sunday nights
to the lack Of discipline in the police force,
owing to the fact that the Superintendent is
crippled in the exercise Of his authority by the
redtapism of the Police Board. If this be SO
it should be corrected at once. In many heads
there may be much wisdom when brought
together in council, but it takes the one man
power to keep disciplined force in effective
working order.
Year: 1871

The long promised report of the committee
appointed by the Senate to investigate the
alleged outrages of political character in the
Southern States was yesterday made public.
The report Of the majority of the committee is
long and discursive, giving few facts in regard
to the subject under investigation, but show
ing co2clusively that most terrible
state Of affairs has prevailed in many
Southern States for several years. The
committee confined its Investigations almost
exclusively to the disturbances in North
Carolina. and inquired particularly into
the character of the several secret political
organizations which existed in that State.
The Union League and other orders composed
of Union men are shown to have no other
objects in view save the success Of the
republican party while the Ku Klux
Klan, under which nomenclature is included
several kindred associations, was proven
to bind its members to carry out whatever
DEGREES the order might impose upon tn an.
The Ku Kluxes in North Carolina-forty thou
sand strong--instituted reign Of terror
unparalleled in the history of the country, and
through their instrumeutality negro voters were
prevented from going to the polls, thus throw
ng the State into the hands Of the democracy.
The committee concludes by asserting that the
Ku Kluxes have forced the issue of govern
ment or anarchy, and that against the power
of this order the authorities of the State are
powerless TO secure to its citizens s'life,
liberty and the pursuit of happiness"


The minority of the committee-Senators
Bayard and Blair--dissent from the conclu-
sions of the majority, and protest, in the name
of the constitution and the laws, against all
inquiry by committee Of Congress into the
internal and domestic concerns Of a State.
They declare the affair to be plan cut and
dried by q conspiracy formed of disappointed
politicians who have been thrust out of
Office by an indignant people. The head
of this conspiracy is Governor Holden,


who has beggared the Treasury of his
State, plundered, outraged and be-
trayed his people, and now looks to
the federal government to rescue him from i'm
pending punishment. The present measure
was instigated in furtherance of this scheme,


and the whole cause of the disturbances is


traced to the misrule of carpet-bag State off,


GERS, unwise legislation by Congress and the


Vaccinations Of the Loyal League.
Year: 1871

Mr.. Mayor Oakley Hall is resolved not TO be
satisfied with the Government revision OF the
census of this city. He has ordered the police
to make a third one, as a check, we suppose,
on the. Government Marshals, whom he sus-
poets of living only TO falsify. The returns
for three wards in which the Marshal has re-
taken the census do not materially dli-
fer from the original, but we do MT
doubt that Mayor Halls will show con-
clusiycly to every Democratic fasiiler
of late election returns that the population OF
the city is two or three hundred thousand
more than the Government and honest men
credit. When the late census, taken in MD
summer, was complete one universal hoWl OF
1pge arose from the universal Iammany
throat. whereof Mr.. Mayor Hall is the double
goared, forward and back action tongue, be-
cause it did not show a population quarter
of million more. According TO present IN
dications, the most careful census that can
he taken. at the season when the city
is the most crowded, when every
hotel and boardinG-hOuse is full to repletion,
and every man doing business in New-York is
at his post, will show barely twenty to twenty
five thousand more population than that of
midsummer. No testimony to the substantial
accuracy Of the former census and to the con-
genital folly of the claim for quarter Of
million more, could be more conclusive.