smithclay/nortonstories huggingface dataset:
Year: 1876

The Hon. John L. Vance, of Ohio, through
some of his Democratic organs, betrays
great trepidation lest the people of his dis
trict may, il the coming election, consign
him to the shades of private life, from
which he emerged into the present Con-
gress by sheer accident. We have no
doubt he begins to feel sdmonished of his
coming fate, for we are assured that his dis
trict, which is decidedly Republican in
sentiment, will not repeat the mistake it
made two years ago in his election. Aside
from his politics, which are bad enough,
he has proved himself an unsafe depository
of power He is insincere, unreliable anu
unprincipled in the discharge of his duties
as legislator, and hence does not com
mand that respect to which his position
should entitle him.


His principal role in the late session of
Congress was to wage relentless war upon
the Government printing office, its chief
officer and the employees therein engaged.
This was evidently done, not so much in
the interest of economy and reform, as to
secure for outside parties contracts with
millions in them, in which there was a re-
mote prospect that he himself might be
benefited. His war upon the printing de-
partment of the Government evidently
sought to accomplish these ends First, to
ruin the reputation and cause the downfall
of the Congressional Printer; second, to
transfer the printing of the proceedings
and debates of Congress to Franklin Rives
without competition, and at a compensa
ton such as he might dictate; third, to dis
tribute the executive printing among his
coadjutors in this city, as reward for their
services in wsging war of persecution
against the Office and its head; and, fourth,
to reduce the compensation of the printers
and bookbinders engaged in that branch of
the public service.


The investigation prosecuted to attain
these ends was conducted unfairly and un-
justly, without any proper respect for the
principles of good faith and common JUS
tice. 1t was secret inquisition, from
whose proceedings the Congressional
printer, as appears from the report OF the
minority of the committee, was carefully
excluded, except when before it to give
testimony. No fair opportunity was
afforded him for defense, explanation
or examination of the testimony, even
after the committee had labored three
months for its secret accumulation, or
for him to introduce witnesses In rebut-
tai thereof. In this Mr.. Vance, as we
confidently believe, violated his faith fire.
queuty pighted to the Congressional
Year: 1876

THE EMOTIONS wrung from young and
wayward girl, pure at heart possibly,
when on awakening in the morning after
her first debauch she realizes the appalling
horror of her situation, and when the
terrible agonies of remorse come rushing
in upon her bewildered imagination, we
conjecture must be somewhat akin to
those feelings of utter deg -adation which
are said to harrow me souls of men who
have once LED blameless lives when dis
covering that they have been seduced into
prostituting high public trusts to advance
personal interests. We do not imagine
for a moment that Mr.. Bluford Wilson
ever experienced such mental agitation,
but we do venture to predict that the mind
of man Of different mold might posi-
bly, have been tortured by slight twinges
for conscience sake after detailing before q
Congressional investigating committee
such a series of utterly fallacious
and contradictory statements as those
volunteered by the exSolicitor of the
Treasury regarding the Presidents
alleged connection with the whisky
frauds. We have been disposed to treat
these vindictive onslaughts upon the honor
of the President of the United States as he
himself wisely treats them-with that 81
lence and contempt they deserve, and we
would not have referred to them at all,
much less to their mendacious author had
he not recently, in the face of the most in
disputable testimony to the contrary, and
damning evidence against his own credi-
bility under any and all circumstances, had
the assurance, the brazen effrontery, to re-
hearse the vile slanders in quarters he
knew were not informed, especially as to
the true causes which led to Mr.. Bluford
Wilson's sudden retirement from Office, as
well as the aninpus which prompted his
subsequent attitude toward man far too
high for his shafts ever to strike, and a
party, whatever may have been its errors
in bestowing its confidence, entirely too
powerful to suffer punishment from a
pigmy.
Year: 1876

However much we may, as rule, de-
precate at any time religious disputations,
arousing as they invariably do the bitterest
animosities, exciting the most vindictive
and ungovernable passions and appealing
to the blindest prejudices known to man
kind, yet there are occasions when such
discussions become absolutely unavoidable;
especially when assuming politlco-reli-
gious character they involve the great
principles of religious and civil freedom
upon which this Government was founded,
and when they menace the very life of the
social fabric under which we have so hap
PLY lived and prospered for the past cen
fury. The debate in the United States
Senate few nights since on what is
known as the school amendment to the
Constitution is a notable case in point,
wherein the Democracy, true to their
ancient traditions and Stimulating a devotion
to exploded doctrines, bolted the real issue
and injected into the debate the ridicu-
lously absurd idea that the proposed
amendment was nothing more than a
political trick introduced by the Repub-
lican party for partisan purposes. In
other words, the Republican party was
fatty accused of thrusting into the present
campaign the broad issues which divide
Protestant and Catholic on the school
question, simply as means of subscribing
purely partisan interests


1t is undoubtedly against the spirit of
American liberty, as we received it from
our fathers, to prescribe any creed or sect,
or to condemn any one for his or her reli-
gious opinions. But when a particular
sect. in pursuing its religious teachings,
assails the very bulwark3 of our freedom,
and threatens destruction to the foundations
of our social structure in its violent and
persistent opposition to our public school
system, then the question assumes far
different aspect, and becomes one of the
gravest import to every true lover OF the
liberties of the land. Under such circum
stances who will deny but that it behooves
the American public to protect itself, and
guard well that liberty aud that system by
the strongest constitutional guarantees.
This is the object of the proposed amend
ment and nothing more. In the recent de-
bate in the Senate the ablsst speech by far
Year: 1876

printer and to Mr.. Ballou, the minority Of
the committee, during the progress of the
examination. This one feature Of his char
acter as public man shows him to be un-
worthy the confidence and trust reposed in
him by the people. for none in this Gov
eminent but truthful and honorable men
should be intrusted with the sacred duty
of law-making.


After having made for himself in one
session of Congress such record it is lot
surprising that Mr.. Vance should see the
hand writing on the wall and feel admon-
ished that he will not soon again, with
the consent of the people of a Republican
district. have occasion to burlesque Amerl-
can statesmanship. In this instance he
has failed in all things except to establish
for himself an unenviable reputation as
statesman and fair and just man. He
should, and will be defeated. Every Re
publican vote in the district should, and
will be, cast against him. The aid of the
printers in the Government printing office
will not be required to accomplish that end.
Year: 1876

TILDEN appears to have given up all
efforts to carry New York by moral sua-
sion, and will henceforth rely on discreet
use of his money. This he twill put
where It will do the most good
Year: 1876




Editors Of the Register.


The peaceful quiet, delightful and in
dolent season in the country village
once more upon US, not even the distan
thunder Of Presidential artillery CO
drive US into activity, no poles raised, no
meetings, no noise, but every voter is
satisfied with the candidates Of his party.


The Democrats make q de!erentsl
salutstien when they meet a drunkard,
and the Republicans still continue 10
humble themselves In the presence OF
negro.


We are surprised at the discussion
about the extravsgant use Of ,odter
in Wheeling, We did not suppose you
used any, at least We were never offered
any while in the city.


The Camp Meeting Grove begins 10
assume the appearance of q living town
again. The grounds are greatly I'M
proved; the shade is delightful, water pure
and plenty, location heslthful. In fact,
parties in less favored localities are max
ing it quite place of summer resort. and
it Is good one. Ne better could be
found TOR children.


The Baltimore and Ohio Railroad can
didate, nominated 1t Psrkersburg for
Governor will not be elected. He is u
clever gentleman, but is not surrounded
by the proper influences. You all want to
vote for Flick, If you are sorry for what
trouble you gave him when be was q
member of the Legislature. He blemed
you them. Now you have . chance a,
him. Tear down the Penitentiary and
vote the Capital plank in the Parksrs
burg platform and so please the Repub
lican party. -..... ID.
Year: 1876

Editors OF the Register.


1t has been demonstrated to our people
which of the two political parties IN this
State is favorable to the retention ef the
Capital at Wheeling. The Democratic
party has shown its willingness TO let US
have fair chance in this sectional strife
by refusing 70 endorse the claims of our
opponents rs party measure. Inc he
publican party has expressed the oppo-
site sentiment by giving our antagonists
the influence and aid OF an endorsement
by their party organization.


Editor Campbell, carrying out the
principles on this question that were
made a part of his party platform, Is
attempting another stab at the interests
of our city by advocating the
appointment of Wheeling man
to the vacant position in the United
States Senate But few short weeks
ago ne was vigorously abusing one OF our
citizens for aspiring to minor position
on the Democratic State ticket, on the
ostensible grounds that the success of the
said aspirant would prejudice our inte-
rests in the matter of tho capital. The
logical consistency of the Editor, and,
hence, the sincerity of his friendship for
Wheeling, is manifest without comment.
The good will and fidelity OF the RsaIs-
TER, and the Wheeling people gent rally,
TO the material interests OF our city, In
not urging the appointment OF any OF
our citizens, or even OF any man from
the First district TO the vacant Senator
ship, Is equally manifest. That it would be
I'm wise for us to ask for or accept this posi-
ton, tor any ono from this district, cannot
be doubted by any one Of intelligent per-
ception. Editor Campbell himself is at
pans to point out the fact that the re-
NOV l.proiectwas defeated in the Charles
ton convention by the votes OF such
counties As Greenbrier, Monroe, Sum-
mers and Fayctte. Why now incense
and antSgonize the people of those
counties by soliciting and receiving an
appointment which justly belongs TO
them? Why not rather secure their
friendship, and rs far as possible ensure
their support by voluntarily according
TO them that which, IN all conscience, be-
longs to them by custom a. well rs
matter OF Ttyht ana jhStce. LII tuo 'oiJ
counties above named rs having support.
ed our delegation st Charleston, there are
men amply able and qualiied TO fill the
position, and whose appointment would
be hailed with delight by the people OF
those counties and give satisfaction
throughout the state. Wheeling people
can do q graceful and a polite act by
advocating tho appointment of Third
district man to the place made vacant by
Mr. Caperton's death instead of grasping
at it for one oe themselves. From pre-.
sent appearances we will have TO light
hard to save our investment OF $lOO,OOo.
Let our every act be with a view to
strengthen our position rather than TO
weaken It,


a FRIEND OF WHEELING.
Year: 1876

THE Psrkersburg Daily Times feeling
ly appeals TO the workingmen OF Par
ksrsburg to know why they don't raise
y PETER COOPER pole A similar in
suiry might be made in every town and
city IN the country. Why2
Year: 1876

1t is assumed, since the debate on the
Amnesty Resolution, that the Democra-
cy will be defeated in the approaching
Presidential election. This belief is en-
couraged by the Democratic leaders.
Their hope lies in binding the Northern
Samson when he sleeps. Their lamps
are kept trimmed and burning. They
slumber not, neither do they sleep. BY
carefully muzzling the true exponents OF
the Confederate creed, and by raising a
dust about Republican extravaganza, they
hope to so divide the North that it will
be comparatively easy, with a united
South, to climb the Hill difficulty, and
take possession OF Washington. The
task is not so hard as it may seem. il
they can carry New York and Indiana
they will seize the National Government
and the principles of jefferson Davis will
be carried out in the chair OF Abraham
Lincoln We speak whereof we know
when we say that the Democratic Leaders
in the capital talk confidently anon.
their comrades that this scheme can b'


successfully achieved.


The ex-rebel States are entitled to y
Year: 1876

LINK THE SlATH.-( CoHtinued)


STRENGTH, LABOR, AND SORROW.


1.-THE LAST LESSON.


The bar-room of the Iron Horse was a
long. low chamber the ceiling and floor
dipping up and down like a great loose
raft in light swell, the walls ludicrously
upheaviness. AS you entered the room
from the door, which pierced one of the
longer sides of the corner, the bar stood
opposite. forming quadrat in the other
corner. A rude place enough, though
once garrishly decorated, having in front
of it low stout iron railing to keep its
bottles, glasses, and inmates out of reach
with q small room in the rear for the
latter to retreat to in cases of dire ex-
tremity. For although Sam Rather, tine
bar-keeper, had been prize fighter, and
could on occasion clay" drunken in
truder into his domain with a science
which left (the intruder) nothing to be
desired, Sam was out of practice; while
the brawny frequenters of the place were
in the daily habit of swinging hundred
weights of iron in the teeth of tons of
the same metal and when half dozen
such men determined to clear the room,
Sam, among others, held it to be the bet
ter part of valor to submit to them


On this particular Saturday evening,
at nearly nine o'clock Sam, his shirt
sleeves tucked up, was leaning on his
muscular arms, and with short Guilty in
his mouth, watching with rather an anx-
ious eye the play of feeling among his
customers. Fifty or more of their big
forms doomed up through the smoke
that rolled upward to the low ceiling.
and wreathed in murky haze the weak
lights of the petroleum lamps against
the wall He had handed out, in less
than three hours, forty-one quarts of
beer and sixty odd half pints of gin.


The room was arranged by low wooden
partitions into bays, where eight or ten
men could sit together and rest their
pewters and glasses on the narrow tables
between. Each bay had its company,
though the lowness Of the partitions en-
abled the men to interchange freely foul
stories, oaths, threats, challenges, some
times clouts, and other convivial recogni-
tions. Most of them were smoking short
black pipes; some, with every semblance
of reason gone from their faces, were sit
ting up and drinking steadily, their
friends supplying them. Some had fall
len asleep with their pipes in their
mouths, or with heads dropping on table,
or partition, or bench. These were the
subjects of rude practical jokes. | will
relate one.


One man, seeing his friends face hang
ing over the partition, with his dark
matted beard turned sideways, lit a
match, and winking to his comrades to
note the splendid joke, set fire to the
hair. 1t famed up, scorching the skin
of the unconscious wretch, who woke in
the morning marked for life For the time
his friends enjoyed the fun immensely; but
some mornings afterward the joker was
found lying in the street with his head
smashed in with hammer; and latter
on Mr.. Calcraft, then in Office hanged a
man, half of whose face looked red and
skinless. This little drunken joke cost
Year: 1876

The stranger, so roughly driven from
Bill Knowsley's shelter, hurried out of
hearing into the wild gloom as fast as he
could Avoiding the village he stumbled
across the waste of slack, until he struck
upon high-road leading northward-a
road drear and lonely enough by day, but
on that night suggestive only Of despair


Over the broad plain swept the icy north
east wind, carrying upon its strong wings
a scurrying mass of sleet and rain. Not
a ray relieved the gloom from window or
way.side cottage or lantern Of WAGNER
late upon the road. 1t seemed to the
lonely man, struggling painfully against
the masterful storm, as if the world were
left to tempest and to him. Hard on his
right shoulder beat the blast wetting
him through to the skin, and forcing the
deathly chilliness almost home to his
heart Well for him then, he thought to
himself, that he bad secured a good sup
per and a warming glass. He could
scarcely see a foots;cp before him. So
he went on, wrestling with the fierce,
gusty wind, plashing through unexpec-
ted pools. and now and then stumbling
into the ditch on either hand but never
daring to stop or rest for he knew that
life depended on persistent motion.
Year: 1876

The House Committee on expendi.
lures in the War Department has made
a report completely generating Speak
er Kerr from the charge Of having re-
ceived money for his influence in Sc
curing military appointment and
from "all implication affecting his
personal honor or official integrity"
The report was unanimoue with the
committee, was unanimously adopt.
ed by the House and will give uni
versal satisfaction to the people.
Year: 1876

suing, and the Southern Democracy went


to st. Louie, not devoted to Mr.. Tilden in
any particular way, but willing to accept


him or any other man who could bring q
fair Northern vote to combine with theirs.
K Governor kellogg then went on to speak
OF the State Of Louisiana, and said that
even the Democrats must admit that the
Republican administration has been Of ad-
vantage to it. Since he took the guberna-
torial chair taxes had been reduced one
third and the current expenses of the State
government lessened one-half. Louisiana
State is Republican, New Orleans Demo-
cratic. The State is solvent, the city is
bankrupt. The State pays every cent Of
its debt at the proper time, the city is ut.
terly unable to meet the claims against it,


In the city the Governor said there will
be no Republican candidate nominated, but
they will support the best men for the city
offices which one or other OF the Democrat
ic factions may put forward. and in so doing
endeavor to secure some advantages for the
State or national ticket.


Governor Kellogg took occasion to say
that he thought the action of the Saratoga
Convention very satisfactory to Republic.
ans throughout the cOuntry1 Evarts would
no doubt have been q good fnan, and would
have received TIE support of manv outside
the party. But Morgan was q better Or
ganizer and would be better able to devel-
Op the real strength Of the Republican
party in the State.
Year: 1876

NORTHERN POLITICS.


New York HopeIessly Lost TO the Con
federate.Democracy.


New YORK, August "a, 1876.


The nomination for Governor OF Gov


ernor Morgan by the Republicans. ha


fallen on the Confederate Democracy lik'


a bolt of lightning. 1t has annihilated thu


last hope of carrying New York for Tilden


Not only this, but it has given the country


another assurance that the national Re


publican party lie in earnest in the work o.
self-referm. and that it possesses the ma
| terial within its own ranks from which to
select from time to time the leaders de-
manded by the shifting character OF the
crisis through which the nation is passing.
This nomination gives New York to the
Republicans beyond question. All expecta-
ton Of carrying the State for Confed-
crate Democratic restoration is now aban-
doned. If the nomination Of Governor
Morgan only affected the State election
now pending and the presidential Of this
year, the Democratic leaders would not
feel so blue over it, bad as it is to them.
But Manton Marble and others, who have
for years built the hopes Of Confederate.
Democratic restoration on the inevitable
change" which they have anticipated in
the politics of the country, see in Nor
gan the coming man of 1881! Herein
is found the peculiar bitter Of this new cup
of disappointment. There was NO presi-
dental material in Evarts. He would have
carried the State, and his nomination would
have been, in some measure, q rebuke to
the President. This would have gratifed
the opposition. But Morgan! He is known
as the "war Governor" OF New York. He
is an old line Wing. He reflects the con-
servative purpose of the great body of the
American people. To have this man made
the Republican Governor in 1885, portends
dire mischief for tho coalition" in 1881.
And is the poor, unhappy South to be
dragged at the heels of the Northern
Democracy for eight more long, weary
years, waiting, waiting, waiting for the
restoration" which is thus postponed and
deferred until the heavy heart is sicka


Here, again, warm personal friend of
the South is placed in power. Governor
Morgan is, like Governor Hayes. . true
friend of the white people of the South, as
he is of the emancipsted race. Against
the Confederates he has no i'll feeling
whatever. He is man of immenee
wealth, Of practical business ssgacity and
experience, and is therefore especially
qualified to lead in all those measures
needed to develop the material resources
of the South. What possible good can
come to us as people by rejecting the
friendship and aid of such men, in order to
follow the desperate fortunes of political
extremists!


1t is to be hoped that the weight of Gov
ernor Morgan's name will be felt not only
in the Louisiana contest, but in each South |
ern State. In voting for Hayes We practi-
cally vote also for Morgan as the coming
man." Let Conservatives at home who
want stability in the government with
peace think Of this. B.
Year: 1876




Tho Federal Army Guilty of Trespass.


Among the speakers at the Republican
meeting in Burlington, Vermont, last week,
was Governor Underwood, of that city. In
his speech he brought out fact of great
moment to the people Of this country, who
are asked by Governor Tilden to elect him
their President. Following is Governor
Underwood's language, as reported by the
Burlington Free Press:


Of this doctrine of Federal union of
sovereign States, Samuel j. Tilden is head
and front. 1t is the doctrine of his party,
and his own individual doctrine. l have
known him for twenty years. l have de-
bated this question with him personally,
and know that he holds the opinion that
the war was unconstitutional. heard him
declare, in conversation with myself, near
the close of the war, that every man of the
United States army that marched across
Southern soil was trespasser, and liable
to suit for damages in an action for tres
pass! asked him if he undertook to talk
such treason as that, and it it was his opin-
ion, as Q lawyer, that this government
could enlist men, put arms in their hands,
and send them to the protection of the gov
ernment against rebels, and then furnish
tribunals to try its own soldiers as tres
passera-and he said that it was. I was
indignant, and we had it pretty hot for
time. He told me knew nothing about
the common law; and if that is the common
law, do not want to know anything about
it.


The Free Press adds:


Mr.. Underwood is Q witness whose truth
fulness will not be questioned; and if the
accuracy of his testimony is called in ques-
ton, it can be corroborated by eye and ear
Witnesses,
Year: 1876

1t is feared that if the present
depression i'll the price OF silver
continues, large numbers of bur
glars willhavetogoout of business.
But, on the other hand, it may be
said that people are now making
wedding presents who were never
known to do such q thing before