smithclay/nortonstories huggingface dataset:
Year: 1876

THE USE OF RUBBER as resisting force is
becoming quite common, several machines now
on the market depending wholly or in part up
on this material for their resistance-such as
the rubber band, the rubber tube, the rubber
cartilages in handles. Its use for this purpose
is great humbug. 1t has all the Objectionable
features of the spring in an exaggerated de-
gree AS resisting force it is worse than use
less, as it destroys the contrdctile force OF the
muscles"


The writer, greatly interested in the subject
of Physical Culture, at one time attempted to
introduce something for general and home use.
After much study and experiment he thought
he had made valuable discovery. He found
that with rubber be could do many things. He
invented 'The Complete Gymnasium for Home
USE" consisting of five pieces; the "Chest Ex-
pander,'' the Rowing Weight "The Chest
Weights" "The Lift Stretch and the Cliff
Machine" When about to give the world the
benefit of this wonderful invention, he made
discovery which led him to think that it would
have proved an egregious humbug, and he
therefore allowed it to sink into oblivion. 1t
will therefore be seen that he originated the
idea of using rubber in this way. He found
that in such an elastic body there was an en-
tire absence of that real and definite res istance
required to produce the marvellous effect upon
the circulation which makes the Health Lift
so valuable as therapeutic agent, and justly
entities it to its great claims There have been
several attempts made by others to resuscitate
one or the other of these Inventions but in
vain. They have failed utterly and at once.
The public have only to try such a resistance a
few times to see that it is valueless The at
tempts at using rubber in this way would do
no harm except that the same results are
claimed for it as for the Health-Lift, thus
bringing an article of great merit into disre-
pute. In all the contrivances of this kind,
where rubber is the sole or chief resisting
force, the machines are mere toys. None of
them will bear investigation. In no instance
have they borne favorable comp parson with the
Reactionary. In every instance, so far as we
know, where the prospective patron has seen
and tried both, he has willingly paid the
greater cost for the Reactonary Litter.


f. G. WEIGH, M. ID.
Year: 1876

OUR CENTENNIAL CELEBRATloN.-At the
last meeting of the committee appointed by the
City Council to enquire into the expedency of
celebrating the coming Fourth of July it was
decided to report in favor of celebration, and
to recommend the appropriation of $4,000 for
that purpose. 1t is understood now that the
May or, who was not present at the meeting, is
opposed to the appropriation of more than
Sc, 900 for the celebration. Several other mem
bers of the committee think the latter sum is
sufficient, and another meeting of the committee
will be called before the final report is made 70
the City Council. The programme arranged is a
very elaborate one, and would no doubt bring a
large number of people into the city. The
programme as talked of would consist of fam
TASTES in the morning, regatta in the harbor
later, and at ten o'clock grand procession


comprising all.the military and fire companies
in the state, the different lodges of Masons,


Odd Fellows, Knights of Pythias, Grand
Army, Good Templars, and the different trades
of the city. In the afternoon there would be
either a trial of hand esgines or balloon
ascension with eyo)utions on the trapeze in
mid-air, and walking on wire stretched from
the ground to some lofty point. In the evening
grand display of fireworks-as much different
from the display year ago as possible. The
City Building would be illuminated with gas
jets of appropriate designs. This programme


if carried out, would fill up the whole day and
make the celebration worthy of the centennial
year. It would be very difficult, however, to
get many military companies here, as there


will be celebrations in nearly every city and
town in the state this year. Lewiston has al
ready appropriated $4,000, and Bangor and
Augusta are moving in the matter.
Year: 1876

MARROW EsCAPE-Yesterday morning Mr..
Robert Hanson of this city had narrow es-
cape from being killed at Vassalboro He at
tempted to get on the rear of the train after it
had started and was thrown with great force
against the railing, striking on his head. His
head was badly bruised, his right arm sprained
and his left arm bruised. But for the aid of a
gentleman on the platform he would have fall
en- beneath the wheels of the car. He came to
this city on the train, but was suffering Sc
verely from his injuries. He went from home
the day before and remained at Vassalboro
over night. When he went to the depot yes
terday morning he was told that the train stop
ped fifteen minutes, SO he made no attempt te
get aboard until the train was leaving the
depot at a coed rate of speed.
Year: 1876

A WRECK AT YoRK.-Oapt. johnson OF the
Lght-house steamer Iris arrived here yester-
Gay from cruise and reported wreck at
York. he left Old York yesterday morning,
where he heard that some time Wednesday the
wreck of vessel was washed ashore some
three miles southwest from that piece, It was
spruce bottom and hard wood top, indicating
an eastern built vessel. There was nothing to
the wreck to identify it.
Year: 1876

REFORM CLUB.-The Club will hold a meet
Ing at the Bethel to morrow forenoon at lOa
CLOCK. These meetings are verv interesting,
ana all who have the cause at heart should at
'end. In the evening the Club will hold
meeting at Preble Chanel.
Year: 1876

ALMOST A RUNAwAY.-About o'clock last
evening a pair of horses attached to hack
standing in thesPreble House stable started to
run when the driver rushed from the Office and
catching one of them by the bride stopped
them before going far. The hack struck the
gate in front of the stable, smashing it and
breaking the pole of the hack.
Year: 1876

1t is not generally known that there
exists in Fresno county rival of the


Yosemite valley. The new valley is on
Kings river, is forty-fve miles long
from east to west, and has an average
width at the bottom of about half
mile. The Fresno Republican says:
1t lies FIVE thousand feet above the sea,
and its walls, which are about three
thousand feet high, are very precipitous.
In this valley, new grove of colossal
redwood trees have been discovered.
One of them eclipses all that have been
discovered on the Pacific coast. Its
circumference, as high as man can
reach and pass tape line around, is a
few inches less than hundred and fifty
feet. This is beyond the measurement
of any tree in the Calaveras grove.
The hight is estimated at hundred
and sixty feet; and part of the top
lying on the ground is over hundred
feet in length. |h
Year: 1876

A writer says: Never take "Come
and see me" as phrase meant in earn
nest unless it be accompanied with a
date. Such ali invitation amounts to
nothing at all. If lady or gentle.
man desires your company, he or she
will appoint a time for your visit. "Call
on me when you find it convenient" ;"
A" Drop in as you are passing" -" Make
us visit whenever you have an hour
or two to spare, ".are social antiquities
by which men and women of the world
understand that they are not expected
to do the thing requested. When
people wish to be cheaply polite there
is nothing like this kind of vagueness.
The complimentary, small change of
society must always be taken at a large
discount. It is never worth its face or
anything like it. Yet is convenient
medium Of exchange, and heavy debts
of gratitude that ought to be requited
in better coin are often paid with it.
People who have more polish than prin-
cipal use it lavishly-plain, blunt, hon.
est men, sparingly or not at all. Who
ever makes friendly visit to fashion
able house on the strength of o mere
"Come and see me-" will very often
find that the family circle he has
dropped into by request is as ungepial
as the Arctic circle, and he will proba-
bly, leave it with chilly feeling that
will prevent him from venturipg into
the same latitude again. But when a
whole-souled man, whom you know to
be your friend, grasps you vigorously
by the hand and says, "Come and dine
with me to-day-dinner on the table at
5 o'clock-be sure and come, we shall
expect you," you can take it as certain
that your presence is warmly desired.
It is pleasant always to make or receive
q visit from friend, but nod on the
street is all that is sufficient from fash
enable acquaintance.
Year: 1876

HENRY WILsoN's SPIRIT WARN1xG..--
About three weeks previous to the
death of the Vice President he visited
the residence of Mrs. Mary M. Hardy,
and held communication with his wife
Harriet and son Hamilton. They then
informed him that he would soon be
sick, and warned him to be extremely
cautious in regard to mental labor, or
he would speedily come to their side Of
life. Although believer in spiritual
ism, the information he received was so
startling that he doubted its correct
ness, and after the seance had ended,
and he had taken up bis hat to leave
the house, he turned to Mrs. Hardy
with this inquiry: "Has your expe-
rience as medium led you to place i'm
plicit confidence in the reliability of
spirit communion of q prophetic nature.
Mrs. Hardy replied that such had been
her experience on several occasions
but that spirits of high order seldom
made predictions concerning the fu-
ture; that when q spirit did so positive
ly, and she was satisfied as to the reli.
ability of the spirit. she should have no
hesitation in believing. Should such
a spirit say"said, Mr.. Wilson " that you
would soon be very sick, perhaps die,
would you believe it r. CT should not
hesitate to say SO" was her answer
Express.
Year: 1876

A friend with practical turn of
mind suggests way to pay off the na-
tional debt. His proposition is that
the Government for consideration,
grant titles to the rich snobs and shod-
dyites who swarm through the country.
He thinks that the best Office in the
world would be United States Commits
sioner to sell titles for coin. In case
the suggestion is accepted he intends
to apply for the place, and will do the
work for the smallest PERCENTAGE on
sales known in modern times. Even
at an infnitesimal commission he thinks
he would soon be the richest man on
either continent. The Government
would get back for nothing the greater
part of the immense sums which have
been abstracted from the Treasury.
Already the snobcrats are apeing nobil


ity with out-riders and coats of arms
emblazoned on their carriages and plate.
They are as ready to bite at title as a
trout in June to take feather and
tinsel fly. In Mississippi, at the late
election. Ames had his tickets mounted
with blazing coat Of arms, shield,
chevron feur de lis, omitting only of all
the decorations Of heraldry, that which
would have been the most appropriate,
the bar sinister. The suggestion is an
excellent one to provide means for pay
iny the national debt. The Grand Mo-
gul of Long Branch, would do well for
a start, the Right Honorable the Right
Bower the Marquis of Seneca Sand,
Stone; Lord Shoddy Blankets; the
Prince Of the Whisky Ring, etc. They
sound delightful and would beas great
full to the money lords as mamma to the
children Of Israel in the wilderness, or
O clean shirt to miner of '49. .,
Year: 1876

If tho stormy winds should rustic


While you tread the worlds highway,
Still against them bravely tussel,


Hope and labor day by day;
Falter not, no matter whether


There is sunshine, storm, or calm
And in every kind of weather


Hold your head up like man,
II a brother should deceive you


And should act traitors part.
Never let his treason grieve you,


Jog along with lightsome heart.
Fortune seldom follows fawning,


Boldness Is the better plan,
Hoping for better dawning


Hold your head up like man.
Earth, though ere so rich and mellow,
Yields not for the worthless drone
But the bold and honest fellow,
He can shift and stand alone:
Spurn tho knave of every nation,


Always do tho best you can,
And no matter what your station


Hold your head up like man.
Year: 1876

s- A few days ago an elegantly
dressed lady got into car, and, al
though the day was cool, she could not
wear her gloves. on account of her
many diamond rings. A balky horse
having twice stopped the car, the lady
went to the door, and, looking at the
team for few moments, said to the
driver: {" That ere off horse amt used
to be drove on that ERE side." And
that was just the trouble, in spite Of
the diamonds. X,
Year: 1876

How TO BEcomE pY.-Once there
was powerful and wealthy king, full
of care and very unhappy. He heard
of man famed for his wisdom and
piety, and after diligent search found
him in cave on the border of a will
derness. "Holy man." said the king,
I come to-learn how I may be happy"
Without making reply, the wise man
led the king over rough pathway, till
he brought him in front of high rock,
on top Of which an eagle had built her
nest. "Why has the eagle built her
nest yonder?''a he asked. the king.
Doubtless" answered the monarch,
" that it might be out of danger.
+" Then initiate the bird, said the wise
man. Build thy home in heaven,
and thou shalt have peace and happi-
ness"
Year: 1876

SUNsHINE.-Did you over notice what
a different aspect everything wears in
the sunshine from what it does in the
shadow? And did you ever think
what an analogy there was between
the sunlight of the cloudless skies and
the sunshine that CLEANS into the dark
ened chambers of the human soul
How bright and beautiful are the golden
beams that break through the riven
clouds to light up the world again af-
ter succession of dark and stormy
days! How peaceful and happy are
tho blessed words of hope and cheer
that touch the heart and FIJI the soul
with emotions of peace and joy after a
long period of sorrow! There are
none living who do not, in greater or
less degree, have an influence over the
earthly happiness of others. The sense
of contributing to the pleasure of others
augments our own happiness. Unset
fishness, Christian charity and loving
kindness are sunbeams of the soul.
Year: 1876

ADoRNMENr OF HoME.-Money which
goes to buy picture, statuette, or
tasteful bracket for home adornment is
wisely spent. If young people, just
commencing life, after they have Sc
cured the few pieces of furniture that
must he had, and made sure that they
are what they ought to be, have some
money left to get picture, an engrav-
ing, or cast, they ought to work to
supply this want as seriously as the


other, which seems more necessary,
but in reality is not bit more neces-
sary. The general character of home
will make great difference to the
children who grow up in it, and to all
whose experience is associated with it,
whether it be beautiful and cheerful
one, or only a homely and bare one, or
a merely formal and conventional one.
The relation of these things to educa-
ton is all that gives dignity or poetry
to the subject, or makes it allowable
for reasonable man to give much


thought to it. But it has real rela-
ton to life and plays an important part
in education, and deserves to be thought
about great deal more than it is.
Seeming triaes like this make life eth
or happy or miserable. t.
Year: 1876

ten. Grant continues to make threats
not only as to what he will do with the
army, but talks about ordering out the
militia of the States to invade other
states. Is it possible the American Con-
Sress has no power? 1t was always sup
posed the people held more power through
their Representatives in the House than
the Lower House of Parliament; but we
are sure no man would dare to make such
threats in England.


We are glad to see that the House has
made inquiry as to where the recruits
are? 1t is better that they be dismissed
than that they should be used to kill the
people who are only seeking to install
The legally elected President. Return
lns Boards cannot make Presidents for a
free Republic. Nor do we believe the
army will obey besotted President
whose term may expire the very minute
ne gives the order to fire on the people.
and thereby it may be he hopes to be
made anecessity torquelling riot Ills con.
luct creates.


II the House has power let it exert il
before it is too late.
Year: 1876

President Grant is the first and only
man to recommend that the negroes be
deprived of the privilege of voting. This
he does in his annual message, by pro-
posing that education be the basis OF
suffrage. He hopes by this movement to
disfranchise like number of our foreign
voters. But in this he will find he has
made a mistake. A great mass Of the
foreigners know how to read and write,
and the very fact that the larger part OF
them vote against the Radicals is proof
OF their intelligence.


But now would Grants new plan ope.
rate in the South where there are SO
many negro election officers. If Ger
man comes up to vote and writes SEN
tence in German, perhaps negro inter-
prefer may be found; but what will be
done with the Mexican, the Spaniard,
the Frenchman, the Hebrew, the Swiss,
the Swede, the Dane, the Italian. Persons
of all these nationalities have been
naturalized and would maintain their
right to vote; to say nothing of the
heathen Chinese.
Year: 1876

The talk of the editor of the CONNER
al about war and Northern Democrat
whom he terms "these fellows becom-
ing food for POWDER reminds us very
much Of a story that is told of young
fellow who put on spectacles to avoid the
draft, while he cried out for others to Qc
forward to do the fighting.
Year: 1876

- In March last Mrs Margaret Mckenzie, OF No. $40
Fourth avenue sent her daughter Sadie aged fourteen
years, to grocery store to purchase eggs and
butter Sadie did mol return. After months Of search
her mother learned Saturday that her daughter
living uptown with old She reported the
case to Superintendent waing, who detailed Detective
Won Gerichtcn TO work 1t up. The detective went up
Yorkvilc and ascerained that Sadie was living with
Mrs Agnes Murphy at No. LOTT Third avenue. He
called at tho house and arrested Mrs Murphy and
Sadie. In the Washington Place Police Court ycster-
day the girl t9ld Judge Kilbreth very
ttu story. She said that when she
lived at homo her mother ill-trcaled her She ALSO
said her mother often became drunk. and then would
fearfully abuse her /. Her mother living with
who not her father, and she became tired Of
home In March last she sent to the grocery


TO bug eggs and her mother said that if sho did
not return in ten minutes she would whip her. The
girl had to wait half hour at the grocery store before
she could be served and suddenly she thought of
ming away from home She knew Mrs. Murphy, and
went TO her house. where sho had since been clothed
fed for the litto service she rendered She did not
desire return TO her mother she preferred 10 live
with Mrs. Murphy. Justice Kilbrcth decided to give
the girl to her mother, and then discharged Mrs.
Year: 1876

Sudgo westbrook rendered his decision Yesterday IN
the Sunrcme Court Circuit on the motion to summon
talcsmcn 10 ll the vacancies in the Iweed jury
The question at issue being somewhat novel the de-
eision was awaited with considerable interest The
Judge holds substantially that this statute provides for
taesmen whenever they necessary TO complete the
iurv In this caso under the present circumstances
II is cminently proper. The courts in England have
In spte OF the language OF the statute ordered tales.
men In any event, own statutes have provided
for tho summoning Of tacsmen whenever Jury can
not be secured without them The Sheriff although
not party tho record, Is party interested In the
result OF tho suit and in that sense is party The
Sheriff Is not under the circumstances, proper
person TO summon the jury. The Court VIII provide
FOR this difficulty by substituting another to summon
the jury


A formal order then signed by Judge Westbrook
that sufficient number of jurors not having beon OBJ
tanned for trial of the and 1t appearing from tho
affidavit OF Wheeler ii. Peckham that the Sheriff OF
New York Is interested in the Of the defendant
In this action and in that is an Interested party
the Court orders the Coroner OF the county forthwith
60 summon from the body of the county twenty-cur
persons liable 10 jurors, from whom the re-
quired number shall be selected.


After issuing the foregoing order the Court TOOK re-
cess until this morning.
Year: 1876

captain will be forwarded through the captain Of the
precinct where suen applicant does duty, officer
charge OF the squad II detailed duty, who will in
dorsc his opinion thereon, stating whether such pro-
posed transfer desirable not and the reasons there
for and forward without delay tho to tho Board
Of Police, through the inspee tor In charge OF tho
District and superintendent, each Of whom will in
dose their approval or disapproval OF the application
and in OF disapproval will state the reasons there
for Nothing in this order shall prevent any member
OF the police forco rom applying by letter OF in person
TO any Of the Police Commissioners in cases OF ener
gencies where the public good would justify H. In
cases where any subordnates have complaints TO make
against superior officers for any the same may be
made directly by letter personally to any of the
Police Commissioners and they will receive attention


Cases in which citizens are complanants viii be set
down for two o'clock Z. NJ Til hursday Of each week.
All complaints by citizens Will be referred to the
chief clerk deputy clerk for his examnton and re-
port thereon before being heard by the Board
Year: 1876

John Ryder obtained divorce form his wife short
time since in this city By direction Of the Court the
custody oftwo children given TO the husband but
Mrs. Ryder refused TO gixe up the youngest inter
estlng little girl habeas corpus issued directing
her 10 deliver up tho child She failed to obey the
order OF the Court and was yesterday arrested by
Deputy sheriff Bullard and brought to the sherid's
office She there gave Information as TO whore the
child could be found when II sent for and handed
10 the caro- of Mr. Ryder The moi hers grief
being soparatedffom her daughtor was heartrending
Year: 1876

Michael McKenna, aged forty seven, porter in
store at No 234 Water street. taken with fits yes
crday morning and died before the ambulance arrived
Coroner Eickhon was notified


Yesterday morning Officer Rcgan brought to the Sew
enth precinct station house the body OF female infant
apparently about week old, found the basement of
No. 255 Division street The body was sent to the