smithclay/nortonstories huggingface dataset:
Year: 1876

The obstinacy and possibly the stupidity
fully illustrated in the Lower House of
Congress on Tuesday last. In order to
forestall the ignorance and cupdity of those
who hoard silver, and hold fractional cur
rency in view OF prospective premium on
both, thereby cornering" small change
to the detriment of trade, and the embar-
rassment of ordinary business transactions,
a bill was reported by MIR. Payne, of Ohio,
authorizing the Secretary of the Treasury,
under such limits as would best secure a
fair distribution of silver coin throughout
the country, to issue ten millions of dollars
in silver in exchange for an equal amount
of legal tender notes, and providing that
the legal tenders SO received and exchang-
ed should be reissued only on the retire
ment and destruction of like sum of
fractional currency received at the Treas
ury in payment of dues to the United
States. twas duly explained to the House
that the purpose of the bill was to relieve
the scarcity of small change, and that it
would in no wise increase or interfere with
the present volume of the currency. The
purpose and benefit of the measure seemed
satisfactory to every one, but at the very
moment in which the Speaker of the House
was about to announce that no one object
ed to the bill, up popped the inevitable
Blount, of Georgia, to interpose the fatal
objection. The great North American OBJ
iector Mr.. Holman, even, reasoned with
the unrelenting Georgian: but all to no
purpose. Mr.. Payne, too, labored with
Blount, but found fool for his palms. who


too dull really to comprehend the object of
the measure, defeated by his blind obsti-
macy, measure demanded by the pressing
necessities of the times. The original OBJ
lection stated by the sensitive Georgian
was, that "If silver is paid out in exchange
"for legal tenders, it will all be paid away
"before my constituents can have chance
"to obtain any 1t would be blessing
were all Congressman as careful of their
constituents for a better purpose.
Year: 1876

The course pursued by England in threat
three noted American Observation-Disclosures,
Gray and Brent,-marks a new era in the
history of extradition. These three noted
forgers, all fugitives from this country, the
first from Boston, the second from New
York, and the last from Louisville, were
held in custody under an international
treaty between our Government and Eng
land existing since lS42.


The demand for their surrender was
met by the English authorities, with the
exaction of the assurance from our Gov
ernment that they should be tried for no
other otfense than the specific one upon
which they were held, and which formed
the basis of the demand for their extradi-
ton. This assurance was asked upon the
authority of an act of Parliament, purely
local in its character, dating twenty eight
years subsequent to the negotiations Of the
existing treaty under which, through the
period named, both countries had mutually
demanded and exchanged fugitives from
justice. To the common mind, a solemn
treaty between sovereign nations seems of
the highest binding character, and unaf
fected either by an act of Congress, or of
Parliament. To assume that either coun
try can modify or abrogate an interna-
tional treaty, by an act of local legislation.
practically defeats the whole object of ex-
Al.


day between this country and England.
Yet the Inconsistency of the position taken
by England is more apparent when it is
remembered that the act of Parliament
under which this guarantee is exacted,
clearly specifies that whatever is inconsist-
ent with the provisions of ecisting treaties,
shall be excepted from the operation of the
act of 1870. This very provision seems
to indicate the expectation of the very con
tingency that has arisen upon the part of
the trainers Of the act. Under the treaty,
the surrender of criminals is unrestricted
by any condition. The act of Parliament
fixes condition. The Interpreters of the
English code construe the latter as of
higher binding force, and give precedence
to the provisions of an English statute
over the solemn obligations of an interna-
tional treaty.


When Winslow was brought into court
on Wednesday last, the law officers of the
Crown making decided objection and resist
ance to his discharge, the order to that
off fnntr IL
for ten days longer, to allow of hearing
further from the United States Govern
ment. This looks as though, upon sober
second thought, the English Government
may yet discover, before it is too late, the
fallacy of the position assumed by it, and
thus prevent the abrogation of the treaty
and the consequent ills that would follow,
the making of both countries safe harbor
and resort for criminals.
Year: 1876

The manner and method of conducting
scandals at Washington, by certain ire
sponsble and sensational newspaper cor
respondents of the "detectiye class. is
well illustrated in recent case. Such a
newspaper scandal monger was directed by
Congressman of the same kidney to
search the Law Reports of the State of
Iowa, with the assurance that he would
find therein case in which certain Mr..
Belknap, accused of the crime of seduction,
was convicted and fined $4,000 therefor.
The worthy man made the search, found
the case reported, and Immediately tele-
graphed to several newspapers the story,
accompanied with comments and structures
upon the character of General Grant and
the men he selected as his Cabinet officers.
The fact of the case was that the Belknap
alluded to i'll the report was not the late
Secretary of War, but another man by the
same name. The question of identity was
not important at all with the "detective ~
newspaper man. The name was his gaae
The fact that it was Belknap was sufficient
His object WIS accomplished.
Year: 1876

AN organization, called the Republican
Reform Club, has been formed in New Y York
City. The object of the club is the promo
tion Of higher standard of public morals
in politics. This organization is not, as
has been stated antagonistic to the Union
League Club, nor is it in the interest of
any "third party" movement. It's aim
will be to work within the lines of the
Republican organization, and bring to bear
upon the nominating convention, in an
organized form, the higher public opinion
of the country, and secure rominee who
is reformer AS we'll as a Republican. In
the words of the New York Times, zone
who has braius enough to know fraud when
he sees it, and courage enough to fight it
when he finds it,
Year: 1876

The Conference met at $50 o'clock in
the Eutaw Street Church, between Null
berry and Franklin streets, Bishop Haven
i'll the chair. The meeting was principally
devoted to the organization of the stand
ing committees by the election of chairmen
aud secretaries, each committee making its
own selection. The session was character
ize@ by somewhat lax observance OF the
rules OF order. and there was good deal
Of noise at times.
Year: 1876

It is understood that the articles,
Of impeachment will be preferred this
week against Belknap Members Of
the House Judiciary committee say
that Marsh's testimony is conclusive
of his guilt.
Year: 1876

A M0vE TO ABOLISH LENr.-Au
effort is making in the Reformed Epis-
copal Church to do away with tho
observance Of Lent as church fast on
the ground that the indulgence in
worldly pleasures before and after Lent
is increased BY way Of compensation
for enforced abstsntion daring tho sea-
son Of fasting. and upon ,.he further
ground that uniform moderation of life
is the church's great need, and thas
this may be better secured without
Lenten observsnces than with them.
Year: 1876

Western railroad Companies have
extended tho time Of round trip tick


cts to the Centennial to sixty days
instead Of thirty, as At first agreed
upon. 1t 10 4 very judicious change.
Year: 1876

There vcry fair audience in attendance at this
house last night aordng solid promise ofa profitable
winter season The wonderful acts OF Lurine the
Water Queen Afforded amusement and brought general
wonder and amazement TO the young folk. To the
Queen reading writing sleeping in the Illuminated
water tank was novel and exciting But there was
also certain happy combination OF acting. Goodwin
and Goil excellent whilst the negro and other
character delineations afforded health giving mirth,
which was mantaincd 10 the last Miss Blanche
sewyn quite distinguished herself in singing while
impersonaliou OF Cardinal Richelieu unique and
effective. Handling cannon balls, tho trapeze and
portions OF the programme wero duly appauded
Year: 1876

Captain Gilbert Chase, well known as a sea captain
in the West India trade aged seventy three died very
suddenly at his residence in Newport last evening.
During President Buchanan's administration he
Collector of Customs at that port He joined the
masonic fraternity immediately after its revival IN
Rhode Island, and was Of the most prominent
Masons IN that State, having held ali positions of
honor IN git OF the fraternity He was presdent
of tho Tiiden and HendricKs Reform Club the time
Of his DEATH and all throagh lie has been consistent
democrat.
Year: 1876

" 1t is strange that a popular majority of
over 100000 cannot give us President"
says Texas paper. as though it were
amiably Ignorant of the fact that the Presi-
dent must be chosen by electors, without
regard TO the popular vote. But in the
present instance, at any rate, the showing
of the popular vote has no value, for Til
den's vote is fraudulent in three or
more of the Northern States, and the Re-
publicans were disfranchised by violence in
not less thai five of the Southern.
Year: 1876

The Gazette conceives the great question
at issue in the South to be one referring to
"a few negroes in Returning Boards" In
the Florida Returning Board there are no
colored mon, at all. In Louisiana, two of
the four are oolored and two are white.
But whether dark of hue or light, what of
it2 They are the officers charged by the
law with the duty of counting and declar-
ing the result Of the election, and the color
is no part Of the question, whatever. They
are as potential within their own spheres
as any other similar board of officers, and
their decisions, according to law, when
reached, will necessarily be valid and con-
elusive
Year: 1876

The contest over the Congressional result
in the second St. Louis district is continued
in the courts of that city. The effort was
to cheat the Republican candidate out of
his election by altering the returns in the
Clerks office.
Year: 1876

At recent Sunday school reunion the
superintendent proposed that they form
line and march to the song "Hold the
Fort" Accordingly the line was formed
with Deacon B at the head. All went
beautifully until they came to the second
verse -


See the mighty host advancing,


Satan leading on,
when they were all 80 impressed with the
exceeding Appropriateness of the thing,
that singing, marching, decorum, and all
solemn feelings were knocked into pI, by a
general roar of laughter at the expense Of
poor Deacon b.
Year: 1876

WAR AND THE GRAIN MARKErS.-The
formal notice by Russia of her inten-
hon 10 move troops into Roumania,
amounts to a declaration oe war
against Turkey. The effect of this
announcement was instantaneous upon
the prices Of stocks in the great tinan
elal centres. Of course Russian and
Turkish securities were most seriously
affected. Gold advanced in New
York. The grain markets of New
York and London were not, so far as
reports have been received, notably
excited. War between Russia and
Turkey must influence the price OF
wheat and other produce, the extent
OF which will be Increased by the
propects OF other powers becoming in.
volved and the probable duration of
the struggle. Ii the contest should
be confined to Russia and Turkey. the
vast superiority of the former power
would warran: the expectation of a
speedy ending,
Year: 1876

VALUABLE DIscovEaY-The public
have been slow TO believe the report
that a discovery has been made by
which Illuminating gas of superior
quality can be manufactured tout OF
anything that will burn" Seeing is be
lieving, however and the reporter of
the Los Angeles Republican has wit
aessed such tests OF the invention as
10 convince him that it is 4 verify be-
yond contradiction. The new process
has been introduced into the United
States Hotel, of that city, the light Of
which, the Republican declars, has
i" q purity and intensity of color that
cannot be surpassed" The machinery
for generating this gas is located in
the yard OF the hotel, and the Repu6.
ticdp describes it in this wise


The gas is conducted straight to
the purifier and thence To the retort or
gasome'er without any of the elabor-
ate series of cOndenSerS usual in
ordinary coal gas works. Of course
a system Of condenSe7s would improve
the quality Of the gas, but it rs briIli-
ant without them. By throwing on
a few shOyes-full of manure, or refuse
from wiRe vats, the retort Is changed
-Four such charges furnish enough gas
TO light the whole United States
Hotel. and all The stores and offices
therein, for two nights.
Year: 1876

1t Is well known here and conflently be-
lieved that all these arrests are bling made
at the instance of Governor Chamberlain for
the purpose of iutimidaring the whites aud
colored democrats, and in the effort to cause
resistance and bloOdshed with the view 10 de-
clare martial law. The entire judiciary of
the State have refu'el the charges OF law
les,ness made in the Governor proclamation,
and he Is left without legal support. ii the
United States district attorney Is excepted.


DISCRETION OF TIE WHITE PEOPLE.


In the present excited condition Of popular
feeling the white people are bchavins with
remarkable coolness and discretion. If it
was not that the arrests are made under the
authority of the Uoited States Submission
would not be tolerated aud forbear4nce would
cease to be virtue.
Year: 1876

Judge r. King Cutler, who needs no IN
PRODUCTION to the people of this city from
~ or anybody else, has decided to an.
uounce himself % . candidate for judge OF
the Fourth District Court. He comes out
- an Independent, and relies upon his
friends of both political parties, of whom
no doubt he has host Judge Cutler is an
ald practitioner at the New Orleans bar,
and 10 thoroughly familiar with our juris-
prudence. It may be that he will find it
up.hill business to make headwsy against q
solid Democracy" but he is game to the
backbone, and win make good fight.
Year: 1876

the Investigation of the origin and rela.
tlons Of the races Of men, may judge that
such discoveries may contribute directly
and materially to whatever solution of the
problem is reached The tradition and
mythologies recovered with the languages
will be equally important in the study of
primcva times IN. Y. Times
Year: 1876

To understand the world is wiser thar
to condemn it. To study the world il
better than to shun it. To use the world
is nobler than to abuse it. To mako tn,
world better, lovelicr and happier is tho
nobest work of man or woman.
Year: 1876

Proctor's lectures ON astronomy are
revolutionizing the regulations of many a
Boston household Parents, in their ar.
dor for science, no longer expect the
lights to be put out and everybody abed
by ten O'Clock. A young man can call
and explain the planetary system to a
young lady now if it takes him till one
O'Clock in the morning to do it.-BrOOk.
Ign Argus.
Year: 1876

Temperance is not subject to be
played with. There is earnestness enough
on the other side. The rumsellers are
earnest and determined, the poor drunk
ard is terribly in earnest in his appetites
and in his remorse, the ruin of those de-
pendent on him is overwhelming, the
waste of resources is devastating, the
danger to the young is frigbtful +; and all
these to degree which demands the most
serious earnestness on the part of thooe
who would remedy this state of affairs.
Year: 1876

one, whs viii be bstter deserving trust,
than Blaine proved himselftc b..


There are plenty in the menagerie to
choose from, but it is doubtful if one can


be found, that the masses Of the party will
unite upon rs they had upon Blaine. He


had been before the country prominently


as leader in the Republican politics Of


his State fer years, and owing to the con-
spicuous part he took in political discuss
ions, and that extreme popularity with the
Republican members of the House, which
made him speaker, he gained National
reputation, which gave him an advertise
ment that rendered decided advantage
over all other candidates for nomination
at Cincinnati. There is not another among
them all that enjoys advantages approach
ing such as these. The next. best man ior
the party to unite upon is Bristow. 1t is
true that he has but recently occupied any
prominence in Republican politics. Be-
fore his appointment to cabinet position,


he was not known outside Of his own State,
and if he is chosen by the party at Cincin-
natl, he will bs the candidate Of circum-
stances. But precedent for this is found


in the case of Grant, whose nomination was
secured by his successes in the civil war,
and the desire Of the party, to which he
had attached himself, in its gratitude, to
give token of their appreciation for his
services in saving the Union. Bristow
has futtered before the country rs the chief
actor in successful war upon the whisky
frauds, and his selection would be no more
a matter Of sudden and emergent circum
stance, than the selection Of Grant, under
causes analogous to" those that Bristow
could be presented with.


In touching upon this matter, We do not
pretend to say, that such selection would
insure triumph to the Republican party,
in the presidential election, for we firmly
believe that the country has tired Of Re-
publican rule; that the next election will
witness a reversal Of that party's fortunes,
and the Democratic party declared by the
voice Of the people as the only one that can
honestly govern this nation, as has been
established by precedent, and earnestly |
recognized in the ealamitous distrssses and
endorsements official dishonesty in the
ranks Of the present power has heapsd up
on the nations honor and itspeoples. But
We state that if the Republican party wishes
to renew that confidence which it has lost
in Its own camp, among leadersby the un.
raveled clouds of suspicion which over.
hang Blaine, the most available man in
the whole list is Bristow.
Year: 1876

that they had rich relative living in New


York, worth millions Of dollas, until they


read with fearful eyes of his demise


throguh the newspapers.
None of them think it matter of prob


ability that they were related to him, but


are positive that there were consanguinsous
ties existing between them. Some Of them
came over from Ireland in the same boat
with him, ate hard tack and salt herring


in the steerage in the same mess with the


lately departed, but separated upon arri-


wing on the shores of America, and often


longed to know what had become of HIM
but could, hear no tidings until it came
through the press announcing his death.
One Of these letters says that Though poor
the writer is yet relative Of the late A.
T. Stewart, and that blood is thicker than
water, but whether it is thick enough to
CONCEAL an acknowledged relationship by
Mrs Stewart with the writer remains to be
seen. The number Of kinsmen that have
already announced themselves is estimated
at two thousand, and they are still coming


in. Ifthey keep on the accumulated sales
Of the paper which the announcements are
written on will net enough to
distribute penny to each, which
is about as much if not more
than any Of them will ever get. This GER
tainly presents case Of the disadvantages
of being wealthy. 1t is very prsplexing
situation to have an army Of creditors
about enss ears; but when it comes 10
thousands Of begging relations, then the
object at which these are directed must be-
gin to study the easiest mode Of commit.
ting suicide.
Year: 1876

After storm there is always 4 calm,
and that calm has now settled over Wash
ington and Republican politicians. The
session of the House during the reading Of
Mr.. Blaine's private correspondence, as he
il pleased TO term it, was one Of intense ex


citement, and far eclipsed that brought
about by the Amnesty debate. The House
has settled down to routine business, and
the politicians have engaged faithfully in
the work Of estimating what damage the
ex-speaker has brought to the party that
was once proud to acknowledge him, the
noblest exponent Of its priaciples The
leader whe built a shrine Of patriotism
surrouneed with fanatical ideas, and ap-
psared himself - the ornament upon its
TOP for sthers TO bow down and worship,
has lost his lus,re. The strong dogmas
which he dedicated to the Republican par.
ty as a new doctrine, that would profit
more than the worship oftbe old, have been
exploded, by his ewn faithlessness, and the
apostates have returned again TO the field
Of action to find more worthy teacher
than the one who fell in the very plenti-
tude of his power. There is patent cause
to believe that Mr.. Blaine himself, is not
insensible to the depth Of disadvantage he
has buried himself as candidate for nom
ination At Cincinnati. If not, he is guilty
of an assurance, unsurpassed even by his
disrespect in storming the House with
presumption and impotence.


There are currents in politics as we'll as
in bodies of water by which the tides are
to be judged. In the Republican stream
. counter current has set in. 1t bears the
political barks away from the course they
once took, and shuns Blaine as no longer a
beacon, but dangerous shoal upon which
they will be stranded. They resemble the
mariner who is surrounded by many lights,
without knowledge Of the safety Of any
Of them sufficient to steer toward Upon
Blaine they had placed the highest hopes
Of the party's ambition for the preservation
Of power, around him clustered the bright
sunshine Of statesmanship, patriotism, in
tesrity and winning political influence, but
in one grand sweep of the broom of inves-
tiration these beautiful attributes have been
cleared from him, and he is now help
less cripple in the complicated field Of pol
itics. He has fallen, and with the fall, the
bright hopes Of his party lie crushed and
bleeding. This i the pulse Of the Repub-
ljcap party, md hey are in ssAch Of some
Year: 1876

would, had 1t succeeded, have retard-


ed the improvement and checked the


development of the whole country,


dared tooppose the wave of fanaticism


set in motion by place hunters and
supported by political demagogues,
survive honest men from the discharge


of their duty. In truth the defeat
of that infamous bill was victory for
the people and blessing for the eoun-
try. It's passage was opposed by near
ly every untrammeled unsubsidized
newspaper Of respectability in the
State. 1t was opposed by the farmer,
the merchant, the laboring man, the
manufacturer and the masses general
ly. It's defeat was a victory for all


because its success would have work
ed serious injury to all. If it is con-
ceded that the peoples money materi-
ally assisted in building the railroads
of the State, surely they do not desire
to deprive themselves of every chance
for return from this money by the
passage of bill that will render these
roads worse than useless. The Patriot
holds that they do, and rails at the
Senate for omitting to carry out its
progra mme. We shall not deny that
the Patriot expresses its own and Mr..
ARCHER's sentiments but that it ever
indicates those of the people of Cali
fornia or of any considerable portion
thereof we do most emphatically
deny. If STANFORD has won victo-
ry he has won it for rhe whole State.