smithclay/nortonstories huggingface dataset:
Year: 1873

of So per dozen quarts. They have
asked to be relieved from that ruling up
to the date of the issue of the order.
The commissioner has directed the soli-
citor to prepare an order complying
with the request which it is his inten-
ton to issue Immediately.


The House committee on foreign
affairs are considering the bill of the
American, Japan and China Telegraph
company, which has been heard before
them. All the company ask is the use
of two vessels of war, to make sound
ings, ETC., of the proposed routes, one
being by way of the Sandwich Islands,
and the ether via the Aleutian Islands
1t is probable the latter will be selected.
All the committee, except Mr.. Wood,
are favorable. The latter desires to
have general bill passed. The Secre-
tary of Navy makes some objection, on
the ground of the paucity of vessels, but
his objections are not very strong.


The Postmaster General has issued
advertisements for bids for the new pen
ny postal cards. 1t is the intention of
the department to have the cards ready
for use by the first of May. 1t will be
Impossible to make necessary arrange
ments sooner. The Postmaster General
has already received orders for the new
cards in such numbers as to lead him to
believe that a hundred million of them
will be used the first year. Meanwhile
the House has assigned Tuesday of next
week for the consideration of the bill
reducing letter postage to two cents.
The feeling in favor of this bill is very
strong, especially since the abolition of
franking. Cheap postage, therefore, has
become merely question of time.


1t will be remembered that during
the Johnson administration the Internal
Revenue Bureau compelled all the dis
tilleIies of the country TO purchase the
Tice meter to register the production of
their stills. 1t soon proved worthless,
and was abandoned, and was generally
regarded as a job. The distillers APP
piled to Congress to have the money re-
funded. This question, after cOnsidera-
BILE deliberation, has been decided ad-
yersely by the ways and means COM
mittee, on the ground, first, that the
money was never paid into the treasury,
but into the pockets of the owners of
the meter; and, second, that the distil-
lers lost nothing, as they added the cost
of the meter to their sales of the spirits.


"A number of New York importers
have petitioned Congress to reduce the
duty on silk thread laces made by hand,
from so to 30 per cent. They set forth
that these laces are not made in this
country at all, but that at the present
rate of duty the profit from smuggling
is so great as to threaten the ruin of the
legitimate business. The laces are
bought in England and on the Continent
by the smugglers, at prices higher than
those at which the importers purchase,
are taken to Canada, and then brought
across the border. They are sold in New
York at prices much less than the i'm
porters can afford to sell them, being
advertised as ''laces belonging to lady
about to visit Europe
Year: 1873

Editor Rutland Herald We notice
in the last weeks HERALD a list of text
books recommended by the Board of
Education for use in the schools of this
State, by which it appears that Green
leafs arithmetics have been set aside to
make room for the series of which DR..
French, the imported secretary, is the
author. We have never examined
French's arithmetics, but from a review
of them by teacher in THE HERALD of
Saturday, it is evident that they contain
many gross errors, and are almost any,
thing but an improvement upon those
now in use Greenleaf's arithmetics we
have thoroughly tested in the school
room, and we are of opinion that any
series of arithmetics must possess extra
ordinary merits to make it necessary to
put the people of this State to the ex-
pense of making change at this time.


If the Board of Education would de-
wise some plan by which our schools
should be supplied with better teachers,
it would deserve and receive the graft
tude of the people.


There is no doubt that live and skill
full teachers will find in Greenleafs ar
ithmetics all the assistance they need, to
give their pupils thorough knowledge
of this department of education. And
we hardly think the people of the State
will appreciate the eXpediency of this
change recommended by the Board, es-
pecialIy when they take into considera-
ton all the influences which may have
been brought to bear upon the subject.


The secretary ought to have been
satisfied with his present salary and to
have devoted himself to his legitimate
business. He receives for his ser
vices as secretary of the Board twelve
hundred dollars annually, with his trav-
cling and hotel expenses paid. At the
same time holds the office and performs
the duties of superintendent of the
schools in the city of Burlington on a
salary of one thousand dollars. Not
content with such an income, he came
before the Legislature at its last session,
and asked for an addition of four hun
dred dollars to his salary. But that
body thought that he was already re-
ceiving an adequate compensation for
services rendered and refused his re-
quest. II seems, however, that he is in
a fair way to obtain as profit on the sale
of his books Gf he can persuade the peo-
Pile of the State to buy them) a sum
which ought to satisfy his grasping sell
fishness Should he succeed in intro
ducing his books into all the schools of
the State, it will probably cost each
pupil an average not less than fifty
cents. This will make the total cost for
seyenty-five thousand children, thirty
seven thousand five hundred dollars.
Thirty-three per cent. on this sum will
yield the secretary (if such be his per-
centage) the nice little SUM of twelve
thousand three hundred and seventy-five
dollars and all this for putting into the
schools a series of arithmetics, the merits
of which, according to good competent
judges, compare unfayorably with books
of the same class now in use We hope
that teachers and parents will discoun-
tenance this contemplated change.


Pittsford, Feb. 5. CIvIs.
Year: 1873

Editor Rutland Herald For thirty
five years l have been a reader of the
HERALD, and always intend to read its
local correspondence. During this time
| have never read a letter that appeared
to strike so near the foundation of our
want of prosperity as a State, as
did the article in your issue of Feb. 5th,
entitled "Shall our Young Men Go
West? How to Keep them at Home p


1t is a great question, and one that
should occupy the attention of both old
and young. Our soil is good why not
cultivate it? The western farmer, with
1000 bushels of corn on hand that will
not pay transportation to the east and
market, will put eight pounds of corn
into one pound of pork for market, thus
saving seven eighths of the freight. Why
cannot Vermont send the products of her
soil to market in the shape of cloth,
boots and shoes, &C., and give that en-
couragement to our young men which
they should receive? And while two of
a farmers sons will remain on the farm
to till it, two more will go at some use
full manufacturing business and consume
the products of the soil. Let us, as Yer
monters, look to this thing and see if the
waters of Otter Creek and the Winooski
cannot be made to turn the spindles as
well as the Androscoggin and the Merri-
mac Let there be some limit to the ra-
pacious desire of our capitalists to be
richer let them combine TO assist the
Young men to stay at home, and before
another decade Rutland, Burlington and
Montpelier viii be as Lowell, Manches-
ter and Lawrence now are. And when
the father comes to be laid on his bed
for the last time, then he may have the
son of his youth to close his eyes. Let
our young men be honest tillers OF the
soil and manufacturers, and Vermont
will soon be garden of Eden. s.
Year: 1873

he thought. The doctor was devout
man and member of the Congregation
al church. His prayers were memorable.
They were most child-like and confiden-
tial, and they were uttered with GER
tain quaintness of style which was ex-
tremely enjoyable. Once to have heard
him was to have something to remember
for lifetime. DoN.
Year: 1873

composed mostly of persons Of little
prominence in the community. The
fact cannot be disputed that the verdict
was exactly contrary in spirit to the
tenor of the testimony given, and tbs
result is a great victory for the gamblers
and rowdies, who did not conceal their
joy when the verdict was announced.
Year: 1873

tempted into stock or other questionable
speculations. Let there be no necessity
for such ventures either to exc out a
respectable living or for the purpose OF
placing themselves in as sound a pecuni-
ary condition at the end as at the CON-
mencement of their term. These spec
ulations, however proper and harmless
they may be in and of themselves, have
an unpleasant flavor in the public nos
trils, and cannot, as has been demon
strated, be entered into without sBpici-
on and reproach. We demand ald ex-
pect of our officers that they shall be
above suspicion. Whatever my be the
present result of their talk ahut the in
crease of salaries, it must Ultimately be
decided upon these CONSIDERATIONS. For
what compensation can Che services of
the ablest and purest citizens be procur-
ed for the public good? This is the
whole question, and upon this ground
alone will the people consent that it be
settled.
Year: 1873

SIMMONS FOmED.-Simmons, who, u1-
til the verdict of the coroner's jury IN
New York was rendered, was supposed
by some to be the murderer of Duryea,
did not get off on bail, after all, The
very inexplicable, unprecedented and
gratifying action of the New 1orG Dis
trict Attorney, in SO promptly procuring
an Indictment from the grand jury, is a
hopeful symptom of vigilance and care
in New York judicial proceedings If
the coroner's jury were men of suchex-
traordinary perceptions as to find Sp-
mons nearly guiltless of murder afters
physician had found fourteen stab
wounds upon his supposed victim, the
public will now have a chance to sec
whether any incorruptible jury can hear
the testimony and render similar re-
markable verdict. Simmons is reported
to have millions of friends, friends
which are current in society at one dollar
each, but it is hoped that his Jealous as
s0ciates will not be permitted to inter
fere in doing justice to this alleged mur
derer.
Year: 1873

CAYENNE pepper. mustard or ginger can
with great benefit be added to the food of
fowls, to increase their vigor and to stimulate
egg productions. This apparently artificial
diet will. he seen to be natural If we remem-
ber that wild birds Of the gallinaceous spe-
berries and buds, articles that give the .ssame
flavor" to their flesh. The ordinary food of
the domestic fowl is not, indeed, entirely
without some such addition, since there Is
more or less OF an aromatic principle in
wheat, Indian corn, and all other grains.
Nevertheless, it is, not sufficient in quanti-
ty to supply the place of stronger spices, a
taste Tor which is part of toe fowls Inherit
,di constitution. A moderate quantity Of
cayenne, etc., added to the ground grain is
always productive of heath and Thrift in
Year: 1873




THE English papers are giving very fatter-
ing accounts of q new method of construct
ing buildings for all purposes, by the use of
wire and concrete. A frame work is made
of wood or iron supports, along which wires
are stretched, to which concrete is applied
By this arrangement not only are the walls
and floors OF the building made, but the
doors. stairs, bannisters, partitions and shelv-
ing are formed of the same material For
doors, window and door casing, as well as
for thin partitions, some fibrous materials
are worked into the concrete in order to pro-
duce strong cohesion and prevent cracking.
Buildings made in this manner are absolutely
fireproof, and are remarkably cheap. A
house made in this way was subjected to a
very great heat from fires made on the out
side, and the building not only escaped injury
of any kind, but persons remained in the
upper story all the while. Even the furn-
iture in the room was uninjured. Several
large blocks and numerous farm buildings
are being constructed Of wire and concrete in
the north of England. Houses constructed
in this way require no lathing, and the 1ues
for carrying off the smoke and foul sir are
formed in the walls. By using cement OF
different colors buildings may be made high
" ornamental. It is quite likely that build
ir1gs Of this kind will soon be erected IN this
country. Itwould seem that this invention
would solve the question OF how stock shall
be sheltered.
Year: 1873

The New York Sun of July II says: The
Hon. 8. l.. M. Barlow owns pair of
thoroughbred Scotch deer hounds, male and
female. Their sinewy limbs, deep chests,
slim muzzles, intelligent faces and kindly
dispositions make them ornamental additions
10 gentleman's country seat, and assert
their claim to lineal descent from the stag
hound that lives in poetry as the companion
of Sir Walter Scott. Being dogs of good
leave their masters residence, and treat less
favored Quadrupeds with lofty contempt
About a week ago the male, who wags his
tail to the name of Walter, followed the
farm cart to a neighbor house. A very
large and ferocious mastif possessed prior
dog privileges there Instead of receiving
his visitor with becoming hospitality, he
assaulted him savagely, and in few minutes
injured him so badly that he was carried
home in the cart The mastiff' teeth had in
ticted bad wound in Walters chest, almost
perforating it from side to side. He refused
to submit to human surgery, but tried
remedy taught him by instinct. In the moist
earth on the border OF fish pond he dug
hole that just fitted his breast. He chose
shady place for his hospital, and never left
it except for his meals until he was cured
During the tedious hours of convalescence
his mate was constantly with him. After
five days he considered himself we'll. Then
the pair went from the house, and going
straig ght to. where the mastiff lived, without
warning or giving him any other living show,
they set upon him. The fight was short,
sharp, and decisive. Before their victims
owner could render assistance they had torn
the mastiff limb from limb After seeing
that their work had been we'll done, they
turned and logged home
Year: 1873

It was said of Thoreau, we believe that he
could take up any given number Of lead pen
ellis without counting them. A celebrated
trapper once assured us that he could tell
how many balls he had in his bullet pouch by
placing his hand upon it, and without stop
ping to count them, and added: II can tell
instantly, without stopping, as you pronounce
word without spelling it," Southey was
accustomed to take in the substance of book
in turning the leaves over continuously, glanc-
ing down the pages. Houdan, the magician,
trained himself to quickness of perception,
when boy, by running past show window
at full speed and then trying to tell what was
in it. We once met man on a canal boat
who was amusing himself by going from pas
senger to passenger and telling almost every
one where he had seen him before, on such
q train, in such hotel, in such street, Civ
ing date and place to people with whom he
had never exchanged word. This training of
the faculties in particular directions is carried
to marvellous extreme by backwoOdsmen,
trappers. and men who guess the weight of
animals. Perhaps the most remarkable in
stances are the markers who leap from log to
log at the mouth of a boom, standing on the
floating log and translating instantly an old
mark into new one, remembering what
equivalent to i've for each of a hundred marks,
and chopping it upon the log in the time that
it floats its length. 1t is said that Thoreau
knew the relative order Of Towering of all
the plants in the Concord woods, and knew
the note of every bird, and a thOusand-out-of-
the-way things besides.
Year: 1873

A SEA faring man, who war recently mar
ried, gives the following description of the
bride and her apparel, which we think will
put some of the society papers on the
blush:


My wife is just as handsome craft as
ever left the milinary dry docks, is clipper
built, and with figure head not often seen
on small craft. Her length of keel is five
feet eight inches, over all five feet eleven
inches, displacing twenty seven cubic feet of
air; of light draught, which. adds to her
speed in u ball room; full in the waist; spars
trim. AT the time we were spliced she was
newly rugged, fore and aft, with standing
rigging of lace and flowers. mainsail part silk,
with forestaysails of Valenciennes. Her
frame was of the best steel, covered with
SILK, with whalebone stanchions. The rig
glng is intended for fair weather cruising.
she has also set of storm sails for rough
weather, and is rigging out small set of
canvas for light squalls, which are liable to
occur in this latitude sooner or later. l am
toid, IN running down the street before the
WIND, she answers the helm beautifully, and
can turn around in her own length if a
hahdsomcr craft passes her.
Year: 1873

The word s'Quiz, :" to make fun. Of, OF poke
fun at person, was the coinage of theatri-
cal manager in Dublin, who, ut drinking
party with his friends, when the converse
ton turned upon the subject of words, offer
ed to bet the wine that he could then and
there coin word which would be in the
mouths of all Dublin next day. The bet be-
ing taken the party dispersed, the manager
called up his call-boys and runners, gave
them pieces of chalk and ordered them to
run all over the city, chalking the word
"quiz on every door, shutter and fence they
come to. This was done, and as matter of
course the new word was in everybodys
mouth the next day. .
Year: 1873

Parents, whose prudent care for their child


rem we would not diminish, may intermit


much of the solicitude with which they are


apt unnecessarily to worry themselves The
gratutious anxiety often, moreover, defeats


its own object. 1t renders the child, by con-


stantly reminding it of the risks to safety,


unnaturally timid, and prevents their calmness


OF mind and development of animal courage


essential for the prudent avoidance of and


bold resistance to danger. The overwatched


children are VIGOROUSLY those who are the


most constantly exposing their health and


lives to hazard. They are so accustomed to


move at the will of another that their own


volltlon looses its power to great extent,


anu becomes hesltating and uncertain. Their
muscles, accordingly, act with little precision


and render the step faltering and the hold


insecure. The child who is left free to run.


climb and jump, though he may apparently
expose himself to thousand risks, generally
escapes danger by his habitual readiness of
excellent and practical precision of move
ment. The freer children have, moreover,


the advantage of protecting themselves by
various means OF security denied to those
kept under too close supervision. SWIM
ming, riding, running, leaping, using fire.
arms-not to speak of wrestling and fighting
all of which may in their turn become im


portant means Of safety, are the ordinary
acquisitions of the emancipated boy, but
seldom of him who is subjected to an un-
ceasing parental control. 1t is obvious, too,
that the greater freedom of the one is more
favorable to health than the constraint of the
other. 1t is equally advantageous to the
moral as to the physical health and develop
ment that the parent should not allow his
anxiety about his children to become toe ap-
parent, or to interfere too much with their
freedom of conduct. The .self-reliance and
independence of character, which are essen
tial elements of all human excellence are to
be acquired only by learning early to act
from voluntary motive. Ifsthe parent fixes
himself as finger-post aty every turn, the
child will hardly every find the road of his
own accord, and must necessarily loose his
way when deprived of his habitual gude.-
Ha,pers Bazar. u.,..........--.,
Year: 1873

Half century ago bellows making was q


thriving trade. Every house had its pair of
| bellows, and in every well furnished mansion


there was pair hung by the side of every
| fire place Ipswich, in Massachusetts, ac-


quired quite notoriety all over New Eng
| land for the elegant and substantial articles
of the kind it produced. But as stoves and
| CRATES took the place of open fire places, and


us coal was substituted for wood, the demand
for bellows diminished. until the business as
a separate trade quite died out


The same is true of flint cutting. Flints


were once necessary, not only for fire arms,


but for tinder boxes, and tinder box was


as necessary for every house as gridiron or


u skillet. Every one who looks back to


childhood of forty odd years ago must re-


member the cold winter mornings when the


persistent crack, crack of the flint against


steel sent up from the kitchen All order of


igniting tinder and sulpher which pervaded
the house. l have no more idea what became
of the flint producers than of the old man of
sorrowful memories who, three or four times
matches for sale at cent the half dozen
punches. Both lave as completely vanished
from England and New England as have the
red Indians and the Druids.


Then, again, are gone the pin makers,
who, though they have been in their graves
this quarter of a century, still figure in lee
lures and essays to illustrate the advantages
of division of labor. Instead Of pin tax
ing dozen men or more to cut, grind, point,
head, polish, and what not, as it used 10 do,
pins are now made by neat little machines.
at the rate of three thousand minute, of
which machines single child attends to half
dozen.


Nail making at the forge is another lost
industry. Time was, and that in this nine
teenth century, when every nail was made
on the anvil. Now, from 100 to 1000 nails
per minute are made by machines. The
mailer who works at the forge has but bad
chance in competing with such antagonists,
and he wonld have no chance at all were it
not that his nails are ten fold tougher than
an all but hopeless vocation, and are COM
PEELED to live in continual handgrips with
poverty.


In the days of President Madison and
Monroe, and even later, straw bonnet max
ing was practiced in every middle class house
where there were growing families, and
straw plating formed the staple of domestic
leisure work. At my grandfathers, around
the huge kitchen fireplace Caesar, born a
slave, who sat on an oak branch directly un-
der the gaping chimney, and we boys who
crowded upon the settee, used to pass winter
evenings splitting straws, while the lasses
were plating them. Then, bonnets were bon
nets, covering the head, with margin of a
foot or two to spare, and presenting sort
of conical, shell shaded recess, in which |
dimpling smiles and witching curls nestled |
in comfort The work has vanished, and |
will never reappear, unless the whirligig of |
fashion should glide again into the forsaken
track.
Year: 1873

During steam voyage on the stop page
OF the machinery, considerable alarm took
place, especially among the female passen-
gers. ''What is the matter? what is the
matter For Gods sake tell me the worst ?"
exclaimed one, more anxious than the rest.
After u short pause, hoarse voice from the
deck replied !: Nothing madam, nothing,
only the. bottom of the vessel and the top of
the earth struck together"
Year: 1873

The san Francisco Chronicle Is enlarged I,i now printed from new and beautiful .ype on a last Hoe press. The Chronicle Is sharp. shrewd

 able, enterprlsing, informal and very successful