smithclay/nortonstories huggingface dataset:
Year: 1871

Ono of the most gxestive contributions yet made
to the discussion. now in progress as to the proper
method Of governing NewYork, was tho article in
The North american Reriew for October, by Mr.
Charles Nordhoff. 1t has just been reprinted in
pamphlet form by tho American News Company and


its suggestions throw such flood of light upon the
theory. now apparently most likely to receive the
nsxt trial that it deserves wide circulation among
all who are giving thought to the subject and
particularly among all who may be called on in any
way to shape decision. Briefly, Mr.. NOrdhOff in
slsts that the people of NewYork should be left to
govern themselves, and that they should be aided to
this end by having system prepared which would
vest power mainly in the hands of the Mayor and
Common Council. the Mayor being thus held respon-
sibls by the constituents, who at the end Of


the year would pass upon his administration for the
character of all his appointments. and the result of
his work as Chief Executive, while the Councilmen
would be held responsible in like manner for their
discharge of legislative duties. Mr.. NOrdhoff be-
lsves the main trouble OF present system to be
that while the people really want to be honestly
governed. they are 80 bewildered by the multitude
Of officers to be elected and the division of response


bitv that they unable to decide who is at fault
or to vote in such way as to secure reform.
Year: 1871

We have not been exerting ourselves to any re-
markable extent to secure the election Of anybody
to the Clcrkshp Of our State Senate. But when we
casually mention that Mr.. William G. Weed is can
didate, but will not probably stand frst-rate
chance of election, because he has not been in Office
ever since he was old enough to hold one We seem
to have struck sensitive chord and the supporters
of Mr.. Terwilliger Of the Custom House make such
a disturbance that it would seem that they regard
the innocent remark as personal Well. we only
know Of Mr.. Weed that he was Chairman of tho
Albany Republican Committee in the JohusOn times,
and that he has never got forgiveness for it from
those who then deserted the party and are
now viciously swapping at his heels; that in the
campaign conducted by his Committee the Repub-
licans made the best showing there they have had
for many year; that be was tho unopposed cand-
date of his party for Clerk of the House last year,
and that he hss the support Of The albany Evening
Journal and other court organs But perhaps he
ia MT good for the place. Certainly he does nj
enjoy the qualification Of having been in office all
his lifc--which original Observ alton, and
which We are bold to maintain.
Year: 1871

A speaker at a juvenile picnic is said
to have delivered an address of which
the following is sample: " You ought
to be very kind to your little sisters.
l once knew bad boy who struck his
sister blow over the eye. Although
she didn't fade and die in the summer
time, when the June roses were blowing,
with sweet words of kindness on her
pallid lips, she rose up aud hit him
over the head with a rolling pin, so
that he couldn't go to school for over
month, on account of not being able to
put on his hat"
Year: 1871

A young gentleman of Buffalo went
to serenade his lady.love the other night,
and while in the act of singing the first
verse of the beautiful ballad, I'm
dreaming, love, of thee" was suddenly
awakened" by the contents of tub
Of cold water from third story window.
He didn't continue the song.
Year: 1871

A midshipman once asked priest to
tell him the difference between a priest
and Jack ass. The priest gave it up
"0ne wears cross on his back, and
the other on his breast" said the MILDLY.
snow, said the priest, tell me the
difference between midshipman and
a jaek-ass." The nsidshipman gave it
up, and asked the priest what it was.
The priest said he did not know of any.
Year: 1871

The finest idea of a thunder storm
extant, is when O'Fagcrty came home
"tight." He came into the room where
were bis wife and daughters, and just
then he tumbled over the cradle and
fell heavily to the floor After while
he arose aud asked, wife are you
hurt" mo" Terrible clap, wasn't
it
Year: 1871

1t is interesting to learn the bounda-
ries of woman's sphere. A crinoline
lecturer says it is "bounded north by
her husband, on the east by her baby,
on the south by her mot erin law and
on the west BY maiden aunt"
Year: 1871

Colonel McHatten went from Vir-
ginia to Illinois in the early settle
mont of the country, when roadside
inns were unknown and every dweller
in the wilderness kept a sort of trav-
eler's home. The Colonel, by lucky
investment in wild land, had become
in time rich man-but he kept up
his habits of hospitality, and if the
guest was we'll to do in the world he
did not object to turning an honest
penny in that way.


One cold, clustering winter evening
a horseman drew up at the house and
asked accommodation for the night.
a half-grown lad answered in the affir-
native, and ushered him into the sit
ting room, where the great wood fire
of itself gave him a cordial welcome.
After supper the landlord made his
appearance for the first time. He was
hearty and hale, and as rosy as any
boniface should be, but he was bent
and crippled in his gait. He explain
ed by saying that he had taken a cold
which had settled in his back.


81 don't mind the pain so much" he
continued, "but it is so inconvenient.
L have been recommended to try a
poor mans plaster, ana if you will ex-
cuse me, | will put it oil. Sam! Sam
uel Samuel McHattenw


Here, father" said the lad above
mentioned, hastily swallowing a piece
of mince pie which he had been quiet
ly enjoying.


"Here, Sam, my boy, heat this plas-
ter for me, and put it on my back.
Heat it hot, SAM"


Saying which he handed the plaster
to his son, and seating himself astride
a chair, with his back to the fire, threw
his suspenders back, and shirt over his
head. "Now. SAM" said the Colonel,
"if the poor mans plaster is hot, you
may put it on, but you may wait a lit
tie while; I'm afraid it's not enough.
Heat it hot, Sam-heat it hot. "Can
you tel" he continued, turning to the
traveller, who was seated in the cor
ner-can you tell me why this is the
poor mans friend heyi Give it up?"
laughing to himself, "because it stick
eth closer than a brother eh?"


Poor Sam, who had been watching
his chance to speak, without interrupt
ing his father, now ventured to say:


II guess it is hot enough now, faith
err


"What do you know about it ?" said
the old man, testify. 81 say heat it
hot, Sam-hot."


Sam, whose face was at a red heat,
had held the plaster to the fire until it
ran and dripped down on the hearth,
and had made no reply.


"Well. said the old man, looking
Ground, maybe it will do now, Sam,
clap it on"


Sam, armed with the plaster, ap.
preached him; and if my word can
be taken did clap it on. The old man
gave one yell, like a wild Indian, and
jumped clear over the back of the
chair, kicking his old-fashed breeches
of his feet and dancing around with
pain. The traveller laughed until he
cried, and the more minc host roared
the more he laughed. When the first
agony was over, the Colonel began to
swear, and our traveller thought it
would be prudent to retire, least he
should share his wrath with Sam, who !
he observed was making good his dis
tance.


The next morning when leaving, he
handed the Colonel five dollars, saying
with sly twinkle of the eye, 81 don't |
want any change. 1t is cheap at that"
Year: 1871

The .'Besieged Resident" in Paris
of the London News gives these rem
iniscences of the impudent man-mil-
liner Worth: Ambassadors wives
and court ladies used to 90 to take
tea with the fellow, and dispute the
honor Of filling his cup or putting
sugar into it. | once went into his
shop-a sort of drawing room hung
round with dresses. [ found him
lolling on a chair, his legs crossed
before a fire. Around him were
bevy of women. some pretty, some
ugly. listening to his observations
with the wrapt attention Of the dis
ciples of sage. He called them up
before him like school girls, and
after inspecting them, praised or
blamed their dresses. One, a pretty
young girl. found favor in his eyes,
and he told her that he must dream
and mediate several days over her.
"WLv do You wear these ugly
gloves" he said to another, never
let NE see YOU in gloves of that color
again" She was a very grand lady,
bat she shipped of her gloves, and
put them in her pocket with guilty
look.


When there was going to be a ball
at court. ladies used to go down on
their knees to him to make them
beautiful. For some time he de
clined to dress any longer the wife
of a great imperial dignitarv who
had not been sufficiently humble to-
ward him. She came to him in tears,
but he was obdurate, and he only
consented at last to make a gown for
her on the condition that she would
put it on for the first time in his
shop. The Empress who dealt with
him, sent to tell that if he did not
ahate his prices she would leave
him. you cannot. he replied, and
in fact she could not, for she stood
by him to the last. A morning dress
by this artist. worth in reality about
g, cost $50; IN eveLing dress taw-
dry with tiouncts, ribbons and baG
lace could not be had under go.
Year: 1871

One pound of gold may be drawn
into Il wire that would extend around
the globe. SO one good deed may
be felt through all time, and cast its
influence into eternity. Though
done in the first flush Of youth, it
may gid the last of long life, and
form the brightest and most glorious
spot in it.
Year: 1871

LIFE IS more precious than silver or
gold, and to preserve it as long as possible
is our duty, consequently no plausible
saLeme should be left uEtried 20 secure an
cad so devoutly desired. DR.. Bells BAlsam
Of Alpine Moss for Consumption and al
diseases Of the Throat and Lungs, has be
came very popular within few years, and
we attribute its fame, to It's success. See
advertisement in this paper.
Year: 1871

NINE AND LIQUOR SALESMAN AND COLLECTOR
~ wanted-Ry an old established house; to a reliable
man, who can command trade IN New York and
y liberal salary win be piven reference required.
dress IMPORTER, Herald ONCE.
Year: 1871

4 NY PERSON CAPABLE OF TAKING CHARGE OF
"A book and job printing Office, down sud loan
his EMPLOYER 81 5u good security will find IT to his
est to investigate the matter by addressing H. box 2 Herald
Year: 1871

FIFTEEN YEARS, A PICTURE PROM THE LAST GENTRY


By TALv MRS THEEEsE BOBSsoNl Rno pp J1 d. Appleton


&Co


The appearance in Germany of this last work
of the gifted auhOress welcomed with general eX
preston Of delight receiving another production OF
her vigorous pen and of regret that for so long time
she had been missed from the ranks Of active workers in
German literature Since that time her death in the
City Of Hamburg has caused deeper feeling OF sorrow
in the circles on both sides of the Atlantic which had
learned to appreciate the endOwments OF her intel
ec and the admirable virtues Of her character. Mrs
Robinson the daughter of a distinguished German pro-
fessor and the wife of Of the most eminent AmeI
can scholars he late Professor Edward Robinson OF the
Union Seminary in this cty) held perhaps moro highly
hOnOred for genius and learning in her native land
than in her adopted country At early period OF her
fe her transations from the servan poetry attracted
the attention Goethe and called forth the most cordial
praises the aged poet Her subsequent contribu-
tions TO German literature, several Of which have been
translated and repubshed in this country, reck
oned as very successful efforts in the department OF
fiction The fine enthusiasm of her nature, the earnest
ness OF her convictions and her command Of glowing and
picturesque language gave her brilliant mark in so
cety, which reflected I'm her literary productions
The present work story Of Swedish life, less remark
the construction Of its plot than for its power Of
description and its fidelity in the delineation of chardc


ter It will be read with interest by the public for the
intrinsic merits of its composition while it Will be treas
ured by circle precious memorial of de-
| parted excellence
Year: 1871

For adoption at any ones option,
A beautiful female child,


With golden hair and skin as fair
As the snow-drift undefled.
Its eyes are blue as the deepest hue
Of the breezy summer heaven.
Come, take it away for nothing, ! pray,
A full surrender g ven.


"Who was its mother r' is that what you say?
Well, really cannot tell;
She was here just one month, and went away
Before she had got quite well.
She never said, or living or dead,
Of its father one word to me,
But the bitterest tears that ever were shed


Baptized it on my knee.


And she turn'd again and again to kiss


Its lips ere she went away.


CAT last, 0 God has it come to this?"
Was all that she could say.


Then over her eyes she clasp'd her hands,


And forth from the door she fed;


And who shall say if now she stands
With the living or sleeps with the dead?
Then who will have this image of God,


With a soul that cannot die?
IL Is cheaper tHau any tlluS else ne udtu Uauc
Yet no one comes to buy.
A poodle dog, paroquet,


And chattering cockakoo,
Are all worth ever so much head,
And scarce in the market too.
But Gods own likeness in this sweet child,
With soul to lose or win,


Is offer forNnothing at all, and yet
The bids come slowly in.
O childless man or woman who hast
Of this worlds wealth to spare,
O think of this, then 60 to your room
And bow to God, if you dare


Yes, ask Him to show you how you can serve
His cause and your fellowmen.
And his answer may be, that you shall see
These words repeated again:


For adoption at any ones option,
An infant three weeks old;


There is nothing to pay, but take it away,
Though worth its weight in gold.
Year: 1871

PRoTEcrioN FOR THE SINKING Fund
The ordinance for the better protection OF
the sinking fund Of the city was reported
back from the select committee in the
First Branch of Council last evening,
with some amendments, and after Il
lengthy discussion was laid on the table.
This was done In Difference to the request
Of member OF the Finance Committee,
who said the committee had matured q
plan for measure which should provide
Tor funding the city debt, and would soon
recommend an ordinance for that pur.
pose. He claimed that the passage
Of the proposed sinking fund ordinance
would elnbarass tho Finance Committee,
but failed to show how, though speciG.
cally called on to do 80. The ordinance
provides for permanent board Of com.
mlssionsrs, requires them TO keep the
funds coming into their hands, closely in.
vested either by the redemption OF city
debt, or II unable to do that In 0. 8. Sc
curities; and provides that IL the CON-
misSioneB allow as much as $1,000 " lie
in anybank ninety days they shall be per-
sOnally responsible for 1t with interest at
10 per cent, Those whooppcsed tue ordl-
nance last evening, treated the question us
ifltwas mere scramble between tho banks
about which should bethe depository Ofthe
sinking fund. II Is TO bo hoped council
men will be able to take larger view Of
their duties, and will be willing to use as
much care 10 future 10 protect and pro.
mote the interests of the City Treasury
as they have taken In the past 70 turn an
honest penny by getting the handling of
its funds for the banks In which they werc
50 fortunate as 70 be interested.


We are unable 10 sec that the adoption
oil some such ordinance as that reported
by the Special Committee could embar.
rass the Finance Committee in the slight
est In the negotiation Of new loan. 1t
would protect the sinking fund (Somo.
where between twenty and thirty thou
sand dollars till the new loan could be
negotiated, and the completion of that
negotiation Smay take one or two years
There ia no reason why the city should
meanwhile be lcft at the mercy Of such
negligence on the part of the Finance
Committee Of Council as that which late.
ly cost her between hfty and sixty thou
sand dollars.
Year: 1871

To NE CuNPLErED.-The Baltimore
Bridge Company has sent Its representa-
tive here to finish Market street bridge
and the action Of Council last night will
secure that result without delay. The
Company completes the contract as the
sureties Of the original contractors.
Year: 1871

The PAY OF THE CoEIEcToR-The
First Branch Of Council last evening re-
ceded from their iormer vote to make the
compensation Of the City Collector two
and a half per cent, and concurred with
the Second Branch in making 1.-TWO per
Year: 1871

SINGULAR FINALE OF A CHRISTMAS
DINNER. o'clock last evening,
a. Young man, named Massett, went into
Saulmans restaurant, on California street,
and seating himself at one of the tables,
ordered sumptuous repast. When it was
thought he was near the end, or at least
half through his repast, he ordered bottle
of wine costing So, poured and drank off
about two-thirds of the contents. and then
coolly leaning back in his chair. drew a
single-barreled pistol from his pocket, and
placing the muzzle In his mouth, fired.
The report startled the people in the
restaurant, and on looking around they
saw him reeling in his seat with blood
streaming from his mouth. Several per-
sons rushed to him, but he arose. and one
of the attendants supported him on his
feet. As soon as he could clear the blood
out of his throat and mouth, he began to
express his surprise that leaden pistol
bullet could be shot through a mans
mouth and lodgein his brain without even
stunning him.


He refused to give his name, or any
reason for his act. On examination it was
discovered that the bullet had grazed the
roof of his mouth, cut the palate, and de-
scended probably with the remainder OF
his repast. From the Office he was taken
to the station-houss for safe keeping,
There be conversed freely about the mat
ter, expressing his utter astonishment that
a pistol at such short range should fail OF
the effect intended. He said be thought
be had "a dead sure thing" and had ne


L han
used blunderbus. He declared ne had
experienced much trouble, and deemed
that death was the best way to end his
misfortunes; but added that be was
ashamed to have it known that he had
failed. He Is said to be a relative OF
Stephen Massett, and is young man OF
respectable appearance and good address
San Francisco Bulletin, Dec. 26M
Year: 1871

True manhood everywhere will admire
| the course adopted yesterday by the color


ed members in the House Of Delegates.


They showed that, knowing their rights,
they were determined that if they could


not maintain them they would not yield


or com promise them. This was the spirit


which animated the members who voted


against the separate-car resolution. Its


adoption would have been the Acknowledge


ment of the right to make class distinc-
tions.


A right may sleep, but cannot, be lost
save through force or the perfdy OF Its
possessors. We agree with MT. Stevens
who made most sensible and philosophl-
cal speech. They must neither compro-
mise their rights, fritter them away, ror
yield them, nor yet place them in jeopardy
by too persistent demand for their en-
forcemont or concession. But while ear
nestly protesting, and claiming with
moderate speech and moderate demeanor
full recognition, they must patiently bide
their time, and gradually they will tind
themselves assuming their true position in
our society. .....


Agitation and violence will do nothing
Both races must be educated to an accep-
tance of the true idea Of civil and politi-
cal equality. The time will come when
The appearance of colored person in any |
public place will excite no more remark
than it does in the General Assembly or
Halls of Congress, Till then be quiet,
hopefal. modest aud patient.
Year: 1871

The Agricultural Land Scrip. What
the Legislature shall do with the land scrip
given by Congress to Virginia to promote
sorbing interest with the different collegiate
institutes of the Commonwealth, most of whom
have been heard on the subject, and urged
their claims, real or assumed. Yesterday Gen.
+. H. Smith, Superintendent of the Virginia
Military Institute, was heard on the subject
before the committee of the two Houses having
the matter in charge. He urged the claims Of
the institute to an equitable portion of the
fund in forcible If not convincing terms.
Year: 1871

Wood for the Poor.-The city for sew
eral days past has been receiving at its yard
on Ninth, between Main and Cary streets, a
quantity of wood for the use of the poor, and
which will be ready for distribution in few
days, 81
Year: 1871

The nights and days now leave nothing
to be desired In the former splendid noon
light prevails, and the latter is as halmy with
sunshine as one could desire at this season of
the year.
Year: 1871

Panorama of the Pilgrim. We UNDER
stand that this splendid work of art will be ex-
hbited during next week. The matinee to day
was largely attended by ladies and children.
Tonight the exhibition will be exclusively for
colored people. We have received the follow
ing communication of the merits of these
paintings:


RICHMOND, Va, January 9Th, ISL
TO the Editor Of the State Journal


have seen "The Pilgrim now on exhibition at
Metropolitan Hail. Some of the paintings are by
the most eminent nrtia,s, and wonderful crea-
tions of genius. They do not fail to produce pro-
found impression upon the heart of the behoder-
No should fail TO this magnificent exhibition
0SR WHO EAs SEEN IT.
Year: 1871

We copy the following extract from an
article in the Mobile Tribune of Wednes
day:


To commence down town: The New Or
leans Railroad Company has large force
at work on the road front. between Gov
ment and Church streets, in driving piles.
putting down wharves, and making the
other preliminary arrangements for the
erection of a handsome railroad depot. with
necessary turnOuts, ETC., and it is really re-
freshing to witness the industry and energy
with which this object is worked toward
completion. The life and animation exist
ing from the passage of trains to and fro
along Commerce street, and the receiving
and dlscharging of cargOes upon this thor
oughfare, and all that are subjects with
which downtown people are already
familiar.


The New Orleans road connects with the
Mobile and Ohio road, and this is all the
excuse we Iequire for taking it secondly
into consideration. The Mobile and Ohio
road has devised plans, prepared specifica-
tons, ETC., for the construction of hand
some passenger depot at the northeast
corner of Royal and Beauregard streets.
The new depot is to be provided with four
tracks and the necessary ticket offices, sit
ting rooms, baggage rooms, conductors
rooms, etc, and is intended to be as orna-
mental structure as it will be useful to the
road and the travelling community who
patronize it.


Opposite the Mobile and Ohio railroad
depot the Grand Trunk railroad is putting
up temporary structure of wood upon the
site of the burnt passenger depot of the
Mobile and Ohio railroad. This will be
pretty much the same sort of building as
that which was burned down, and will be
provided with all necessary conveniences,
such as ticket offices, sitting rooms, bag
gage rooms, etc.


Last but not least in Importance, we should
make mention of the fact that the Mont
gomery railroad has its draw bridge across
One Mile Creek finished, and also the track
on the other side, SO that, if the occasion
presented. cars might now make close con-
nection from Chickasabogue on this road
with any of the roads previously emu
merated.


In all this We have omitted to say ANYTHING
OF the fact that the Mobile and Ohio rail
road has completed one and nearly COM
pleted another wharf north of Russell's
Mill. and is rapidly filling up the marsh to
make tracks to both. All of this necessarily
requires work, and gives employment to
labOring men.


If any of our people feel disposed to
growl at the lack of life prevailing in the
city, we advise them to go to the foot of
Government street and look south, or go to
the foot of Beauregard street and look
north.