smithclay/nortonstories huggingface dataset:
Year: 1873

Such day as yesterday was in this city is
a complete triumph of weather discomforts
over every appliance of civilization. Base
ments and cellars were flooded telegraph
wires, signs. and awnings prostrated the
Streets III many instances, absolutely impass-
able and full of risks to life and limb and
general arrangement of travel was made
imperative. As it was Sunday, the immediate
effects of the cold freshet upon trade were not
felt The damage done, too, cannot be esti-
mated until business is resumed to-day. But
the day will long be remembered as one of
surprising discomfort, gloom, and annoyance.
The reports of casualties and disaster
caused by the floods, winds, and ice are
full of suggestion but unfortunately, there is
no suggestion which can be Immediately i'm
proved. If more attention had been paid to
keeping the crossings free of ice, the freshet
might have Iswept off more freely and have
left less damage behind. As it is, much loss
has no doubt been caused by this neglect
in portions of the city which are deserted
except during business hours When we shall
have made up all the sum of the results of
our rainy, sleety, windy and uncomfortable
Sunday, we shall find that there have been
much destruction of property, some incipient
sickness, great Inconvenience, and real suffer-
ing among the poor.
Year: 1873

manent arrangement for supplying heat and
steam power TO O whole block of buildings
and is under control of a competent engineer
at all hours. No building material VIII ever
be discovered half so fireproof as is wall or
floor that can be instantly flooded with
water.


There are, however, other deficiencies IN our
present system so glaring that an immediate re-
form is imperative. Not only are we utterly
behindhand in carrying water to the tops OF
high buildings; we are still using the most
primitive means of raising hose and firemen
to these positions. 1t would be ridiculous, II
it were not shocking and disgraceful, that we
put up first one ladder, and then tie on
another, and another, and so by pecemeal
reach the upper stories, where perhaps some
human beings are awaiting succor. There are
In use in other countries, where people do not
make half our pretensions to ingenuity, lad
ders that are pushed out continuously upward,
by turning crank in the street, until the
requisite hight is reached. The machine from
which such q ladder is unwound gives it q
fixed base, and the time occupied in furnish
ing by it safe bridge from a window to the
ground is Far less than with our clumsy
methods.


Yesterdays storm of sleet has demonstrated
another danger that equally needs prompt
consideration. Our city streets are lined In
every direction overhead with telegraph wires.
The immense increase which modern improve
ments in telegraphing have made in the use
of private wires. between manufacturing
establishments and their offices; between mer-
oh fhair hafw tha
Stock Exchanges and innumerable offices OF
bankers and brokers as well as restaurants
and hotels, is now all superadded to the net
work of wires which the Fire and Police De-
partments and the lines Of telegraph leading
out of town had already provided. A slight
storm building on fire. tearing down or
reconstructing in some thoroughfare nay even
o boys kite with tolerably strong cord at
tached may pull down some of these wires or drag
one across several others, and at once plunge
a whole series of business operations into
confusion or delay. There is never day
passes that something of this sort does not
happen. Now that whole city is thrown into
imminent danger by this system, is it not
time to make a changef 1t would seem to
need no argument to prove that in large cities
all the telegraph wires should be laid perma-
nently underground. The first cost might be
heavy but it would soon be made up by the
absence of repairs. There is still another
possible danger which thus, and only thus,
could be obviated. We hope this city may
never again have q riot but if it should, it
would be well if there were no danger that
the rioters could readily cut the wires by
which a force could be concentrated in the
interests of law and order.
Year: 1873

nary to the prosecution of its claims. SO long
as it shows disposition to conduct itself
quietly and orderly, it ought to be protected; ;
and the President should disregard Mr. Pinch
backs high-sounding nonsense about treason
and revolution. We shall await the news OF
to-day's occurrences in NewOrleans with
anxiety; it will tell us whether there really is
such al thing as free popular government
there, or whether the State is to be ruled en-
tirely at the discretion of the President The
people will not be satisfied il law is meted
out with one measure to Kellogg and McEn-
cry, and with another to Alabama. l)l
Year: 1873

The Legislature of this State assemblies at
Albany tomorrow. AlOnzO b. Cornell, late
Surveyor of the Port of New-YOrk, is to
be Speaker of the Assembly, which is regarded
as an indication that the Legislature is to be
run in the interest of the politicians of the
party in power Mr.. Cornell is able and
adroit; and we sincerely trust that even
on mere partisan grounds, he may re-
member that the future of the Republican
party in this State depends largely on
whether the incoming Legislature acts in
the true spirit Of reform or from the ungen-
erous instincts of blind partisanship. IVA F.


Great danger to the Republican party, so
far as the course of the Legislature is con-
cerned, exists in the overwhelming numbers
of its majority. The Senate is Administration
by 81 to II, and the Assembly by 81 to 81,
counting Independent Democrats and Liberal
Republicans in the minority. III we suppose
one-fourth of the majority to consist of men
whose support cannot be counted ON for un-
scrupuious Bipartisan measures, the remainder
is still strong enough to pass such bills with
ont their assistance. The Senate, which holds
over from last year, has been thought body OF
whose general integrity the State had reason to
ne proud We shall look to that body, and par
ticularly TO the men in it who directly repre-
sent us. TO see that this city is fairly treated.
We think it will be found that the greatest
obstacle in the way of purely partisan meas
-ures lies in the conservative composition of
the Senate All the Senators have had one
sessions valuable experience in the matter of
Legislation a1ecting this city, and some of
them lave had longer one. They know the
few WHO come to Albany in behalf of the
people and the many who come to lobby for
themselves We only ask that they honestly
Year: 1873

At the present hour, when, owing to the
arrangement of the wires, the great facilities
of the fre-telegraph are cut off, we are face
to face with an addition to the dangers of
fire. At time when great fires are recurring
with alarming frequency, the means of sum-
moning engines with promptress are suddenly
interrupted. We are brought again to the
threshold of the question: Is there not some
radical defect in our system of extinguishing
fres2 In a recent lecture before the Boston
chronological Institute, delivered by Mr.. John
A. Coleman, best known to our readers as the
man who was successful in fight with a
railroad, the affirmative Of this proposition
was taken. - .a...


The cost of land in cities must continually
increase the tendency to erect lofty buildings.
Already this tendency has carried us far be-
yond the limit of hight at which our present
means of promptly bringing water to bear can
be relied upon. 1t is scarcely possible to hope
that our city can be to any great extent re-
built 30 as to be even measurably fre-proof.
Cutting down our tall buildings is out of the
question. The natural, il not the only alter
native, is TO increase the facility for flooding
every part of building. promptly, with either
steam or water. If the extinguishing machinery
must be conveyed from q distance, there will
always be the risk OF having 1t come too late.
The plan proposed Is not unlike that which
has been successful In large mills in New-En-
gland. II provides manageable deluge, Of
steam or water that can be turned on in the
room where the fire appears; but the machip-
cry that provides the deluge Is part Of per-
Year: 1873

From variety of trustworthy sources of in
formation we learn that the proceedings of the
Credit MObilier Investigation Committee will
hereafter be open. This is in response to the
very general demand of the press of the country,
which, without party distinction, has fifty char
acterized the secret session as a great blunder
and rank injustice to the persons implicated
in the scandal. Our Washington correspondence,
printed on another page, probably reflects fairly
the average sentiment of Congress on the sub
ject of the completely of its members. 1t
is admitted that a very much worse state
of facts than has heretofore been charged lies
beneath the surface of the crying scandal.
But, now that the investigation is to be open
and free from any suspicion of hushing up
affairs, the whole business should receive the
candid attention Of the country. Congressman
whose names have heretofore been stainless,
are mentioned in connection with this un-
savory matter. Since the public investiga-
ton is in some sense a trial of all the parties
brought into it, and vague rumors must give
place to explicit statements, it is only fair that
the whole case shall be heard without preju-
dice to any one Of the persons alleged to be
implicated.
Year: 1873

words the impression that, bad as
one or two features in the man
agement of the Bridge Company have
been, the general situation is by no means 30
grave as the public had been led to appre-
hend In any case we may trust him and his
associates to see that the public get early In
formation of the facts. If these shall aid IN
any way in advancing the great enterprise
which is to make the two cities practically
one, it will be a subject of congratulation for
both.
Year: 1873

According to the report of the United States
local inspectors, nobody is to blame for the
burning of the Missouri and the loss OF life
which accompanied that dreadful affair. The
captain, who was lost in the calamitous wreck,
is censured; but there is nothing said Of the
imperfect equipment of the vessel nor OF the
weak points for which the owners were alone
N ,onsible. Perhaps, however, 1t is too late
TO reopen the case; the incontrovertible facts
art already before the public; and the popular
verdict Is in accordance with that made up IN
Nassau The vessel was sent 70 sea In an
unfit condition; the crew were raw and un-
disciplined and the boats were not prepared
20 be used in any sudden and sharp emergency.
Year: 1873

While the Rev. G. s. Valentine the other night
was preaching in St. Mary's, Carlisle England. a
strange accident happened to him.. for bis hair
caught fire from pillar near the pulpit. The rev.
erend gentleman was fully equal to the occasion for
instead of sacriegiously punging his head into the
baptismal font he gave no indication of being con-
scious of the combustion, but calmly went on with
his sermon, allowing the flame To expire ut its own


time. Whether the circumstance added any warmth
70 his discourse we ere not informed. =
Year: 1873

Mr.. Mark Twain, in letter to THE TRB-
UNE, gives some curious facts touching sub
ject which is just now attracting great deal
of notice. The humorous and grotesque
features of life in the Sandwich Islands are
naturally those which first caught his atten-
ton; but he might have made for this letter
the same apology which he made for his latest
book, that, in spite of all he could do, it con-
tanned a great deal OF information. Mr..
Clemens as those who know him will testify,
is not only wit, but shrewd and accurate
observers and so our readers will find, in the
pithy communication published to-day, not
merely food for laughter but subjects for refec-
ton. They viii see one of the reasons why a
strong effort for annexation to the United States
is likely to be made in Honolulu, and will be
able to judge how much we should gain-or
lose-by the admission of $4,000 Kanakas TO
the privileges of American citizenship We
may be sure that we are only at the begin
ming of the agitation
Year: 1873




There are but few of our readers who would
not like to acquire rapid and beautiful hand
writing, for there is no one accomplishment SO
highly priced as this. The business colleges OF
the country have afforded the best instruction
in this branch and have succeeded in producing
the most accomplished penmen. The best
penman in America to-day is Prof. GAsKELL,
President of the Bryant and Stratton College Of
Manchester, N. III. There are few lovers of
the beautiful art of penmanship who have not
heard of this'wonderful penman and many have
seen specimens Of his skill. His large specimens
have attracted great attention in New York
CITY and throu ghout the country where they
have been placed on exhibition.


He is now engaged day and night sending
out Copies for self-instruction, which he writes
himself expressly for applicants, so that any
one can learn to write at the home fireside.
These contain full printed instructions, and are
put up in large heavy envelopes and sent by
mail prepaid for 100 per package. They are
all numbered aud SO fully explained that no
one can fail to learn rapidly from them. They
have been ordered by thousands-not by poor
writers alone, but by the leading teachers of
penmanship throughout the United States and
Canada Our readers would do well to write
for package, as nothing so complete, beanti-
ful and useful for self-instruction will ever
! again be offered them
Year: 1873

Onn FELLOWS MUTUAL RELIEF AssocIA-


rroN.-There is perhaps no institution in our


citv which better deserves notice through the
| columns of the PRESS than the one above NAM
| ed.


The Association was Incorporated May 10,


1868, with the object to secure to the families Of


deceased members such pecuniary aid as is


provided by its bylaws Its membership is


composed of members of any subordinate lodge


in this district, by making proper application
as set forth in its bylaws. sIhe admission lee
is two dollars, which shall accompany the ap-
plication, and to be applied as follows One dol
lar to the expense account, the other dollar to
be used to nav the members assessment to the
family of the first deceased member, then an
assessment of one dollar and ten cents is laid
upon each member to be used when the next
death occurs Thus it will be seen that there
is no delay in forwarding the amount due to the
family of the deceased, and making the work
of the association so simple that there is not
the slightest chance for any misunderstanding.
Since its formation to the present time it has
lost twenty-one members fn almost five years.,
an average of about five year. During the
past year it has lost three; its present member
ship is 73l; admitted the past year 1SS, thus
making the total relief ct this time S73l. sThe
association meets the third Tuesday eveninpin
each month, and every member of the Order
should make himself a member of this grand
institution, and thus secure TO his family in
case Of death a handsome sum at such tri
fling expense. A MEMBER


TEMPERANCE MEETING. - City Hall was
crowded last evening on the occasion of the
mass temperance meeting. The audience SEEM
ed to be deeply interested and paid the closest
attention to the speakers. Capt. Cyrus Stur-
devant presided. After the opening prayer by
Rev. e. p. Thwing, hymn was sung and then
Mr. Dyer Of New York; was introduced to the
meeting. Mr.. Dyer proceeded to advocate iu a
very interesting manner the cause of temper .
ancc, and related many instances of serious
evils wrought by the use Of alcoholic beverages.
Rev. Mr.. Dalton followed in an address direct
ed ia the main to young men, and warned
them against evil associations. Rev. Mr..
Williams thought our citizens should stand by
the law now on the statute books. The men
who executed that law and the men who en-
forced it are deserving of all honor.


Rev. Dr. Small made powerful and eloquent
appeal in favor of temperance, and pictured in
strong and vigorous language the fearful evils
attending the use of alcoholic stimulants.--
Capt. Sturdevant uttered few timely words in
regard to the position our city ought to take in
relation to temperance.


The meeting was very interesting and highly !
successful. 1t is the intention to hold another
,ne in about a fortnight
Year: 1873

Henry Ward Beechcr, in his Lyceum
Lecture this Winter, has defined his
position on Woman Suffrage as fol-
lows:


1t has got to he done. You can't
help it, and the question is, how can
you avail yourself of it best? I am
not one of those who sympathise with
the objections to woman suffrage. /
think that woman ought to vote.
think she is as fit to vote as any Of those
great boys she has whipped [laughterl,
and brought up, and taught how to
vote. Applause. Why, how absurd
it is to talk OF woman being untitled to
deal with questions of government, who
is set apart by Providence to be u gov
ernor. The family is governed by her.
Her business is TO govern the house
hold, and it is wisely and well done.
Man thinks that the woman who rules
the household, and this necessarily, in
the important years of childhood's life,
is admirably fitted for this, and he has
eulogies and eloquence for her on this;
and then he turns around and says she
is not 1T TO be a governor. The very
one ordained by God to govern, not fit
to vote!


Take n school district, and enquire
concerning the woman on whom rests
responsibility for the purity of the chill
dron and the good order of the house
hold and the hearth, while the man is
conducting national affairs. Why has
not the mother a right to say whether
there shall be one or moro schools in
the district? Itconcerns her; it is her
business. And doesn't it concern her
how many months the vacation shall
last? Shall drunken man keep the
school, and the mothers and daughters
have no right to speak on the question
by votes? Applause Shall grog-
shops be opened in neighborhood,
and the mothers not be allowed to say
a word as to whether they shall DO
licensed or not? Shall gambling dens
be opened in the purlieus of the city or
hamlet, and tho one who has care of the
purity and culture OF the children be
excluded from voting on the subject? :?
To answer Yes is SO contrary to ma
ture, good sense, and good Judgment,
that this generation will not have passed
away before women vote on questions
of school policy and morality around
them; and let them once vote on any
thing, and you cannot keep them from
voting on everything else. Laughter
and applause.r'
Year: 1873

A SAD CAsE.-A very touching case
of mental alienation in charming young
lady is described by careful observer.
Not long ago her mother found her in
her room energetically darning stock
ings, and soon after appeared in the
kitchen and assisted that wondering
dame in making and baking bread and
pastry. Alarmed by these fearful signs
of intellectual disorder, her fond par
ents Immediately sent for skillful phys
ician, who watches her through q key
hole while she sewed buttons on her
fathers garments and mended those of
her little brother. Much affected the
venerable man remarked that never dur
ing medical practice Of twenty-five
years had he known any young person
to manifest such symptoms as these.
The most heart-rending phase of all,
however, was shown the other day,
when her kind father, with faint hope
of rousing her from her state, gave her
5000 and told her to buy new dress.
Alas! twas useless. She instantly OBJ
served that she didn't need new dress,
and if he would let her keep $25 to pay
poor widows rent she'd much rather
he would take the rest of the money
for himself. For few moments that
grief-stricken old gentleman gazed upon
his hapless child then hiding his face,
muttered between his sobs, d" Her mind
is gone! her mind is gone!'
Year: 1873

How GREENBAcK" PAPER IS MADE.-
All the paper money issued by the
government is manufactured on C2
inch Fourdrinier machine, at the Glen
Mills, near West Chester, Pennsylvania.
Short pieces of red silk are mixed With
the pulp in the engine, and the finished
stuff is conducted to the wire without
passing through any screens, which
might retain the silk threads. BY an
NJ rangcments above the Wire cloth a
shower of blue silk threads dropped in
streaks upon the paper while it is form
ing. The upper side, upon which the
blue silk is dropped, is the one used
for the face of the notes, and, from the
manner in which the threads are ap-
piled, must show them more distinctly
than the lower or reverse side, although
they are imbedded deep enough to re-
main fixed. The mill is guarded night
and day to prevent the abstraction OF
any paper.
Year: 1873

LEARN 4 TEADE.-The prospect for
wealth and position to-day is brighter
to any young man of ability and ambi-
ton, who will learn well and thoroughly
good trade, than for any one who at
tempts to crowd into the professions.
The country is sadly in want of mechan-
les who who combine skill with intelli-
gence. Not "a work shop rmanufactory
can be found to-day where they are not
needed. Not manufacturing or me-
chanical establishment exists in the
country which is not deficient, some
way or other, in skilled assistance. It
is the skillful, intelligent mechanic who
is most in demand, and hence none of
them are to be found who are not prof
itably employed. Wealth is rapidly
accumulated by such men, who devote
themselves to various mechanical pur-
suits, or to the production of articles
which are regarded in the sense of nee
cssitics by the community. The press
ing demand of the day is not for mere
ornament, but for those who, by the
labor OF hand and brain combined, are
able to make capital productive. Our
advice to young mon is to earnestly ap-
ply themselves to the acquisition of
such knowledge as will enable them to
supply the ever-incrcasing demand for
skilled labor, thereby not only laying
the foundation for future personal
prosperity, but at the same time rem
dering high and permanent benefit to
the community.-Boston Globe.
Year: 1873

& 1t will not be long before oil the
small postofices throughout the country
VIII be under the control of women.


Within the last three months over thirty
appointments Of the kind have been
made.