smithclay/nortonstories huggingface dataset:
Year: 1876

clan, lecturer on biology and practicer of
mesmerism, presented most pitiable and
loathsome spectacle yesterday as he
writhed under the merciless torture of
Judge Fullerton s interroyating wise. A
series of questions ingeniously propounded
served to lead this miserable adventurer to
convict himself of the most glaring con-
shield himself behind what he termed
committee oath," as if it were not as bind
ing as any other. 1t appeared that Whit
ley had twice sworn before the joint Con-
gressional committee in 1874 that he knew
nothing, directly or Indirectly, of the safe
burglary, either before its occurrence or
afterwards. This was in direct conflict
with his recent testimony, in which he
swore that he knew of the
occurrence, and that he engaged
Nettleship, his chief assistant to see
that the burglary was perpetrated,
and in which he endeavored to create the
impression that General Babcock had some
agency in designing, though he stated it as
a mere suspicion or inference of his, and
not fact within his knowledge. When
pressed in relation TO the contradictions,
he SAID he only took a committee oath"
before Congress, that he answered the
questions asked him technically and ac-
COrding to the constructions he placed
upon them, with mental reservations and
evasioDs, so as to avoid telling the truth
and to save himself. In substance he con-
fessed that he was deliberate and inten-
tiOnal periurer. This he did with reck-
lessness and indifference that seemed to
shock the moral sense of the court, the
jury and the spectators. Their surprise
and disgust were visible upon their coun-
tenances and it was with difficulty that
murmurs of disapprobatiou were restrained.
Such is the only testimony produced
against an eminent citizen and faithful
officer of the Government Whitley is the
main witness against General Babcock, and
it was the general opinion of the lawyers
yesterday that the case against hin was
utterly broken down. 1t was even said by
many eOunselors that the case Was too
weak to 60 TO the jury.


As We have already intimated, it is easy
TO conceive how Whitley was anxious to
secure himself against prosecution in the
future. He may consider shame and dis
grace in freedom far preferable to these with
imprisonment and infamy attached. And
in order to secure this immunity for him
self he has been willing to cast suspicion
upon a faithful and gallant officer, and con-
iess himself a perjured, infamous villain.
Year: 1876

The result of yesterdays conference between
the Sioux commissioners and the Red Cloud
agency Indians can hardly be considered as
giving very strong hope of the peaceful az
quiescence of the Indians in the plans SUBJ
mitted by the commission.
Year: 1876

their own and the necessities of their city,
they will cooperate, and begin vigorously
the construction Of the narrow gauge to-
ward the mining and cattle-producing DIS
tricts of the northwest. 1t is foul shame,
in the presence of facts presented by this
simple portrayal of railway progress, that
Austin sits idly in the midst of scenery as
beautiful as that of which poets sing and
which painters portray, and with folded
hands sees tue whole world moving while
the beautiful capital stands still. There is
no cooperative effort worthy of the name,
and no exhibition of pubic spirit. Are
there none who would carve their names in
the everlasting hills, or write them in let


ters Of iron on sunlit plainsl Are there


none to aggrandize the city they bless and


state they lover tr.ls ss
Year: 1876

THE people of New York, having tasted
the sweets of good government while Til
den was chief magistrate, seem disposed
to take no step backward. They surely
are well pleased with great men in power
when they would find fit successor for
Tilden in Seymour or Evarts. These two
men will probably be candidates for the
chief magistracy of the Empire State.
Neither could be kouored by the Office,
ana neither one by defeating the other,
and most sane men would toss mp copper
and vote as directed by chance. The
chances are that we would vote, IN such q
case, for Seymour. .9I- ~ 1Laa =
Year: 1876

THE Goliad Guard Is awfully exercised
because the Legislature threatens, to extend
the concession to Tom Scott, and the Heus-
ton ,Age is terribly disgruntled thereat, and
the Express is hysterical about it, and the
press very commonly thinks that Scott
should have the same showing with other
railway builders and nothing more, and
that part Of his domain should be reserved
to build up and enrich Western Texas
Year: 1876

H..H E..


The Baltimore Am6ricaa which up TO this
time has been one of the most bitter and
unscrupulons, as well as one Of the ablest
supporters of the Grant administration
through thick and thin, breaks out editorial-
ly in this strain


or all the sudden, apparently capricious
and unexplainable acts which have charnc-
terized Gen. Grants administration, his
sudden dismissal of Pastmaster' General
Jewell will strike the public AS the worst
and most indefensible. Ia tact, in looking
ut it and other receut occpfrences, ID is
almost impossible to hssign any reason that
does not bring seriously into question tho
motives that have influenced the President,
and suggest a Suspicion that he has entirely
abandoned h'mself to the qualification of
his private caprices and enmities. IL is
needless TO say that Governor Jewell is
man who deserved better treatment, and
that Gen. Grant should have had more re-
spect for himself and his office than 20 have
treated him in so cavalier and disrespectful
y manner. Explanations hereafter to be
made may place the matter IN different
light, but as it appears at present we can
only regard IL as an arbitrary, Ill-tempered
act, the consequences Of which will not
affect the President alone. but also seriously
endanger interests which he OF all men,
standing in the position he does, ought tn
have respected and endeavored to protect.
The enforced resignation of Commissioner
Pratt Is so much in the same line Of coEduct
that it is but an additional surprise. The
President is evidently listening to very in-
judicious advisers just now.
Year: 1876

BosToN, May SIT is reported that
Piper has confessed to the murder of Ma
bel Young, and also the Landregan girl, of
which lie was suspected at the time two
years ago.


Piper's confession is not yet made pub
lie. His counsel, in the supreme court
this morning, said he would not press the
motion for new trial in view of CONVEX
sation he had with Piper. Judges Colt
and Lord thereupon overruled the motion.


The announcement that Piper had con-
tessed himself the murderer of the child
and young woman caused great excitement


This morning petition for the commu-
tation Of the death sentence in consequence
of doubts of his guilt was Immediately
signed.


1t is quite certain that Piper was the
assailant of Mary Lyman, mysteriousy
beaten July lst, 1874, and now an inmate
of the lunatic asylum. He says the murder
of Mabel Young and Bridget Landregal
were prompted by stimulants under tn,
influence of which he had an insane desire
| to shed blood.
Year: 1876

William d. Robinson, for upward Of twenty five
years cashier of ,he Custom House, died yesterday at
his residence in East Twenty sixth street He was
native of England, but here in hts youth He en-
oycd in high degree the confidence OF various Col
lcctors Customs OF the Port. under whom served
and likewise oil the different Secretaries OF the Treasury
at Washington Last year. in his sixty fourth year he
married sister OF Slr. Henry Bcrgh AS an account
ant he possessed wonderful ability
Year: 1876

THEY nowadays do it differently in
some countries. The murderer VAIN
wright was executed in London on the
2lst ultimo, and in place of exposing the
struggling body to the gaze of NOR
bidly curious crowd the death throes
were yelled from view. The apparatus
for the execution was enclosed in a gal
,ows-house, the upper portion of which
was open to the public sight and the por-
ton beneath the trap shut in by half.
doors. All that it was necessary to see
was seen. The condemned man was
brought from his cell, placed upon the
fatal trap, the rope was adjusted, the
white cap drawn oven his face all in
open view. Then q moment of stiffness
"a crash-Wainwright sank out of sight,
and the tightly stretched rope told its
own tale.
Year: 1876

General Schcnck came home from
England under cloud of suspicion. |,
looked very mnch as though the General
had been guilty Of international fraud
Everything pointed in tha. direction. lie
himself could not explain matters, and
the more he endeavored to do So, he be
came involved deeper and deeper in sus-
plcion, and was finally overwhelmed with
the necessity, under the unpleasant cir
cumstances, of sending in his resignation.
England smarted under the impositions
he had Pracliced upon her people through
the influence OF his high position.


His ease came before a committee of
investigation, and large amount of tss-
timony was taken, which in many respects
placed the General in very I'M
comfortable position. The trpnsac-
tions in Emma Mine stock were fol-
lowed up in this testimony, and finally
lost itself in the confused mas,
leaving the ex minister in as helpless
state of unexplained situation a. when
they started. In this condition it has re-
manned for some time, and the committee
has been allowed plenty of time for delib-
Grafton. The Geographic dispatches
which appear this morning give us the
only intlmation that we have ever had Of
what the findings Of that cCmmulee would
be. They state that the committee has
not yet iinaII Iy acted Oh the report Of the
subcommittee affecting General Scbeuck
but the members are agreed that while he
was not guilty himself of an international
fraud, he was aparly with others in a
speculative enterprise which resulted in a
great loss to British subjects and that his
becoming Director IN the Emma Mine
Company was altogether improper and in
compatible with his position as American
Minister.


This seems like an easy way the COM
mittee has Of saying the General is a thief
for fear Of hurting his feelings. 1t is very
nicely worded to avoid such a harsh sccu
sation, and the feelings Of the Minister
have no doubt been greatly spared thereby.
1t is a virtual admission that there was
something rotten in the State of Denmark.
but he stall go and sin no more.
Year: 1876

WE have reason to feel thankful that the
has fallen into the hands of men who have
devoted themselves SO faithfully to the
work that the duties of their position
mapped out for them. They have proven
themselves in every way capable, and when
position Of almost every kind in these
days is abused, it is quite refreshing to
think that these Offices have been proof
against temptation. General Hawley has
been reelected President Of the Board and
will continue to work with the same untir
ing zeal in the cause that has characterize ed
his actions since he first assumed the posi-
ton
Year: 1876

There is growing belief that the Bris-
tow movement is Washburne movement
in disguise, and that the Independent jour
nalists who are now putting Bristow through
his PAGES SO iudustriously intend, at the
proper moment to trot out the Illinois man
and enter him for the sweepstakes with q
grand hurrah and flourish of trumpcts.
Very likely independent journalists are
mighty smart fellows But their i'll success
ia running the Republican party heretofore
bcgets well-grounded suspicion that they
will not do it to any considerable extent this
year.
Year: 1876

- y


The Public Record of Philadelphia makes
the somewhat novel suggestion that night
exhibitions be given in the place of Sunday
exhibitions at the Centennial grounds. There
are many reasons that this is impractical.
Those for whom the Sunday exhibition
would be intended, the working classes,
would feel little like losing the night, which
should be devoted to rest. Besides 1t would
De compromising that dignity and indepen.
dence which workingman, as well as those
OF leisure have. 1t would be making a
convenience of him, granting him requests
upon conditions, and he has none of the
same spirit the Centennial is intended to
celebrate if he accepts the proposition.
Year: 1876

MANS inhumanty to man was never bet
ter shown than when Mr.. Massey, at the
Dover Convention threw out his hook bated
with an office holder and drew out Dr.
Prettyman. Years he had devoted in pa
triotism to the party, the negro had been
cultivated by him as voter, he had fought
brave battles in the State with the Fishers
and Harringtons in the same army, and
then to be treated thus. 1t was the unkind
est cut of all
Year: 1876

Now the question which should suggest
itself to Giant is the one Of what he will do
after his occupation as President is gone -.
OF craftsmanship he will be able to obtain
zone of private position he can get none,
for he can get Recommendation from no
one. But the race tracks and faro banks
will be open to hin., and lie can stake his
hull pups, residences, farms and even his
wife's big gold watch on fast horses and
cards.
Year: 1876

The disappointed Republicans, who were
beaten at Dover on Thursday, should take a
lesson from it, and know better the next time
from the very beginning, the difference be-
tween friends and enemies Some portions
of the proceedings were gross indcccnces
upon the common privileges due one fac
tiou, but a tyranncal majority recognized
nothing that would not turn the tide into
their own channel, and reason lost itself in
a bitter oppression of the few. 1t should be
warning against the Old ring against these
political PARISHES who chokcd those they
had as sycophants clung to in need, but de-
serted when the picture was reversed.
Year: 1876

The majority of the Western papers are
of opinion that this Allen movement, which
entered the Ohio Convention, as the
weakest and won the control of power, will
not he an ephemeral effort after all. 1t will
fight at the National Convention with the
same energy that it did at the State Con
Vcntion, and control an influence more
mighty than is attributed to it now.
Year: 1876

BREAKING AND ENTERING.-Last evenin g
Mr.. M. G. Sterling, private watchman on
Commercial street. discovered suspicious
looking character prowling around Custom
House wharf. He followed him and saw him
break window in Johnson's fish market on
the wharf, but as he did not enter Mr.. Sterling
waited to see what would happen. The fellow
went the whole length of the Thomas block.
trying each store, but did not find a place to
suit him until he reached the store of Perley &
Russell at the end of Portland Pier. First he.
turned out the gas light opposite and then
broke in window and entered. The officer
then called Officers Garland and Rice, and he
was captured. He gave the name of Frank
Norton and said he belonged on vessel load
ing with ice at Bath On his person they
found considerable plunder, and on going to
the store discovered quite pile Of choice gro
ceries which he had placed near the door to
take away.
Year: 1876

LEFT OvER.-On the first day Of the Ogders-
burg excursions two young ladies went up to
Fabyans, and as the train was advertised to
stop an hour they wandered off to gather leaves.
On returning they discovered that the train had
left, having only stopped about twenty min
utes. The next day they took the train to re-
turn to their homes aud at Upper Bartlett were
asked for their tickets. They presented the
ones used the day before in coming up, but the
conductor refused to let them ride on them and
they were put off. They telegraphed to their
friends and were furnished with funds to stop
over night and to purchase tickets to return the
next day. 1t is said that their friends are very
indignant in regard to the affair, and propose to
bring an action against the company. The off,
cials OF the road blame the conductor, and say
he should have allowed the ladies' to ride on the
tickets under the circumstances
Year: 1876

THE Snow SToRM.-The rain of Satur-
day turned into snow storm at o'clock yes
terday morning, and there was quite liberal
fall for the 10Th day of October. The storm
continued at intervals all day, and at night it
came off cold enough for midwinter.


At the Crawford House Saturday morning
there was quite snow storm, and the noun
tains were covered all day. We ought to have
an Indian summer after all this weather.
Year: 1876

SUDDEN DEATH.-Edna Libby, daughter of
William Libby of Knightsville, came to this
city Friday to have an aching tooth pulled


Her face was swollen so badly that the dentist
advised her to wait. She did. Saturday night
she went to bed complaining of the pain in her
face. Yesterday morning she was found dead.
The doctors think that the ulcer in her face
burst and strangled her, but some hold that it
was case of diphtheritic poisoning. Coroner
Hall was called, but deemed an inquest un-
necessary. The girl was about fifteen years
Year: 1876

PoLICEMEN's BALL.-The annual ball for
the benefit of the police force of our city comes
Oft at City Hall Thursday evening 1t is hoped
there will be large sale of tickets so that the
benefit may be substantial one. Some of our
merchants have already purchased number
to help the object. Let others follow their ex-
ample.
Year: 1876

THE YACHT THIEVES ARREsTED.-Ofice


Hunt of the Boston harbor police, who was in


this city week ago looking after the yacht Ar


row which was taken from Boston two weeks


ago, succeeded in recovering the yacht and ar


resting the thieves at Owls Head, Saturday.


They are two young men, William Devine,


aged II, and Henry A. Stevenson, aged 10
years. The thieves were brought to this city
On the six o'clock train and remained at the


police station until midnight, when they were
taken to Boston. They both appear to take the
whole matter as good joke they played on
the owners of the yacht, but probably he will
turn the joke on them on their arrival at the
Hub. Stevenson appears to have been the
leader and he tells strange story in regard to
the affair For instance he says he was out of
work and thought he would take the yacht and
ha{e little fun. They left Boston week ago
last tuesday and proceeded to Gloucester, at
which port they narrowly escaped shipwreck in
the gale. From Gloucester they came to Cane
Neddick, and thence to Portland. In this CITY
they broke into store at the head of Railroad
wharf and secured provisions for the remaining
voyage. They left here last Monday and pro-
ceeded to Owls head, where they were trapped
by the officers. During the voyage they were
reduced to one-half a. herring day for several
days in succession. On entering Rockland
harbor they were followed by a strange schoon-
er, which, supposing they were acquainted
with the channel, shaped its course in their
wake, and went ashore on Owls Head ledge.
Year: 1876

The following story was told us yes
terday, says the New Orleans Bulletin,
by a gentleman who vOuches for its
correctness, and whose statements are
entitled to full credit; it may, there
fore, be considered as entirely reliable.
The details are very singular, and we
give them publicity because they are
not only strange but develop new
species of presentiment unlike any thing
Of the kind of which we have ever heard
or read:


A few nights ago the train of the
Morgan Railroad started from Brashear
heavily laden. There was an unusual
ly large number of cars, and the loco
motive travelled at very slow rate of
speed.


When about halfway between La
fOurche and Terrebonne Station the
engineer gave the pOTtentous and loud
danger signal, and Immediately whistled
down brakes" When the train was
stopped several persons ran up to the
engine to inquire the cause; the engi-
neer responded that he was sure he had
Just run over man; the train was
backed slowly for fully half a mile, and
every inch of track and the surrounding
locality infinitely searched, but nobody
was found.


The engineer was told this, but he
persisted in his statement, and only af-
ter renewed and very careful search was
he convinced of his mistake; he stated,
however, that he would have sworn that
he had run over a man, and described
his peculiar and terrible sensation as he
imagined the wheels of his engine roll
ing over the body, and instinctively he
blew the regulation whistle TO stop the
train.


The man must have actually suffered,
so intense and acute did his imagina-
ton work, and it was some time before
he became fully satisfied of his mistake.
This part of the story is in itself pecu-
liar, but the sequel is still more strange;
for hardly had the train reached the end
of another mile when the whistle again
sounded "down brakes,'' and again the
tram was brought to stand. Inquiry
elected the same story from the engi-
neer, and the same degree of positive
ness characterized his assertion; at
tempts were made to induce him to pro-
ceed, but he would not do so until the
road was examined some distance back.


This was finally agreed to, and, con-
trarY to all expectation, the searchers
that this time the engineer
was right; the train had run over and
killed man just the moment the whis-
tie blew. OF course all were astOnish-
ed, and were very sorry 20 find that the
engineers fears were realized. The
body was brought to the city on the
same train.
Year: 1876

There lived in Humphries County,
Tenn, near the little town of Linden,
about ten miles from the Tennessee, a
/ family named Wolbertson, and among
| its members was a refined and well-ed-
ucated daughter, about Is years of age,
named Lizzie. Young, gifted with
beauty and rare mental gifts, her stand
ing in the community was very high,
and the family were deservedly proud
of the esteem which she so pOpularly
received. But into the happy house
hold crept the venom which pursues
virtue, however noble, and to-day it
triumphs in winning the life of one who
should have lived to kill its sting by her
purity and virtue.


Among the acauaintances of the fam
lily was a young married couple, who
were on intimate terms with them, and
the young lady was particular favorite
with both, who were attracted by her
graces and virtues. The most unguard-
ed intimacy followed, until at last a
slander was circulated which reached
the ears of the gentleman. He at once
saw the matter in its lruest light, and
determined to prevent a repetition. He,
with firm candor, impaired to the young
lady the fact that SANDER had been busy
with them, and had reported that they
were upon too intimate terms, and they
had been seen under suspicious circum-
stances together. He accordingly had
determined to cease her acquaintance
rather than endanger her fair fame.


Miss WOlhprtSOn was very sensitive
and the terrible news Mortified her who
had never dreamed of an innocent
friendship calling down such unjust
consequences. The information preyed
upon her to an alarming extent, al
though she seemed to have tried to treat
it lightly. That night she con6ded the
terrible secret to her sister, who tried
to reassure her.


On Friday night she stole from the
house with a skein of cotton yarn, and
some distance from her fathers resi-
dence she proceeded to end the life
which slander had stained, and with
which she was Mortified. She climbed
upon tall fence, and, placing the cord
about her neck, affixed the other end to
the limb of tree, and perhaps with a
silent, despairing prayer, swung herself
over into eternity. The body was dis
covered early the next morning by
neighbors, and was removed to the
house.


The family stood very high in the es-
TEEN of the community, and the deed
caused a severe shock to all.-Euans-
UiLLe Journal.