smithclay/nortonstories huggingface dataset:
Year: 1872

kind of opposition has gone far enough.
The people are sick OF it. They, are
now watching you. aud will hold that
man responsible who fails to do bis
duty manfully and with nerve. Wheel.
ing expects every man in Council to do
his duty to night.
Year: 1872

money has not gone for naught, but is
aiding to build up defence for himself
against Il time of calamity like that OF
Boston or Chicago. Without some such
measure as this the policy holder IS at the
mercy of the underwater. Companies
that stand upon this system have pasSea
through all the great fires with Their creait


unimpaired, their losses made good to the


last cent. In looking to the interest OF


the public as well as their own they have


struc,, the true path to success.


Another consideration in relation tothe
rise of rates is as to the property or points
upon which they shall be assessed. The les
son of the Boston and Chicago fire is that
large cities are the perilous places for IN
surance companies They are the places
where the companies run the risk of de-
struction they are, therefore, the points
at which rates should be raised. lie. such
cities insure themselves and the country
places do likewise; that is, let each pay
according to the risk of loss. We see
nothing in the Boston fire that should
cause an increase of rates in such places
rs Augusta and the most of towns in this
State, unless we are to be taxed to insure
the lofty Mansard roofs and other tinder
boxes in the narrow streets OF Boston. ii
we are to be thus taxed under the present
arrangement, insurance companies that
would give he large cities u wide berth
and confine their business 10 the smaller
cities and rural districts, would very soon
become popular institutions. They would
be safe because their risks would be
scattered, and their rates lower because
they would have to pile up no capital
against Chicago or Boston fire. There
is little propriety in taxing farm buildings
in Maine more because OF the Boston fire.
That has disclosed perhaps that the rates
of insurance Were not high enough in
Boston, but not in the country where
Mansard roofs are almost unknown and
the houses are so far apart that the de-
struction of one does not imperi another.
II the insurance companies must have
higher rates, let them be equitably ael
justed to the risks taken, and then after
the stockholders have fair dividend ON
the investment let the excess go into cap
ital to strengthen the company and pro-
vide increasing protection to the policy
holders.
Year: 1872

The conclusion Of the managers of the


fire insurance business, after considering
the disasters nj Boston, is that there is no
way for them to continue to take risks
with any certainty Of safety to themselves
or the public except by increasing the
rates. How their own pockets are affect
ed by years OF experience in the business
they know better than others do. |. is
said on the one hand that large dividends
have been paid to stockholders, that the
profits upon the whole have been ample to
fill the Golfers of the companies and enable
them to indulge in cxtravagant manage
ment; and on the other it is replied that
the history OF insurance companies is a
record of disaster to far the largest num-
Der of them, and upon the aggregate in
vestment there has been loss to stock
holders rather than profit.


But let these conflicting assertions pass.
The underwriters say rates must be ad-
vanced, and what they say will probably
govern in the matter. The question for
the public to consider is how the policy
holders viii be any more secure by paving
higher rates, without some guarantee that
the advance shall enure to their benefit
than they were before. The companies
will have added security for large diyi-
dends in the advance obtained, but how
can that help the policy holder? If the
profits Of the company all are turned into
dividends, and nothing is added to it,
capital or ability to pay losses, the insured
is no better protected by paying high
rates. The plan of limiting the amount
of dividend to certain per cent. and re-
quiring the excess TO go into capital is
a measure looking to the protection of the
insured Then if high rates are paid the
policy holder has the assurance that his
Year: 1872

The order of Secretary Robson to the
cadets at the Naval Academy, for their
treatment of colored fellow cadet. is q
merited rebuke to the upstarts of that in
stitution for their insolence and abuse,
which we trust may be Of advantage to
them. If they were possessed OF the
true spirit Of gentlemen, they would never
persecute an associate because of his color.
Lacking that it is well to give them to un-
derstand the government knows no differ
ence between white and black.
Year: 1872




There is lull ana will probably be 4
cessation OF the war about life insurance.
The trustees of the Mutual Life Insurance
Company have decided to postpone fort the
present the reduction Of rates, which
means, we presume, that they will aban-
dou the project. The pressure OF the old
policy holders was too strong to be resist
ed, but the impression created that The
rates are higher than they should be will
not go down at once, and may continue to
work out in some way the reduction its
authors were aiming at.


All the lists Of the Electoral College Of
the several States for President and Vice
President, excepting three. have been sent
TO the President Of the Senate by mail,
though not more than ooe-thiIrl OF the en-
tire lists required by law to be delivered
TO him by messengers have yet been re-
ceiyed. Louisiana sends lists from two
different Electoral Colleges. The two
Houses of Congress, in Joint Convention,
will determine which list shall be counted,
on the second Wednesday of February,
the time Of counting all the Electoral
votes.
Year: 1872

An important amendment to the Senate
sloops-of- war bill is that which authorizes
the Secretary of the Navy to contract with
private parties for the construction of ves-
sells in public yards, the government fur
nishing material, facilities and substantial
ly all that is necessary except labor. One
of the incidental objects which the author
of the amendment, Senator Morrill, OF
Maine, expects to gain if it passes, is an
authoritative test of the practical value of
the eight-hour law and its operation, both
on the workmen and towards the govern
ment, since the eight and ten hour system
will thus be placed in fair and close com.
petition.
Year: 1872

From campaign life of General Grant, by
Charles A. Dana, editor of the Sun, publish
ed by in 1868, we take the following:


Early in 1860 he accepted proposition
from his father to remove to Galena, and join
his brothers iu the leather business. Devot-
ing himself with industry and good sense to
his new occupation, he soon became familiar
with all its branches, and achieved fair de-
gree of success. But, not being at all demon
strative in his manners, nor inclined to take
an active part in the affairs of the town, he
made but few acquaintances, and those most
ly among the people with whom he had busi-
ness. A few of the best citizens had broken
through his natural reserve and discovered
the sterling qualities of the man, though it is
but fair to say that no one suspected that the
modest, quiet and obscure leather-dealer
would ever become the most distinguished
man of his time. When the rebellion was
precipitated upon the conutry by the attack on
Fort Sumter, Grant had Just attained his
thirty-ninth year, and having been blessed
with a strong and elastic constitution, an
equable temper, a stout and weli-set figure,
capable of great endurance, he had passed
through the varied stages of his life with con-
tihualIy increasing powers. He had not
reached full mental development with man
hood, but had increased steadily in
mental and moral stature by the
trials through which he had gone, rather than
by the years tat had passed over his head.
He had neither whims nor hobbies, neither
pet theories nor visionary schemes, but was
entirely free from prejudices of every sort,
and, better than ALL he had reached that per
fection of common sense which, combined
with truthfulness and steadfast courage, is SUI
perior to genius! Plain and simple in his ad
dress, with manners unspoiled by the world,
direct in his purposes, slow to anger, sparine
of words in public, free from guile and shame
of every sort, and faithful in all things, he
was regarded as true friend, good citizen
and an honest man.
Year: 1872

IN views of the fact that various opinions do exist
Il as to which is the best" Sewing Machine, do not
allow yourself to be governed by any ones opinion
but call and examine ssTHE SINGER,, and
witness its operation, and have the shadow of
doubt, that you will not pronounce it for ALL pur-
poses the very best Family Sewing Machine
extant.


Now is the time secure one of these farfamed and
justly celebrated Singer Sewing Machine as a
Christmas Gift to your Wife, Sister Lady
Friend.


With SINGER in the house, always ready to
comply with any reasonable demand, there is good
reason why you may not have ''Merry Christmas
and "Happy New Year,, each day of which shall
add new voice to the already mighty chorus of voic
es that sounding the praises of ssThe Singer''
of which you will find full assortment at


33l CONGRESS STREET.


If you have already Sewing Machine, call and see
sPalmer's COmbinatiOn'' adapted to all kinds
of Machines. 1t will cord rufe, lay in piping cord
turn wide hem, and make the french fold with the
utmost ease and exactness.


A full assortment of Needles, Thread and the va
rious Sewing Machine Helps and attachments, con-
stantly on hand.


Machines sold ON Monthly Instalments.


BBMachine Stitching and Stamping for Braiding
and Embroidery done to order. All Machines sold
and work done warranted to give entire satisfaction.
Year: 1872

On the zzu ot august, loUz,
Abraham Lincoln was moved
10 write that remarkable let
ter to Horace Greeley, which
will stand as a model of
perspicuity and patriotic re-
solve for the admiration of com
ing generations. Greeley was
persistently finding fault and
debating to the President his
duty. Impatient that so little
attention was paid tochis rant
ing he finally addressed a COM
munication to the President
through the columns of the Tri-
bune. 1t was insolent and pre-
sumptuous in the last degree,
for it seemed to be written up.
on the presumption that the
President did not know his du.
ty, or If he knew it, had not the
nerve to perform it. Mr.. Lin
coin replied to it at once. In
bis admirable letter he gave
Greeley to understand that his
false statements were permit
ted topass unheeded. His false
inferences should not be digni-
fed by a controversy. The i'm.
patient and dictorial tone was
simply tolerated because of a
belief that it was the result of
an inflrmity of temper, not a
badness of heart. The great
ness OF Lincoln shone out in the
frank avowal of a high purpose
to perform his sworn duty,
which was to defend and save
the Union at all hazards. He
was chosen President of the
United States with a full
knowledge on the part of the
people of all sections that he
believed slavery prejudicial to
the perpetuity Of the Union
and maintenance of liberty.
But his great trust and his
sworn duty was to preserve the
Constitution inviolate, execute
the laws as he found them, and
save the Union. Therefore his
personal desires could not be
permitted to sway his action or
CONTROL his plans. The rebuke
was withering and effectually
silenced the clamorous mari
plot of the Tribune. The Chi
cago Times has done good ser
vice in recalling this letter to
mind


EXECUTIVE MANSION,


WASHINGTON, DC, Aug. 22,1S62
"HOn. II. Greeley:


"DEAR SIR have just read
yours Of the 10th instant, ad-
dressed to myself through the
New York Tribune.


"lt there be in 1t any state
ments or assumptions of the
fact which l may know to be
erroneous, | do not now and
here controvert them.


"lf there be any inferehces
which / may believe to be
falsely drawn, l do not now
and here argue against them.


"It there be perceptible in it
an inpatient and diotatorial
tone | waive it In Difference to
an old friend whose heart !
have always supposed to be
right.


Gas to the policy l seem to
be pursuing, as you say, l have
not meant to leave any one in
doubt. 1 would save the Union.
l would save it In the shortest
possible way under the Uonsti-
tuition.


The sooner the national au.
thofity can be restored, the
nearer the Union will be to the
Union as it was.


"If there be those who would
not save the Union unless they
could at the same time destroy
slavery, l DO not agree with
them.


aMy paramount object is to
Year: 1872

The Pacific Rural Press says,
"lt may not be known to far
mers in general, that it is a
common practice in some
parts of the country to turn
sheep into the potato field for
the purpose Of eating down the
weeds. The sheep will not
touch the potato vine. This
pasturing with sheep is advan-
tageous when the crop is a late
planted one, so that the hoeine
can not be completed until af-
ter the haying or harvesting is
finished. At the growing sea.
son it is the farmers aim to
keep down the grass and weeds,
so that they may be covered
by the cultivator and hoe,
when these are used. Pastur-
ing with sheep will attain this
object. Early planted crops,
the cultivation Of which is
completed nthe early part of
She summer, frequently become
grassy and weedv before the
time of digging, when the size
OF the tops preclude cultiva-
ton. In this stage the sheep
are economical weeders. 1t is
hardly necessary to mention
that the feed thus given to the
sheep makes a double profit,
inasmuch as it costs absolutely
nothing, while labor is saved
and weeds prevented from
seeding.
Year: 1872

THERE is no doubt a gam tor
the Liberal Republicans in
Maine, on the majority Tor
Governor in 1868, but the
percentage which it affords for
calculations of the vote in
other States in November and
by which the election of Gree
ley can be figured out, is one
Of those delicate problems In
mathematical politics which
we cheerfully hand over to the
senior editor of the Enquirer,
who never forgets anything.
Year: 1872

New ORLEANS, March 5.-The ex-
ecutive and judicial conflict contin-
ues. Judge Cooley ordered Van
Norden rearrested this morning and
brought before him. About eleven
O'Clock the sheriff brought Van Nor
den in, when Judge Cooley delivered
a lengthy discourse upon the action
of the governor yesterday in pardon
ing the prisoner and attempting
to defeat the ends of justice, in
which he said: "If the governor
were to be permitted to exercise
such functions we might as well abol-
ish the courts entirely, for there could
be executed no law or order against
the party who might be fortunate
enough to have the governor to back
him. The. governor, more than any
one else, ought to respect and uphold
the DEGREES of the court, for he Is Of
them an executive member. In this
case he has so far forgotten his duty
as not only to not assist in the execu-
ton Of the law, but he has conspired
to defeat 1t. Such conduct cannot
be tolerated in any country where
the laws are respected, and 1t
must be put down. What makes
the matter still worse Is that
that it is well known that the governor
Is alleged to be party to the very
suit out OF which this matter has ar
risen, although he has kept In the
background, and he attempts to shield
from harm those who have been
working In his interests. 1 therefore
charge the sheriff to convey Mr.. Van
Norden to the parish prison, there to
be confined according to the terms Of
the original sentence, and / win hold
the sheriff responsible under the act
of 1858 for the proper execution OF this
order"


Van Norden is again in the parish
prison.
Year: 1872

THE Conservative Republicans and
others of Tennessee who will support
the nominees of the coming Oincin-
natl convention are requested to send
delegates to convention in Nashville
to assemble the first Wednesday Of
May. The purpose is said to be the
organization OF the Liberal or Reform
party throughout the State, with the
purpose of supporting the nominees
of the Cincinnati convention.
Year: 1872

ALBANY, March SIN the assem-
bly, the bill to legalize the bonds is
sued by the city Of brooklyn for the
relief Of sufferers by the Chicago fire
was ordered to thsr1 reading, also
similar bill from Syracuse; also bill
providing that previously formed and
expressed opinions shall not disqualify
persons from serving as jurors The
committee on commerce and naviga-
ton agreed this evening TO report in
favor of the bill allowing the Pacific
Mail Steamship company to reduce its
cspital stock.
Year: 1872

the select committee appointed to
make arrangements for the reception
Of the Japaneso Embassy, made re-
port as to the occupation Of the gall
1eries, which was agreed to, and then
the house took a recess until eleven
o'clock to morrow, when the reception
ceremonies are to take place,
Year: 1872

Mr.. Schultz testified on cross-exam-
ination that dock thieves had robbed
the witness Of eight gallons OF Dutch
gin within fifteen minutes after 1t was
Ianded and while the man who had
been watching for the landing of the
gin had run to tell the carman to take
Il to the store, BE had been told by
the owners Of four hundred bales Of
wool that while it was on the wharf
the thieves came in boats and cut
open bales and stole wool, and the
police had to be sent for to protect
the goods and drive away the thieves.
On being cross examined by Mr..
Bayard the witness said the only
packages plundered were those In
voiced for appraisement. He could
rot get an answer as to who was re-
sponsible for the safety Of goods on
the wharves. The committee ad-
journed to meet at one o'clock to-mor-
row, when General Babcock viii be
examined.
Year: 1872

The House of Representatives at
Springfield yesterday indorsed the One.
Term principle, expressly excepting,
however, in the speeches of members
and in the limit of time within which
the amendment can 90 into operation,
the case of President Grant If called
upon to express their preferences for
President for the ensuing term, we are
assured that a large majority of the
Legislature would declare unhesitatingly
in his favor.


There is much in the One Term prin
ciple to commend it to popular favor
That the temptation is strong in the
incumbent of the office of President to
place his name upon the page of history
as having so performed the duties of
his Office as to achieve the strongest of
all possible indorsements-the reelection
of the people-there can be no doubt.
That many Presidents have bent their
entire energies and employed the whole
enginery of public patronage to the ac-
complishment of this purpose, is notably
true. To guard against the influence
of this temptation in the case of danger,
Gus men, is the only plea for engrafting
it upon the constitution as check for
all men.


With the expiration of the second
term of President Grant we should
make no objection to the operation of
this reform. We except to its enforce
ment in his case, because of the eminent
services he has performed in preserving
his country in war, and in wisely ad-
ministering its civil concerns during the
early years of its reconstruction AS
properly as in the case of Washington,
and with as earnest feeling and with
unanimity as entire, the people will
insist upon comforting upon President
Grant the honor Of a second term.


Not one Of the advocates of the adop.
tion of this principle but does not take
the first occasion to except the case of
President Grant This was done upon
the introduction of the proposition by
Mr.. Sumner in the Senate, and it was
done in the Legislature yesterday in the
speech of the author of the resolution,
Mr.. Herdman. With this eminently
proper reservation, the people will, with.
out doubt, heartily indorse the proposed
amendment to the constitution making
Presidents eligible to but single term,
Year: 1872

In the slackening of interest in the
great questions that have agitated the
country of late years, the people are dc
termined to settle some things that have
been overlooked. And the very next
question in the popular mind is not rev.
onue reform, or woman's suffrage, or
prohibitory laws, but the reform of the
civil service. From jackson to Grant,
every administration, Whig, Democrat.
ic, and Republican, has been disgraced
by the system of giving the public
offices, not to capable men, but to serv-
iceable politicians Nothing could be
more demoralizing than the public CIV
ing away of the Offices of the Govern
ment as an open bribe to those who have
secured the nomination and election of
the President or the Congressman
This rot has brought about general
decay of public honesty and patriotism.
Tweed would not have been possible
under better civil.service system. II
the country purposed to drive honest
men from Office, and men of culture from
politics. no more effective system could
have been devised.


The considerations in favor of a re-
formed service are so forceful and SO ev-
ident, that public sentiment almost
vehemently in its favor has sprung into
existence at once, and to day there is no
longer any party or faction that dares
avow an open opposition to this reform.
Its danger lies in the lack of open op-
position. For while there are Congress
men whose only hope of reelection lies
in their skillful manipulation of patron
age, while there are ofice-holders and
ofhce.hun.ers who would stand no chance
under better system, we may feel sure
that there is deadly opposition to the
measure, however covert it may be.


One of the very first effects of the
civil-servicc reform would be to reform
Congress itself. 1t robs the scheming
politician of the "wires" he wishes to
"pull," and of the pipes" he wants to
lay. Civil service is desirable precisely
because it will improve the constitution
of Congress. 1t will be difficult to get,
for the same reason.


A reform in the civil service is a
deadly blow at corruption. A public
officer combines with contractor, aud
robs the government, because he knows
that his time is short, and, like the un-
just steward, he must make to himself
friends of the mammon of unrighteous-
ness. But give the clerk a certainty Of
position during good behavior, with a
chance for promotion, and his position
and character are worth too much to be
risked in speculation.


1t is not mere question of dollars
and cents in the treasury. 1t is ques'
tion of general public virtue, and of the
integrity of the people. The present
system makes public life corruption
and politicians of the lower orders vag-
abonds.
Year: 1872

The Allegan journal asks the Repub
licans of Western Michigan to concen
trate their strength on Stockbri1ge fol
Governor thereby securing a Western
candidate. 1t says Stockbridge is Al
years of age and in the prime of vigor.
Gus manhood; that he would gil the po.
sition with honor and flelity. 1t is
quite certain that unity is requisite for
Western men to carry their point The
spirit of unity and mutual confidence
should be cultivated We are in favor
of Col Stockbridge, but if another West
ern man of equal ability should be found
to be more acceptable, we shall support
him. While we urge the consideration
of Col Stockbridge, we do not disparage
the consideration of other nominations,
Unity can be best secured by spirit Of
mutual concession. There is ample time
to arrive at unity when all the candi-
dates are brought forward. If the new
district be organized on the Lake Shore
as proposed, we may want Col. Stock.
bridge for Congress, unless Allegan
proposes to supply both Congressman
and Governor, which perhaps she would
be kind enough to do if urged.