smithclay/nortonstories huggingface dataset:
Year: 1876

Perhaps the insurance fund of the world
is the greatest aggregate of capital that can
be classed under any one head. AS every little
county treasury is watched by ingenious
thieves; as scarcely merchants safe or a re-
tailers till is without the active attention of
rogues with some contrivance and activity,
it is not to be expected that the enormous
capital held for the payment of losses by fire
or marine accidents should fail to excite the
cupidity of thieves, or to stimulate them to
greater than ordinary efforts to secure some
portion of so grand a plunder. Crimes that
are directed against the fire insurance COM
panies are familiar; but the case of the Mosel
shows that all the depths to which
the greater crime against ships may go
have not yet been sounded In the report
from London of the investigation by the
British Board of Trade into the loss of the
Island Belle there is evidently another one
of the ordinary cases of shipwreck contrived
and effected with a view to the insurance.
There were seven hands, only one of whom
could steer the vessel, and he was kept in
irons the second mate was killed, and the
vessel was run on shore. With cases of this
nature multiplying and cases like that of the
Mosel threatening, governments will early
find themselves compelled to faces q de-
mand for some revolutionary legislation as to
the insurance of ships. AS the endeavor to
make safe the value of certain cargo Of
merchandise directly imperils the cargo Of
human creatures that go out with it as sail
ors or passengers, the problem whether hu-
man life or the goods are of most account
will be presented for solution, and if strin-
gent regulations cannot be enforced on the
companies this temptation to horrible crimes
must be cut off altogether by making it
crime to insure any ship or cargo.
Year: 1876

Although this subject has been under dis
cussion for several weeks we have yet to
meet with the first argument of any force or
substance against the change. The separa-
ton of municipal from general elections is
so accordant with common sense that there
are but few deviations from the rule either
in this State or the other States of the Union.
A large majority of the American cities, in
cluding majority of those of the State of
New York, hold their municipal elections on
different day from the general election, and
the same usage prevails in the rural town
ships in the choice Of their local officers.
We have more than once stated this broad
and instructive fact, but no opponent of
spring elections for this city has made
any attempt to meet it. To dispute
it is impossible. and to parry its force
is hopeless so the opponents of spring
election find no course open to them but to
ignore it. But it is a fact which has SO close
bearing on the controversy that it cannot
be put out of sight What are the reasons
which have convinced so many State Legis-
latures that a separation Of municipal from
general elections is expedient2 Those
reasons, which have received so wide an as
sent, which have the sanction Of experience,
are entitled to be considered as valid until
somebody shall be able to point out their fall
lacy. Until this is attempted we may regard
them as unassailable, and if they are sound
as applied to other cities 1t is incumbent on
those who oppose spring election to show
why they are not equally applicable to the
city of New York. The natural presumption
would be that the separation is more neces-
sary here, because our municipal interests
are so vastly more important that they have
q stronger claim to separate consideration.


The origin and history of blending the two
elections in this city furnish a strong pre-
sumption against its wisdom. The two cleo
tions were fixed on the same day by the
Tweed charter passed by the infamous Legis-
lature of 1870, which Tweed controlled. Who
believes that Tweed himself or that corrupt
Legislature made the change for the purpose
of promoting good government in the city
Nothing was more distant from their thoughts
than to secure greater purity in the elections


Their sole object was to diminish election

expenses by making a common corruption
fund of the contributions of State and city
candidates. The act was passed to serve the
interest of trading politicians. Its purpose
was so obvious that Mr.. Tilden went to
Albany to oppose it, and in his
speech before the Senate Committee on
Cities, of which Tweed was chairman, he
strongly advocated the transference of the
municipal election to the spring of the year.
Was Governor Tilden mistaken? Was he
blind or short sighted in supposing that
the holding of both elections on the same
day would promote the corrupt designs of
the Tammany RingP The opponents of
spring election are as careful to ignore the
action of Governor Tilden on that occasion
as they are to keep out of sight the great fact
that most of the municipal elections in the
United States and in this State are held on a
different day from the general election.
Year: 1876

The opening of the extension of the Ele-
waited Railway Company to Fifty-ninth
street yesterday marked red letter day in
the annals of rapid transit A train Of cars
was run from the Battery to Central Park in
twenty-nine minutes, and although this is
not by any means what we would expect
from q double track line with occasional
through trains, it shows satisfactorily that the
numbering horse car nuisance, to which New
York has so long submitted, will no longer
have it all its own way. We have already
commented on the tendency to over
crowding. which is showing itself even
on this steam car line, the passen-
gers, doubtless, aiding to make tho
increased accommodation q cause of sufoca-
ton to each other. Now, not only on this
line must the practice be promptly checked,
but similar measure of reform must be ap-
piled to the horse cars. The public, accus-
toned as it is to the disgraceful crowding,
as cells get used to being skinned, shows
evident signs of desire to end this uncom-
Portable mode of asphyxiation. The compa-
nies, however, are intent on keeping it up.
In the newest cars on the Third avenue line
the leather straps hang as invitingly as on
the oldest little pest-box on the line. There
are even more of them. In summer it may
be observed that companies have found their
profit in running open cars, where theoret-
ically, there is no standing room but con-
ductors will take up passengers while there is
an inch of room on the footboard, where the
passengers life is absolutely in danger from
every passing vehicle. Surely the citizens
who use these lines have right to more than
mere foot room for their money. Not even the
most brazen director would argue that to
pack people to the verge Of suffocation in
winter and to hang them out for possible
conversion into mincemeat in summer covers
their contract. We would leave no stone
unturned to procure steam transit, but the
horse cars will be necessity to the end, and
now is very appropriate time to force the
lines TO give a seat to every passenger who
pays fare. We wish to hear from the leg
islator who will bring in the requisite REM
edy for this abuse Long suffering as they
are, the people of New York are ripe for re-
volt against this unhealthy, indecent and
animal system.
Year: 1876

dividuals the responsibility Is entirely ours
in courts Of justice and the court Of public
opinion. But when, instead of communi-
eating facts for us to judge of and use,
writer prepares articles for US to publish
and expects us to make attacks on individ-
uals and shield him from consequences,
he asks more than we are willing
to grant He should have courage
enough to expose his own name and
back up his own quarrel 1t is cowardly to
skulk behind journal and ask its editor to
incur the enmity of people whose conduct
he has no reason to censure These remarks
are prompted by an attack ON Mr.. John IL
Sherwood for communication to another
journal making certain statements and offers
relating to the deprecated value of the real
estate he owns north of the Central Park.
The proper course for his assailant would
have been to send letter, signed with his
name, to the journal in which Mr. Sher-
woods communication appeared; but he
presumes too much in expecting us to make
his attack and shield him from response
bility.
Year: 1876

Mr.. Fish has gone before the appropriate
committees of both houses of Congress to ex-
plain the present condition of our relations
with Spain. This was very simple task so
far as he is concerned in them, and we have
no doubt he acquitted himself to his own
exalted satisfaction. He detailed good
many things which had already seen the
light in these columns and evinced q
pleased feeling at what he considers
the success of his circular note 1t has
evoked mild appeal to Spain from all the
European Powers he addressed, excepting
Austria, which probably thought the trouble
at its own doors sufficient without meddling
in ours. England, having several Spanish
grievances, went, it is stated, to the length
of mild reproof. Now let us give our ama-
BILE Secretary Of State credit for what he
claims, namely, a desire to have the Spaniards
pacify Cuba and to show Spain that Europe
would be glad to see her do it. Having
granted all this to him, we cannot discover
that he has produced any more effect than if
he had caused a number Of old gentlemen to
pelt Spanish bull with rosebuds, one of
them going so for as to throw thistle at
him. The circular note of Spain which the
HERALD first published looks as though the
bull was dismissing the blows by simply
shaking his hide. This is the sum total of
Mr. Fishs action and its result, and it is not
pleasant for Americans.


Where the explanations stop short is just
the point where they would have become
deeply interesting. 1t has been for some
time apparent that President Grant has been
carrying on another policy. What our citi-
zens desire to know is whittier this policy of
the Presidents is tending. Gathering our
naval forces merely to back up the harmless
documents of Secretary Fish would be O
very needless expenditure of effort, and it
is just these movements, which do not
enter into diplomatic notes, that need ex-
planation. The utterances of the leading
democrats of the House who are of opinion
are worthy of patriotic citizens. Under any
fair cause of war they would support the
government to the fullest extent, but they
do not wish to be led into hostilities blind
said that the democrats and republicans are
equally opposed to war, as it might promote
third term. There is where the question
sticks. 1t is in the Presidents power to pro-
woke war, and he has left himself eligible
for denomination so far.
Year: 1876

discipline ana disregard OF system in every
thing pertaining 10 the administration Of the
Department Of Charities and Correction
This has been the case not under the present
Board alone, but under all Of its prodeces-
sors. Ever since the administration OF our
charitable and correctional institutions under
the old board Of ten governors was super
seded by the present system there has been
reason TO complain Of the lack OF discipline.
the cruelty Of keepers and the thousand an
one imperfections Of the service The reasons
are not so patent as the evils are evident A
change in the Board Of Commissioner
would not be remedy, for this has
failed too often already. A change In the
wardens and keepers would scarcely effect
the desired end. Yet il is plain that reform
is necessary and that better and more efh-
cient system is absolutely required. The
inmates of the hospitals and asylums and
the prisoners in the workhouse and the peni-
tentiary should have no reason TO complain
of harsh and cruel treatment, as one Of them
did in the columns of the HERALD yesterday.
Escape should be made impossible. For q
system which shall secure proper discipline
in our public institutions We can only look
to the Commissioners. They can afford it if
they will only give sufficient time and atten-
ton to the details of their department.
Without in any way allowing the dignity OF
their positions to suffer by that familiarity
which breeds contempt they should be per-
sonally and thoroughly conversant with
everything that happens on the Island. We
believe most of the evils which are COM
planned of arise from the methods of admin
istration adopted by the Commissioners.
There is too much dependence upon sub
ordinates in matters of information and too
little in the things which relate to real SER
vice. In word, the board holds its sub
ordinates with weak hand, while they in
turn oppress their prisoners and neglect
their duties
Year: 1876

One Of the commonest incidents of news
paper life is the receipt of communications
urging the editor to make attacks for which
the writer who prompts them is unwilling to
be responsible We are always glad
to receive information or statements of
fact from any authentic source, but we
cannot consent to be the instrument of
assaults on public or private persons


to crafty the malice or hostility of people
who shrink from the responsibility Of their
own acts and try to shelter themselves be-
hind our columns. Every man who is pub
licly attacked has a right to know who are
his accusers When facts are privately sub
mitted to us in the expectation that we will
employ our own judgment as to the use 10
be made Of them. we treat them as matters
of confidence. and would never think Of ex-
posing the writer. If we think fit to make
them grounds of criticism or assault on in
Year: 1876

In opposition to the proposed enactment
that persons who have escaped punishment
for murder by the plea of insanity shall be
imprisoned for life in the State Lunatic Asy-
lum, the Albany LaU Journal argues that
there is no logical ground for such a course,
and that, if it is justified at all, this must
be on ''the vague ground of public policy
If logic and public policy are in conflict in
any case the people of a stupen dous order
of superiority may stand by logic; but peo-
pie of more ordinary mould, and especially
legislators, will do we'll to regard public
policy as of the greater consequence But in
this case we do not see with the Journal that
logic and policy are so far apart He who
escapes the extreme penalty of the law on
the ground that the murder he committed
was done under the influence of an insane
impulse, escapes because he is not response
BILE before the law. But the basis of civil
lied society is the assumed responsibility of
every person to the law, and if
man is in condition in which
he is not responsible intellectually and
has q propensity to commit crimes he is
not such member of society as can be
trusted at large, and, in lieu of his personal
responsibility, society must take guarantee
for safety against him by putting him in the
custody of persons legally appointed to be-
come responsible for him. This is the logical
ground of his Imprisonment in the first
place. But it is urged that he will get well,
and that then it will be unjust to detain him,
because he will then be in condition to
meet his responsibilities generally, but can
not be held for crime for which, in the
theory of the law, he has no responsibility.
But how do we know he will get well? No
better, certainly, than we knew in the first
place that he would some day get insane and
cut his neighbor's throat Here society takes
guarantee for the future; and the man who
has once murdered in fit of insanity indi-
Gates himself as proper person to be held
until there is moral certainty that he will
not repeat the offence; and this moral GER
tainty can only be reached when the lid of
his coffin is screwed down. Is not the Sc
curity of the community esteemed in the
logic of the law as of more consequence than
the convenience or even the rights of an in
diyidual?
Year: 1876

During the last ten or twelve years the
management of the public institutions on
Blackwell's Island has been subject Of con-
slant reproach. The escape of prisoners has
have been frequent Cruelties and outrages
are often reported. In every phase in which
it has been possible to demonstrate it, it has
been shown that there is an absolute lack of
Year: 1876

bloodthirstiness. to fight anything like
change, the prospect is not cheering Aus
trian rule in the Northern provinces and
even Russian rule in Constantinople would
be infinitely preferable. The latter would
not suit England for it would plant the
most formidable outpost imaginable for Rus
sian aggression in Asia. The article in the
Times is doubtless feeler for English public
opinion, and indicates that the Cabinet will
support the plan.
Year: 1876

The London Times urges the adhesion of
England TO the Andrassy note, the Cabinet
having the matter under advisement at pres
ent 1t hints that if this chance is let slip
the necessity may arise ofapplying 'rougher
methods to wider area" If any peaceful
plan would avert the fate of the Ottoman
Empire England would be probably glad to
see it applied for, having in effect taken
Egypt as her share, she would be glad TO be
allowed TO strengthen her hold upon it with
out molestation and without such drain
upon its resources as q war on the part of
Turkey might imply. But it may be rea-
sonably doubted that the Times believes the
execution of Andrassy's plan to be feasible,


or that the results of its execution would be
determinate of the anomaly of a barbarous
Power like Turkey existing in Europe. The


''bit by bit" policy of reform may do very
well in England, but in country practically
closed up from the outside world as Turkey
is. with ignorance and bigotry. backed by
Year: 1876

American people TO hang their heads in
shame and deplore a lost opportunity.


We trust President Grant will do nothing
and project nothing calculated TO mar 80 in
teresting an occasion. OF all the years Of
our history this centennial year is the one in
which a war or any foreign disturbance
would be most inopportune. worlds fair
is, in its very nature, grand symbol of
peace. When we invite the presence of oil
nations in exhibiting the trophies of civiliza-
ton and the growth of arts the harsh sounds
of war would be insufferably jarring and dis
cordant


Peace hath her victories


No less renowned than War


and of all the grand victories of peace none
is so resplendent as an international exposi-
ton, which, in the language of Prince AL
bert, presents "a proof and living picture of
the height Of civilization and the progress of
mankind" Let this century close in tran
quillity and be crowned with the brightest
trophies of peace If we have rights to as
sert or injuries to avenge against other ma
tions let all our causes Of quarrel be post
poned during this centennial year of festivity
and congratulation


We wish the year might also be signalized
by reform in the one weak point in our in
stitutions-the re-eligibility of our Presi-
dents. We would fain hope that the amend
ment extending the Presidential office to six
years and limiting the incumbent to one
term may be passed by Congress and ratified
by the States before the close of the great
Exposition. If the ratification should be
early enough to lengthen the present term Of
General Grant to six years the importance of
the reform would reconcile us to this incl
dental consequence. We had much rather
he should have two additional years for
Strengthening out our difficulties with Spain
and Mexico, with the honor of bringing them
to a satisfactory conclusion, than have this
glorious centennial year clouded and
eclipsed by the smoke of cannon fired in
enmity to any foreign nation We trust that
all the gunpowder burned during this year
will be in friendly salutes to foreigners and
explosions of national rejoicing.
Year: 1876

The METHODIST MINISTERS were yesterday
engaged in hearing the report of their com
mittee delegated to consider certain obnox-
iously sectarian features Of the law relating
to education, and also TO stamp the foot Of
reprobation upon any endeavor to share the
school fund among the various sects.
Year: 1876

WALL STREET YEsTERDAY. Stocks were
irregular yet strong, the close of the market
being attended by reaction. Money on call
loaned at per cent Gold was steady at
l13 a 113 Is. Government and railway
bonds and good investment securities were
Grm
Year: 1876

A FINE DISPLAY will be made by Germany
at the Philadelphia Exposition, and the Ger
man authorities are making ample arrange
ments for everything connected Herewith.
Our fellow citizens from beyond the Rhine
will be pleased at the news.
Year: 1876

FATHER KEARSEY.


Although tho weather was very uppropitious tho
Cathedral was yesterday crowded to The In
decd, sunshine to have but little effect
upon the attendance at the spacious church in Mu-
berry street, The officiating clergyman was the Rev.
Father Mor, and at the conclusion OF the nrs gospel
tho Rev. Father kcarney ascendcd tue pulpit and
made an and pathetic appeal benalt OF tho
poor Hc took his text from Proverbs, XIX. i7-'ie
that hath mercy the poor endeth 10 tho Lord and
he will repay him.. The reverend gentleman said
that the Lord had taught tho way TO heaven. That
way was by prayer-prayng ourselves and assist
ing others in their needs. The Lord Himself mad set
the example by curing the sick, giving sight to the
blind granting pardon to tho sinner who repeated.
lie gave succor to those who followed Him.
in distributing 10 them ioavcs aud fishes;
ho showed His love Tor little chlircn-ior
tho poor and the lowly and the outcast and
through Him obtained mercy from Almighty God
The Church mad initiated the Divine Lord Ia building
institutions Tor those who had been deprived OF their
parents tho needy and the distressed, Tor unfor
tunates and Tor tho aged and nnrm. The prayers Of
ali these continuously ascending to Almighty
God Tor their bencfactors, asking tor them not only
blessings in this world but perpetual JOY IN tho world
to come Their prayers were not unhcard. Often
times has the rich man become richer by lending
helping hand 10 his needy neighbor-intced the large
h earted donor yet known to suffer from
generous offerings 10 the poor Thus were blessings
brought upon the community and upon the country
and blessings upon the posterty OF the cheerful giver
But apart from any temporal advantages that might
accrue from following the SUGGESTIONS sct iorth in tho
text tho spiritual advantages 10 be derived there
from were OF infinitely greater importance. The
prayers OF those whom we assist ascend 70 Almighty
Goa begging forgiveness Of our sins, and asked that
last hours might be peaceful and happy and be
uuited with HIM forever These were among the ben
e1ts, both temporal and spiritual, to be derived from
assisting the poor. But there certain conditions
which charity must be bestowed IN order 10 bc
fruitful OF results. We must give 10 the poor il
were giving TO God We must not dispense wealth Tor
charitable purposes that we may obtain honor aud
fame or that may DO exalted IN human cstccm;
nor 10 the poor with hope OF
earthly reward; but oil men should give abundantly,
far they able, and, what is moro,
they should give cheerfuliy. gifts accompanied by
harsh words or with grudge had better NOT be given
ALL The Almighty loves The cheerful gver. In the
course OF a brilliant and effective discourse the
erend preacher earnestly called upon the congregation
remember the poor in their midst, and their pray
ers would not prove unavailng IN The hour OF need
Rev. Father kcarney at the conclusion oil his Sermon
announced that ON Thursday evening next the dis
tipguished orator, Rev. Father Damen 5. j., would
deliver lecture IL tho Cathedral, the subject being
'sThc Catholic Church and the Poor"