smithclay/nortonstories huggingface dataset:
Year: 1876

An Arkansas correspondent of the
American Farm Journal thus strongly
states the superiority of mules over
horses for farm work in the South.
The SUBJECTS worthy the attention of
Northern farmers:


''MuleS on an average are more val
liable than horses, and more easily
raised, and are not so subject to- dis.
ease, are not likely to run away in
wagoning and blowing, are longer
lived, will do more work, and require
less feed and attention; they are strong
er, will draw heavier loads, and stand
a great deal more hardship, and are in
every way preferable to the horse for
general farm use. Mules come in
earlier, being ready for light work
when three years old. They will then
do enough work on a farm to pay for
their food, and after having reached
the age Of four years they are ready
for any kind of service. But the horse
(colt) must be kept until he is four
years old before he is worked at all,
and when he is he must be first
rate colt to- bring as much as the mule
will at 2 years old. But assume the
animals are both required for farm
work, see what a difference there is in
favor of the mule. The working life
of the mule can be safely estimated at
thirty years, and that of a horse at ten
years. So while a mule is working its
life out three horses will be required tc
do equal service. But these are not the
only items. The saving of feed is at least
one.fourth, or not less than 647 bushels
of corn and 457 tons Of hay. These
amounts added to the original saving
in purchase of animals, show an ad.
vantage in favor of the use o. the mule
over the horse of 81, 900 during the or.
dinary life of the animal. The mule
is less dainty about food, unground
grain and dry feed being just the thing
for him. .
Year: 1876

NOrr1stOWn ACrai0


When a Norristown woman asked
her husband for two dollars to buy
calico dress, he whipped paper ont of
his coat-tail pocket and pointed to an
editorial which clearly showed that
female extravaganza was the ruination
of some of our best men, and even the
country itself was becoming demoral-
lied from the same cause. Then he
gave her ten cents to buy hair-pins, lit
a ten-cent cigar and left the house
and lost three dollars playing billiards
before he came home.
Year: 1876

the most convenient corner. One
negro lay close to the wall of a bu l.
ding and shut himself up in manner
like a pock ct knife, while both races
took refuge behind a safe in the
streets, that was being moved into the
new building OF the Traders National
Bank. Many now believed, who never
thought so before, that the safe was
not only fire proof, bit life saOieg
institution as well. There was moth
ing of political nature about the
trouble, it took its origen from drunk
euness, and much regret is felt by all
good people at the serious and unfor-
tunate affair. Some drunken negroes
are esill msking threats of vengeance,
but we think that the ruling spirit
amoug them will fr6wn and discourage
anything so urwise and suicidal on the
part of the blacks.
Year: 1876

The old year of 1875 is numbered
with the dead past, and to-day we
greet the advent of the new year 1876
It was but moment of time that divi-
dcd the two;-the last stroke of the
clock, the dropping of the last grain Of
sand in Times hour glass, and ths one
was forever dead, toe other born into
the living present. Amid the ashes of
the yeas that is just dead, how many
of us that do not find something to re-
mind US of fond hopes which have
been blasted. griefs which are yet
sore. sorrous which Heaven can only
heali


Many of us look at these and continue
to nurse in our hearts the things that
have faded and gone,--careless of the
present, aud almost Indifferent to the
future Melancholy pleasure n fnus
living in the past. is perhaps the single
pleasure that is left to many OF us.
To such we would gladly whisper a
word OF sympathy. But shilst so ten
dering orr condolences, we would at
the same time say to them, w. ring
ing emphasis,


'Let tie dead past bury i dead"
aud only bring from its tomb to the
present. a. ! to the future, the bright
lamp If exDeriuce.
Year: 1876

A COLOR WAR" seems imminent in
Liberia. The agitators, under the
lead of a full-blooded negro from the


Vest Indies, are striking high, aiming
at no less parsonage than President
Robert !, who does not happen to be of
pure African breed. Roberts is said
to be very much embarrassed about
it. It was to be supposed that the
peace of the Republic was disturbed
sufficiently by the incursions of saw
ages and other warlike people. To be
sent all agog now with an internal con-
fiict having shade test for it's basis
seems to be very ridiculous under the
and il not calculated
to increase the public sympathy for
the Republic in its troubles.
Year: 1876

This is sample of the ''hazing" for
which a number Of silly young fellows
have Just been expelled from the naval
academy at Annapolis: "A third-class
cadet, backed by several Of his mates,
would enter the room OF 'pleb' and
address him thus: i am an ugly fel.
low don't you think soF OF course
the pleb would declare that he thought
him a very handsome fellow. Then,
SAYS the third classman, you mean TO
call me a liar The trembling boy
would humbly assert he meant nothing
OF that kind, but the fellow would grab
him by the neck and heels, declaring he
would throw him out of the third-story
window. Dragging him TO the window,
he would thrust the frightened pleb Just
far enough out to make him believe that
the least jar or movement would precipi-
tate him TO the pavement below. After
being hauled in he is placed between
two mattresses and an Indian war-dance
/. lad upon the upper one, the whole
en- 'ludiag with dose Of writing
i ..ri.n
Year: 1876

ances deserve the most respectful conside-
ration, and that reflection which the ema-
nations of so WISE and patriotic gentle
man merit As showing that destitution
and decentralization may be avoided by pur
suing the line of policy indicated by Mr..
Burwell, as we'll as an exhibit of the obli-
cations the whole country is under to the
colored laborer, we subjoin the following
additional extract from the letter in ques-
ton, and leave the subject to the conside-
ration of rejecting minds:


'sMuch of the destitution and Decentralization,
with many deplorable collisions between capi-
tai, on the one hand, and labor untaught, un-
protected and disorganized on the other, might
be instigated by employing colored industry,
otherwise unoccupied, for the supply of do
mestic wants. Let, then, those who appreciate
this great object devote themselves to give it
practical effect. Let those who can spare the
capital establish some model industries among
the colored people; let them endow technology
cal or trade schools and polytechnical lnstitu-
tions for their instruction. Has philanthropy
given the freedmen capital? They have re-
ceived back from the banking charter with
which they were presented some ten per cent.
of their own money. Congress Immediately
after the war imposed a special tax on cotton
and tobacco. We may estimate the amount
collected under that law at as many millions
as may seem proper. Nor need we answer the
question here whether the tax was deducted
from the sale or purchase of this product. In
the first place, it would have been the joint
contributions to the Government of capital
and labor. Upon one point there can be no
question-the greatest part of the product was
the result of colored labor. Without the pro-
ductive force of the freedmen the Gotten and
tobacco, sugar and rice could not at that time
have been grown nor the tax collected. In the
event, then, that the laborers, whether white
or colored, were instrumental in producing
this crop, they aided the Government in the
moment of supreme exhaustion. They gave
their aid not merely in the tribute of a special
tax, but in the creation of staples nearly
equivalent TO gold coinage equal to the ma.
tjOnal debt -
Year: 1876

THERE can be no doubt that even in the
North the Democracy still adheres to the
infamous anti-war heresies which upheld
them on Southern battle fields as well as at
Northern ballot boxes IN their opposition to
the Republican party. For example, the
New York World of the 2Sth instant prints
the following as one of its most prominent
editorial paragraphs:


Sine best thing in Mr.. EVarts' striking
speech yesterday at the unveiling of the Sew
ard statue was the sentence in which he said
of Mr.. Seward that 'he believed it is the con-
sent of citizens that makes the safety and
greatness ofthe nation, and not the powef that
can coerce citizens Those who remember the
tinkling of that little belI may doubt whether
Mr.. Seward quite deserved this particular
praise. But it is the right of an orator on
such an occasion to idealize his theme, and Mr..
Evarts, we are sure, believes, what certainly
Mr.. Seward ought to have believed upon this
point"


There is great deal of romance in the
tales of the tinkling of that little bell, but
romance TT not, the World takes advantage
of these tales to insinuate that the nation
had not the power during the rebellion to
'coerce citizens" who were in rebellion
against it. And the World is the repre-
sentative paper Of the modern Democracy
the Democracy that wishes bygones to
be bygones, and processes to accept the re-
suits of the war as a final settlement of all
the issues involved in the late sectional
Year: 1876

THE New York Herald says the Repub-
lican party seems to think the Southern
States are ''the prize Of the war, to give
cup which is to give up the result of the
"war" Never were truer words uttered.
To give up the Southern States to the
DemoCracy-as the most of them have
been given up-is to abandon the war
amendments to the Constitution, and to
ignore the rights of millions of people who
were made citizens by those amendments.
If the Government, or the Republican
party while it is in control Of the Govern
ment has any stamina or honesty, the
rights of those vino became citizens by the
result of the war will be protected. Better
far that they should have remained in un-
doubted slavery than that they should
have tasted the sweets of liberty only to
become virtual slaves again, or targets for
the merciless rifles Of those who fought to
keep them IN slavery.
Year: 1876

.. .- Us - -.-S.a InCeTes


This political force Is yet to form and ex-
press its own theory upon the subject. Sup
pose 1t shall appear that this industry will in
sure here an adequate reward for both the
capital ard labor invested. We may not only
anticipate the cordial cooperation of the two
races in the common interest, but also that
success in the manufacture of any purple
fabric will become the example of other Incl
dental and kindred Industries among US. Sup
pose the friends Of home manufactures appeal
to this political power, Ieither insignificant nor
unworthy to be inviLPL into alliance with the
manufacturing interest. Remember, that at
the present rate the colored people are entitled
tc more than thirty members of Congress and
of the Electoral College. This is about one
sixth of either body. Remember that they are
not, as formerly, endowed like women and
children with mere right to be represented,
but that they now have the power to express
their opinion in the choice of their representa-
tives.


''The most practical means of testing and Of
appealing to this vote would be /: 1. To include
the staple products of sugar, rice and tobacco
among the standard articles of American pro-
duction; 2. To afford the colored people an op-
portunity of proving how competent they are
of manufacturing fabrics of ordinary use and
rendering services as mariners. Special aid
should be extended them in the manufacture
of cotton yarns, cloths and prints. The en-
ployment Of colored operatives in mills separate
from those which employ white labor would
prevent collision of races and insure the ex-
pertinent of capacity. 1t was published last
year that at one place at least in ireland there
is Protestant cotton mill and Catholic cot
ton mill. The proprietors propose, no doubt,
to keep yarn and theology apart. Why not
the races be separated industriously as well
1t must not be forgotten that grave responsi-
bilty rests with those who have assumed
voluntary guardianship over the emancipated
millions. 1t would be a dereliction of that
responsibility to disband this phIlanthropic Or
ganization before the results of its action shall
have been determined. 1t will not be proper
to assume to emancipation that which had
been solely the result of slavery"


This, be it remembered, is the language
of native Soutberner, and one who has
given to the subject of political economy,
especially as it bears upon the material de-
veIopment of the industries of the country,
lifetime of vigorous thought. The ap-
peal is made for aid in the direction of
utilizing the colored element of the South
and more particularly the rising genera
tOn-to those who have the best interests
Of those people at heart, viz: those who
have persistently advocated their freedom,
and who are now trying to solve the
problem with regard to their future. As
we endeavored TO show in former
article, the author of this letter has
become, after years of reflection, con-
vert TO the doctrines of protection, as
well as of Republicanism, of which party
protection to all the great interests of the
country is cardinal tenet His utter
Year: 1876

now exhausted Tho State to have no credit
and unless something is done speedily in their behalf
in the way Of appropriate legislation private char


ties he will be compelled to out the unortunaes
in his care-over 4co in nunbcr-and close the
doors OF tho institution.
Year: 1876

The Montenegrin method of making
war is very primitive. A Russian Off
Ger, who visited their country, and
studied it, tells us that Montenegrin
never sues for mercy and whenever one
OF them is severely wounded, and it is
impossible to save him from the enemy,
his own comrades cut off his head
When at the attack of Ciobuck, small
detachment of Russian troops was COM
PEELED TO retreat, an officer of stout
make and no longer young, fell on the
ground from exhaustion. A Montene-
grin perceiving it, ran Immediately to
him, and, having drawn his vatagsn,
said: You are very brave. and mus.
wish that should cut off your head.
say prayer and make sign of the
cross" The officer, Mortified at the prop
osition, made an effort TO rise, and re-
joined his comrades with the assistance
of the friendly Montenegrin. They con-
slider all those who have been taken by
the enemy as killed. They carry out of
the battle their wounded soldiers on
their shoulders. Arms, small loaf of
bread, a cheese, some garlic, little
brandy, an old garment, and two pair of
sandals made OF raw hide, form all the
equipage of the Montenegrins. On their
march they do not seek any shelter from
rain or cold. In rainy weather the
Montenegrin wraps around his head the
strookd "a shawl of coarse cloth), lies
down on the ground and, putting his
rifle under him, sleeps very comfortably.
Three or four hours of repose are quite
sufficient for his rest and the remainder
of his time is occupied in constant exer-
ton. 1t is impossible to retain them in
the reserve, and it seems that they can
not calmy bear the view of the enemy.
The tactics of the Montenegrins are con.
fined to being skillful marksmen. \
stone, hole, tree offer them a cover
from the enemy. Firing usually in q
PROSTATE position on the ground, they
are not easily hit, while their rapid and
sure shots carry destruction into the
closed ranks of regular army. They
have besides a well practised eye ior
Judging of distance, and thoroughly un
derstand how to take advantage Of the
ground Of course it will always bC
difficult to employ such warriors against
regular troops.
Year: 1876

A CHEYENNE woman started while
drunk TO drive to a village six miles
distant, did not recognize the place
when she got there, and kept right on
until journey OF ninety miles killed
the horse, a full supply Of whiaky having
kept her brain fuddled.
Year: 1876

nance than opponen is who fought it Mt
every stage and yielded only when they
were overpowered. The wretched misrule
which has resulted from the reconstruction
policy of the republicans shows at what a
tremendous cost they are willing to maintain
negro rights, and the sincerity and efficiency
of their protection to colored citizens is so
entirely beyond doubt that the North can
have no hesitation in trusting them rather
than the democratic party for guarding the
political results of the war. If, therefore,
the republican party could succeed in its
attempt to make the Southern question the
predominant issue in this Presidential cam
vass there is no reason to doubt that it
would carry the election.


The democratic party would have ut least
an equal advantage if it could make the cleo
ton turn on the great question of administra-
tive reform. The republicans are as proiuse
In professions on this issue as the democrats
are on the results of the war and negro
equality. But their sincerity is equally open
to question. If the good faith of the
democrats is exposed to suspicion on the me-





record, that of the republicans is equally sus-
plcious on the reform question on the same
ground. The monstrous abuses which de-
mand reform have grown up and tiourished
under republican rule. 1t is not safe to
trust party to remedy evils which, having
the power, it did not prevent The past
record Of the republican party is as bad on
the reform question as that of the democratic
party is on the negro question. There is
| just as much reason founded on its history
for discrediting its reform professions rs
there is for discredting the democratic
| professions respecting the rights and
equality of the negro race. The repub-
lcan party has been in power for
sixteen years. Had it been true to
the country the reform question could not
have become one of paramount urgency.
It's professions on this head are exposed,
like the democratic professions respecting
negro rights to the suspicion of being a
hollow pretence for electioneering effect
The reform professions of the republican
party belle its record. Had it done its duty
during its long tenure of power there would
be no urgent need of reform


The real question on which this Presi-
dental election is to turn is whether official
honesty and administrative reform be more
important than the protection of negro
rights in the South If the country regards
the negro question as paramount it will elect
Hayes; if it regards the reform question as
paramount it will elect Tilden.
Year: 1876

The farce at Gilmores Garden Oh Sunday
evening, when the police were watching the
barroom while beer was distributed from
the galleries. shows the folly Of our police
authorities in their way of enforcing the
laws. II it is wrong to sell beer in Gill
mores Garden it is wrong to sell it anywhere
in the city. And yet it is sold all over the
city. The raid upon the Hippodrome looks
like persecution. and should come to an
end. 1t really brings the law into contempt.
All these attempts to enforce Sunday laws
or sumptuary enactments are opposed to the
spirit of the age. People will respect the
Lords Day from religious motives, and not
because the common councils so or
dain it. If law is necessary to protect
the Sabbath the sanctity of that holy day
rests upon slender foundation. All that
VIC expect from the police is that order shall
be preserved on Sunday as on other days
that there shall be no crimes or breaches Of
the peace. There the functions of the
police should stop. The idea that lemonade
and soda should be sold and beer should be
contraband is absurd. Ii it is wrong to sell
one it is wrong to sell the other 1t is inst
possible that Mr.. Gilmore, who has genius
for advertising, means to advertise his
garden. This idea has occurred to us. and
we cannot help thinking that the police
could be in better business
Year: 1876

In another column we present an interest
ing interview with President Grant, which
will speak for itself When so great a man
is in question why cannot we be fair to
him? All sorts of accusations have
been made against him. If he took
the money and houses given to him
by a grateful people for services that will
history he did what Marlborough did when
the Queen gave him rank, money and
estates; what Schomberg and Bentinck did
when William III. gave them wealth and
dignities; what the elder Pitt did when the
Duchess of Marlborough made him one of
her legatees; what Wellington did when the
nation gave him palace; what oil the mar
shals of Napoleon and all the generals of
Frederick did; what his comrades, Sherman
and Mcclellan, were not ashamed to do. If
the taking of presents under these circum-
stances is to be censured let the censure
fall upon others as we'll as upon Grant.


Judge Black threw out the impression
that the President has taken presents since
he entered the White House, and to such an
extent as to be as guilty of bribery as Bel
knap. He cited the case of Hoar and the
library which Hoar denied. He cited Ed
wards Pierrepont paying S20,00 But that
was an election contribution paid to the cam
paign fund in New York. We have seen no
evidence that the President has taken
honors or money or valuable presents since
he became President, and if any one has
such evidence it is duty to the public to
make it known. General Grant will soon
retire from public life. No journal has sup
ported him more earnestly than the HERALD
when right or censured him more severely
when wrong. He does many things we can
not approve. But his name will be one of
the great names in our history 1t will live
with Washington, Jackson and Lincoln
That cannot be taken from him. Why de-
grade o name that will be an example to our
children?
Year: 1876

The hopeIessness of any action from Con-
gress on the Indian question throws the
whole responsibility on the President. Tho
Indian Ring is too strong for an assembly OF
easy virtue like our present Senate. The
House was willing to pass an act transferring
the Indians to the army, but the Senate
would not concur. That would be the end
OF the ring the end of department which
has kept the Indians in n state of constant
war, which has cost VS. five hundred mill
ions of dollars and brought dishonor upon
or national fame. Since Congress will not
act why should not the President? He has
power to direct the disbursements OF
oil moneys. He is now in military
occupation of the Indian country. He
can drive out every Indian agent In twenty.
four hours. An order to General Sheridan,
saying that the peace of the country de-
mands that the Indians should be under
stringent military rule, will end the ring.
We think it his duty to do so. These In
dian reservations and agencies as at present
managed are simply bases Of supplies for
Sitting Bull. hospitals for his wounded,
stations for recruits. When he wants arms
he sends to reservation. The money he
took from Clusters command is probably by
this time in the pockets of an Indian trader
who received it for ammunition. When
Sitting Bull has wounded or infirm old
men or women as impediments he sends
them to Red Cloud or Spotted Tail
for protection. Our Indian policy has
been to arm the Indians so as to mas
sacre our settlers, and then arm the
troops to massacre the Indians. The traders
supply each side, and the war is q profit to
them. When Sitting Bull wants recruits he
sends to the reservations. The young men
steal away at the first whisper Of war; The
old chiefs cannot control them. They seek
the war rs the tiger seeks blood. They ex-
pect to have good summers fighting, and
when over to come back to the reservation
and be good Indians and shake hands and
wait for the grass to come. The way to end
this is for Grant to order Sheridan to sup
press every reservation as now organized az
a base Of supplies for the enemy. 1t is his
duty as commander of the army to do SO,
and Sheridan is the man to do it.