smithclay/nortonstories huggingface dataset:
Year: 1876

A late German newspaper related the
following anecdote: In an imperial
city, lately. criminal was condemned
to be beheaded who had singular itch
ing to play at nine-pins. While his
sentence was being pronounced he had
the temerity to offer a request to be per-
mitted to play once more at his favorite
game at the place of execution, and
then he said, he would submit without
a murmur. As the last prayer Of the
diving man, his request was granted.
When he arrived at the solemn spot he
found everything prepared; the pins
being set up and the bowl being ready.
He played with no little earnestness.
But the sheriff at length, seeing that he
showed no inclination to desist, pri-
yately ordered the executioner to strike
the fatal blow as he stopped for the
bowl. The executioner did so, and the
head dropped into the cuiprit's hand as
he raised himself to see what had oc-
Cured. He Immediately aimed at the
nine conceiving it was the bowl which
he had grasped. All nine falling the
head loudly exclaimed: swell. have
won the game"


This reminds us of story which
has been told in proof OF the amazing
dexterity Of the German executioners
in cutting of heads with the sabre. A
cu!prit being bound and prepared for
the blow, and not feeling it when it
came, cody asked the man what had
hindered him, since the signal had
been duly given. "Shake yOurself!,'
said the executioner. And, on the
the criminal doing so, his head, which
had been severed but not displaced,


umbled on the scaffold.
Year: 1876

The Turkish Government, i'm its cor
with the great Western
powers, finds it convenient to disavow
all completely with slavery; but it not
only exists, but is connived at by the
local authorities in Damascus. There
is not a week i'm which women are not
bought and sold here for the basest of
all purposes. Guided by two of our
friends, we went to the place
in which this foul traffic was said to be
carried on, in order that We might see
with our own eyes. At the foot of a
stair we inquired of a man who was
guarding the entrance whether slaves
were sold here. Seeing us to be Franks,
he denied with the most violent asseve-
ratlons. As ''the fellow" seemed to us
to ''protest too much," we ventured,
while he was engaged in alteration
with our friends, to ascend the stair.
and in a small apartment at the head of
it we found seven young women
huddled together on the floor. A little
tambourine and some other simple in
struments of music lay around them.
The slave dealer almost Immediately
after made his appearance, and not the
least ashamed of his falsehood, though
he saw himself to be found out, asked
us to name our price for one of the
seven. We confess to having felt q
strong inclination to seize whip which
hung in the apartment and to thrash
the scoundrel with it. 1t was great
Year: 1876

In the first place it is an imposition
on a well bred girl to keep her up later
than half-past ten, when you have the
opportunity of seeing her often. If You
always leave her with the wish in her
heart that you had stayed longer, you
gain so much. Never run the risk of
wearying her with your presence Be
just as earnest and as straightforward
as in your honorable dealing with men.
Impress your friends with the worthi-
ness and seriousness of your love, so
that vulgar and senseless bantering
will appear to them as such. Love is
religion-the supremest happiness
wear it manfully and proudly, bnt at
the same time holly. Woo woman
bravely. If there is anything humila-
ting to a woman, it is to have lover, ,
whom she wishes to honor, weak and
vapid, ever yielding, half afraid of her.
She longs to tell him to act like man.
The man who conceals or denies bis love
from fear of being laughed at, is cow
ard. A love that has no divinity is not
love, but passion, which, of itself, has
nothing ennobling. That was a beau
tiful inscription on an engagement
ring: "Each for the other, both for
God"
Year: 1876

John Stanley, the musician, lost his
sight, when two years of age. He had
so correct an ear, that he never forgot
the voice of person he had once heard
speak.


An instance is given in which he re-
collected the voice of a person he had
not heard for twenty years, who then
accosted him in an assumed voice. If
twenty people were seated at the table
together, he would address them all in
regular order, without their situations
being previously known to him. Rid
ing on horseback was one of his favorite
exercises, though it would seem a very
dangerous one for the blind, and toward
the close of his life, when he lived in
Epping Forest, England, and wished to
give his friends an airing, he would
take them the pleasantest road, and
point out the most agreeable prospects.


lie played at whist with great reaiyness
and judgment. Each card was marked
at the corner with the point of needle,
but these marks were so delicately fine
as scarcely to be discerned by any per-
sou not previously apprised of them.
His hand was generally the first ar
ranged, and it was not uncommon for
him to complain of the party that they
were too tedious in sorting the cards.
He could tell the precise time by a
watch. He knew the number of per-
sons in a room when he entered it;
would direct his voice TO each person in
particular-even to strangers after they
had once spoken; and would miss any
one if they were absent, and could tell
who that one was.
Year: 1876

the past centuries. Those who We're accused
Of crimes We're confined in wretched cells
which are upon q level with the bridge,
While those who were accused of political of
fences We're sent down to damp and much
worse cells, which are upon a level with the
canal, and some are said to extend below it's
surface. There prisoners had no more air
Or light than could find it's way through
hole in the wall above the door, which was
less than loot in diameter. The door was
merely large enough to admit of entrace by
low STOPPING Or crawling in, and was never
opened except for removing the prisoner Tor
trial, or to lead him to his execution-tor
liberty was not often realized by any person
who once found his way here.


The senate chamber is now occupied as a
library or repository of the old books and
manuscripts, but the platform and seats of
its officers remain as in olden time. The
Doges were honored with the placing of
their portraits along the upper border of the
wall, and are in line so as to distinguish the
succession of their service. The place were
one should have been is blank and that is
the one that would have been occupied by
Marino Fariero, and an inscription upon the
space explains its absence.--G B. Chapman
i7a Westeraa Rurat.
Year: 1876

Garry the radiance your soul in your
face. Let the world have the benefit of it.
Let your cheerfulness be felt for good wher-
ever you are; and let your smiles be scat
tered like stlnbeanls, ''on the just, as well as
on the UNJUST" Such disposition will yield
you rich reward, for its happy effects will
come home to you and brighten your mo-
nlents of thought


Cheerfulness makes the mind clear, gives
tone to thought, adds grace and beauty to
the countenance. Joubert says, 'sWhen you
give, give with JOY and smiling.


Smiles are little things, cheap articles to
be fraught with 50 many blessings both to
the giver and to the receiver, pleasant little
ripples to watch as we stand on the shore Of
everyday life. They are o1r higher better lla-
ture's response to the emotions of the
soul.


| Let the children have the benefit Of them;
those little ones who need the sunshine oil
the heart to educate them, and would find
a level for their buoyant natures in the
cheerful, loving faces Of those who lead


them.


Let them not be kept from the middle


aged, who need the encouragement they
. bring.


Give your smiles also to the aged. They


come to them like the quiet rain Of sum-


mer, making fresh and verdant the long,


weary path otlife. Theylook for them from


you who are rejoicing III the fullness Of life.
BE gentle and indulgent to all. Love
the truthful, the beautiful, the just, the
i holy.0
Year: 1876

Letters! How we prize and cherish them.
Though they be defaced and yellow, yet are
they dear for the writer's sake, for they
breathe of a friendship that is ever true.
They are like stars in the tfrmament of our
lives, lighting us on and on. even to the end
OF life's journey. They come nonr somber
moments and chase away all the gloom.
This one, yellow and faded, is from the dear
hand of a mother, over whose lowly bed the
flowers have bloonled and faded these many
years, yet the trace of her loving hand on
this old manuscript is exceedingly dear to
me, and know the assurance of Affection
herein never knew shawdow of change. A
mothers love is the purest on earth; no
self, no dross IN it. 1t is as refined gold and
an emanation from Deity.


And this is from a young friend of long
ago. Dear Annie ! with the sunny brow
and loving heart-too fair and pure for
earth, and so death breathed an icy breath
on the fair, sweet bud, and it never bios
somed on earthly soil. And this, with its
bold, dashing hand, is from student friend,
young and gifted, with lofty aims and high
:, prospects, and anon, fame crowned him


with high honors and life seemed replete


with happiness. But the tempter came,
sparkling and alluring in the ruby wine


cup, and he fell from his high estate, down,


down into the deepest depths of woe and
death. SIS .a
And this fair-tinted sheet, breathing of .
= love more potent than love Of TREND, recalls
Year: 1876

tive feelings quake with apprehension. On
the contrary, we can only coax pleasure by
gentle words of incantation. If we want
its cheerful presence, we must remember
that like attracts like. If there are smiles,
sunshine, and flowers about Us, let us not
grasp them with q miser's fist and lock them
upin our hearts. No; rather let us take
them and scatter them about us, III the cot
of the widow, among the group of children,
congregate, in our families and everywhere.
We can make the wretch happy, the discon-
tented cheerful, the afflicted resigned, at an
exceedingly cheap rate. Who will refuse to
do it?
Year: 1876

A pastor ola church in one of our large
cities said to me not long ago: II have Off
ciated at forty weddings since I came here,
and in every case, save one, felt that the
bride was running an awful risk Young
men Of bad habits and fast tendencies never
marry q girl of their own sort, but demand a
wife above suspicion. So pure, sweet wo-
men, kept from the touch Of evil through
girlhood, give themselves with all their cost
ly dover of womanhood, in the keeping OF
men who, in base associations, having learned
to underyalue all that belongs to them, and
then find no repentance i'll the sad after
years.


There is but one way out of this | can see,
and that is for you to require in associations
and marriages, purity tor sobriety, and hon
or for honor.


There is no reason why the young men Of
this Christian land should not be just as yir-
tuous as its young women, and if the loss OF
your society be the price they are forced to
pay for vice, they will not pay it.


This is plain, sensible talk, and just such
as ought to be needed by all our boys ant
girls, until the much needed reformation il
fully established. Too much Of the happi
ness or misery Of our children depends o.
this for tito pass without producing deep re
Election and action in the right direction. w
have never made suggestions fraught witt
greater Importance.
Year: 1876

No REPUBLICAN TICKET FOR SUSsEX.-Just
as we go 10 press we hear a rumor to tho
effect that the Republicans of Sussex will
make no organized and determined op-
position 10 the Democratic county ticket
Startling as this report is, it comes to US so
we'll authenticated that we feel bound to
give it some crcdcnce. The constant
fighting between the ring and anti-ring
factions of the party, and their apparent
determination to remain irreconcilable,
have made conservative Republicans favor
total abandonment Of any effort looking
to the nomination of even Il State ticket
Brcakvatcr Light
Year: 1876

GENERAL McCLELLANs CAMPAIGN LETTER.
We print an electioneering letter by Gen
eral Mcclellan. sent us from the rooms of
the National Democratic Committee in this
city. 1t is offered to the press for publica-
ton at n period long subsequent to its date,
as if it took Mr.. Tlden's committee some
tine to make up their minds that such an
Endorsement would help his canvass.
General McClellan's indiscreet and super
s4rviceable friends have been the worst
enemies of his fame. They benefit neither
him nor the democratic party by inducing
him to write campaign letter in support
of Tilden, and exposing him anew to the
captious criticism of the republican press.
His letter tends to recall the canvass of
1864, when Mcclellan was pitted against
President Lincoln on q disgraceful peace
platform with Pendleton, of more recent
rag money notoriety, as the second name
on the ticket. This dragging of General
Mcclellan out of past which his best
friends should wish forgotten plays into the
hands of the republicans and assists them
in their attempt to revive old issues. Gene
rll McClellan's good sense would have
kept him aloof from party politics. He
has, of course, yielded to the pressure o.
New York friends in writing this letter
We do not wonder at the hesitation anC
delay of Mr.. Tilden's committee in giving
it to the press. They must feel that.tht
Tllden canvass is in pressing need of hell
when they publish the Endorsement of thu
peace candidate Of 1864 and the associate
OF Pendleton as campaign document
" J.. HcnaM
Year: 1876

METHODIST EPISCOPAL FRATERNAL UNION.
The Commissioners appointed by the two
great bodies of Methodism-the Northern
and Southern Churches-to remove all
obstacles to formal fraternity to adjust ex-
isting difficulties between them, have been
in joint session at Cape May for some days
past, and concluded their labors on We'd
nesday evening. In advance of their
report to their respective General Con-
ferences, the Commissioners have issued an
address "to the Bishops, the ministers and
the members of the Methodist Episcopal
Church and the Methodist Episcopal Church
South" in which they recite the objects
of the conference and announce that, after
having given due attention to all questions
involved in the proper construction of a
platform of complete fraternity, they have
arrived at a settlement of every matter
affecting the principles of lasting and
cordial adjustment. They state that they
have agreed upon a formal declaration and
basis of fraternity, and in relation to confiic
ting claims to church property unanimous
ly adopted a series of rules for their adjust
ment. They proceed at length and with
enthusiasm toillustrate Disadvantages which
will arise from complete fraternity, presen.
ting a picture of harmony between the
sections and in the great body of MethO
dism which it may we'll be hoped may b.


fully realized.
Year: 1876

The TILDEN CANVASS Thus FAR.-The
canvass on the democratic side has been,
up to this time, so fat and tame as to raise
ominous misgivings in the minds of demo
Gratis. 1t would be ridiculous to suppose
that the party in power can be dislodged
without strenuous and aggressive efforts.
They hold the citadel, and without more
energy on the part Of the assailants they
will continue to hold it. The democratic
party has been acting on the defensive
ever since the opening of the campaign.
A party out of power can accomplish moth.
ing SO long as it can be kept in defensive
attitude. Unless there is change very
soon the democratic party may as wei


make up its mind to "hang its harp on the
willows and sit down by the waters o
Babylon and weep."-N Y. Herald.
Year: 1876

VICTORIA G. WooDHUL-The an
nouncement that Victoria G. Wood
hull would lecture last night on "The
Review of a Century; or, the Fruits
of 5000 years. was sufficient to ell
Concert Hall with an audience of av-
erage intelligence and responsibility.
Quite one-third of those present were
ladies. Occupying front seats were
several prominent residents of the
city. Mrs. Woodruff stepped upon
the stage amid the scenery used for
exhibiting the Royal Marionettes.
Her appearance was the signal for
applause. The greater part of Mrs.
Woodhulls lecture was taken up in
showing that crime and misery result
from the improper and vicious educa-
ton of the young. The remedy lies
with the mothers. The young man
should be taught from his mothers
lips the mystery of his own origin.
In this way he can be made a useful
and honorable citizen. The speaker
referred to the prosecution she has
previously been subjected to, and
claimed that she is now securing the
recognition for which The has long
fought with untiring courage. Her
utterances were frequently greeted
with applause.
Year: 1876

In compliance with custom made ven
erable by long observance the President
has set apart the


Thirtieth Day Of November inst.
as day of THANKsGIvING TO ALMIGHTY
GoD for the blessings that have crowned
the now closing year.


The watchfulness of an Omniscient Eye
and the guidance of Divine Hand have
been manifest through all the domains of
nature. The order and harmony of the
universe; the succession of the seasons
spring time, with its garniture of flowers
summer with its seed time; autumn with
its fruits: these attest the wisdom, power,
and loving care of the Father of all.


1t is, therefore, recommended that the
good people of Idaho, remitting their ac-
customed employment do consecrate the
day to "a grateful recognition of the Divine
goodness Let offences be forgiven and
the veil of charity drawn over the errors
and injuries of the past. Let families as
semble, and neighbors greet each other
with gifts, not forgetting the stranger nor
withholding from the children of want and
sorrow on whom the Christening hand has
been laid


Let all who are so minded assemble in
their houses of worship and in their man
ner sing praises and give thanks. Give
thanks for the life that is and the life that
is to be. Give thanks for our national
preservation and unity, and for the hope
of that perfect brotherhood which is the
offspring of perfected liberty. Give thanks
for constitution that permits no man to
lay burdens upon the conscience of his
fellow; that secures free suffrage, free
speech, free schools and free press. And
while the incense of grateful thanks for
past mercies ascends from pure hearts and
consecrated affairs, let fervent prayer be
made that Heavens blessings may rest up
on our favored land, and that tomorrow
may be even as this day, but still more
abundant.


In testimony whereof have hereunto
- set my name and caused the seal
SEAL (of Idaho Territory to be affixed,
00Oattested by the Secretary.


Done at Boise City this second day of
November, A. ID. 1876.


NJ. BRAYMAN, Governor.
Attest:


E. J. CURTIS, Secretary.
Year: 1876

THosE people who turn up their
noses at the world might do we'll to
reflect that it is as good a world as
they were ever in, and a much hetter
one than they are ever likely to got
into again.
Year: 1876

WE breathe in sleep about fifteen
times every minute. If the bowels are
loose lie down in q warm bed. remain
there and eat nothing until You are we'll.
Do not allow yourself to read moment
in any reclining position. whethet In
bed or on sofa. Never swallow an
atom Of food while in a passion, or if
under any grsat mental excitement.
whether of a depressing or eleyating
character; brutes won't do it. The i'm
portance of wholesome water and good
sewerage to every single dwelling can
not be overestimated, and any city ne
glecting this vital matter must expect to
suffer at all times, and particularly when
an epidemic of any kind sweeps over
tho country. To be able to lie down at
night and fall asleep within ten minutes,
and to know no dream or waking antil
the morning comes, and then to bound
out of bed full Of health, freshness. and
good humor, is blessing we'll worthy
the warmest outgushings of thankful
heart towards Him who giveth us all
things richly to enjoy. The great regu-
lator of sleep is exercise; it is the best
anodyne in the universe. and is the
only one that is always wholesome and
natural. If you cannot take much ex>
ercise, take q little, and every second
hour increase the distance, and soon
you will be able to walk mile more
easily than you walked the first hun
dred yards. If an action of the bowels
does not occur at the usual hour, eat
not an atom until they do act. at least
for thirty six hours; meanwhile drink
largely of cold water or hot tea, and
exercise in the open air to tho extent of
q gentle perspiration. and ke.p this up
until things are righted; this ons sug-
gestien, if practiced. would save myri-
ads Of lives evRy year, both In the CITY
and country:
Year: 1876

The "balancc of trade" is often given as n
reason for delay of resumption. 1t is mpos-
sible for this country to pay coin, 1t IL said
because the balance of trade is not favorable.
This ancient fallacy ought to have been driven
long ago from the minds Of sensible men, and
We: 1t fingers, bothenDg and entangling men
whose intelligence should lift them beyond It's
reach. If we take common sense view OF
the matter it is obvious that the state of our
exchanges with foreign nations has no neces-
sary effect upon the currency in WHICH values
are exchanged in domestic transactions. A
reverse effect there may be: use OF false cur
rency may so far enhance the cost OF pr0dIlc-
ton as to cripple country in its competition
with other lands. But suppose that all paper
currency should be destroyed before business
begins this day. is it not plain that we shOuld
have precisely the same goods to sell, mt pre-
cisely the same prices in gold, and precisely
the same purchases to mako and debts to pay !
| In the domestic exchanges, also, whether we
call the bushe of wheat worth 81 cents or one
dollar, there is Just as much of it. just as
MANY bushels are TO be sold, and as many
mouths TO be fed, and the profit, measured in
the worlds currency in which foreign exchanges
are made, is relatively quite as largo II we
trade in specie values as if we trade III cur
rency values.


Yet it is urged by many intelligent men that
this country cannot keep coin at home, and
consequently cannot resume, rs long as we have
yearly interest to pay in gold on an enormous
foreign debt. This, we ar told, drags our
specie away from us, and forces us for
the time to put up with baser and less
economical currency. The United States owes
in foreign lands, it is reasoned, $7OO,OOO,OOO ;
the States owe something, and the counties.
and the municipalities much moro, and finally
the railroad and other corporations owe nearly
one thousand millions abroad. The interest
ON this vast debt, it is said, renders resump-
ton impossible. Plainly, change In the cur
rency in use here will not essentially increase
tho foreign debt, or the sum to be paid IN i'll
terest, or tho difficulty of obtaining that sum.
It is o mistake to suppose that we make any
| more money for the purpose of meeting our
obligations abroad when we measure our trans
actions in paper rather than in gold dollars.