smithclay/nortonstories huggingface dataset:
Year: 1872

In the HERALD of this morning we print
full details of the investigation which took
place yesterday at the Office of Fire Marshal
McSpedon in the matter of the Fifth Avenue
Hotel fire. The evidence produced yesterday
does not in any essential particular affect the
opinions which we have already expressed.
The proprietors did their best to justify the
existence of the iron gratings which barred
exit from the girls dormitories, and also the
partition in the corridor which cut them off
from exit in another direction. We cannot
say that the explanations offered are to us
satisfactory On this, however, we care
not for the present to dwell. A far
more important point was raised by the
testimony of the girl Mary Graves. Her
room was sos, on the landing Of the servants
staircase. On the night Of the fire she went
to bed at half past nine o clock. About eleven
o'clock she was awakened by fire in her room
Springing out of bed, she rushed out. There
was no fire on the landing outside
She ran down the servants staircase
to the laundry, and saw no fire on
the way down. There are three land
ings below her room, on each of which were
girls asleep, and to whom she gave the alarm.
When she reached the laundry she saw four
men putting on the hose. If this be correct
statement it is apparent on the face of it that
the proprietors were guilty of culpable neg
ligence in so far as they did not take steps to
arouse all the girls and warn them of their
danger. If there was time to get the hose in
order there was most assuredly time to sound
the note Of alarm and so give the poor girls q
chance for their lives. We are pleased to
learn that Superintendent Macgregor takes
Just such view of the case. In an interview
with one of our reporters yesterday Mr. Mac
grcgor emphatically stated that the girls could
all have been saved it. when the fire was first
known to the people in charge, they had been
wakened up. AS the matter now stands the
proprietors seem to have thought much more
of their costly carpets and their numerous
guests than of the lives of the unfortunate girls
in the rookery at the summit of the building.
The attempt made to justify the removal of
the dead bodies to the Morgue for identifca-
ton is an aggravation rather than palliation
of the crime
Year: 1872

The PHILADELPHIA CENTENARY JoB.-The
Centennial Commissioners have just begun to
do what every sensible person knew they
would-that is, to apply to Congress for the
money to carry out their grand advertising
scheme for Philadelphia. They have pre-
sented memorial s.for aid in order to make
the centenary celebration worthy of the occa-
son," and do so, as they say, because 'the
people have shown in this matter an apathy
not at all fattering to the national pride"
Now, if the people have shown an apathy,
what right has the government which is only
the representative Of the people, to spend the
public money on this scheme? TIE truth is,
the people are not apathetic about celebrating
the centenary Of their independence, but they
are impressed with the idea that there is
great speculative job in the scheme for the
special benefit Of Philadelphia. But why does
not the rich and populous Quaker City show
its patriotic hbernlity in subscribing largely
to the ten millions of stock? If the people Of
the country generally are net willing to sup
port the enterprise we protest against the gov
ernment appropriating money for it.
Year: 1872

NEW ZEALAND MANUFACTURES FOR INDIA
The fact Of the proprietors of woolen manu-
factory in New Zealand receiving an order for
the supply of goods to the East India market
is suggestive Of the great revolution which may
take place in the current of trade and conf
merce when the vast resources Of the British
antipodal colony become more fully developed.
When We hear Of white sergss aud tweed
Year: 1872

ONE OF THOSE TERRIBLE TRAGEDIES which
from time to time startle community and
for which there appears no conceivable cause
occurred at Columbiana, Ohio, yesterday.
The details. which are given in q special de-
spatch to the HERALD, are distressing in the
extreme. A man named Erben Porter was left
in room with his two children, one aged
three years and the other one year. His wife
was in an upper apartment attending to
her domestic duties, when she sud
denly heard a terrible shrek from the
girl. Rushing down stairs she beheld both
her little ones stretched on the floor, mangled
and bloody, while her husband was walk
ing coolly off, carrying in his hand the
..atehat ..haat. with which he had committed the
fendish act and with which he ha6 just be-
fore been cracking hickory nuts The mother
was so overcome by horror and grief as to be
incapable of giving an alarm until the
wretched murderer had escaped 1t is thought
that previous quarrel with his wife induced
the frightful deed.
Year: 1872

The Life Insurance Troubles-A Pro'ss


ablc Settlement.


We have great pleasure in stating that tho
exhaustive discussion in our columns of the
rates and management of life insurance *
likely to bear good fruit 1t is believed that
in consequence the Mutual Life Company will
recede from the position of reduced rate
lately taken against the practice and expert
ence Of successful mutual insurance. The re-
markable series Of allegations which have
lately appeared in the HERALD relative to the
Mutual Life Insurance Company have created
considerable sensation in business circles. As
we intimated yesterday, the sentiment of the
policy-holders generally demands an immedi-
ate investigation Of the company's affairs. and
that the control Of the immense assets of the
company, which are increasing with great
rapidity should be entrusted only to
those whose records can command the
confidence of the community. An
impartial examination of the charges
of unwarranted disbursements Of its funds
will 90 far to settle the question whether the
present officers can continue to claim that
confidence We cannot express an opinion on
the matter at present. Next to relieving our
city government Of persons guilty Of unfaith-
full PRACTICES there is no more worthy field OF
action for our best and most public-spirited
citizens than an endeavor to purify the man
agement of the immense institutions which
life insurance has built up, and which an
nually bring to this great city from all parts Of
the United States 80 many millions of dollars.


This influx of wealth is one of the impor-
tant sources of the financial prosperity and
commanding position of New York. Itaffects
values in a hundred ways in this city, and it
is q matter of public interest and concern that
these institutions should be managed with
such honesty and fairness as to command
public confidence, which is the only base on
which they can ask continuance of public
support
Year: 1872

The BANK OF ENGLAND yesterday reduced
its rate of discount one per cent, which makes
it five per cent against seven, TO which it had
been advanced few days ago. The effects to
us include the strengthening of our national
bonds in Threadneedle street and in Wall
street; but while France continues shaky our
money changers on both sides Of the water
will be cautious, for they have nothing upon
which they can rely beyond tomorrow morn
ing.
Year: 1872

A DISASTROUS SHIpwRECK in the North Sea
is reported from London. The ship Franklin,
from Hamburg, bound for San Francisco, with
a large number of emigrants on board was
stranded (date not given) on the coast of
Vlieland, Netherlands, and went to pieces,
and eighty persons are known to have
perished by the disaster. Doubtless the ship
wreck was from the same destructive storm
which few days ago swept over the British
islands and extended southwark as far as
Paris and farther. At the same time, from
heavy gale along the coasts of Nova Scotia,
New Brunswick, &C., numerous wrecks are
reported, though not involving, so far as
known, any losses of human life This storm
sdown East" we have no doubt, is the same
which the other day was so destructive to the
shipping on the great lakes, from Superior
downward. We have, indeed, remarkably
stormy opening of the Winter this year on
both sides of the Atlantic, and probably from
the same atmospheric tidal waves the same
phenomena have been felt in the northern
temperate zone around the globe.
Year: 1872

the Warmoth party, and the militia and
Legislature signifed their intention to offer
no opposition to the federal troops, if their
surrender should be demanded in the name of
the federal government and at the point Of the
bayonet.


The action of Attorney General Williams in
both these cases imparts new feature to the
conflict. We have now not merely ga dis
graceful scramble for Office" in two of the
Southern States, but the active political in
reference of the federal government in their
affairs. In Alabama it is not pretended that
there is danger of domestic violence and
in Louisiana, although this peril is
alleged, the Legislature seeking the
protection of the federal army is at
least of doubtful and disputed legality
and party to contest which should be set
tied by the State Courts alone. Where does
the Attorney General of the United States find
the authority to interfere in the one case to
propose compromise in purely State issue,
and in the other to pronounce upon the legality
of the Kellogg Legislature and of all its acts,
including the seizure of the Executive au-
thority? The people of the United States
care nothing for these disgraceful struggles
for the spoils Of Office and are indif-
ferent as to which side may in the
end succeed in securing the prize
either in Alabama or Louisiana But
they have some regard for the constitution
of the country; some respect for the rights
of the people of the several States; some de-
sire to see the United States government con-
Quoted in the interests of the whole nation and
not Of political party. The interference Of the
Year: 1872

A curious marriage has just taken
place in one of the Partisan churches.
The bridegroom, while marrying his
bride, was utterly unable to give her his
hand. The reason was that he had no
hand left (nor right either) to extend to
her. 1t was fortunate that it was not
the bride that was in this condition, as
the service would have had to be dis
pensed with on account Of the ring
formality.


The fact of the case was that the brave
General Sumpt, the bridegroom, had
lost both his hands at the battle of
Freschwiller. Ee had been ordered to
carry message of the greatest immedi-
ate Importance to another part of the
battle field. and just as he gathered up
the reins of his horse in both hands a
she'll burst and deprived him of both of
them at the same instant. Since then
he has been made General and Com
mander of the Hotel des Invalides.
although this place has been form
erly abolished 1t is said, however, that
some genius has made him couple of
iron hands which serve so well, mechan-
ically, that he can write his name with
one of them. 1t doesn't make much
difference what member of the body is
lost nowadays-science can supply it.
Year: 1872

Very much has been written on this
subject, and written unwisely; the facts
are, that whoever sleeps uncomfortably
cool will get i'll. To put a window quite
high when the mercury is at zero is an
absurdity. The cooler a sleeping apart
ment is, the more unhealthy does it
become, because cold condenses the car
bolic acid formed by the breathing Of
the sleeper. 1t settles near the door and
is rebreathed, and if in very condensed
form, he will die before the morning.
Hence we must be governed by circum-
stances; the first thing is, you must be
comfortably warm during sleep, other
wise you are not refreshed, and inhama-
ton of the lungs may be engendered and
life destroyed within a few days. An
open fireplace is sufficient for ordinary
purposes in cold weather. When the
windows are open, it is well to have
them down at the top two or three
inches, and up at the bottom for the
same space.
Year: 1872

In the course of his remarks made at
Frascah on Tuesday evening, before the
guests of the Ladies Monumental Ne.
mortal Association, Father Ryan said,
pointing to a bank Of heavy clouds just
rising in the west and obscuring the set
ting sun, and among which a vivid light
ming was necessarily playing:


AS yon sun goes down behind dark
cloud, so weRt down the hopes of those
engaged iu the unequal struggle for
Southern liberty; as you now see the
lightning flashing and blazing athwart
the face Of that cloud, so leaped the
bolts Of hate and persecution. But be-
hind that cloud the stars are still shin
ing, just as the star of hope is still light
ing up the hearts Of our people; and as
the sun will rise again on the morrow,
so shall eventually rise up 10 all its
splendor the now down-trodden and par
TALLY obscured cause of right and jus
tice t
Year: 1872

so addicted to picked dishes that be
constantly called for them at his meals
In order to satisfy his appetite in this
direction, he even undertook a war, and
ordered all the prisoners captured by
his soldiers to be picked. But one day
Grandillet succeeded in escaping, and,
picked up by passing vessel, he was
landed at San Francisco, which he after
ward made his home. Among his pa
pers was found a detailed narrative Of
his soiourn in the dominions of the can
nibal King. tssnrn
Year: 1872

of satisfaction. The sensitive plant,
touched by the finger or only visited by
a current of unwelcome air, folds its
petals and contracts itself. The bota-
mist Desfontaines saw one which he was
conveying in carriage fold its leaves
when the vehicle was in motion and ex-
pand them when it stopped--a proof
that it was the motion that disturbed it.
Sensation in plants is of the same kind
as in animals. Plants may also be put
to sleep by washing them in opium dis
solved in water, and hydrocyanic acid
destroys their vitality as quickly as it
does that of animals.
Year: 1872

The Board of Directors, in commencing this
Second Scheme to the public, promise that IL
shall be carried out in as good faith as the an
nexed certificates prove the former TO have
been. The high character and standing of the
Managers selected will also be an additional
guarantee that perfect justice and fairness
viii control this Distribution. t.I.-I-fl- \
Year: 1872

Judge of second Chancery Court.


SAMUEL P. WALKER announces himself
as candidate for the Office of Judge OF the
Second Chancery Court, subject TO the action
of the Democratic Convention. o4-te
Year: 1872

The Louisville Courier Journal holds
that if every Democrat in the United
States had voted for Greeley, he would
have been elected. But Democrats
enough voted for Grant. or O'Conor,
or did not vote at all, to secure the re-
election of Grant, in spite of the large
detection of ofRepublican votes from the
latte''s standard. So argues the Cour-
ier-Journal. According to this theory,
Grant is indepted tot direct OF indi-
rect Democratic support for his re-elec-
ton. But it is doubtful whether he
will see the matter in this light


At least it is hardly probable that he
will understand the nature of the debt,
or ever rise-to a clear conception of a
proper way to acknowledge or requite
it. Ii President Grant shall, however,
come TO realizing sense of his obliga-
tion in this regard, the fact will only
add another ingredient to the general
muddle in our political world. For
the present. the question is, have the
Radicals, in second choice of Demo-
Gratis, got quasi Democrat for
President, or have Democrats chosen
for President an unnitigated Radical !!
Year: 1872

VIII Carleton. the rising young poet in an
editorial poem. thus tets how Il farmer took a
youE5ster of his to printing Office to be made
INTO an editor, being tit for nothing else.


The editor sat in his sanctum, and looked
the old man in the eye.


Then glanced at the grinnlng young hope
tui. and nOurntully made his reply:


lis your a small unbound edition of
Moses aud Solomon both


Can he compass Lis spirit with meekness,
and strangle a natural oath


Can he leave all his wrongs to the future
and carry his heart in his cheek


Can he do all hours work III /. minute, and
live on sixpence week


Can he cuurteously talk to all equal. and
browbea all inipudent Ounce!


CAN be keep things i'll amp rpie order and
do hali-a-duZtn at once


Can he press all the springs of knowledge
with qnick and reliable touch


And be sure that he knows how much to
know, and to know how not TO know TOO much }
Does he know how to sir up his virtue, and
put check rein on his pride!


Can he carry gentlemans manners within
a rhinocerus hide


Can he know all, aud do all, and be ALL
nth cheerfuluess, courage and viml


If so we perhaps can be making an editor
outen of him.


The farmer stood curiously listening, while
wonder his vsagc o'erspread


And he said. " jim guess we'll be gon' :
he's probably out OF his head"
Year: 1872




Has it occurred to the faithful waite
ers over this weary counting of vof $
that from many alone hearthstorAA
where no strong masculine arm is "
to be found to defend, no rugged heart
to throb against the rude 1ife-storSn,
there are hourly going up fervent pray
ers tor their success, and for blessing to
be showed on their heads from on high


And whose voices are giving express
sion to these prisons! The voices of
the widow and the orphan the
voice ofthe helpless the voices of those
who should be protected and defended
by all men, ami are yet the suffering
prey of those very political harpies
who are now struggling once more to
possess themselves for our high places
that they may rob and pluuder without
ceasing.


The widow aud the orphan! Has it
ever occurred to the reader what their
! real political relation to society is See
those who have been left comfortably
+ off by the husband and fathe1-him
whose ath-pillow was made soft and
pleasant by the reflection that he was
leaving them the fruits of his toll to
protect them against the worll-see
. them made poor by the corrupt Govern
ment that steals their income and calls
1t taxation See those who have been
left with shelter, but must work un-
ceaslngiy to live-ses them forced to
sell the little home to pay the stealage
called taxation! See the widow forced
to take her eldest son from college, to
deprive him OF the education her and
his lost fathers hearts had promised
him-tor what! To divide her little
income with the thieves who Gil our
Offices and Legislatures. See the OF
phau growing up without the educa-
ton the honest toll of parents had Sc
cured it; see the orphan hungry and i'll
clad; and for what! To raise taxes
to enrich villains and to debauch socie-
ty!


Utterly helpless stand the widow and
the orphan. NO vote, no voice, save
to pray for the hands of honest men to
be strengthened and their hearts to he
nerved, doubtly nerved, in the contest
that has arisen.


What commentary on civilization
What commentary on man


lfall tile finer feelings which raise
man above the brute creation he not
smottlered out 10y the greed for gain and
the lust for petty power. surely the ef
forts to stitie the legitimate voice of the
election will cease. Surely there must
be day of reckoning for men who lend
themselves to robbery and oppression
OF helpless women and children. Let
the man who fails to connt correctly. or
who IN any way attempts to perpetrtte
fraud, remember that his act fails most
heavily oh thousands of hopeless ones
whose numbers may be some day swell
led by the addition of his own widow
and orphans.


To those who are there only for good,
we say, remember the widow and
the orphan!
Year: 1872

ping me. Immediately the whole gang dispersed, but were captured. was found in state of insensibility, with q wound in my back, and had been forth with conveyed to the inspectors house.

 made heightened stay at the house of my kind preserver. Medical treatment finally tended to the perfect restoration of my health; but I suffered a long time after from manual shock received that night. I thanked the inspector very warmly for his bravery and kindness to. wards me.

 Five of the robbers were hanged and the rest transported for life. Of course figured very much in the papers; and on my return to Madras, instead of being censured for not following the advice of wiser friends, was welcomed as a hero.

 am now in a pleasant up.country sta tion in Southern India; and often of an evening, as I think over the events of the past, remember with 8 shudder my ad- venture with India gang robbers.
Year: 1872

A NEW SEcr.-A Russian paper says that new sect has been discovered at Pskoff It was foundeda short time ago by monk named Seraphim, who had run away from his monastery with Q considerable sum of money belonging to his order. Seraphim preached the sim pie and convenient doctrine that no one could enter the Kingdom of heaven without sin, and he accordingly soon made great number of converts. One of the practices of the new sect is to cut the back hair of the woman very short, and then arrange it in the form of Q star. What is the origin of this custom is not known, but it has been malicious ly insinuated that as the female mem bers only of the sect were so treated, the object is to enable it's founder to make handsome income by selling their hair for chignons. Seraphim has now been arrested, and will shortly be tried as a religious impostor at St. Petersburg.
Year: 1872

AN INo1DENr.-A gentleman who came up the Hudson on the steamer, tells this story "I noticed" he said, "a serious looking man, who looked as if he might have been clerk or bookkeeper. The man seemed to be caring for crying baby, and was doing everything he could to still it's sobs. As the child became restless in the berth the gentleman tooo it in his arms and carried it to and frk in the cabin. The sobs of the child irri- tated rich man, who was trying to read, until he blurted out loud enough for the father to hear "What does he want to disturb the whole cabin with that d. baby for ?" The man only nestled the baby more quietly in his arms with out saying word. Then the baby sobbed again. "Where is the confound- ed mother that she don't stop it's noise?" continued the profane grumbler. At this the father came up to the man and said: "I am sorry we disturb you, sir, but my dear baby's mother is in her coffin down in the baggage room I'm taking her back to Albany where we used to live" "The hard hearted man," says my friend. "buried his face in shame, but in moment, wilted by the terrible rebuke, he was by the side of the grief-stricken father. They were both tending the baby"
Year: 1872

GooD HoRsEs.-A horse is never viciou. or intractable without direct cause. If a horse is restive or timorous, you may be sure that these faults arise from defects ip his education. He has been treated eithe, awkwardly OF brutally. Commence the education of horse at his birth; accustom him to the presence, voice and sight of man speak and act gently; caress him, and do not startle him. All chastisement or cruelty confuses the animal and makes him wild. They are good men who make good horses.