smithclay/nortonstories huggingface dataset:
Year: 1871

A favorite cat in Pike county, Him
ois, was lately left in asitting-rOom, af-
ter all the family had retired, and was
not heard of until twelve O'clock at
night, when it set up most outrageous
caterwauling. "The noise," says one
of the family, sswas continued for sew
eral minutes after he awoke, and FAM
lily council was then and there held as
to what was the matter with the cat
Twas a bitter cold night, and it was
decided if the cat could stand it we
could-for while at least. Just then
the cat came directly in our bedroom
door, and, with renewed and terrific
power, sent forth her yOwls, accOmpa-
MED by scratching on the door. And
thereupon our better-half declared that
she would arise and see what the cat
wanted. Opening the door she found


the stove door wide open, quantity of
coal fallen out upon the zinc beneath
the stove, the stove pipe red hot, and
the chimney on fire. Immediately on
her coming out the cat became quiet
and had nothing more to say. Proper
measures were taken to avert the dam
gers of the fire, which, we think, but
for the cats alarm, would have occur
red. Can a cat reason? We say yes,


and our boy Dams cat can outreason
any other cat in the State"
Year: 1871

A gentleman was heard, yesterday,
remarking to a friend who lay upon q
sofa and was shivering, that he had
"better put a newspaper over his body
and get warm" The remark was made
in a jocular manner, yet it is fact that
persons lying down in a room where
the temperature is not over 60 degrees
can keep warm by spreading single
newspaper over themselves. Another
place in which the same article may be
used to good advantage for the same
purpose is in railway car. By laying
a newspaper over the shoulderand arm
next to the car windows, through the
crevices of which cold air forces itself,
to the discomfort of passengers, all its
iniuriousness coming in the shape of
coughs and colds, may be obviated.-
The single sheet of paper will keep out
the cold rs effectually as would a heavy
blanket. 1t is said that a newspaper or
two laid between the sheets and cover
lids of bed will add much to the
warmth of the sleeper, or rather will
prevent the warmth of the body from
escaping. All this may seem strange,
but trial will prove its correctness. AT
least such assurance is given by those
who have tested the matter.-Akron
I Beacon.
Year: 1871

krom the San Francisco Bulletin OF Jan 10th.
= The flight of this novel miniature ma
chine last Saturday was a complete
success. The gaS-holder was filled with
hydrogen gas at the corner of Folsom
and Sixteenth streets, and floated over
to WOOdward's Gardens, a distance of
four blocks. There steam was raised


in the miniature boilers, and the air
ship sailed about back and forth to the
satisfaction of the inventor and ofspec-
tators. ~ E1i


Yesterday afternoon it was advertised
to sail again at WOodward's Gardens.
AS at its first ascension, it did not work
/ to the satisfaction of Mr.. Morrow, who
brought it down again to remedy a
slight defect, and in doing sol disar-
krangement occurred in one of the small
pipes to the engine. Before this fault
Esiad been cured, it was discovered that
the gas-holder was feakfhg, ana That a


large amount of gas had escaped. The
aperture was discovered and mended,
and the gas-generating apparatus was
set to work to replenish the exhausted


volume. But it did not fill rapidly and
after an hours striving under difficult


ties, the dense crowd pressing close
around the workmen, and discommod-
ing them, it was discovered that some


one had cut a hole with knife, in the


gas holder, the breadth of mans hand,


from which the gas was escaping nearly


as fast as generated. This leak was


stopped, and the balloon was filled, but


not until the thousands who were eager


to witness the successful flight had gone
away disappointed. At about dusk


steam was again generated and the odd


looking contrivance rose again in the
air and held by ropes, sailed around
successfully propelled by the windmill
Snapped wings. ~ %


In the working of his engines up to


this time he has not attached the new
application to his motive power on
which he claims his success will chiefly
depend. He has invented, and will
shortly apply for patent, for manner
by which he can combine the expansive
force of air and water. He will imme-
diately attach the improvement to his
apparatus. With the motive power as
it now stands he can fly, and has
flown, the ship against strong wind,
and with the additional power which
the Improvement will give, he expects
to be able to dispense with the gas
holder entirely, or by securing its more
satisfactory working, to use common
coal gas of barely sufficient quantity to
overcome the power of gravitation. In
a few days he expects to have this at
tachment complete, when it is to be
hoped that the fullest success will at
tond his effort. A
Year: 1871

An ancient story runs, that a birds
once met to choose monarch; whoever
scared the highest was to reign over
them. Up sprang all the birds into the
air, but highest of these rose the eagle,
who, after mounting until his wearied
wings could beat no more, proclaimed
himself the sovereign of the Birds
But all unperceived, the little wren had
been quietly perching between his
shoulders, and as soon as the eagle ceas-
ed to mount, he rose on tiny pinion far
above the wearied eagle, and twittered
forth the victory of wit and intellect
over bulk and physical strength.
Year: 1871

Every man must sleep according to
his temperament. Eight hours is the
average. If he requires little more
or a little less, he will find it out for
himself. Whoever by work, pleasure,
sorrow, or by any other cause, is regu-
larly diminishing his sleep, is destroy
ing his life. A man may hold out for
a time, but Nature keeps close accounts,
and no man can deceive her. AS there
is more brain-work than ever, so more
sleep is required now than in the time
of our fOrefathers. The want of


sleep is frequently the cause ofinsanity.
Year: 1871

TURNIP.


Once there was little japanese boy
dressed in a nice suit of black liner, land
he said to himself one day, 81 will be
great Daimio, will have big swords
and fine dress, and my mother and faith
er shall be happy, with plenty of rice
and Jewel rings. But the little boy was
poor, and all he had was this one suit of
clothes. He was walking on the side
of Fusipama one day, thinking how he
should be great, when the mountain
shook, and great smoke devils came out
of the top. The little boy was afraid
until little fairy awakened by the
noise, rose up at his feet, and taking
| him by the hand led him away from
the mountain. When the little spirit
was about to leave, the boy said, "You
know how to save me from smoke dew
lis, and you must know how to make
me great DaimiO. Will you tell me ?
"Go and pull a turnip, said the fairy
spiritas she took her way back to the
sacred mountain. So the little boy
| looked about him for a turnip. He
soon found "a great one with tall leaves
and he set to digging about the roots.
''No, No, said the turnip, "my roots
are deep and you cannot dig SO low,
but take hold of my head and pull, for
my roots always follow where my
head goes" So he seized hold of the
stock and pulled. Lo! it came up so
easy that the boy fell over in the mud.
"HO, no! laughed the turnip, "you we
got something to learn if you would be
great Daimio. Men, like turnips,
pull easiest by the head, but you had
better leave them when they have ta-
ken root, than to overturn yourself in
trying to pull them up.o The little
boy took the advice and made the ac-
quain tance only of leaders. He was
never over-anXious however, to be in
the company of great men, and soon
the Tycoon, seeing his great care and
wisdom made him q Prince.


THE GIRL THAT DID NOT OBEY.


Once little girl was told by her
mother to make rice cakes. But the
girl wanted to play shuttlecOck, and
left the dough in the bowl. A little
imp came, and when the girl was to hit
the cork a blow he threw the dough in
the air. 1t fell on the girls head and
covered her over. Her mother come
and supposing it was all dough, threw
her in the oven, and the naughty girl
was burned.


TIE INDUSTRIOUS MAN.


One man worked in his rice and
wheat fields while his neighbors spent
their time in wrestling, drinking sacky
and playing ball. Finally winter came
and they had no food. So they went
to the industrious man, and said: "Give
us bread and rice" But the other said /:
"No; you serve the spirit ofamusement
and serve the spirit of work. Go to
your spirit for food, and l will go to
i mine" So they starved.
Year: 1871

Readers of newspapers should be
pretty familiar by this time with the


stereotyped heading Explosion of "a
Coal oil lamp. Possibly coal oil may


explode, but in nine cases out of ten


il i not coal oil which takes fire but a


mixture of that substance with ben
zlne or naptha as it is sometimes call
ed. Unscrupulous dealers are known


to buy a good quality of petroleum,
pump out a portion, and then I'LL up
the barrel with heRzine. This accounts
for many on explosion. In order to
test the quality of the oil which one
wisher to use the only apparatus need
ed is a tin cup or pan, small vessel
to hold the Kerosene Ia blacking-box
lid will do some water thermome-
ter and watch. With this simple
machinery any one may readily as
certain whether or not he is using a
safe article. This method is as simple
as the means. Fill the lineup or pan
Year: 1871

with water, immerse the thermome-


ter bulb in the latter, and heat it over
a fire until the mercury rises to 11O.
Fill the blacking-bOX lid half full of
kerosene, and float il on the surface of
the water. Keep the temperature of
the latter from 1l0 TO 112 degrees for
for some ten minutes, or time enough
for the Kerosene to acquire the same
temperature as the water. and hold a
lighted match short distance. say an
inch above the kerosene. If the latter
flashes, that is, if it throws off hydro
carbon vapor in sufficient quantity to
take fire and ignite the kerosene, you
do not want it. The law says it is un-
merchantable and shall not be sold.


They have down i'll Maryland a man
whom they style the African Fire
King. He gave an exhibition of his
powers recently in a physicians of
flee, in the presence of about twenty
persons, and one cf them describes the
result thus: He first heated shovel
red hot and applied it To the bottom of
one of his feet and it made no impress
ion on him whatever. He next heat
ed a shovel red hot and licked it re-
peatedly with his tongue. 1t did not
even dry the saliva in his mouth. He
then put his hand into a hot stove and
took therefrom a red hoL anthracite
coal and offered it TO the spectators,
who declined to accept the present
His hand was not even scorched. He
then called out to know if there were
any ''unbelievers" present. To his as
tonishment we announced ourselves
still an unbeliever." lie then put
shovel in the stove and partially filed
it with shot, and when the shot had
got pretty hot, he stirred them with
his naked fingers until the lead had
melted. He then took the shovel in
his right band and poured the hot mel
ted lead into his left hand, and then
poured the burning solution into his
mouth, kept it there until it cooled,
and spit it out in lump. We then
expressed ourselves entirely satisfied.
He said that was only $50 perform
ance; If they would make him up $50
he would show something worth see
ing"
Year: 1871

The trial of p. Harris, indicted for coun-
terfeiting United States coin, was concluded
in the United States Circuit Court yester-
dry morning, resulting in the conviction OF
the prisoner.


The evidence had been all given in the
previous day, and at the opening of the
court the counsel for the defense, S. C..
the jury. He touched little or nothing on
the evidence, but made pathetic appeal
to their feelings.


The United States District Attorney fol-
lowed on behalf of the government. He
made no appeal to the feelings of his aud
itory, but contented himself with calling
the attention Of the jury to the evidence,
and making few reflections on the nature
Of the offense the prisoner had committed.
The government had no motive for this
prosecution except to protect the poor and
the inexperienced. Pecuniary interest, the
government had absolutely none. The
officials of the United States were not likely
to be deceived with counterfeit coin, and
should an officer at any time receive any,
the loss would fall ON him. Neither were
bankers. brokers or large business men
likely to be deceived with counterfeit COIN
1t was as rule on the poor that the evil
consequences OF counterfeiting fell.


The defense requested the court to charge
on several points of law, the principal point
being that the act Of 1864 repealed the act
Of 1925. The court declined to accede to the
motion of the defendants counsel on this
point, but accedcd on several others of less
Importance.


At the conclusion of the judges charge,
verdict of guilty was rendered by the
jury, and the prisoner remanded for sen
tence.


The prisoner received the announcement
with an attempt at the 'whimpering
dodge" in accordance with his cOunsers
appeal about his age, meekness. etc. He is a
man probably known by sight to most resi-
dents of the city and suburbs. During
many years he might have been seen at in
tervals perambulatins the streets and lanes
with a box under his arm. in the character
of IA clock mender He is a somewhat large
sized. elderly man. with hair inclinins to.
and beard decidedly gray. His nose has
been eaten away by disease. which com
bined with the ravages of smallpox. gives
him no attractive appearance. His wife.
apparently much younger than himself, at
tended court throughout the trial, with two
young children. the eldest not more than
seven years old. A great deal Of sympathy
was felt for the family by the spectators
generally.


The penalties attached 10 the offense of
which Harris is convicted are: Fine not
exceeding tive thousand dollars. with i'm
prisonment not exceeding ten years.


In conducting this case the prosecuting
counsel. Mr. Beckwith. is entitled to great
praise not only for ability but for the
great forbearance he displayed, although
he certainly received some provocatives to
retort. He. too, might have appealed to
the jury with tremendous force; and. in
answer to the appeals by the defense in
behalf of the Young children. he might
have said that nothing so bad could happen
to them as to be brought up to manhood
under the tuition of systematic and prae-
ticed evaier of law.
Year: 1871

The Omaha Tribune expresses the belief
that the day has at last ended when a ring
of selfish and false politicians can prey
upon the State of Nebraska, and it sees in
the popular sentiment that is now manifest
ing itself in all parts of the State, the.
guarantee Of better things under the reign
Of honest mem.
Year: 1871

agraph:


The Legislature has adjourned sine die
The country is to be congratulated on there
being no call session. We learn from good
sources that the tirmness and decision of
Governor WarmOth saved the State this
grievous infliction and heavy expense. In
the name of the people, we thank him.
Year: 1871

AS the grand attractions at the Academy
of Music till the house every evening, seats
should be secured early in the day. The
Academy now has the greatest combination
of every variety of talent ever seen in any
one theatre in the United States, and it is a
satisfaction that all this talent is appre-
ciateI.
Year: 1871

they were deprived OF the valuable privilege Of en-
gaglng In the profitable business OF bounty Jumping
and substitute brokerage and should therefore have
q chance now to make up for lost time. Let the
loyal Southern claimants como forward without de-
lay. There is one hundred million in the national
treasury and more coming next week. No matter
about reducing our taxes for years to come. Claim
agents must live, you know.


ON THE INDIAN QUESTION
the course or the Forty-frst Congress has been
mainly IN the rignJ direction The corrupt and
absurd practice OF recognizing our Indian tribes
every one Of which having been outlawed time and
again as independent nations, and making treaties
win them such, has been pretty much discon-
tinued. The treSty business VIII, however, require
watching for some time to come. There liz q vast
number OF swindes in the old treaties and IN a
dozcn or so new ones that may silp through the
Senate some night when only two or three Senator'S
arc present.


There is one very remarkable fact In connection
with this whole lnuan business. Tne Quaker policy
Is vastly more expensive than the old Indian ring
plan. Ihe irst thing our Thees and Tnous aid was
10 demand increased appropriations; and they have
been Keeping pretty well IN that direction ever
since. WHAT they do with SO much money Is really
q wonder.


DOWN WITH TIE TAxEs


The Forty-hrst Congress permitted the whole two
years OF Its existence 10 pass away without reducing
the peoDle's burden OF taxation one dollar. More
money was eStorted In shape OF taxes in 1870 than
during the year 1859. The result Is that the dominant
party is being very rapidly reduced In the House and
moderately so in the senate. III the


INCOME TAX


IS quickly repealed, and one or two Others, could
name immediately reduced, the House OF the next
Congress VIII surely be democratic, as Will be the
next President Vice President aud Cabinet.
Year: 1871

We say call for no more troops, if for no other reason than this, viz: Just such calls are so many excuses for an inefficient policy with what we have, and especially pleases every idler in the service. All officers who prefer ease to labor, feel grateful for this cry for more troops, as it argues that the only reason why more Is not accom- plished is that there are not troops enough to do more. Ifeven one-fourth the present force were kept steadily ill the field and moving with right spirit, the need for more troops would not long be even apparent.
Year: 1871

IT is reported that Col. Stoneman has ordered court-martial of "John Thompson, private of M Troop 1st Cavalry" because of his truthful letter to THE CITIZEN regarding the murder of Perry Redmond. This report seems almost incredible, but if it be true, we would suggest that all privates who can write and are now in this Depart ment be discharged, and their places filled with illiterate deaf and dumb men. This plan would work to a charm, if care were taken to not enlist any such who are skilled in imparting their thoughts by facial expressions. Our suggestions shall not be wanting to promote the efficiency of the mili- tary service.
Year: 1871

The above will be found in to-day's CITIZEN. A better programme might have been given for the solution of the Indian difficulties in Arizona, but surely none has been yet after all, it will avail little, if not enforced with untiring vigor. Col. Stoneman's or der of December 30 was good, but it was in no wise executed, and the wisest order the wisest man can issue will not enforce itself. A poor order. if in. the right spirit and determinedly car ried into practical effect, is more to the purpose than one teeming with wis dom and is delivered stillborn. We have criticised and ridiculed military plans and doings of the Department Commander, simply because it was right to do so, but when his plans and acts shall be improved up to the stan- dard of reducing instead of encourag- ing hostilities, we will more readily pat him on the back, extend him words Of cheer, and applaud his works even if they be no more than plain duties we'll performed. It is more to our mind to approve than disapprove the conduct of public men. We un- hesitatingly approve Col. Stoneman's Field Order No. ?, but if it be not vigorously enforced, it will prove worthless, and then our applause must be given in another direction. In this connection, we wish to put THE CITI- ZEN squarely on the record as Col. Stoneman has advised our citizens, that is to cease clamoring for more troops. THE CITIZEN will insist on more activity and that there are troops enough now in Arizona to quiet the Indians in twelve months-or less-if made to do full duty rightly applied. We see 1t stated, and believe 1t fact, too, that with nearly one-tenth of the army of the United States in Arizona, not an average of 100 men are engag- ed in punishing hostile Indians-the very object of their presence here. If anv man Of fair hnSinaSs oa ma citv had these troops to pay and subsist and at his command, and these Indians to whip, he would see that less than % men in camp to one in the field would answer. This subject will bear further analysis, but we forbear at present, as we hope to see the several posts rival each other in the duties assigned each under General Field Orders No. 2, and then all hands but the Indian will ap- plaud Col. Stoneman and the troops at his command
Year: 1871

Col. SToNEMAN is going the rounds receiving and insulting company, and proving beyond a doubt that he is governed in his public actions by per sonal prejudices. Never was man less fit than he for high responsibili- ties. We shall rasp him on the raw some as we slide along, and give detailed reasons why.
Year: 1871

and you are safe.


Shersn lightly over, holding the child.


I followed ss far a. the GENITAL rock, and
commenced cutting away the main


poles of the bridge with my axe, and 1


doubt whether wOodman ever made his


tool fly fast or bite deeper. On they
came: it was time work with venRe-
anee! Not on my wedding day did
feel half the joy with which-I now saw
that frail woodwork part, swing back,
and fash down the prseipiee just as the
enemy came up. stepped across the
other half Of the bridge to where my
wife had passed, to see the effect Of my
effort; then she turned in the direction
I had Didden her-nOt too soon fora bull
let struck the spot where she had been
standing. l was about to spring after
her, when l preceivpd that q man 80
reckless as Blood might, by desperate
leap, reach the Genital rock, while to
jump from thence to our side was inn
possible: there was no run, and the
landing was narrow and slippery. I.
had cut the wrong bridge! The only
remedy was to chop this down, too, and
I began to do it. The cloud OF spray
partially concealed me; but that the
villains could make cut what Twas was
proven by several more pistol bullets
pattering against the rock behind me.
But the rascals were out Of breath, and
could not shoot straight. Half-a-dozen
blows, and the ruin Of the bridge was
then a few steps took me out
Of sight Of the pursuers and to the side
Of my brave little wife.


''Safe ~ I shouted in her ear. a.
took the baby from her--my girl, whom
you know.


Before the heat Of the day we were
safe at the lake; on the following morn
ing We crossed TO Grenada. It was
touch and go, though; the bloodhound |
nearly beat Us.


"And did that wretch, Tom Blood, !
get of scot free ?'' I asked.


"For the time he did," replied Mild |
may; but l had the pleasure Of Witness
ing his being hanged six months later.
Mrs. Mildmay never liked the old place
though, go sold everything /
III at an alarming sacrifice, and went
back to California, where l made my
'ile. But doubt il should ever have
,ome East If it had not given me sort
II disgust to have been hunted like 4
Wild beast. ~
Year: 1871

The Democracy have carried West
Virginia. A Convention will be called,
and the Constitution framed by the Rad
iculs will be altered so as to accord with
the professiye spirit Of the age.
Year: 1871

So IN season OF calm weather,
Though inland far we be,
Our souls have sight OF that Immortal sea


Which brought us hither-


Can In a moment travel thither;
And see the children sport upon the shore,
And hear the mighty waters rolling evermore