smithclay/nortonstories huggingface dataset:
Year: 1871

ECCENTRICITIEs ABOUT CoFFINs
The man who can have his coffin made
while alive must look at death philos-
ophically. We hear of a case in point
in Person county. Mr.. Richard Har,
gis who lives near Bradsher's store
thirty odd years ago, turned out
sassatras tree to grow for the purpose
of making himself coffin, and about
twelve months ago the old man had
1t cut down and got some one in Rox>
borough to make his coffin out of it.
The old chap occasionally gets in it
and stretches himself out by way of
showing his neighbor "a good fit."
He paid the maker of the coffin in
wheat, so he is one living man who
will have no fuss over his grave, about
the coffin when dead. This reminds
US Of an old coon in Murfreesboro,
n. G who had a coffin cast of iron
before the war. He bad his grave dug.
also, and walled up with brick, with
a magnificent tombstone setting forth
his name, date of birth, and fixing his
death somewhere about the year 1S.
61." But he was alive and kicking
in 1868. The old chap kept his cast
iron coffin in his corn crib and used to
shell corn in it. The crib needed no
lock at night, for you couldn't get a
negro to go near it after dark.-HaL,>
bOr0 Leader.
Year: 1871

A newly hedged Philadelphia doc
tor recently settled in Havana, ILL.,,
and the first case he had was a boy
who, while shelling popcorn, got a
kernel in his windpipe. The doctor
examined the case carefully, looked at
the patients tongue and then told the
father of the boy to build up a hot fire
When that was done the doctor told
them to take the boy and hold him
over the fire until the kernel got hot
enough to pop out" The old man
went up stairs and got his shot gun
but while he was loading it the doctor
escaped.
Year: 1871




CAIRO AND FuLToN.-The Arka-
delphia Standard has been favored with
an interview with Col. George Hughes,
who has been for long time, aud still
is, connected with this road. From
this interview the Standard is inspired
with hope that the road will be com,
pleted without any unnecessary delay,
and further that it will be located by
Arkadelphia. In that case Washing
ton will be on the line, or nearly so.


Since writing the above we have
met Col. Hughes in our Office. lie is
here for the purpose of ascortaining
from the records what lands within the
twenty miles reservation have already
been disposed Of and of placing upon
record n mortgage of the road to the
Union Trust Company of New York
Said company will then hold the road
and its franchises, in trust for the
redemption of the be nds which may be
issued by the company. From the
information obtained from him we can
have no doubt of the building of the
road without any further unnecessary
delays. OF course it cannot be COM
pleted in a day, or year, but a few
years will witness its completion
through the State, and its connections,
extending from the Atlantic to the
Pacific.


The road may be brought by way of
Arkadelphia, but we have given up all
hopes of its coming by way of WASH
ington. The difference In the cost of
would be more than the
county is able to pay. The only |
chance for Washington is the building |
of a tap road to the main line in some |
way or other. If the Camden and Red
River narrow gauge should be built,
the end desired will be attained, 1t is
contended by many that short line |
from here to the Cairo and Fulton
would effect all that could be effected |
by the building of the whole line to
Camden; but we fail TO see it in that
light. OF course this short tap would
give us communication with the world |
in one direction, but we want more
This end of the proposed road to Cam
den would connect as, and by its further
extension, west or northwest, would |
become itself a valuable feeder to the |
Cairo and Fulton. Camden, and a
large agricultural region around there,
will desire the same connection, and |
the other end of the same road would |
furnish it. We really do think that |
this road to Camden would prove of
vast Importance, not only to the peop.e |
of South Arkansas, but to the Cairo |
and Fulton railroad itself.
Year: 1871

A nice young girl at Green Bay,
Wisconsin, was being courted by a
nice young man. He was generously
inclined, and made her presents of
hair oil, which he hepurchased from the
store of the father of his adored After
giving her some twenty bottles Of the
oleaginous fluid, he discovered he was
working in crcle--as fast as he pre-.
senteJ them she returned them to the
store, thus dutifully making trade for
her father. No cards.
Year: 1871

a SCHOOLMAsTER CONSIDERABLY
ABRoAD-One Of the teachers OF the
freedman's school of this place got on
the outside of too much tanglefoot ON
"Wednesday night last, which caused
him to play big he-sheep with an avn.
ing post. But, true to the instincts
of his party, he conceived the idea that
he had received the injury from a Con
federate blunderbus in the hands of a
Democrat. The case was promptly
brought before Esquire Long, who
failed to elicit anything further from
the ku-kluxed party than that he had
come in contact with something harder
than his head, but where, when and
how, he knew not. We believe the
case was finally dismissed for want of
an intelligent witness.-PdriS North
TcrdR.
Year: 1871

New FORM OF DRUNKNEss. The
Lancet calls attention to the enormous
manufacture of the new sedative drug,
choral. 1t states that it is sold by
tons a week, and quotes a letter from
Baron Liebeg, affirming that one Ger
man chemist manufactures and sells
half a ton every week. Ofcosrse, no
such quantity is used in medicine, and
the Lancet seems half afraid that it
gets into beer; but there is a simpler
explanation, as it will find on inquiry.
Taking choral is n new and popular
vice, particularly among women, and
is doing at least as much damage as
alcohol. The drug is kept in thou,
sands OF dressing cases, and those who
begin its use often grow so addicted to
it that they pass their lives in sort of
contented stupefactiou. Chloral drunk
enness will soon be an admitted var
iety of the species - London Spectator.
Year: 1871

A Sacramento lady found herself
under suspicious of larceny the other
day under rather peculiar circumstan-
ces. She was riding in crowded rail.
way car, and occupied a seat with
another lsdy passenger. Like many
other ladies of the present day, she
wore curls-her own hair of course,
but it wasn't fastened on strictly accor,
ding to natures programme. By and
by, as the train jolted along, she felt
something falling about her face and
neck, and in second it flashed across
her brain that her curls had become
detached. The predicament was a
shocking one, but she endeavored I'd
save herself as much as possible, by
quietly passing the capillary ornament
into her pocket, thanking her stars
that she was almost at her destination.
NJ Che station she hastened TO the
dressing room to repair damages to
her toilet, when, behold the mirror
reflected back the fact that her curls
were in their proper position, and an
examination of those in her pocket
showed that they were not hers, but of
different color, and belonging to the
lady who sat by her side in the car.
Year: 1871

l have no complaints to make, nor
grumbling to do. The matter was in
your own hands, and you, after being
fully advised concerning matters here,
have decided upon the course to pur,
sue, and | do not ask you to change it.
The responsibility you have taken, as
you must the consequences which
will follow. Ibelieve you will yet see
wherein you have erred, but it will be
when it is too late TO regain the conf
dence you forfeited by this action.
The Echo will .till by published at this
place; and if suicide to the party be
the result, can say, with more truth
than did Macbeth to the murdered
Banquo,


Thou canst not say did it;


Shake not thy glory locks at mrl


Very respectfully, ETC.,


DAN. WEBSTER.


We admire Webster's independence,
and sincerely hope that he may make
his paper success, even without the
aid and influence of his "Eminency,
Powelrs Governor. We know, by our
own experience that to publish a roun-
try paper in Arkansas, without at least
the public printing of the county where
it is domicllled, unless he finds more
patriotism than we have been able to
dnd, will be an uphill and thankless
task. But we wish him success never
theless, because he says he prefers his
independency without the public pat
ronage to wearing a collar with it,
Year: 1871

In the forenoon Of yesterday woman named
Smith called at the onice OF the United States Dis
trct Attorney and there informed one OF the
officials that her husband had been killed at sea on
board vessel called the Flying Dutchman, on
which he had been serving as a sailor. She stated
that the captain Of the Dutchman, one Orestes john
son, had committed the murder, and that she had
been so informed by Oscar Thompson, one Of her
husbands fellow Seamen. After some inquiry 1t
turned out that there was not particle of truth in
the statement OF Johnson, ana the woman went
away apparently convinced that she had been
hoaxed in q shameful and heartess manner, 1t hav-
ing been shown that her husband had died Of con-
sumption.
Year: 1871


ON Change to-day wheat was firm, but buyers
were not disposed to concede an ADVANCE and the
market was less active. The cotton market was
quiet and quotations barely steady.


MONEY SIX TO SEVEN PER CENT
There was better demand for money to-day, and
the rate on call was six to seven per cent with the
transactions on stocks about evenly divided be-
tween the two figures. On government securities
the best rate was six per cent. Commercial paper
was quoted a sH per cent discount for prime
double names Foreign exchange was firm, but un-
changed In rates.


GOLD sTEADY-l10I A Ill.


The gold market was unsettled ana irregular
within the limits OF 1l03 and Ill. Narrow as was
the margin 1t permitted weak and heavy market
to prevail In the forenoon In anticipation OF the gov
ernment gold sale, and strong one to succeed the
sharp competition for the gold offered at the Sub
Treasury. The opening price was Ill, from which
there was decline to 11Oa4, at which point it had
the look Of going much lower but the rally Of the
afternoon took the price back to Ill, at which 1t
closed strong The course OF the market is shown In
Year: 1871

70 his stable where he has since kept them, and re-
fused TO deliver them up. Hence the present suit.
The defence set up was that the paintn was not
the owner OF the property, but that the tltie re-


lien on the property for the support OF the horse and
repairs done TO the wagon IN the sum OF $l62 The
important question before the court was the owner
ship OF the property. The jury found for the PLAIN
TIN In the sum OF $400 Defendants counsel moved
for new trial on the minutes, which was postponed
10 the nth inst.
Year: 1871

The York penn Democrat tells
a tough story to explain several ac-
cidents which it says have occurred
recently on the Northern Central
railway. 1t appears that the flag
men are required to go along the
road some distance from any train
which may be delayed in order to
warn approaching trains. It is
often necessary to wait some time,
"and in order TO get some rest in
this time it is said they lay their
heads on the track and so to sleep,
waiting for the noise and jar of the
approaching train to wake them
up,"
Year: 1871

Content is the gift Of Heaven


and not the certain effect of any


thing upon the earth and it 10 a0


easy for Providence to convey &c


without wealth as with it; it being


the undeniable prerogative of the


first cause, that whatsoever it does


by the meditation of second causes.
it can do immediately by itself
without them. The heavens can and
do every day derive water and re-
freshment from the earth without
either pipes or conduits: though
the weakness of human industry 10
forced to fly to these little assis-
tances to compass the same effects.
Happiness and comfort stream i'm
mcdiately from God himself, %
hight issues from the Sun, and some
times looks and darts itself into
the meanest corners, while it for
bears TO visit the largest and noblest
rooms. Every man ID happy or
miserahles as the temper Of bis
mind Isskees Bish either dircttly ~
der or beside the Influences Of the
Divine nature, which eDlighten
and enliven the disposed mind with
secret and iDeffabIe joys, and so 40
the vicious or unprepared mind is
wholly unacqnainted with.
Year: 1871

to The Supreme Court of Ten
nessee, at Knoxville, has hsd be-
fore it case involving the right of
possession to certain property be-
longing 10 the Methodist church, in
which that tribunal announced q
new principle. On the trial in the
court below counsel objected to
any juror sitting in the cause who
belonged TO either the Southern or
Northern branch of the church,
The court below refused to sustain
the objection. The Supreme Court
reversed the Judgment rendered be-
low, because the challenge of jurors
was not allowed, saying that the
members of both branches had such
a beneficiary interest in the result
as made them incompetent 10 sit in
the cause.
Year: 1871

a girl forced By her parents into
a disagreeabIe match with an old
man whom she detested, when the
clergyman came to that part of the
service where the bride is asked if
she consents to take the bridegroom
for her husband, she said, 'Oh,
dear, no, sir; but you are the first
person who has asked my opinion
about the matter"
Year: 1871

In drilling in fail wheat some
advantage may be gained by the
direction in which the drills are
run. The prevailing winds in
winter are from nOrtherly direc-
tion. 1t tie drills are arranged to
run similarly, when the ground is
frozen and tue winds are violent
much earth is blown from about
the roots, aud they become some
times dangerously exposed. If the
drills run in an easterly direction,
the winds will blow across them,
and all loose earth, dust, and float
ing matters, and, most important
OF all, the snow, will be dirifted
against the rows of wheat plants On
the eide where they need protec-
ton. The roots will thus gain
covering which is useful not only
during the cold weather but also
during the growing season.
Year: 1871

~ Tue upsetting of kerosene
lamp set pleasure yacht on fire in
Long Island Sound on Monday
night. A child and its nurse were
lost, while the remaining eight per-
sons on board had a heir breadth
escape.
Year: 1871

The wretch who perpetrated tho
following was taken out of jail by
the Ku-klux and hung without the
benefit of clergy:


Why is a minister near the end
of bis sermon like ragged urchin ?
Because he's toward (tor'd) his
close (clothesl
Year: 1871

RICRMoND's SHARE OF STATE SCHOOL
FUNDS READY FOR DIsTRIBUTIoN.-The city
of Richmond will receive on the 1st oi
June 11,29S.30, this amount being her
share or the State school funds now ready
for distribution. This is little more than
] half OF the whole amount.
Year: 1871

some two weeks ago party of Carol
township boys started home about midnight
going up the pike on horseback. At the
Valley Inn school-house they halted, to
have moments talk before separating
Whilst there a man rode somewhat hastily
down the pike. The boys determined to
md out who he was and where he had been.
30 they called out in sport, ''Stop thief J
Halt J" The rider instead of stoppine snur-
red on his horse, and, arriving at Hamil.
toms store, started up the Brownsville road.
One of the boys followed, crying out, sHalt!
stop" The stranger, finding himself in
danger Of being overtaken, wheeled his
horse into the fence corner, dismounted.
and took to the woods. Somewhat dismav-
cd at the serious turn the joke was taking.
the unknown was told to come back. No
attention was paid to this however. and the
mysterious stranger fed through the woods
out OF sight. The horse was taken back to
the pike, and put in stable at VALLEY Inn.
Now comes the queer part of the story.-
The next morning man came down the
pike with word that horse had been STOLEN
the night before. He was told about the
strange horse, and on going to the stable
and found the lost animal. So the intend
cd joke turned out to be the pursuit of an
actual horse-thief No wonder the rascal
was scared when the young men called out,
stop thiefn'-Konongahe Republican.
Year: 1871

A Turkish breakfast comprises about thir-
ty dishes Soon after the first dish comes
lamb, roasted on the spit, which must never
be wanting at any Turkish banquet. Then
follow dishes Of solid and Iiqued, sour and
sweet, IN the order OF which certain kind of
recurring change is observed, to keep the
appetite alive. The pilau of boiled rice is
always the concluding dish. The externals
TO such feast as this are these A great
round plate of metal, with plain edge, of
three feet IN diameter is placed on low
frame, and serves as table, about which
hve or six people can repose on rugs. The
left hand must remain invisible; it would be
| improper to expose it while eating. The
right hand is alone permitted to be active.
There are no plates, or knives OF forks. The
table is decked with dishes, deep and shall
low, covered and uncovered there are con-
tinually being changed, so that little can be
eaten from each. Some remain longer-as
roast meat. cold milk, and gherkins, are re-
CURED to. Before you an attendant or slave
kneels. with metal basin in one hand. and
piece of soap on little saucer in the other,


Water poured by him over the hands of the
washer from metal jug; over his arm
hangs an elegantly embroidered napkin for
drying the hands upon.
Year: 1871

The Chinese residents of Portland, Ore
gon, have society which corresponds some
what to our Odd Fellows, and that is the
term which they use to express its character.
Its purpose is to form all respectable Celes-
tials into society for mutual protection,
and defend each other should they ento liti-
cation. 1t even goes further The execu-
tive committee takes upon itself the duty
OF Furnishing those who are found guilty of
any transgrcssion toward the society or any
member of it. IF one Chinaman attempts
to cheat another or abuse him in any
manner he is arraigned before the commit
tee, and if found guilty is 1ogged before
the society. In all cases the culprit receives
his punishment stoically; but should he
grumble OF tell the secrets of the Order
more summary punishment would be meted
out to him. In order to become member
it is necessary to be known as a good child
of the Flowery Kingdom, and the person
soliciting membership must be endorsed by
a majority of those present, An initiation
fee of $50 is required, but no more money
Is demanded, unless in some sssenliar case';
as, for instance, when sons ofs the ordsF .
to be tried for mnlden en sickness has de-
pleted the treasury. Odd FslIoiss csMpa7s.
Year: 1871

On furious winters night, three men
were sitting around tavern ire in q
Western village. One was calculating
his profits and laying out his plans 70,
the morrow's work. The second was
reading a novel. The third was sitting
before broad 6re- e-piace, thinking The
wind how!ed without with a 6erceness
that ratified the windows, and ever and
anon shook the old house to its very
foundation. Tho driving snow pelted
the window-panes, and creeping in unde,
the door, formed little miniature snow
drift on the floor. The FIRE roared and
cracked in the great chimney, aud shed
forth comfortable glow, the more luxu.
rious in contrast with the severity of
the storm without. Suddenly the
door was thrown open, aud q man
entered The frozen snow clung to his
shaggy overcoat, and whiteued bis long
beard, and frosted his very eyebrows -
But it was not this that startled the three
companions, and filled them with vague
sense of awe. There was an agony in
his face that made it like that Of one
from the dead, aad his VOICE was like that
Of one who perishss, crying for help.
His story was soon told. There was no
time for many words. He had started
that morning from home. The storm
had overtaken him On the prairie. His
horse had given out, and lay dying BY
the roadside. His wife and babe, cover.
ed BY the buffalo-robe, awaiting such
sucoor as he could bring than. Who
would give him aid to rescue them from
their snowy grave?


To this statement one man listened in
crsdulously- He questioned aud would
have argued, but that the impetuoua
need Of the agonised husband and father
would submit to no questioning Life
depended on celebrity. He would stay to
answer no questions he seornsd to prove
his statement true.


The seeoad laid down his novel. This
tragedy of real life drove from his
thoughts the romance Of the pen. He
rose from his seat, strobe to the window,
looked out, opened the door, faced for
an instant the fierce, peting storm, then
turned back, wrlngiug his hands in sym
pathetic sorrow. dreadful he cried
dreadful, but it's as much as o man. S
life is worth to venture out on such "a
night as this"


The third spoke not. He rose fron,
his seat, reached bis coat down from the
wall where it was hanging, put it on, but
toned it up to the chin, tucked bis pants
within his boots, pulled on his stout fur
gloves, then said, Come on. stranger.
l can't leave woman and babe to
freeze to death on such night as this,
cost what it may to save them"


It ia thus Christ comes calling on us to
join him in saving the lost. Some listen
incredulously, and would argue. But
for argument there is no time. Some are
stirred with earnest desires, but dare not
face the storm. He only is a follower
of Christ who goes with his Master, i'm
bued with his Masters spirit, TO do his
Masters work.
Year: 1871

ties towns villages and cities so that the question be
fairly submitted to vote of the electors In case
such election the majority of shall be against
granting such ad the proper authorities may after
wards, in their discretion, call another election upon
the same subject and the shall be conducted in
| like manner.


Section IS. If at any election authorized by this
act, any ysuch county, town. village city shall vote
in favor of granting such aid by aorty of the votes
cast at such election then the authorities thereof shall
have and exercise in their discretion the powers
ferred upon them by the preceding sections of this
act and all contracts made by them by virtue thereof
shall be valid and enforceable according to the true
intent and meaning thereof


Section 10. The several counties towns villages
and cities, which shall subscribe for the stock of said
company, authorized by this act hereby author
lied seyeraly to own, control and dispose of the
| in the same manner individual might do and to
vote upon the same by agent duly authorized at an
election held by the stockholders of the said company


sction 30. All property which the company hereby
created IS authorized to appropriate, take possess,
hold or use, by making payment therefor is hereby
declared to be taken for public the COM
pany shall SO appropriate take, possess hold use
the


Section 21 1t is hereby declared that in the udg-
ment of the legislature of this state the objects Of the
corporation hereby created cannot be attained under
the general laws.


Section % This act is hereby declared to be pub
lie act and the same, Immediately after the passage
thereof shall be printed by the state printer, and be
in full force and effect from and after its passage
Approved March 10, 1870.
Year: 1871

The men in America who encourage COM
munism are public enemies, and deserve to
be treated as such. No better government,
or more equitable distribution of property is
possible on the globe than is found under
the free institutions, and amidst the abound
ing resources of the American republic


The knavcs and fools who would disturb
the existing order of things in the United
States, mean anarchy and robbery now, and
afterward a despotism of their own order.


Let public sentiment frown down these
pirates while they are weak. Eternal Wig
lance is the price of lasting liberty. If the
American press and the American people
trife with these brainless but bloodthirsty
disorganizers, it will cost more at some flu
ture day to put them down. Remember
that any man who talks about improving on
AMERICAN INSTITUTIONS is public enemy


If people that have come here from Earope
dc not Ike the way things are done in this
country, let thea 90 back to the places they
came from, and if any that are natives o.
this land tEinA yhey are oppressed, let them