smithclay/nortonstories huggingface dataset:
Year: 1873

S. B. Glover, in an October magazine,
tells the story of member of the Van
Rensselaer, family who lately died at
the age of 76, as follows -


Some said he was niggardly and penu-
rious the poor declared he was kind
and generous, and forbearing and in
dulgent to fault That he was averse
to improvements or changes of any
kind, the dilapidated condition of the
house in which he lived, and the decay
ed and tottering fences around, most
clearly proved. No railroad was ever
constructed, no mandatory ever built
upon foot of his land, save under pro-
test. Owing to a disappointment in
early life, due to the opposition of his
relatives to his marriage with a young
girl in the humber walks of life, to
whom he was warmly attached, he lived
and died bachelor.


The General Government had essayed
many years ago to tempt him by mu-
nifcent offer to sell a portion of his
lands for the establishment of an ar
senal. The prospect of increased wealth,
the assurance that the sale of his lands,
and the erection thereon of buildings
by the United States Government,
would greatly enhance the value of his
large estate surrounding, had no effect.
His refusal to sell was positive, and the
purchase of land was made, and the ar
senal erected, at Watervliet.


But darker hour came. A passen-
ger who crossed from Albany on the
| Greenbush ferry-boat brought the start
ling report that it was in contempla-
ton to construct a railroad along the
east bank of the Hudson river from the
city of New York through Greenbush
to Albany. When the survey was made
for this road, it took in five acres of the
Van Rensselaer, land, which yielded the
owner little or no profit. Efforts were
made by the directors of the road, but
without success, to effect purchase OF
the land. Persistent refusal to sell on
the part of the owner compelled them
to call upon disinterested parties living
in the neighborhood to appraise the
land. The sum fixed upon as a tair val
uation was three hundred dollars pei
acre, which was offered to the owner,
but peremptorily declined, under pro-
test, with the assurance added, that il
the company took his land he would
never touch dollar of their money.


The land was taken, the road com.
pleted, and nearly a quarter of a cen
tury passed away and though on many
occasions greatly pressed for ready
money, he was faithful to his promise
even unto death. To the surprise o1
his executors, short time after his de-
cease, they were notified by an Officer
of one of the banks in Poughkeepsie
that fifteen hundred dollars had beer
on deposit to his credit since the road
was first surveyed, and was then sub
ject to their order. Thus, for that long
period, was the interest, which, added
to the original amount, would have ac
cumulated to handsome sum, entirely
lost to this eccentric man while living
and to his heirs after his departure.
Year: 1873

There was recently on exhibition, at
Plymouth, Mass, piece of Pinch water
pipe, feet in length, taken from the
section on the dam at the Thread Com
pany's Works, which was SO completely
filed, its entire length, with the fine
fibrous roots of the willows that are
growing near by, that not one drop OF
water could pass through it. A depres,,
sion in the pipe had at some time caused
slight breakage, and into this porSs
tion of the root had insinuated itself
and grown, until about a month since
the passage of water was stopped, and
a search for the cause revealed this re-
suit. A portion of the filling was taken
out. and resembled closely continuous
"wad" of oakum For five or six feet
these roots are so tightly wedged in
that no force yet applied has been suffi-
cient to start them.
Year: 1873

That tobacco is absorbed in the tissues
of the body has long been asserted by
some, though denied as positively by
others. In support of the affirmative,
a fact in connection with the hydropathic
process known as the wet-sheet pack is
cited. In this process the patient is en-
veloped in a wet sheet, and then, over
this, in blankets. By this means, it is
claimed, that through the operation of
the principles of endosmose and exos-
nose, the water of the sheet is made to
enter the body, while at the same time
impurities are withdrawn therefrom
Now, on an habitual user of tobacco
being subjected for an hour to this pro-
cess, it is found, on his envelopments
being taken of, that the odor of tobacco
coming from his body, and from the
sheet in which he has lain, is erceT,tible
to every one present.
Year: 1873

Railroads consume timber immensely
It has been estimated that each day in
the year trains run about three hundred
and twenty thousand miles, consuming
one a half cords of wood for every
twenty-five miles, making n daily con-
sumption of nineteen thousand two hun
road require two thousand five hundred
ties to the mile and assuming their life
to be five years, an annual consumption
of thirty millions of ties is required
and it may be safely said that the waste
in getting out these ties is one-third of
the tree.
Year: 1873

Carbolic acid, in some of the various
forms in which it is offered to the pub
lie, is one of the most popular disinfect-
ants, and deservedly so. For simple
disinfection, where the cause has been
removed, nothing is superior to the
acid itself, either concentrated or IN So
luton. For disinfecting the air OF
sick-room few drops may be put upon
hot shovel or stove-h lid, or any artl-
Gle that will retain its heat for some
time. It has the advantage that 1t does
not iniure clothing or metal articles
with which the vapor comes in 'contrct.
It should be used with care, however, as
the liquid itself is a violent poison, even
in small doses.
Year: 1873

WEBSTER said &c If we work on mar
BILE it will pc rish if upon brass, time
will efface it if we rear temples, they
will crumble into dust but If we Work
mon our ir.rnortal minds-if we imbue
them with principles, with the just fear
of God and Jove of our fellow-men-we
enerave on tn ese tablets something which
will brighten through all eternity"
Year: 1873

THE VENEZUELAN PRESIDENT AND THE
CHURCH. President Guzman Blanco has
initiated and carried into effect number
Of local reforms calculated to relieve the
people Of the Republic from the burden Of
many petty tax imposts, thus giving q new
impetus to the interior traffic and export trade
OF the Republic His Excellency has also quar-
relied with the Church, after the fashion of many
OF the more powerful governments in the Old
World, that Of the mother country, Spain
included. The Bishop of Caracas has been
banished from the territory as punishment for
quarrel with the Executive. The law of civil
marriage has been decreed by the State, as
'blow," 80 we are assured, at the ..pover''
Of tho prelate. More than this-and here
must be admired the courage and zeal Of the
Lay chief President Blanco himself stepped
forward and was married in civil form to his
wife the very next day. II may be that he is
disposed to dispute the crown of martyrdom
with the Episcopate He may rest assured,
however, that, no matter what his sufferings
may be here on earth, he will never receive the
glo4y Of canoniation In Rome.
Year: 1873

PEACE WITH THE Mopocs.-The inglorious
Modoc war is over. We are informed by our
special correspondent with the Peace Com
missioncrs that the Indians have accepted the
terms offered them by the United States
authorities, and will surrender to the military
and 60 on a reservation either in Oregon or
California. The promise given them that they
would be protected from the civil powers in
Oregon while en- route to and on their new
reservation, and the assurance that the
promise would be kept which the presence of
a representative of the HERALD in their
midst afforded. no doubt influenced them in
Year: 1873

Bible In the public schools. he believes that
the arts of culture, refinement and morality
require that all our children should have this
pure light of heaven. And lao madness out
side OF bedlam would be SO great as that
which would attempt to build up society with
out this great spiritual aid'


DIR. Stoddard devoted part of the Sabbath
day to an advocacy of the hanging of Foster
and Stokes and the twenty-six murderers who
are now confined in the City Prison. He has
no sympathy at all with that ''pitiful hu-
manitarianism, the child of atheism or low
morality, which cndeavors to excite sympathy
for the criminal at the expense of the victim
and the community.


DR.. Tiffany, of Washington, in rendering
to Cesar the things that are CAESARS, and to
God the things that are Gods, gave President
Grant pretty good Inauguration ''send off,
yesterday, and applauded his policy towards
the Southern States and the Indians.
Year: 1873

The WEATHER IN WASHINGTON To-MoRRow.-
The indications strongly favor a pleasant
day tomorrow for the second Inauguration of
General Grant. Although quite an extensive
rain and snow storm prevailed yesterday in
the Middle and South Atlantic States, its
centre was reported moving eastward off the
coast of the latter section 1t is not likely
that the rain or snow will continue falling
longer than this forenoon, and the snow in
the District had not suficed to cover the
ground last night, but turned to rain as fast
as it fell The storm will perhaps be followed
by the usual cold northwest winds, which,
generally, are known TO tread upon is heels
At this season, so that the capital will be in
good condition for the display of the great
pageant. Even If the disturbance in the
South Atlantic coast should move in parallel
lines along the coast, as is sometimes the
case, it can hardly, by any possibility, last
longer than this evening, 30 that ugly weather
need not be apprehended tomorrow.
Year: 1873

The SENATE OF THE UNITED STATES reas-
sembled last night and went to work with
will on the appropriation bills, getting even
with the business of the House and making
all ready for the dissolution of the Credit
Mobilier Congress at noon tomorrow. What
remains of the foul work of this memorable
session will probably be finished to-day, so
that there will be no necessity for calling ON
extra session Of the House.
Year: 1873

form journalist that if he goes among the
insurgents, his only way out is to assume him
self q rebel and surrender and ask pardon.
when he will meet with all possible generous
forgiveness. II shows how completely
tho General understood the absurdity
of the appearance of hostility to the HERALD
Commissioner mission which he assumed.
We have treated this point at length hereto
fore, and shown conclusively that in protesting
not to regard Mr.. OKelly as spy while
within the Spanish lines, in giving him leave
to quit the Spanish camp. and then dating
his so-called spy character from the mo-
ment he touched the skirts of an insurgent
column, the Spanish General was laying down
an outrageously illogical definition of what
spy might be. We are now convinced that
the General is aware of his mistake-it is
for him to say whether Intentional or other
wise. That the Attorney General did not
mend matters by citing what might happen
to journalist in st. Domingo during state
of war there he found reason to acknowledge
himself In every way, then, even on their
own ground, the authorities must admit
failure in their efforts either to make their
threat effective in its intention to frighten
our correspondent or respectable in face of o
few simple questions


We are gratifed that such is the case, as we
are now more than ever unlikely to hear that
the Spanish government will order the assassi-
nation of journalist whose only possible
offence would be telling unwelcome truth. We
have had reason to speak strongly upon this
matter, and, with our correspondent in the very
midst of the peril he has sought in the course
of duty, we certainly do not feel inclined to
speak less forcibly or warmly now. We warn
the republican Spanish government in Cuba,
as we did that of the fugitive monarchy,
that it is accountable before humanity, before
civilization and the American people, for the
safety of our correspondent, whenever he
claims protection within the compass of its
sway. To the Cuban insurgents, who profess
liberty as their aim, we address the same
words. Wherever, if anywhere they COM
mand obedience, so long as our Commissioner
is among them they are responsible for his
safety. But Spaniards as well as Cubans
know that a great people who respect
intelligence, liberty and good government
are jealously watching them in this
matter 1t is not the question of a spy on one
side or the other, but of the untrammelled ennis
sary Of the great light and seeker of the world,
the press. We feel assured that he will return
unharmed and with his duty nobly fulfilled
To call sternly to the minds of all concerned
their duty in the matter is as imperative
on us as it is on them to closely observe it.
In the result let us hope that fresh food of
pure light on the affairs of Cuba will result in
the foundation of fairer future for that beau
tiful but troubled island. We call on all lovers
Of enlightenment to wish our Commissioner
God-speed on his perilous mission.
Year: 1873




Another crisis has been got over in France.
1t was confidently believed in Versailles on
Saturday that the situation was critical in the
extreme End that something serious might
happen before the day expired. Happily the
prophets of evil were disappointed NJ
Dufaure's speech was highly satisfactory; and
the vote by which it was decided to take up
and discuss the proposals embraced in the
report of the Committee Of Thirty Is entitled
to be regarded as vote of confidence in the
government. 1t is quite manifest, however,
from the tone and temper Of the Assembly, as
well as from the necessity which compels the
government to adhere to tho Bordeaux COM
pact that the political situation in France is
beset with considerable peril What is to be
the future government of France is still an
unsettled question; and adherence to the Bor-
deaux compact means that neither monarchists
nor republicans are anxious to precipitate the
struggle. Some fighting must take place in
the Assembly on the committees report but
the presumption is that President Theirs will
be sustained. The French people will do well
to content themselves with things as they are
until the indemnity is paid and the invader
has left her SOIL Delay ought to be o gain to
the Republic.
Year: 1873

The news dispatches from Spain bring intel
ligence Of the progress of affairs in that coun-
try which is varied and conflicting in its
aspect and statements, according to the
sources from which it comes, Spanish or
French The slavery abolition legislation of
the government of the Republic appears to
have become less animated in the Assembly
but we are assured that the Madrid Ministry
still entertains the very highest and most phi
lanthropic resolves with respect to the cause
Of emancipation. This resolution is accom-
panied by another for the complete extinction
of Carlism. This is to be accomplished by
the raising and equipment Of new army,
numbering about fifty thousand men. The
War Office enterprise is to cost very large
sum of money, and this necessity has of itself
evoked ministerial demand for subsidy of
one hundred millions of pesetas. Whether
the Cabinet demands will be granted, and
whether, if granted, such legislation will tend
to the maturing of the Spanish people
towards the robust manhood of an enlightened
democracy remains to be seen. In the mean
time the war for and against Carlism is being
prosecuted with great activity. The progress
of hostlities is attended with serious
loss of life and the daily destruction of an
immense amount of valuable and produc-
tive property. The Bourbonists are being
driven from the soil at some points, and,
again, are advancing in the territory at others.
They hold court, under the divine right claim,
here and there, and appear to be exceedingly
graceful and courteous in these most exciting
moments of their monarchical itineracy; but
the government of the Republic is notwith-
standing all the "blights of the olive branch"
still the government Of Spain.
Year: 1873

Verdgris is termed by chemists 'tribasic
acetate of "copper"" and is formed by the ac-
tion of acetic acid upon metallic copper in the
presence of oxygen. There are several meth
DDS Of conducting the manufacture; in one
the refuse of grapes after the expression OF
the juice in wine makings used as the source
OF the acid which rises in vapor from the de-
composing residuum. In another vinegar is
used, the copper being dipped in it at inter-
walls; in third fanne,s are wrung in vinegar
and wrapped around the copper which Is then
laid where it will be acted upon by currents
of air.


The grape refuse is used at Montpelier, in
France, in the following manner. The cop
per in very thin sheets is rubbed with vine
gar and laid away for time in wa m boxes
where the requisite corrosion is merely il /
tiated. In the meantime the grape refuse is
packed in brrrels and allowed to remain until


it begins to undergo acetic fermentation.
This accomplished, portion of the material


is spread In the bOttIm of ditch lined with
brick. On this is placed layer of the pre-
pared copper, then more grape refuse, then
more copper, and so on. until the pit Is full.
When the grape residuum becomes white its
effect is spent The sheets are then re-
moved and exposed to the air. As soon as
they become dry they are wet with water
and again exposed, and so on six or seven
times in succession, until the layer of verdi
girls having become sufficiently thick is
scraped off. This done, the plate is again
rubbed with vinegar. and in the grape refuse,
ETC., undergoes again the same treatment ur,
til completely exhausted.
Year: 1873

The least desirable kind of persons for pic
mic excursions are those who have taste for
natural history and persist in taking some
snakes ard poisonous fungi In their lunch
baskets. As the season has just commenced
1t is proper to put people on their guard
against such dangerous imbeciles.
Year: 1873

A New Orleans girl ate abox of CASTLE soap
to get rid of freckles. The mourners remark
cd very peaceful expression about the
mouth, at the funeral, but the freckles were
as numerous as ever.
Year: 1873

"When steaming U the southward, along the Arabian coast, on our way to Zanzibar to join the admiral, says the report of an English officer of a war vessel, we sighted, off Cape Madraka, a dhow, which on seeing us immediately began making for the shore. Of course we gave chase, knowing what her game was, and steaming as hard as we were able; but we did not succeed in cutting her off, and she beached, through tre- mendous surf, in the only sandy bay near. We then saw some of the crew land, and those left on board threw the slaves overheard, while those on the shore, assisted them to land as they were washed up. About 150 slaves were landed in this manner, and then the dhow broke up, and the slaves were conveyed in long struggling line away toward the hills Where they went and how they lived it is impossible to imagine, as there is no water for twenty miles round, so far as we know, and it is an uncommonly thirsty-looking spot. The object of the captain in wrecking his vessel in this extraordinary manner was to save as much of his cargo of slaves as pos lble, though his chance of saving many was very donh
Year: 1873

A Pennsylvania farmer sued 8 rail- road company for the loss of 0 barn by fire kindled by the sparks from loco motive. In the lower court the jury awarded the farmer $2,300 damages. The railroad appealed to superior court. It was shown that the barn was some distance from the track of the railroad, and that the intervening space was occupied by abundance of dry grass, weeds, &c., by which the fire was communicated to the building. The court overruled the first decision, on the ground that as no one is respon- ponsible for the accidents from remote, but only for those from immediate causes, the owner of the barn must bear the loss. "The sparks from the locomotive did not fire the barn, but the grass, and it was the grass which fired the barn." If a farmer should fell tree or dump rock on the brow of a bank, and tho declevity of the bank should roll the tree or rock on to railroad track, would he be held liable only for the remote cause, of felling the tree or dumping the rock, and the de- clevity made answerable as the immedi- ate cause of the obstruction ?-Er- chance
Year: 1873

The Hartford Co,vayat relates the fol- lowing story: "A young man, resident in this city, who was recently in 8 city beyond the Mississippi, found himself possessed of twenty-five cents and a longing for home. Not being able to raise any moro funds, he stepped on board a train of cars bound for New York. In time he was met by the con- ductor, but was unable to pay him, and was put off at the next station. Board ing the first night train after that, he took off his shoes, and when the con ductor questioned him his shoes were not to be found. Being kind hearted, the conductor let him ride until he found them, which was not at once. In this way and by other shifts the young fellow actually reached New York last week. He was almost starved te death, having eaten nothing but few crackers all the way. On this arrival here he learned that funds to enable him to come in the ordinary fashion, without so many changes of trains, had been sent to him.
Year: 1873

Maria Monico, Q young woman of great beauty and courage, is the leader of band of brigands who infest the en- virons of Catanzaro, Calabria, said to be the most ruthless and extortionate ever known in that country. Her hus- band, having been killed in fight with the gensd 'armes, she swore to avenge him, and for that purpose accepted the leadership of his band. Maria was ar- rested short time since and sentenced to thirty years Imprisonment, but hav- ing fascinated her jailer he connived at her escape, on condition that she would marry him. This she promised to do; but no sooner had they reached her band than the warden was stabbed to death by her orders. Since the escape of their leader the band has grown more daring than ever, and so cruel is the leader known to be that the peasants stand in terror of her, and always give her any information she asks.
Year: 1873

There John, hitch Dobbin to the post come near me and sit down. Your mother wants to talk to you before you drive to town. My hairs are gray, soon shall be at rest within the grave; Not long will mother pilot you OCT life's tenn pestuous wave. I've watched OCT you from infancy till now you are Q man, And have always loved you as a mother only can; At morning and at evening have prayed tho God of love To bless and guide my darling boy to the bright homo above. A mothers eye is searching, John, old age can dim It's sight, When watching OCT an only child to see if he does right And very lately have seen what has aroused my fears, And made my pillow hard at night, and moist ened it with tears. I've seen light within your eye, upon your cheek glow, That told me you were on the road that leads to shame and woe: o John don't turn your head away, and on my counsel frown, Stay more upon the dear old farm; there's danger in the town. Remember what the poet says-long years have proved it true That "Satan finds some mischief still for idle hands to do" If you live on in idleness, with those who love the bowl, You'll dig yourself drunkard's grave, and wreck your deathless soul. Your father, John, is growing old; his days are nearly through; Oh he has labored very hard to save the farm for you, But it will go to ruin soon and poverty will frown, you keep hitching Dobbin up to drive into the town. Your prospects for the future are very bright, my son Not many have your start in life when they are twenty-one; Your star that shines so brightly now in dark

 ness will decline, If you forget your mothers words, and tarry at the wine. Turn back, my boy, now in your youth; stay by the dear old farm; The Lord of Hosts will save you, with his pow

 erful right arm. Not long will mother pilot you OCT ife's tenn

 pestuous wave Then light her pathway with your love, down

 to the silent grave.