smithclay/nortonstories huggingface dataset:
Year: 1876

Blaine Too Smart to BE Pres


ident.


With people of our race brilliancy
is always a disqualification. 1t is
not always a fatal one. But the
Pitts and Disraelis are the exception
to the rule. Upon ordinary con
dftions, other things not being too
unequal, English-speaking people
are generally found preferring
shrewd, homely good sense, a Ger
tain sturdy beefiness OF mind as
well as physique, to the most
showy talents and requirements
These may compel admiration, but
they also inspire an instructive dis
trust. Mr.. Blaine is handicapped,
to-day, by his reputation for "smart-
ness"


Dean Swift made no bones of
maintaining that this instinct was a
sound one; that this distrust so far
from being unreasonable, was amply
warranted by experience as justified
by philosophy. "Men of great
parts he wrote, "are often unfor-
tuhate in the management of public
business, because they are apt to go
out of the common road blythe quick
ness of their imagination. This l
once said to my Lord Bolingbroke,
and desired he would observe that
the clerks in his Office used a sort of
ivory knife with a blunt edge to di-
vide a sheet of paper, which never
failed to cut it even, only requiring
steady hand; whereas, if they
should make use of a sharp pen
knife, the sharpness would often
make it go out ofthc crease and dis
figure the paper.
Year: 1876

It is stated positively By mem
Der OF the house that possession has
been obtained by one Of the house
investigating committees of an .au-
tograph letter Of Williams, which IS
Of itself conclusive proof that while
encouragement he sold himseii.aad
his Office, in one instance, for the
sum Of two thousand dollars. The
committee feel that this is only the
beginning Of disclosures IN the de.
partment Oh justice.
Year: 1876

Theodore Tilton denies the recent charges
made against him in regard to bis conduct
in sleeping car, in the following card in
the New York "Herald:"


During the past few years have been the
subject Of so much calumny and obloquy-
every trivial incident of my life being per.
verted, and false incidents invented for that
purpose-that / have long since ceased to
regard them or to deem it important to con-
tradict them. Injurious to me as is the
story recently published concerning an al
legged transaction on the railroad, had at
first resolved to treat this, too, with silent
contempt. But the advice of trustw worthy
friends admonish me that owe 1t to them,
as we'll as to myself, to make an exception
in this last and most fragrant instance. Ac-
cordingly intrude myself upon the public
so far as to pronounce the story imputing to
me dishonorable conduct toward lady In
sleeping car ON the Hudson River Railroad
to be absolutely false, and to declare that l
stand ready to meet and repel any and every
accusation of such misconduct.
Year: 1876

The body of well-dressed man was
found in State Room No. go of the steamer
Newport, on her arrival at Fall River, from
New York, Monday morning. A pistol was


found inabis right hand with which he had
shot himself. A card was discovered which
indicated that his name was Frank Wheeler,
but there was no other clew to his identity
Year: 1876

BY Associated Press.


BUFFALO, Sept. 2O.-Five colored men,
while at work on the treslte work OF the
Central Car Shops at Buffalo, last night,
were precipitated to the ground by the
breaking away of the trestle, and all were
badly iniured-two fatally.
Year: 1876

We do not see what business the Committee
on Foreign Affairs has with the question
whether Gen. Schcnck is fool. 1t was
charged with the duty of inquiiirg whether he
had violated propfiety, or been guilty perhaps
of any worse oilense, in lending his name, for
a consideration, to the promoters of stock
operation while he occupied the position of
United States Minister at London, and whether
his behavior III the subsequent stages OF the
scandal was honorable and becoming. That
investigation seems to be finished, Tut Gen.
Sc'enck is not satisfied. He requires tie Com
mittee to go back into the history g. the
Emma Mine, find out what that piece OF prop
erty was originally worth, examine the trans
actions of Albert Grant, and anticipate law
suit now pending i'll the courts by general
induisition into all the facts which are to be
offered in evidence on the trial, and report
which must forestall the verdict of the jury
This may be "a scheme of one of the parties
in litigation to force the other to disclose It's
case. AT any rate it is an mpudent proposal
10 which the Committee has lent too much
consideration. These things are none of its
business


The matter of Gen. Schcnck is already dis
posed Of lie has been tried and judged, and
his appearance before the Committee was only
to show cause why the judgment should be
reversed. His testimony has reiterated facts
with which tho public was already familiar
the same facts which led to his reprmand and
afterward to his remOval-and has placed upon
record his distinct protestation that he was
not consciously aiding swindle With regard
to his belief in the value of the mine, we are
glad to know that there Is nttle difference OF
opinion. His severest critics have never, so
far as we know, accused him of guilty
knowledge of the cOnspracy-if conspiracy
there was. And as for his conduct III enter
ing the Company, without payment for his
shares and with secret guarantee OF interest,"
his curious actions at the time of leaving En-
Gland and his conceament of his resignation,
these are things upon which people have made
up their minds. The facts are admitted. 1t
does not rest with any Committee to deter
mine what the country shall think about them.
Year: 1876

4 brief glance at the advertising columns
of The TRIBUNE in these first days of April
will give the inland reader very fair idea Of
the business and social condition of the sea-
board cities during the Centennial Spring
April settlements, in consequence of the ncccs-
gary routine of trade, have hghtcned bank
deposits in New-York about half million per
week. and, thrown into the market, have
given increased brskness to the smaller cur
rents of daily business; the retail dealer begins
to look hopefully through his display
window, and prophescs that the times
are lifting a little. Our long columns
of quarterly dividend notices will give
to the country reader an index to the cOndi-
ton Of railroads, banks, mining companies,
gas and water companies, stocks of every
grade and locality, from the great trunk rail
way that spans the continent to the wildcat
enterprise in the oil regions. In fact, we doubt
if there are any columns of newspaper
which are read during this first of the Spring
quarter with as unicmitting and breathless in
terest rs the dreary lines of figures which
pertain to money and its affairs, and that not
by capitalists only but by the poorer classes
WHO have laid by their hundreds and by
women. There are many thousands of women
in tho middle classes in America who have
ventured something in favorite stock or rail-
way; as q rule tie rskiest they could find.
The ordinary wOman's idea of business Is to
fish with herring and to catch whales, and the
most practical among them is never satisfied
with less than 1S per cent.


Another column shows a renewal of the usual
Year: 1876

Assemblyman Murphy is one of the Custom-house
and John Morrissey Rcformcrs, elected at the great
Reform victory in this city last Fall. When he was
brought before his fellow members of the Assembly
the other day for theft the rebuke Of the Speaker
was said to have been somewhat tempered because
tho reformer was drunk. He continues. therefore,
TO legi5late for u.s. Now If "a John Morrissey and
Custom-house reformed member of the Legislature
steals when he is drunk, what sort of laws will he
make when he il sober
Year: 1876

The evidence in the trial of Fuchs, tho muir
derer of Simmons, tells heavily against the
prisoner. His child's testimony is essentially
at variance with his own, and if it shall be
proved, as is expected, that he was engaged
in deeds of violence before he came to this
country, he will not be likely to get either
pity or credence from the jury for his version
of the horrible story.
Year: 1876

The value of the Signal Service warnY gs
was well illustrated i'll yesterdays high wind.
More than 100 vessels which woald otherwise
have set sail remained in harbOr and thus
were saved from exposure TO gale that at
one time reached velocity of So miles an
hour.
Year: 1876

resolution has been offered in the Board OF Al
dernen asking the Legislature to authorize the
erection of building in the City Hall Park, on
the site of the recently demolished hospital We
hope it will not pass. The incessant encroachments
upon the few breathing places left in the crowded
parts of the town are serious public evil. The
parks absolutely necessary to the health Of the
city, and as matters go they are likely to dsap
pear in the course of one more generation. If we
need another public building it will be cheaper in
tie long run to buy private property than to take
the inheritance If the poor.
Year: 1876

The admirable resume of Ncwiork's progress in
the past century, delivered by Mr. John Austin
Stetohs before the NewYork Historical Society, and
recently printed in full! in The TRIBUNE, has been
reproduced in a handsome octave pamphlet of SO
pages and Will be carefully preserved in this form
by all who value such studies Mr.. Stevens has given
to the preparation of this work great deal Of
integ gent and Jealous labor for which there be
no adequate reward in a generous public ap-
probation. New-Yorkers will find here a more
thorough presentmcnt of the city's changes and
growth than is elsewhere accessible and all who
take an interest in the details of municipal history
owe debt of gratitude to Mr. Stevens.
Year: 1876

Ishould like some naturalist to
explain to me why it is that a
hunter is never able to find a dead
elephant. OF course, after you
bring him down, he is there before
you; but show me man who has
ever found the skeleton of an ele-
plant in those vast Singhalese
forests, or has come upon the car
caSs of one that has died a natural
DEATH. For ten years l hunted un-
remittingly, tramping over hun
dreds Of miles, into all sorts Of
solitudes, and never succeeded in
discovering such a curiosity.


Sir Emerson Tennet tells Of a
gentleman who lived for thirty-six
continuous years in the jungle,
exploring valleys and tracing roads
during his trigonometrical pursuits,
who never once came upon the
skeleton or decaying body of an
elephant that had died a natural
death,


The Singhalese believe that there
is some mysterious valley into which
these animals hasten when they feel
theapproach of death, and thus the
island contains vast mausoleum,
wherein are entombed all the giants
Of the forests that have gone on
before.


There might be some reason to
believe this fancifgl thepry-for
there is no mistake about the ex-
traordinary intelligence of the crea-
tuFes-if this great cemetery was
ever discovered but its precise
location is still unknown, and the
oanundrpm as to what becomes of
ell the dead elephants is interesting
and seemingly insoluble.


This would lead one to believe
that there was some popularity in
the Singhalese climate that dissolved
or decOmposed the bones. Such
might be the fact were it not for
the grinders and tusks. There is
no climate on the face Of the earth
that can destroy them; and so, you
see, we are brought back to the
same point from which we started.
Year: 1876

At noon on the wedding day the
bride sailed for Italy and the hus-
band started for Arizona, where he
had been ordered on military duty.
Frequent letters brought him
tidings Of her success. She secured
an engagement to sing in theaters.
During the past year every letter
exchanged referred to the happi-
ness reserved for the reunion. She


had decided to come to the United
States in November next.
Year: 1876

The German government has
recently built a kitchen a thousand
feet long, and all Of stone and iron,
to supply food for the army in time
of war. It's machinery is driven by
two eighteen hundred horsepower
engines, and is capable Of boiling
down and condensing within porta-
BILE limits a hundred and seventy
oxen, grinding three hundred and
fifty tons Of -four, and making
three hundred thousand loayes Of
bread daily. It's also able to supply
enough preserved oats for one days
feeding Of horses belonging to an
army Of two hundred and eighty
Thousand men.
Year: 1876

Our Coffees are all roasted
and ground on our premises.
Our ground Cohees are cut up
in a Steel Mill, which granu-
lates them without powder
ing, and are, in consequence.
free from dust. Only fine
favored Coffees are used by
us for grinding.


Our Roasted Coffee trade is
constantly increasing, owing
to the fact that all our Coffees
are carefully selected for their
body and fine flavor, and as
we roast in the best style Of
the art, using our own Water
Power, and roasting three
times a week, they are always
fresh and fragrant when sold.
VIM. DEAN & CO.,


1s9 Poplar st.
Year: 1876

The following proclamation has been IS
sued by President Grant: " Whereas, A joint
resolution of the senate and of the house of
representatives was duly approved on the
18th day of March last, which resolution Is
as follows: Be II resolved by the senate
and house of representatives of the United
States of America in congress assembled, g,
That it be, as hereby recommended by the
senate and house of representatives to the
people of the several states, that they assem-
bic in their several counties or towns on the
approaching centennial anniversary of our
national independence, and that they cause
to have delivered on such day an historical
sketch of said county or town from its for
nation, and that copy of said sketch may
be filed, in print or manuscript, in the clerk S
Office of said county, and an additional copy
in print manuscript, be fled in the office
OF the librarian of congress, to the intent
that complete record may thus be obtained
of the progress of our institutions during the
first century of their existence; and whereas,
it is deemed proper that such recOmmenda-
ton be brought to the notice and knowledge
of the people of the United States now
therefore /, U. S. Grant, president of the
United States, do hereby declare and make
known the same, and hope that the object of
such resolution may meet the approval of the
people of the United States and that proper
steps may be taken to carry the same into
effect.


Given under my hand, at the city of
Washington, the 25th day of Nav in the year
of our Lord 1876, and of the independence
OF the United States the enc hundredth.


BY the President. u. :. GRANT.


HAMILTON FISH, Secretary OF State.
Year: 1876

The AUNT's REsTEDY.-The DUBUQUE
Herald says of resident of that CITY !:
He and his new wife visited his good
old aunt, and she asked hundred cues
ticns on the all-important subject to her.
He was prefuse in his answers, being
only too happy to extol the good qualities
of his young wife. He concluded the
eulogy by telling the old lady that his
wife had wonderful sweet voice, and a
mezzo soprano of extraordinary com
pass The good aunt looked over her
spectacles with concern in her eyes and
said: Hez she? Well, now, yer aunt
Lucy used to be troubled with that a long
while ago, and she used to put mustard
plaster to the soles of her feet and take
catnip tea and it give her sight of
easiness- Just have your wife try that
aud I'm sure she will git BETTER"
Year: 1876

A couple of days ago a squaw died out
nj Yankee Blade, and the Indians buried
her and her infant together, without
taking any trouble Of making corpse OF
the latter 1t is a custom of the Piutes
and Shoshones to bury the dead mother
and living child together when the latter
is too young to help itself. In this in
stance they dug a hole, threw the woman
into it, and laid the infant on her breast,
covering them over with brush. In eX-
PLANTATION of their conduct one OF them
said: "Baby no good; no got milk
bimeby heap cry die pooty soon any
how" 1t would be an impossibility TO
convince an Indian that he IS dong
wrong by thus abandoning a helpless
infant as prey to the coyotes and car
ron birds; it was the custom OF his
fathers, and he can see no wrong IN IL.
A white man does not like to interfere
in such case, for TO try and rear the
child would be hopeless task, ana no
white man would feel justified IN dash
ing its brains out with stone Besides,
the Indians would feel greatly aggrieyed
at any interference with this pleasant
usage of theirs.
Year: 1876

Crops prospects in almost every section
appear to be looking as favorably as
could possibly be wished, though we
notice throughout the southwest there
is more or less complaint of lack of
rain. Corn and cotton are both suffer-
ing from this cause, particularly in
Texas. In some portions of that state
we also observe the inevitable chinch
bug has made its appearance. The
farmers, however, are in the habit of
making altogether too much of this mis-.
chievous little insect, and the public
have learned by this time not to esti-
mate too highly its anticipatory powers
of destruction. From the northwest we
have no information that is not favora-
bic, If we except some reports from
northern Illinois and Iowa, where it is
said but little small grain is in sight as
yet. In the middle states the preva-
lence of unreasonable cold weather is a
drawback; so far, however, it has not
been attended with any very serious
result.-N Y. journal of Commerce.
Year: 1876

We would finally remark to our read
ers that acreage reports from other
sources may, in all probability, show Il
much larger increase IN acreage thai
OURS. and to this we would say that those
reports of last year showed deficiency
of two hundred thousand acres less than
actually planted, which may have occur
red from late planting not taken INTO
account, or process of estimating whlcn
we look upon as anything bat sure
guide. There is but one road by which
to reach the proper and correct average
report, and this is to ascertain the actual
average of each county planted, when
plan we think we have endeavored 10
carry out. All now depends upon the.
weather what sort of crop we may
market, and we shall for the future keep
oul readers fully posted on the subject.


Table showing acreage reports OF the
several cotton states for the last three
years also percentage of increase ana
decrease.
Year: 1876

In order to act intelligently against
the cotton worm, southern planters are
advised by Professor A. r. Grote to act
in concert. He further recommends
that, whatever agent is employed to de
stroy the worm, be used against the first
brood that appears in the locality, SO as
to prevent its spreading farther. 1t Is
highly desirable that the life-history and
habits of such insect pests should be
thoroughly studied, with view to their
determination.
Year: 1876

ST.. LOUIS, January 24.-Although it
was generally understood that the greater
part of the day would be given up to
legal argument, the attendance upon the
trial of William McKea for alleged COM
plicity with the whisky ring, far rssnrpas-
sed the accommodations Of the court
room. The jurors remained ut their
hotel under the guard of Deputy Marshal
Immy. Upon the opening OF the court
Judge Chester Krum continued his ar
gument for the defense, citing great
number of English and American au-
thorities to show that tie incompetence of
the evidence Of the accomplices was
uncorroborated. Special reference was
made to the case OF the United States vs.
VIM. Fullerton, tried in New York in
1870, where the evidence was mainly
that of sccomplices, and where the court
Intervened, after the testimony was in,
and ordered the acquittal OF the defend
ant. Judge Krum claimed that the court
could not be satisfied from the evidence
before it that McKee's connection with
the ring had been a sham, and asked that
the case be allowed to 60 no further.


Col. -Broadhead for the prosecution
followed Judge Krum, and said that 1t
was an absurdity to hold that the Court,
at this stage of the case, should stop the
proceedings and exclude further testi-
mony till the jury would fnd that the
evidence thus far introduced was per-
iured, and instruct them that they could
find no verdict. The same rules obtain
in conspiracy trials as in ether cases.
The Court is Judge of the competency
and legality Of the testimony, and If, at
the end of the case, 1t is evident to the
Court that there has been no legal testi.
mony TO prove the issue, then
the Jury can be instructed to
acauit, but the Court can only give this
instruction on the ground that the testi-
mony il true does not sustain the issue.


The council then read numerous su-
thorities to prove his position and ar
gued to show that conspiracy had in this
case been established and that the de-
fendsnt was connected with it and that
therefore the declarations Of the conspir-
ators were competent. The real point
at issue is whether the prosecution shall
be permitted to introduce evidence to
prove that Megrue gave money to John
Leven worth, at one time collector OF the
ring fund but since dead, with instruc.
tioRs to pay it to Nc
Kes and that Levenworth subse-
ouently reported to Megrue that he
did pay it to Mckee. The defence claim
that this is incompetent testimony, while
the prosecution contend to the contrary
apd assert that the conspiracy was con.
tinued act from 1861 to 1875 and that
everything in regard to its history is
competent testimony. No single act is
completed offence, no declaration before
or after any specific act, which formed
part of the general or whole, are irrevel-
ent, &c.


Major Lucen Eaton then read an ar
gument for the prosecution, and was
followed by Judge Clover for the de.
fense, who made strong argument on
behalf of his client, and spoke with
great deal of feeling and some excite
ment. The court will give its decision
tom orrOW
Year: 1876

TIE Isamaelite of the New York Sun
must feel much gratifed with his success
in his attempts to defeat Mr.. Calvin. the
Democratic candidate for Surrogate. Judge
Peabody was SO entirely acceptable and
well fitted for the Office that he might have
been chosen but for the strong Endorsement
and advocacy of the Sun. As it is, Mr.
Calvin Is elected.
Year: 1876

TIE situation during the day yesterday
was one of most perplexing uncertainty.
1t was . spirited succession Of alterations
from -':Now you see it," to 'tNow you
don't" Each person was anxious to gain
intelligence from his neighbor Of some sort
to vary or relieve the suspense. And as
the successive kilograms inspired stronger
hopes of final success in those of either
party sigh Of relief and expression Of JOY
would escape from their lips.
Year: 1876

GENERAL Buffers return to the Forty
fifth Congress will be hailed with delight
by all Republicans in this District. He
has ever been q consistent and faithful
friend 10 their interests, and has never
lacked the courage and candor to advocate
what he believed to be their Just dues.
Year: 1876

The Troy Press of Monday says: A lady
living in this city recently purchased some
brown striped calico, and made 1t into a
morning dress. A part of the fabric was
worn next the arms and neck, and after
wearing it short time she was taken sick.
It was found that her sickness was cansed
by wearing the calico which had been col
ored by some poisonous material. Erysipe-
las resulted, which was given to her nurs-
ing child, causing its death. The child ofa
Broadway optician has also been poisoned
by wearing brown striped stockings, This
brown dye used in coloring is cheaper than
the harmless one, and hence the tempta-,
ton for unscrupulous manufacturers to
employ it.
Year: 1876

AROUND MArAMoGqs the delightful uncer-
}ainties of Mexican rule are felt to their full
extent The pickets of the revolutionists
are in sight of the city and the governmental
general is afraid to arm some of his men lest
they should pronounce" The case appears
to stand thus The soldiers want their pay
and the commander has no funds. If they
Join the revolutionists they can share in the
forced loans, and the latter way of collecting
money is irresistible to your true Mexican.
There is no sign at present that the Diaz
movement is more than sporadic