smithclay/nortonstories huggingface dataset:
Year: 1871

There's gaping rent in the curtain,
That longs for a needle and thread:
There's garment that ought to be fin


ished,
And book that wants to be read,
There letter that oug hi to be answered
There are clothes to fold away,
And know these tasks are wanting,
And ought to be done to-day,
But how can mend the curtain


While watching the silvery clouds Z
And how can finish the garment


When the robins call so louds
And the whispering trees are telling
Such stories above my head,
That cannot but lie and listen,


And the book is all unread.
If try 20 read the letter,


am SURE one half the words
Will be in the curious language


OF my chattering friends, the birds
The lilacs bloom in the sunshine,
The roses nod and smile,
And the clothes that ought to be folded
And, ironei, must wait awhile.
l lie in the cooling shadows,


And gaze at the summer sky,
Bidding the cares and troubles,


And trials Of life pass ty.
The beautiful summer blossoms


Are falling about my feet,
And the dreamy air is laden


With their odors rare and sweet.
The honey bees hum in the clover,


The grasses rise and fall,
The robin stops and listens


As ne hears the brown thrush call.
And the birds sing to me softly,


The butterfly 4 les away
oh, what could be sweeter than living
This beautiful summer dayg
Year: 1871

How Palnleaf Hats are Made.


In America, the only places where the
leaf of the palm tree is manufactured in
to wearing apparel are in Massachusetts.
Amherst, in Hampshire county, Palmer,
in Hampden, and Barre and Fitchburg, in
Worcester, are each the site of manufac-
tories, but of these (says the Boston Id
certiser) the first named is the largest in
buildings, business, and completeness of
work Several of the others perform on
ly part of the whole course of opera
tions necessary to fit the goods for mar
ket.


From Cuba the raw leaf is shipped to
New London, Connecticut, in lunches of
twenty-five leaves each, and the stock is
unloaded and placed on cars which stop
at the door Of the bleaching house. AS
delivered, the leaf is from four to five feet
long This, standing on the stock end,
is closely packed in the bleaching rooms,
where it is kept sixteen days. Birthstone
IS used TO wliiten the leaf The rooms
are closee air-tight and the birthstone
burnt in paks standing in the room.-
When bleached to the requisite whiteness
the next process tie leaf undergoes is
splitting. Nearly third of all that pas
ses the splitters is absolutely worthless
for use here Till recently 1t was thrown
away but since paper manufacturers have
been straightened for material, this palm
leaf has been found to make good paper
Fifty dollars a ton are paid for it at the
paper mills.


After the straw is now ready to be
worked into hats all the work must be
done by hand. In all the New England
States, except Rhode Island, are agents of
the firm who send the leaf into the coun-
try among the wives and daughters of
the farmers, by whom it is braided into
hats and woven into webs for shaker
hoods. Large teams are constantly pas
sing over the rugged hills, carrying ma
terial to be braided, or the work that has
been finished. The number of people
who find employment in this business is
very great. Little children are ket at it,
for it is light work, and nimble-fngered
girl Of ten or twelve can earn az much in
day as an adult woman. The pay for
the work is too small to make even de-
cent wages, i the worker be not of re-
markable deftness of hand, but it is, with
many, work of odd moments which
would otherwise be wasted, SO the fru-
gal housewife will include in her days
work "stent" of so much braiding to
be done. In some parts of the country,
chair bottoming is practiced in the same
way. Country merchants frequently take
the leaf and put it out in their neighbor
hoods. They are satisfied if no profit DE
made on the braiding, for they pay for it
from their stores, and make the increase
of business thus secured afford them a
fair profit. Some, however, make profit
at both ends, and in any case the work
ers recompense is mere pittance.
Year: 1871

A rural New York youth lately went to
claim his bride and conduct her to the
altar, only to find that she had eloped and
married another fellow the previous night
He didn't tear his hair any, but just re-
marked By Jove, I'm glad she was
married last night instead of tonight, if
she is of that disposition"
Year: 1871

whom he found waiting in the ante-room,
and itEwas most amusing to see the hearty
little fellow dragging his shabby proteges
into the executive presence, ordering the
ushers out of the way, and demanding I'M
mediate action from headquarters. The
President rarely refused grsce of this
kind, and the demands were rot so fire.
queut as to lose the charm of novelty.


Although still mere child at the
death of his father, this terrible shock
greatly sobered aud studied him. His
brother Robert at once took charge of his
education, and he made rapid progress up
to the time of his sailing for Europe with
his mother. He has ever since remained
with her, displaying thoughtful devotion
and tenderness beyond his years, and
strangely at variance with the mischievous
thoughtlessness of his childhood. He
came home short while ago, greatly i'm
proved by his residence abroad. but always
the same cordial, frank, warm-hearted
boy


The cause of death was dropsy of the
chest The remains of the deceased were
taken in special car from Chicago Sun
day evening. to Springfield, Illinois, for
interment in Oakridge Cemetery, beside
the remains of his father. The funeral
took place in Springfield yesterday morn
ing. and was attended by large eoncourse
of citizens
Year: 1871

A correspondent of the Weekly Times,
writing to US under date of July 18th.
says;


1t will hardly be denied that there is a
growing distaste in soinene of tins country
towards domestic service, or any kind -ef
domestic drudgery. Formerly ail the COM
pl.tifts Of want of help aud their ineffcl-
ent.v came from the women, but now-a-
Gavs we find that men. feeling the discoD-
fort of tl.eir homes, are making themselves
beard or this subject through the papers,
In stronger terms and with more bitterness
than has vet fallen from the lips or pen ot
woman. One writer says, and with much
appearance of truth. that the evil is in
great measure owing to what is called the
progress which is being made by the sex.
There are certain situations which have
heretofore been filled by males whose duties
can lie quite as we'll accomplished by wo-
men, and for much less compensation.
This work is better paid, considered more
genteel, and is not so confining as cooking
hence many women rush for the places.
The consequence of this is that there is
dearth of them for household work. and
those who offer require much higher wages.
There is also another reason American
women do not care to work side by side
with the Irish women-they feel they are
better class than the ignorant Biddies
they are expected to room and associate
with, and they prefer seeking other chan
nels for livelihood and who can blame
them? Men better themselves when they
can, and turn to more congenial employ
ments; and why should not women? The
great objection to this, it is argued. is that
it forces men into men into these situations
vacated by women, and that the conse-
quence will be that chamber-work, washing,
and all species of housework will be done
by men, and better and more faithfully
done. At the same time this state Of
things is considered demoralizing. and has
been found to pr6duoe condition of life
not considered the best forzeIther sex, IN
the countries where it has been tried.
Year: 1871

The Scranton (Pa.) Republican, tells
the following story of one oftbe victims Of
the late Pittston disaster: 1Fe
William James expired about three
O. clock on the afternoon of the Tuesday
following the catastrophe. and was the
first added to the list of those upon whom
the death angel laid his hand 10 that aw-
full havoc. He was a Welshman. and had
had been in this country about seven
mouths. On the morning of the dreadful
day il, question. he had taken his break
fast and his wife had made ready his din
ner and set the pail beside him. For
some time be sat wrapped in thought, his
arms folded, his eyes fixed vacsntly upon
the stove, and deep melancholy appar-
emily brooding over him. He was arous-
ed from bis reyerie by his wife telling him
that his dinner was ready, and that he
would be late as the bell had ruug. He
started to his feet, and gazing upon her
for moment with look of tenderness
and significance, said to her, IF should
not come back alive, would you be in
such hurry getting me out ?"eSThe wife
answered, NO" but remarked that ''if
he was going at all. it was time be was
gone" He lifted his pail without saying
a word. and after kissing his wife, kissed
his four little children, who were sitting
playing on the doorstep. When he had
gone about City yards from bis home, he
returned again and kissed his wife and
children once more with great fervency.
His wife noticed that he was the victim OF
gloomy forcbodings, and as he turned a.
way she was about to entreat him not TO
90 to work if he apprehended any danger
But hope and courage and the pressing
necessities of their family overcome her
intention, and she let him go. She stood
at the door and watched him on his way to
the fatal pit. When at a point where he
turned out of her sight, he paused and
cast nistfal look toward his home and
little ones, and seeing his wife. waved
with his hand last adieu. lie parted
with bis loved ones forever.
Year: 1871

Perry Davis Pain Killer is an excellent
regulator of the stomach and bowels, and
should always be kept on band, especially
at this season of the year, when so many
suffer from bowel complaints. There is
nothing SO quick to relic We in Attacks of
Cholera


Sold at only 25 cents bottle, by
merchants generally July6m1
Year: 1871

nURING Jackson's term, an idle spend
IL thrift was made Postmaster at Pensa-
cola. He was instructed to make his returns
quarterly, after depositing the avails of the
Office in the nearest bank. Time passed,
and no word came from him. Six months
having passed, the Department wrote to
him that he would be dismissed if he didn't
report.


The gentleman thereupon wrote to the
Postmaster General that the duties of his
office had been faithfully performed so far
as the delivery Of letters and the collection
of the postage were concerned. He was
sure of that, for he had u lively y elbow boy
who attended to that busines. He was di-
rected to deposit the avais of the Office
in the nearest bank. lie done so but un-
fortunately that was faro bank and there
he had placed the funds of the government
and he was sorry to say that up to that time
the institution had refused to honor his
drafts. AS to the letters written him by
the Postmaster General, he felt honored,
and hoped the correspondence might be
continued. ,...... Trails.


He should have responded to the interro-
gatories of the Department. but he had
been so constantly occupied at the bank
in trying to get his money back that he
had no time to devote to composition, and
his negro boy was not equal to the task.
He would cheerfully reply to any proper
questions in future and he thou0lt that
explanation ought to be satisfactory, l
Year: 1871

He made no reply, but taking me hurried
ly by the arm, led me down the stairs.
Pushing open the doors with his foot he
pointed to dark object lying at the further
end of the dining-room. The floor and
walls of the apartment were half covered
with blood, and a little rcd and sickening
stream was flowing silently across the car
pet and trickling beneath the door. Cru-
soc the mastiff, his jaws reeking with blood
stood in the centre of the room growing
fiercely, while the elegant service of plate
was scattered about in dire confusion, some
of the salvers and pitchers battered and
bruised, and tinged like everything else,
with the dreadful hue of blood.


l went with Charley across the room
and looked at the dark object in the
corner. With cry of horror I started
back, for the face of the corpse was turned
towards me, and the face was that of Daniel
Hatfield


We have the dog to thank for this
said Charley. "See how his teeth have
tor n the Williams throat from ear to ear y


We hardly knew how to relate the dread
ful news to May, but we mustered courage
at last and told her all. Poor thing 1t
stunned and bewildered her at first, but
time brought healing to the cruel wound,
and when had told her of what had heard
in the shrubbery, she thanked God for her
fearful escape. We could not quite con-
denim Hatfield as the real william, orhe had
doubtless yielded to the opportunities of
Burns and consented to connve at the
robbery for the sake of giving the latter
some security for the money he had loaned
him. The letter from Charley's father had
been forgery from first to last, and
clever ruse to get the plate into the house.
1t would have been an easy matter then to
secure it, had the dog remained outside as
usual. But Fate had ordered otherwise
The man Burns made his escape in time
and we never heard anything of him again.
Year: 1871

TOWARDS the close of one September,
n Charley Dunham sent word to me to
come down into Mapperley Wood and
have some shooting. The Governor +, Dun
ham pore, he said, had gone away on bust
ness and was not expected home for five
or six weeks, so that there was nobody in
occupancy of the stately halls of Mapperly
House except the younger members of the
family and the servants. Mapperly Wood
was unusually full of game that fall, and
Charley thought that the absence of his
father and mother and consequence unlimi-
ted license in respect to all matters both
indoors and out, offered inducements too
unusual to be resisted.


Besides" wrote Charley ga fellow
named Hatfield is here, counting sister
May. She got acquainted with him at the
seaside last summer and they are going to
be married about Christmas. He's Curl
GUS chap, and l want You to give me your
opinion of him.


had already had some experience of
the hospitality of Mapperly House, and /
was nothing 10th to accept Charleys invi-
tation. The blue eyes of his sister May
were well worth going long way to look
at, and as had myself felt the force of
their marvellous power to a very alarming
degree before then, i had some curiosity to
see the man who was TO be made happy for
life IN theirpossession. The day after the
receipt Of Charley Dunham's letter, pack
ed up a carpet bag took the morning train
for Daybrooii, the nearest station to Map
perley House, which was some five miles
distant from the town, and whose grand
old turrets could be seen towering above
the trees long before the train came to a
stop.


Charley met me at the depot with gig,
and for the first two miles of the drive
home could talk of nothing but dog and
shooting. When he had in some degree
tired himself, ventured to ask him about
May ur


80, she's happy as queen" said Char
ley. "To tell the truth, she seems great
deal jollier about it than Hatfield does.
He's glum sort Of a chap. ] don't like
him much" '4


"And they are really going to be mar
riedP" / said, inquidngIy


"Bless you Yes. That was all settled
Year: 1871

Foolish spending is the father of poverty,
Do not be ashamed of work. Work for
the best salary or wages you can get, but
work for half price rather than be idle.
BE your own master, and do not let society
and fashion swallow up your individuality
Do not eat up or wear out all you can earn.
Compel the selfish body to spare something
for profits saved Be stingy to your own
appetite, but merciful to others necessities
Help others, and ask no help for yourself.
See that you are proud, but let your pride
be of the right kind. Be too proud to be
lazy too proud to give up without con-
quering every difficulty too proud to,wear
coat you can not pay for; too proud to
be in company you can not keep up with in
expense too proud to lie or steal or cheat
too proud to be stingy.
Year: 1871

''Times are getting worse every day..
What then, my dear sir? Will it do
any good to draw your face up into ten
thousand wrinkles, and vent the bitterness
of your spirit upon all with whom you
come in contact on the strength of the
above mentioned fact?


Suppose you had to walk barefoot over
q road thickly strewn with thorns and
sharp. Ainty stones? What would you do !
Go aside out of your way to tread on every
stray thorn and pebble instead of carefully
avoiding every needless hurt by picking
warily through them? Which course will
| you choose now!


Will you snap your wife at the break
fast table when she asks you "for little
change :" would YOU suggest to her the
probability of you all going to ruin in a
Short time through the prodigal outlays
made for household need, then throw the
money across the table at her as you would
, threw bone to dog? You know very
we'll that her demand is perfectly reason
able; and you know, too, that you would
be lust as much offended, as you are now
if she did not ask you for money fer house
hold expenses, when it is needed; but you
are not willing to miss the opportunity OF
sel6shly venting your unpleasant feelings on
this convenient domestic scape-goat.


And if she should Wonderful to think
off, pluck up courage enough to ask you
for money to buy a new dress-though
it may be only six months since she last
committed this mortal sin-don't ask her
ironically if she thinks thousand dollars
will do her this time; or make some cut
ting remark about her ruinous extravaganza
and the slave-life that you lead but il
YOU can afford it, give her the money and
kiss into the bargain, But if you really
feel too poor to indulge yourself in the
pleasure of seeing your wife in new dres:
for the first time in six months give her 9
kiss anyhow. and explain the matter kindly
to her, and the kiss and the kind explana
ton will 90 nearly all the way towards
making her forget the disappointment.


And. above all. don't bring your busi
ness home at night with you. Don't 81
in solitary misanthropy. or snarl and pok'
the fire. Your wife hasn't had chanc'
to talk to you all day. She has thousant
little things to communicate: but while
you sit there so cold and repellant, she ma
no courage to begin.


Your children are eager for a game o
romp, but they are ''afraid OF papa
when he looks as he looks tonight; s
they congregate in a halfawed manner j
j the corner until it is time to 60 to bed
mo PLEASANT shat, no merry laug hter, n
Year: 1871

MEssRs EDITORS: A short time age
our town was all ablaze upon the subject
of Temperance, several public meeting,
were called, and were largely attended
speeches were made and committees ap
pointed, and no doubt King Alcohol be.
gan to tremble. knowing that the people
Of Jonesboro never entered upon a good
work without carrying it out fully. But
| am persuaded that we did not get good
start, as the Temperance Social is now
numbered with the things that were,'
the Sons of Temperance fear that they
will soon have to disband, through the
want of enough members in attendance
to fill the Offices; the Good Templars toe
are discouraged Why is this so? Have
our citizens regretted so soon that they
recommended the establishment of these
orders, or did they suppose that the worl
could be successfully carried on by mere
handful of men, be they ever so willing
to labor.


IS Son of Temperance would plead
for our cause, we have done good for oul
town, and if our numbers be increased
we can accomplish a still greater work
Our most worthy and Jealous member
are men who have exchanged the goblet o.
sparkling wine for the glass of Pure Cole
Water, men who have been bitten by the
Serpent of the still, and have fled to u
for protection and encouragement; mer
nobler far than Caesar, Alexander. or Ma
poleon, who although they conquered ma
ton, never conquered themselves. Where
are our Ministers, we never see them il
the Division Room, and our Mothers anC
Sisters; have they no interest in our cause
are our young men and boys all safe from
temptation? We call upon you all fol
aid you will find the Temperance Hal
open every Thursday Evening. warm hearts
will m~et and greet you there, and Goo
will bless you in the glorious work.


A SON OF TEMPERANCE.
Year: 1871

game at romps, no music--nothing. but
81, om and constraint, because father b;
come home in bad humor."


You ungrateful man! You inhuman
iceberg, to behave so in the bosom of your
family To turn away from the pleasures
and privileges still left you, because you
can't have everything just as you want it |!
Think of the loving clinging hearts that
your coldness shadows-of the bright faces
over which your frown has cast a reflected
gloom. Amt you ashamed ofyourself?


Again your burdens may be so heavy
that you cannot smile. But oh be kind !!
Because your own soul is dark don't pierce
another heart with needless wound by
your coldness and sullenness. Because
there are some thorns in your way, plant
other thorns in the paths of another with
your own hand. Ifyou cannot be cheerful,
be kind.
Year: 1871

In the case of Campo VS.. Singer. in the
Marine Court, New York City, young
lady sued the City Marshal for se:zing her
machine under judgment from one of the
district courts. The judge held the sew
ing machine to be exempt on two grounds
first. as being necessary household furni-
ture, and second, as being used by the
plaintiff to earn Ter living-and he gave
judgment in $sS, the price of the machine,
with interest on It from the time of the
seizure, and regarding it as trespass,
would give damage. SO a week, which the
plaintiff could have earned with the ma
chine but if the marshal returned it be-
fore Monday, he would limit the damages
to so and costs of action.
Year: 1871

The total eclipse of the Sun which
takes place on the 18th of December, visi-
bic in India and the islands south Of
Asia, is attracting the attention Of the
scientific world, and instruments are be-
ing placed in position to seize upon all
phrazes of the phenomenon during the
two or three minutes of its durat on, that
it may be afterwards subjected to study
and speculation from which important
results i'll astronomical science are anti
cipated. Much is expected especially of
tue English expedition OF Ceylon, which
with the recent experiences in Sicily less
than year ago to guide it, has made
elaborate preparations and been furnish
ed with nil needed appliances. The
veXed question as to the nature of tho
bright corona which surrounds the disc
Of the moon, during the observation, is
in fair way to be satisfactorily settled.
Also, connected with this question is
that of the existence and nature of the
atmosphere of the sun and the substance
and condition of the luminary itself.
Accurate data regarding these will funish
a basis for study and conjecture concern
ing the fixed stars. Hence the impor-
tance attached to the phenomenon. 1t
is to be hoped that the observers will
meet with all success.