smithclay/nortonstories huggingface dataset:
Year: 1871

TOWING BY STEAM ON TIE CANAL From
the Syracuse Courier, aug. 15. IA novel
plan for the propulsion of canal-boats by
steam was presented to the State Commis-
sion, i'll session yesterday in this CITY, by
the Hon. Charles Howard, of New York,
one OF the Oldest shipping merchants in The
State. He exhibited Il miniature canal filled
with water, with two curves or one reverse
curve. The canal has chain on each
side-One for ascending boats, and the
other for descending boats. These chains
are kept in their place around the points Of
the curves Of the canal by spars, one end
of which is shaCkled to the shore, the other
end to the chain. These sDars prevent
the chain from beiug drawn ashore
on the point OF the canal by the bouts
that are towing on it. On the coucaYe
side Of the curve is short chain attached
to the shore ut one end and to the chaiu ut
the other to prevent the chain drawing from
the cOncave side of tho curve. The spars
above dcscrbed~hay also short brace
chain that leads from the outer end of the
spar, diagonally to the shore in such q man
ner as to take all the strain off from the
main chain beyond that point, which di.
Viues the tension as often as necessary, so
that light and convenient main chain can
be safely used, and if any accident occurs
Lo any OuC ScCGlOu IL Ciu Dc ~ tl)dIeu, Wullt
the balance of the chain each side Is intact.
He also exhibited, several miniature canal
boats. made on the same scale of the canal,
with Il small wheel OH the side of the boat
near the bottom, secured to shaft that
extends through the side Of the BOAT. The
wheel has groove in Its periphery, with
projccties for Lbe links TO drop into. The
main chain Is laid into the groove, and when
the engine turned the wheel, it drove the
boat along with great speed with two or
three other boats in tow, and turned the
curves OF the canal, passing the spars and
guy chains with perfect freedom and ease.
The chains are continuous the whole length
of the level, but do not extend through the
locks. The plan contemplates the plan of
having only one boat in five fitted with an
engine, and this engine boat to take about
100 tons cargo, and the other four 30 tons
each, and to tow them from Buffalo to the
Hudson, and then ship pair of Indian
paddles, which are rugged very simple, on
each side of the boat, and continue the
voyage to New York aud back with her
fleet Of barges or common boats. The pad
dies were shipped in two minutes of time,
aud made very rapid speed through the
miniature canal.
Year: 1871




TIE LOUISIANA SUGAR CRoP.-From all
parts Of the State we have very encouraging
accounts of the growing sugar crop of Lou
isiana. The cane is in splendid condition
and still improving. The crop, on the
whole, Is in better condition than the most
sanguine anticipated earlier in the season,
and should the latter portion Of the year be
favorable for cutting and grinding, our
State will turn out a,ctop something; like
those of ante bellum times. We do, not
think that 225, 600 hogsheads is q high iesti-
mate of the yield at this time, though, of
course, the contingencies of the fall must
enter the calculation so far as the merchant
is concerned. IL the season continues as
favorable throughout as it has been thus far,
this great staple will be reinstated in its
former position within very few years.
We have the capacity to produce one mil
lion fogsheads. and these figures will sooner
or later be reached.-N. o. Picdyuae, 1Gth.
Year: 1871

A Manual of German Conversation, by GEORGE
F. COMFORT. A. VI. Harper BrOthers), Is intended
class book for the of students who have finished the
authors excellent German Course" The plan Of the
work. we believe is quite novel among American man
uas for the study Of modern languages, and is
uepded for the variety Of its examples from familiar
German phraseOlogy, and its adaptation TO the actual


intercourse of everyday life Instead Of seeking for alb
stract sentences in his inner consciousness the
author has caught up the current expressions
of society and business including selection of scientific
terms ngratiye idiOmatc combinations the language Of
NEWSPAPERS (Which differs In many essential points from
that of classical lterature and phrases found only in
common advertisements The great merit OF Professor
Comfort as teacher of languages in the present as well
a. in his former works. consists in his remarkable power
Of admiration. He evinces rare sympathy with the
intellectual wants Of the pupil, and usually furnishes
him with key TO the actual difficulties OF the case in
stead Of increasing his perpexes by abstruse theories
which belong 10 an advanced stage of progress
Year: 1871

A lady Of Hon. James Brooks party in
in Japan. looked into a Japanese boudoir
and this is her inventory: Little or no furni-
ture no chairs no bestead-nothing but
mats to sleep on. A toilette box was on the
tioor, near the wall-abOut the only article
of furniture in the room. In this box there
were five drawers and two LACQUER basins
on top. In the top drawer of this box there
was metallic mirror like our hand glasses
In the second drawer she kept her powder,
paint, wax, brush, tooth powder and brush
Two little drawers came next; in one she
had her false hair and in the other fancy
pins, gilt paper and other fixings for her
hair. In the lower drawer was her pillow,
which is placed under the neck when Sleep
ing on the mats, so as to prevent the hair
from being rumpled. 1t is made of wood,
and covered with paper on the top The
powder looks like starch, and when they
use it they mix a little water with it, and
rub it like paste, and they have two
brushes that they use to rub it off with.
The paint looks green, and turns red when
put on the lips and cheeks.
Year: 1871

When Jack Canter, the bank robber. was
taken to Sing Sing prison, he was asked
what his profession was. "A bank clerk. y
said he. And now that you've got me.
I'll tell you about it, for it's good Joke. /
was watching country bank for some little
time and l noticed that the paying teller
wore 3 striped coat and straw hat. The
dinner. l got straw hat and a striped
coat and ter several days took my seat on
the steps OF the bank. One day saw nv
opportunity. The paying teller and most
Of the clerks went out. went in. nnIled
of my hat and coat, hung them up where
had seen the teller hang his, and went
around to the desk. The books were open,
and here and there were piles of bills /
went to work at the books, and made the
most remarkable entries ever recorded in
the books OF any bank in this world or any
other. Pocketed the bills, one after an
went on my way fifteen thousand dollars
better off than ever was before"
Year: 1871




Our city is so seldom the scene Of any.
thing romantic or sensational that a news
paper reporter hardly feels at liberty to
write up occurrences that come under the
head OF unusual or personal We can not
forbear, however, giving the particulars as
we have learned them of the accidental
shooting and seriously wounding Of q
woman on last Saturday night. the six
teenth. and the peculiar sequel thereto


On the particular evening referred to, one
Bennie Stine, who is an .'ensanguined
slaughterer of bOvines called
butcher-having imbibed deeply, freely,
and frequently of the flowing bowl. became
"tightually slight chow come YOU sO,r
and you know how it is yourself" and
armiDg himself with pistol to keep off the
dogs, etc, wended his way with uncertain
and wavering steps to the house where his
paramour, Clara Reed alias Anna Willis.
was wont to be. He safely made the port.
found his fair but frail partner, and in the
recklessness of intoxication fiourished his
pistol around, which finally was accident
ally discharged, inaicting q serious and al
most fatal wound on the woman. The
police were on the ground instantly. a sur
geon sent for, and the wound dressed
Subsequently she was moved to the in
firmary. and for two days it was feared
that her earthly career was near it's close.
AhC ACpCutduU Dcuult WAS SOffOWl0S ana
remOrseful. and, actuated by a desire to
make all reparation in his power, consented
to he united in marriage with his unfor-
tunate victim which ceremony was per-
formed by Father j. Pierre, in the presence
of several witnesses, the groom standing
by the side of what was feared would he
Il death bed Of the suffering woman.


The marriage took place on Wednesday,
With careful watching and skillful surgical
and medical attendance the woman is i'm
proving, and her recovery We regard as
certain.


When she emerges from the suffering bed
to which she was consigned by the tolly of
him who has taken the holy vow to love
and cherish her in sickness and in health,
we trust that the couple will resolve on
living purer and nobler lives, forswear the
use Of the "deep, dark beverage Of hell
iuct, pass their days in happiness and
Deace.
Year: 1871

There is at the Ten-mile House, on the
Stockton road, California, pair of full
grown hares well developed, and as kind
as kittens, that were never born, the
mother having been shot just previous to
the time that important event in their lives
should have taken place. Upon opening
the body the little fellows were found to
be as lively as if nothing had happened to
their maternal parent, and they were cared
for and raised on milk until they grew
large enough to eat and take care Of them
selves. They are now orphan pets at the
Ten. mile House, and are apparently just a.
the world by the ordinary course Of events.
Year: 1871




A correspondent of the Scientific Ameri-
can writes:


once had occasion to examine the bot
tom of a mill pond, for which had con-
structed a float out Of inch plank, sufficient
to buoy me up: Through the centre of this
1t, when was enabled to clearly discover
objects on the bottom, and several lost tools
were discovered and picked up. am salts
fed that, where water is sufficiently clear,
this latter method could be successfully
used for searching for lost bodies and arti-
cles. 1would now suggest that this exper-
iment be tried on the sea: for am satisfied
that, with craft like the Great Eastern,
where an observatory could be placed at the
bottom, with sufficient darkness, by the aid
Of glasses we would gaze down into the
depths of the sea, the same as we can sur
yer the starry heavens at midnight.
Year: 1871

A girl of seventeen years located farm
in Kansas some three years ago. The land
was perfectly wild, and she employed no
male help, but her success has been such
that recently she was offered for her farm
refused the offer, and says that in five years
more she will retire to the East and live on
the interest Of her property.
Year: 1871

Twenty years ago the Battery was one Of
the greatest charms Of this city. Located on
the extreme point of the peninsula, abutting,
we might almost say, into the sea, there were
few localities in any city of the world more
favored for place Of enjoyment-for public
promenade. for a sweet resting spot, where
tired labor, upon 4 summer evening, could
steal a little of the joys Of heaven upon
earth. The trees were green and the grass
was fresh. The birds warb!ed in the branches
and the voices Of the sweetest singing birds Of
Europe could be heard in the Castle Garden
Opera House, making the night air delicious
with melody. But since then the Battery has
been permitted to degenerate into wilder
ness. Its trees had withered, the grass was
trampled down into mire, the shady walks
lost even their outlines. But all this, we are
glad to see, is changed now. A thorough
transformation has taken place. The long
neglected Battery begins to bloom again.
Three. thousand trees-mostly evergreens-
have been already planted there, and as the
season of flowers approaches the charm of
maniioid coIor VIII pe auueu 10 brink the n mi
formity of the verdure.


For this transformation and restoration of
the Battery, as well as for the establishment
OF all the other open spaces, large and small,
whether we designate them as parks or
squares, we are indebted to the Commissioners
q NFPublic Parks. They have certainly wrought
q very pleasant revolution in all our public
places, from our Grand Park to the Battery !;
so much 80, indeed, that one would hardly
recognize some localities, where drearness,
filth and squalor have been replaced by green
and pleasant spots upon which the eye can
look with delight. Take, for example, the
City Hall Park. For many years it has been
half a common and half mudhole. Now the
walks are smooth, dry and are passable. The
evergreens fill up the place once occupied by
the slouching, the politician and otilce-seeker.
So it Is with Tompkins square and all the
other breathing places throughout the city.
If we can make dull things bright and
unsightly places beautiful, so much the better,
and the greater merit is due to those who do
1t. We hope, therefore, that the Commission
ers of Public Parks will 60 on in their present
course. If there is anything which the city
can afford to pay for it is work like theirs,
which will add to its beauty improve the
health and comfort Of its population, and
increase the value Of its property. The cost
may be high, but the value received will
certainly be an equivalent for the money
expended
Year: 1871

The Latest News from France more Fra


termination Of Soldiers with Insurgents.


Our latest dispatches from France report
that the insurgents in Paris have begun the
organization of a regular government by the
appointment of delegate Minister of War
and delegate Minister Of Foreign Affairs
Neither of the appontees is known to fame
On Wednesday last the Central Republican
Committee ordered the occupation of the fort
of vincenncs. The fort was occupied without
opposition, the garrison, composed Of troops Of
the line, fraternizing with the insurgents as
soon as they appeared. Excepting the intel
ligence of the massacre in Paris there is no
item Of news from France which we publish this
morning as important as this. Are we to re-
gard this second fraternzaton with insurgents
as evidence Of the spirit which prevails in the
entire FRENCH army? It is remarkable, in
deed, that the Regulars should refuse to fight
the mob Of anarchists now ruling Paris, and
their refusal BODIES little good for NJ. Theirs
government and for France In view of the
disgraceful surrender Of Fort Vincennes it will
not surprise us in the least should the insur-
gents advance on Versailles, to hear that the
army assembled there had deserted the au-
thorities and forced them to seek safety in
flight. The news certainly gives to such an
event an air Of decided probability.
Year: 1871

The Proposed Amendments to the City


Charter.


Mr.. Tweed has introduced in the State Sem
ate bill proposing certain amendments to the
city charter, which the Legislature last year
secured for us after such determined opposi-
ton from the rough democracy. or course
the charter was not altogether perfect If it
had been 1t might never have become law,
but 1t was great Improvement on the charter
which we had previously had, and far prefera-
BILE to the instrument that the young democ-
racy proposed to give u.s. but the amend
ments that Mr.. Tweed now proposes
WILL In some respects, improve It greatly.
The most important changes proposed relate
to the Board Of Education, which is to be
abolished, and body substituted by appoint
ment by the Mayor, to be called the Board of
Public Instruction, the members to hold Office
for five years. The Importance and benefit of
this change can be seen at glance. 1t takes
the question of the education of the children of
the metropolis out of the hands Of the roughs
and rowdies. The education of the children
is the perpetuation of the State, and 1t
is ridiculous burlesque on the right
OF suffrage to entrust the choice
of Board of Education to the bummers
and repeaters who choose our Police Justices.
But the proposed amendment is in itself
imperfect, unless 1t does away with the petty
local boards, where the corner grocery influence
is most directly felt, and gives the chief
board as full power in Its especial department
as the Police Commissioners have In regard to
the police system. 1t is also proposed to
enlarge the powers Of the Dock Commission
ers. The other amendments are Of minor
Importance. Corporation advertising is to be
kept more within bounds, expenses for any
purpose are to be incurred only out of appro-
prations already made, the Corporation Coun-
sci is to be appointed and the deputies of the
Comptroller and the Commissioner Of Public
Works are to be empowered to perform the
duties Of those offices during the absence Of
their chiefs.
Year: 1871

ment ought TO have staked It's existence in an
effort to dislodge and subdue the Insurgents.
II there was shadow of justification for
timidity and hope every pretext for delay
was removed by the cool-blooded murders
OF Generals Lecomtc and Clement Thomas.
The time for prompt and decisive action
had come, and M. Theirs ought, with
or without the sanction of the National AS
sembly, to have acted promptly or resigned.
II the National Assembly was not with him
1t was his business to make known the fact
end to save bis own reputation. As it is, the
opportunity is gone, and the presumption is
that the Germans alone can save France from
selfdestruction. On the goth Of June, 1892,
two young men stood by witnessing the dis
graceful scenes enacted in the Tuileries.
When the poor King, In obedience to the mob,
appeared at window with the cap of liberty
ON his head one of these young mon ex-
claimed 1.-THE wretches! They should cut
down the first five hundred with grapeshot,
and the remainder would soon take to fight.
That young man was Napoleon Bonaparte.
1t was the want of such q man then that
allowed France to drift into all the excesses of
the Reign of Terror 1t is the want of such
q man now that has los. to France this other
golden opportunity.
Year: 1871

Repeal Of the Income Tax Law Before


Congress.


Several efforts have been made to repeal the
Income Tax law and all have failed. A resolu-
ton to that effect came nearer passing the
Senate on last Wednesday than at any other
time either in that body or in the House Of
Representatives, and it is interesting to notice
the vote. MI. Casserly moved as an amend
ment to Mr.. Anthony's resolution regarding
affairs in the South the House bill to repeal
the income tax. The vote stood on this
twenty-seven yeas to twenty-seven nays.
When the tie was declared Vice President
Colfax looked anxiously around for some
one to relieve him Of the dilemma of de-
oiding the question, but all had voted.
Thereupon he voted nay, and by that de-
feated Mr.. Casserly's amendment. If full
vote could be got at In the Senate this obnox-
ious and inquisitorial tax, probably, would be
repealed. The Western men appear to be in
favor Of retaining the tax. Il is not such
burden upon the people of their section as
upon the North and such wealthy city as
New York. But it is an odious tax and such
sectional legislation-such legislation in favor
Of one locality and against another-is unjust
and contrary to sound nstional policy. It is
amusing to see, however, the dilemma In
which such resolution as this Of Mr.. Casserly
places those who are ambitious Of reaching
the White House and who are anxious to
avoid all the shoals and quicksands that lie
in the way Of popular favor. Still 1t is doubt
ful If Mr.. Colfax will make anything by defeat
ing the proposition to repeal the income tax.
Year: 1871

TEE VIADUOT RAILROAD BILL was amended
in the Senate yesterday by clause authoriz-
ing the city of New York to take stock in the
road to the amount of five million dollars, and
was then passed. Notwithstanding the pneu-
matte furry, it seems probable that this is the
bill whereupon the leaders of the Legislature
will mass their whole force for the purpose Of
carrying it through; and, whatever may be
its dement's, it is certainly far preferable to
the underground imposition.
Year: 1871

The practical ineficiency of all the measures
introduced into the Legislature with the view
of amending the laws of this State in respect
to life insurance hae at length induced certain
parties, whose evident experience Of the SUBJ
ject entities them to be considered as an
authority, to bring before the House bill
which may be considered as possessing at
least the desirable quality of simplicity.


This bill which has been introduced by
Senator Bradley places the power where it
ought really to rsside-namely, in the bands
of the department which has been duly
appointed to watch over the interests Of the
policy holders in our life companies, and
whose duty is also< to guard these companies
against ignorant and uDprincipled attacks,
tending to undermine the whole system Of life
insurance rather than to offer any recognized
protection to the public.


In the main the provisions of this bill give
force to all previous laws and strengthen
the authority Of the department and of its
superintendent, Mr.. G. w. Miller. On this
gentleman is conferred the power of making
thorough investigation at any tirne of the
affairs and condition of our life companies, to
watch narrowly the character of their invest
ments, and to verify the correctness of their
annual statements, whenever, at his discre-
ton, he may deem it necessary.


We doubt whether it should be left to the
discrimination of the department to estimate
the reserve or non-participating policies on
basis Of interest not less than four and one
half or not more than six per cent per annum,
and in view Of the rates OF premium charged
by companies doing business in this form.
But, as Mr.. Miller has evidently at heart the
general welfare Of insurance interests, we
may leave this point with confidence to his
decision.


An important feature Of the bill is the blow
which it aims at the establishment of all such
mushroom institutions as those which have Of
late years started into life, bringing discredit
on the system and injury to the community.
The enactment that no life insurance company
shall hereafter proceed to business without
paid-up capital of $500, 900, invested in first
class securities, one-half of which must be
deposited with the department at Albany, will
probably be salutary check upon such
organizations.


The comprehensiveness of this bill, should
it become statute, will, we think, end much
OF that ill-advised tnkering with our insurance
laws which has really led to no practical good
results. Life insurance interests in this State
have now assumed proportions which demand
the authority Of a practised hand, the aid Of
those thoroughly acquainted with the science
and its working, and, by no means. the inter-
ference Of the inexpert


We understand that the Legislature of New
Jersey has indefinitely postponed the consider
alton Of life insurance bill similar to the one
introduced at Albany by Mr.. Flagg. on the
ground that it legalizes fraud.
Year: 1871

THE PROPOSED New REGISTRY BILL opens
up another way for repeaters to do their work.
If they have not registered they may be
allowed to vote on showing under oath any
good cause for not registering. The genteel
democracy in power must not surrender i'm
porrant matters to the disaffected roughs in
this manner. They must remember the great
work Of ls7a before them.
Year: 1871

A GRowL WHICH MEANS SoMETHING--The
growl Of Count Bismarck that within twenty
four hours certain telegraph wire connecting
with the heart of Paris from the outside must
be restored, or the German army will look
iuto the matter.
Year: 1871

JAMAIoA.--By telegram from the HERALps
special correspondent in Kingston we learn
that the contract with the Pacific Mail Steam
ship Company for steam communication be-
tween Kingston and New York has been
extended twelve months.