smithclay/nortonstories huggingface dataset:
Year: 1873

The particulars Of terrific struggle
with beais in this county, have just
reached us, and are of thrilling char
acter. 1t appears that on Monday last
a young man named John Bidwell, aged
nineteen years, with his father, one
armed man, and his brother, mere lad,
went up to The woods about four miles
east of Stuart's mills, in Boylston, to
gather spruce gum. They carried no
weapons, and their only tools were
common nail hatehet and dirk knife,
for the purpose of cutting the gum from
the trees, and chisel fastened TO long
pole. The latter was carried by the ia
ther. The hatchet had a handle about
four feet long, and made of exceedingly
tough wood, so that it might even be
struck against tree and bent without
injuring it.


Thus equipped, they were proceeding
through the woods about their work,
when John saw bear track, and, fol-
lowing it with his eye, saw about two
rods ahead of him hole in the snow be-
side big hemlock log. lie went to
look into it, but Just as he reached it,
slipped in the snow. and fell head fore
most almost into the hole, his head bare
ly escaping the mouth of huge bear,
that was just emerging with his Jaws dis
tended. This was a critical time for
John, and had he attempted to run, as
most men would have done under such
circumstances, could scarcely have es-
capped alive. But John was the man for
the emergency, and the thought of run
ming never entered his head. He had
barely time to draw back, and then
brought the bear blow on the nose with
his hatchet, which dropped her. In a
second, however, the bear had sprung up
again, only maddened by the blow, but
John was in time for her, and dealt her
a terrible blow between the eyes with
the edge of the hatchet, cutting, as af-
terward proved, clear to the brain. The
bear came for John a third time, but
was met by another powerful blow from
the hatchet, which finished her, and the
bear died in the mouth of the hole. 1t
required a strong effort to pull the bear
out, and John had scarcely accomplished
it when a cub, nearly full-grown, ap-
peared. Nothing daunted. John went
at him, and after brief struggle served
him as he had done the dam, but had
scarcely done with him when bear No. 3
appeared, which proved to be the other
cub. John struck at him with the hatch
ct, but missed him. The bear sprung
upon him and the hatehet could no lon
ger be used. But with coolness and
pluck that never deserted him, John
fully realized before this time what he
had struck, and prepared himself for the
he bear, but after waiting awhile, and
this member of the family not appearing,
he gave him up. During the entire fight
the father stood by, but having no weap-
on and but one arm, he was unable to
lend his son any aid, and he feared that
by interfering he might injure him. The
younger brother not liking the looks Of
things, had taken to tree and watched
the savage encounter with no little alarm.
When the old bear was measured her
length was found TO be six feet from the
nose to the stern. All three of them
were skinned, and the skins sold for $50.
- OSlUego Times.
Year: 1873




Why SocrABILTY is ON THE De
cLINE.-The immense increase of writers
in this age accounts III some degree the
talling-of of good takers. In the cir
cles where we look for examples in this
subject we shall frequently find busy
intellect that needs rest and quiet after
the labor of his pen, and to whom the
necessity of talking would be an injur-
Gus strain on overtasked powers. Writ
ing has become recognized profession
only within the past century. The tone
toward the press before that time indi-
Gates how little share it had in the dis
tinctions or society and ladies, hospita-
| bic to all besides, can deride, hireling
scribblers " s hungry crew." without
a thought of satisfying natures cravings
at their own tables. If friend is criti-
cised by the journals, it is explained that
the scribblers get dinner by it."
1t would be cruel to grudge them their
morsel,' and an unpopular or political
leader is expected to fatten many
starving authors When good talking
would at least get man dinner in
good company, nobody would throw him
self on his pen for meager support till
he had failed or proved himself unfit for
social success, including patron and the
chance Of pension. Things are changed
since the time when it was the boast at
Bulstrode that the paper used to remain
unopened day after day. Those who
would have entertained the world by
their talk in the eighteenth century now
mirror society to us of the nineteenth,
and through different medium. We do
not deny that it is some compensation
for the old fash or flow of wit, but it is
very far from being all gain, if it helps
us to do without each Others company.
Looking through the country as whole,
we doubt if ever, since society framed it,
self, sociality was so much out Of fashion
as it is now and there are causes at
work which seem more likely to extend
the breach than to solder it up. For
there is growing resentment of patron
age, an assumption of equal terms in all
familiar contact, which threatens to con-
vert every invitation to dinner into an
act of humiliation or of self-assertion.
1t is pleasant enough to entertain inferi-
ors as such, but pride takes the alarm
when advantage is taken Of its conde-
scensions and the more grades multiply
and the scale of precedence refnes itself,
the more contracted will be even the
possibilities of genial social intercourse,
London Saturday Rerieao.
Year: 1873

John raised a thunder storm the other
day by suggesting to his landlady that
she should put more lightning into her


bread. He was electrified by a dis
charge which Immediately ensued, and
is now looking for a new boarding house.
Year: 1873

A reporter was disturbed one night
by noise which proved to be man
fallen at his door in a fit, when he cried
to his better-half, Mary, Mary, bring
my note book and candle directly ;
here's paragraph come to the door,"
Year: 1873

james, said young wife to her
husband a few days after her marriage,
You were honest enough to tell me
that your chimney smoked, but why did
you not tell me that you smoked your
self?"
Year: 1873

When young man or a young wo-
man first breaks out into verse, it is al
most invariably to express a longing for
an early grave, and desire to be buried
anywhere except in graveyard.
Year: 1873

Some men spend a fortune coloring
their pipes Others spend fortune col
oring their faces. We know one man
who has spent $4,000 simply in color
ing his nose, and is not satisfied yet We
hold him up as beacon.
Year: 1873

To THE EDITOR OF THE HERALD


Knowing that your columns are always open for
the benefit Of the people and that yo2 are ever
ready to interest yourself Tor the well being Of the
city, feel no hesitation in tnus laying before you
and your readers complaint which feel justified
in making. l am in the habit OF travelling to and
from my place OF business on the Broadway cars,
morning and evening. 1t is for the interest OF the
company owning these cars aud for the citizens
VINO ride In them that the best possible time should
be made.


this is adopted by the company but the drivers
have great deal to contend against, and have 10
put up with the most abominabie insults and him
ORANGES from those drivers Of teams and express
carts who yurposeiy delay them.


Were this the case only now and then would
10 doing; but it is repeatedly done. THIS evening
such hagrant insult was oIiered Dy one OF west.
cotrs express wagons, between Thirty-third and
Thirty-ourth Streets to the car was on that de-
termned 1t should not pass unnoticed. There
were two men on the wagon who seemed bent
upon keeping In tine way OF the car and insulting
the driver, and, though the whistle was blown a
number OF times and calls were made, they only
looked round, laughed and persevered in their
both on and of the car and even by that helpless,
indifferent set OF giants who are In their apathy
the name OF police. Could l have obtained


the names Of westcotrs men should
they so well merit. write not only on benall Of
the muci-aDuSeu car drivers duu CouuuStoIs, put
ON behalf of those people who have to adopt o
comparatively slow method OF journeying up and
and down town until they are blessed with the
much-needcd ''rapid transit" Such men as the
drivers Of the WestcOtt wagon, TO which nave
made reference. should be voted public nuisance


and trust you will bring about through your
voice and influence some method which snail put
stop to such pests as these men and Others who
would thus insult their fellOw.citiZens. IL is not
the complaint OF one only, but OF many, and all
know you are ever ready TO institute remedies ior
evils and place above everything that which Is pro
bono pubtic0. FRANK A. BROWN.
MADISON AVENUE. July is. 1873.
Year: 1873


TO THE EDITOR OF THE HERALD:-


Allow me to call your attention to what call an
imposition the public. I came up town the
other day on a of the City Hall, Broadway and
University Place line. After had entered the car
found that had no smaller change than IS bill
but found an English sxpence in my pocket,
which l gave to the conductor. He handed me
back one cent. told him would not give him
sixpence. English, for six cents; that 1t was at
least worth twelve cents. He handed it back to
me. l then gave him IS bill He told me
would have to get out OF the car to change It, as he
couldn't. I said to him / would not get Out to
change the bill, that 1t was his place to change the
bill. He next pulled the strap and threatened to
put me or the car. He changed his mind and put
my s. bill In his pocket. When l was getting
out at Fourth street, demanded my change 81 s5.
tic told me he would take 1t to the depot to get
rentlemsn EeXL to me paid my fare or he would
nave taken c,v bill to the depot. Had he been
civil and asked me t;y address so tnat he could
send me my change So".d not find fault with
him on the contrary, he aSIsSa and threatened
to put me OFF the car. l was so lrisstened that
handed my card TO gentleman just Scttins out at
the time that might have him for witness. NOV,
Mr. Editor, do you not think that superntenGcuts
managers should be more circumspect when
employing men for conductors, q position where
civIlty and poll -eness are absolutely necessary
am nineteen years In business in this city and
never met man so unfit for the position he now
holds as the above conductor No. 65


ROBERT p. LEONARD.
Year: 1873

TO THE EDITOR OF THE HERALD:-


Similar complaints may be made by others than
the LADY OF the Nineteenth Ward" OF conductors
extra charges. Last week, IN one Of the Astoria
cars. witnessed an instance. A young man of
seventeen or eighteen years OF age got on at the
Eye lnfrmary eleventh street, think), leading
by the hand little sister OF four or five years, who
had been operated on at the Innrmary. Her little
form attracted sympathy, for we knew that beneath
that thick blue veil and goggles there was suffer
ing. The little sufferers baby hands. as they lay
quietly in her lap, told any one Of her lnfantile
years. but the conductor eXacted full tor her.
In reply to demonstrating question OF q gentle
man on the opposite seat the brother replied that
it was the first time he had ever been asked full
fare for her. Query-Did the company get that
lareY II they did. was it a just OneY


ANOTHER LADY OF THE NINETEENTH WARD.
Year: 1873

What it is that constitutes the look of
gentleman is more easily felt than de-
scribed; we all know it when we see it.,
but do not know how to account for it.,
or to explain wherein it consists. Ease,
grace, dignity have been given as the ex-
ponents and expressive symbols Of this
look; but 1 would rather say that an ha-
bitual self-possession determines the ap-
pearance of gentleman. He should
have the complete command, not only
over his countenance, but over his limbs
and motions. In other words, he should
discover in his air and manner a volun-
tary power over his whole body, which
with every infection of it should bem-
der the control of his will. II must be
evident that he does as he likes, with
out any restraint, confusion, or awk-
wardness. He is, in fact, master of his
person, as the professor of any art or
science is of particular instrument he
directs it to whatever use he pleases and
intends. Wherever this power and fac
ulty appear, we recognize the look and
department of the gentleman, that is,
of person who by his habits and inter
course with society, has had little else
to do than to study those movements
and that carriage of the body which are
accompanied with most satisfaction to
himself, and were to excite the approba'
ton of the behol Ter. Ease, it might be
observed, is not enough dignity is too
much. There must be a sort OF retenue,
a conscious decorum, added to the first,
and certain familiarity of regard
quenching the austere countenance OF
control" in the other, to answer to our
conception of this character. Perhaps
propriety is as near word as any to de-
note the manners of the gentleman, ell
egancc is necessary to the fine gentle
man; dignity is proper to nohlemen
and majesty to kings. -IiazNH.
Year: 1873

Housekeepers will be surprised to
learn that their custom OF sending in to
neighbor to borrow little butter or
sugar or other articles OF diet is quite
common among the savages of the Fee


ieo. When lady in Feejee has some
friends to dinner unexpectedly, she
goes over to the woman across the way
and says, "Yak yak and his family have
Just dropped in to dine, and haven't n
thing in the house. How do you think
your hired girl would work mp into II
stew? Can borrow her for few days?'
drags her over, chops her up with pars-
lev and carrots, and celery-tops and
cloves, and lets her simmer over the fire.


Or maybe the other woman sends over
and says: "rm entirely out OF meat !;
can you lend me your little William
Henry for hash, Or your Mary Jane for
pie ?" And over go William Henry
and Mary Jane, and they are stuck with
fork and basted and put on to cook
gently, and the debt is paid off the next
week by the borrower sending back her
aunt, already boiled and suitable for
cutting down for tea, or one OF her
twins corned so as to ma @ a nice lunch.


Sometimes woman in this manner Will
work off couple of her NOTWITHSTANDING
or rich uncle, or a plump second cou-
sin, and then she will sit at her window
and sniff them as they are cooking in
he kitchen next door, or watch one OF
the company in the dinner room nib
bling at the elbow of her late hired girls.
The custom seems to us m excellent one,
particularly, when it is applied to hired
girls. We have had girls whom we
would have loaned to a neighbor at any
time under solemn promise that they
should be butchered and boiled as
quickly as possible. .-Diar hdcter.
Year: 1873

MANNERS are of more Importance
than laws. In great measure the
laws depend on them. The law touch
es us but here and there, and now and
then. Manners are what vex ind soothe,
corrupt or purify, exalt or debase, bar
barize or refine us by constant, steady,
uniform, insensible operation, like that
of the air we breathe. They give their
whole color to our lives. According to
their quality they aid morals, they sup
ply them, or they totally destroy them.
] Burke.
Year: 1873

The London Builder gives the first
definite information as to the progress
and difficulties of the work of recon-
structing the Column Vendome, at
Paris. 1t appears That the masonry
work is only just begun. There are
more difficulties in the way OF this part
of the undertaking than most OF the un-
initiated outsiders imagine. 1t is i'm
agined that the foundation and pedestal
base can be built like an ordinary wall,
This is impossible. From motives OF
economy it is intended to utilize the
stone-work of the old column, Mt least
all those portions of it which have not
been excessively attenuated or deformed
by the demolition. Two-thirds of the
materials can be 30 used the remainder
of the work will have to be executed as
at the first erection OF the column.


But even among the two-thirds judged
serviceable there are only two steps alb
solutely intact. The others require 10
be repaired, and will be replaced or re-
joined by means of cement in the Place
Vendome itself. But this reparation is
not the most difficult operation. The
interior of the column is formed by
huge square blocks of stone pierced at
intervals with large holes, into which
are soldered cramp-irons that hook the
outer bronze plates by a species OF
horseshoe eye let attached to the in
most surface of the plates in tho fonn-
dry. The problem to be solved now is
one that requires the incest precision.
Tie completed column will be sur
mounted not by the little barelegged
Caesar placed there in 1S64-65, but the
old statue, relegated to Courbevole, OF
the emperor in gray redingotc aud jack
boots, with the arms crossed in the
legendary attitude. The statue is con-
siderably injured, but not irreparably.
The new column is not likely to be
completed before the end Of tho year.
Year: 1873

The Weather I'm This City Yesterday.


The following record will show the changes in
the temperature for the past twenty-four hours in
comparison with the corresponding day Of last
year, as indicated by the thermometer at Hudnuts
Pharmacy, HERALD Building
Year: 1873

The House did we'll in defeating Gen. Buffers
project for raising the salaries Of Congressman
In glazing disproportion to the pay Of the Jn-
dietary Department Of the Government. It
Was thought that the retiring: Congressman
would all favor the scheme, Us they would de-
rive tho benefit OF tho increase, and that the
measure would pass. This might hare
been tho case it Congress lad not become
alarmed at It's own boldness in detyins
The sentiment OF the people go fer during the
present session OF Congress. The defeat Of tho
Salary bill looks very much aa though itwore d
sop thrown to appesse an angry people, e,-=nd
This view is confirmed, because A1r. Sargent ex-
erted himself in opposition to the measure. Mr.
Job stevenson incidentally hit upon the truth
Rhen he stated that most Congressman we're re-
eei7ing more pav now than they could earn any
Ghere else. 80;
Year: 1873

It is not surprising to find that the abdlcat1on
Of King Amadeus Of Spain, was largely owing
to the good sense and womanly influence Of his
wife. Bat suppose the Queen had been woman
Of the Miss Anthony stamp, can any ono imagine
that she would have had so much good sense,
or could have excrtcd 50 much influence OVER
her husband? As for that, would she ever hnTe
been.tha Hife Of the King Of Spain at al?
Year: 1873

however, is more serious. II they are
to forego the pleasures Of Irritation, it they
cannot occasionally change beauz, without
sabjecting themselves to suit for damages,
then things have come to n pretty pass. The
new order Of things is hard, but it is only to bo
regarded as one OF the inevitable consequences
OF tho Womon's Rights agitation, which cannot
but bring about good many responsibilities Of
which the fair sex is now relieved. Their 1iahil-
ity to damages for breach Of promise seems to
hare been already established.
Year: 1873

The Washington Star says: Among
the many notable persons at the inau-
guration of President Grant was John
l.. Glenn, of the Twenty fourth United
States Infantry, who reached home
few days since from his regiment at
Fort Brown, Texas, in order to place in
the National Asylum an invalid soldier.
Lieut.. Glenn has a national reputation
and is written down in "Frank Moore's
Rebellion Record" and in .Iossing's
History of the Civil Conflict in America"
as "Little Johnny Glenn, the Drummer
Boy Of Chickamauga,' at which battle
he laid aside his drum and assumed the
musket during the entire day. During
the retirement Of the Union army from
the field he then performed a gue,re de
mort upon a Colonel of Texan regiment
who had ridden up with drawn sword
demanding his surrender, by suddenly
swinging up his musket from an order
arms and emptying the saddle of his as
sallant. This daring act of one so young
sent his name flying through the coun-
try. He afterwards had his little horse
killed under him, and was wounded in
the shoulder at the same time, at Allan
ia, while delivering dispatch from
Major General Thomas to General Logan.
He entered the army in May 1861, be-
fore he was ten years of age, as drum
mer boy, and served with distinction un-
| til the close of the war, during which
time he was present at Shiloh, and at
nearly every other battle in which the
Army of the Cumberland was engaged
He is the youngest officer ever commits
stoned In the United States, and Los
sings History speaks of him as the
youngest person, of whom we have any
account, that ever bore arms in battle,
either In this country or in Europe and
his military record is matter of history
upon the files Of the War Department.
Considering his years. he is without a
peer, either in the Old World or the
New.
Year: 1873

reflect in any way on those Senators and
Representative who have taken theirs"
This sounds like ''our Henry" but it
may be the gushing of the correspondent.
who is friendly to the engineer of the
steal. But whoever is responsible for it
the act of the President does reflect
on the action of all who took the back
pay. He did not take This because he
thought it not right, if there was any
virtue at all in his action, and by so dis
eliminating he testified that the salary
bill was swindle and all who profted
by it were participants in the swindle.


Mr.. Wilson is naturally peaceable man
and does moi. like to offend even the most
arrant knaYesgWlth whom he contends in
contact, but he should know that there
can be no fellowship of honesty with dis
honesty-Boston Herald
Year: 1873

There were two early German settlers
in the western part of Pennsylvania,
whose names were Peter and John


-. Peter had increased the size of
his farm by annexing to it a small tract
of land adjoining, and he lacked about
hundred dollars of the sum which it
was necessary to pay for his new acqui-
sition. He called upon his neighbor
John to borrow the amount John con-
sented at once, and, going into another
room. he brought out an old bread bas-
ket and counted down the desired num-
Der of dollars and then the two sat
down to two large earthen mugs of cider,
and as many pipes of tobacco. After
smoking over the matter for while it
occurred to Peter than in similar trans
actions he had seen or heard something
like a note passing between the borrow
er and lender, and he suggested as much
to John. The lender assented to the
propriety of such course. Paper, pen,
and ink were produced and between the
two a document was concocted, stating
that John had loaned Peter 500, which
Peter would pay to John in three months.
This Peter signed, and thus the two f.
nanciers made the thing "all regular and
ship. shape" But at this point a diff
Guilty presented ITSELF They both knew
that notes were drawn in the operation
of borrowing and lending money, which
they had witnessed but neither of them
had observed what disposition was made
of the document neither could tell
whether it was for the borrower or lend
er to take charge of the paper. Here
was dilemma At last bright idea
struck John: "You have de money to
pay, Peter, so you must take dis paper,
so you can see as you haf to pay it. y
This was conclusive the common sense
of the thing was unanswerable and Pc
ter pocketed the money and his own
note so '.as he could see as he haf to pay
it, Three months passed away, and
punctually to the day appeared Peter,
and paid over the promised sum to john
This being done, the mugs and pipes
were again filled. After putting while
Peter produced the note and handed il
to John, with the remark: 'sNow, John,
you must keep de note, so that you can
see de money haf been paid