smithclay/nortonstories huggingface dataset:
Year: 1876

The faculty of remaining in the water
for greater or less period of time,


which has been enjoyed by Mankind
ever since the existence Of the element
itself, seems likely to be extended to
fire, in the event Of fire-proof dress
the invention Of a Swedish officer, Gap
tain Ahlstrom), and which has come
triumphant out Of every trial-proving


ultimately successful. At a recent ex-
pertinent in Silesia, four heaps, consist
ing of logs Of wood, were arranged in
the form Of a square. well covered with
shavings, and saturated with petroleum.
They were then set FIRE to, and speedily
became q mass Of flames. Into this
fiery furnace, the glowing heat of which
kept spectators at respectful distance.
stepped Captain Ahlstrom, clad in his
fire. proof dress. He moved freely about
in the restricted space, some four feet
square, formed by the heaps-leaning
from time to time, quite unconcernedly,
against the blazing piles and finally.
taking his seat upon one Of the heaps.
glowing with intense heat, he reclined
there with as much nonchalance az
though it had been sofa. He remain
ed thirty minutes in the flames without
suffering in the smallest degree from the
heat. Next day An experiment was
made in the Hohenzollern mine, with
the view Of seeing whether the appara-
tus would avail in the event of an ex-
plosion Of fre-damp, or any analogous
accident. The principal Of the gymna-
SUM, who volunteered to test it per-
sonally. descended into space which
had been shut off from the rest of the
mine and filled with gas. and remained
there for twenty minutes without ex-
periencing the slightest inconvenience
from the poisonous atmosphere. Cap
tain Ahlstrom has sold his invention to
Prussia for fifty thousand marks.
Year: 1876

through the massive portai oI the


outer gate we have come, and entering


into the Jail through that handsome


door in the iron railing that closes the


inside entrance, We find ourselves in q
building in which three or more wings


converge to the centre hall. Each wing
is divided into three stories. Along


each story runs light iron gallery,


which you can gain by mounting that


ornamental circular stair running from


top to bottom. Above, large glass sky
lights give ample light and ventilation.


Everything is light. airy, and cheerful.


The brasses shine as brasses shine only


in jails and on men-of-war. Let US


walk along the cells, and look at some
Of their occupants. Here is a man


making pair Of boots, and seemingly
rather comfortable and happy. He is
q bootmaker, who has been twenty
times committed for drunkenness. He
is only drunkard; SO we may feel q
certain amount Of satisfaction that he is
not very miserable What . difference
for him is his time spent in Jail from the
intervals of freedom Here he works
between six and seven hours day, and
out Of his earnings he receives an allow
ance larger than ever was left him by
the public house when at home
Around him everything is exquisitely
clean. His cell is boarded, and mea-
sures twelve feet by seven 1t is ten
feet high, and is lit and ventilated in
the most perfect manner that Science
can devise. On his shelf are his dish
for porridge, and tins bright as silver
for soup and milk. A clean hammock.
in which you might sleep most comfort
ably, is neatly folded and hung against
the wall In corner is basin with
water, in which be can wash himself if
he chooses. In winter the apartment
is kept at a comfortable temperature by
'hot-air pipes. and gas-burner diffuses
cheerful light in the long winter even
ings. Should he feel i'll be pulls bell
handle. on which gong Sounds in the
centre hall, and from his door the num-
Der Of his cell starts out; and no mil
lionaire at Claridge's is half SO punctu-
ally answered as he is BY the turnkey
on guard, who inquiries into his wants,
and, if necessary, doctor is at his bed
side long ere the Union doctor could be
found and persuaded to visit him were
he at home. As be seems quiet fell
low, we do not feel much regret that be
has had the good fortune to become an
habitual drunkard But what shall We
say to the occupant Of the adjoining Fl
we'll, cell? Here . burly ruf6an is ep-
gagged in making mats. The work is
pleasant; the cell fac-simile Of the
one described. And as we listen to the
details Of the crime for which be is un-
dergoing two months punishment, "
we cannot help contrasting his pleasant
lot with the squalor and misery Of his
lazy, idle, polluted life outside, and
feeling that in SO furnishing rufian for
brutal assault upon woman, human
itarianism has become crime, and set
up in our jails temptation to idle ras-
Gals to ''come in and be happy" against
which it would require large amount
of abstract morality to struggle.
Year: 1876

ing Engineers on the sewerage system
of the city was then presented and
filed. Warrants to the amount of
1886 were ordered to be drawn in favor
of the Board for their services.


The City Surveyor was directed to
determine the line of Buena Vista
street from the Catholic Cemetery to
the river.


The Marshal was instructed to abate
nuisance on Franklin street.


Adjourned.
Year: 1876

NAgANTED.-I want TO trade for piece OF
Wv land suitable for a bee or chicken ranch
in the foothills, where there is good water A
government claim that some one has i'm
proved and got tired OF would be what want.
Will either trade for or buy it,


ALFRED MOORE,
apr2l-tf No. Court street.
Year: 1876

FROM the y. Y, "Orln.


An unhappy mother was yesterday found
by a funeral party at Greenwood lying with
her four little children huddled about her
on the grave OF her husband. They were
all quietly dying OF starvation amid the
costly monuments, reared by civilized opu-
lence and religion, to attest the sanctity of
human affections and human hopes. The
poor creatures had been turned out Of their
apartments in this city, and they found no
room left for them anywhere among the
living in the metropolis Of the great
republic. We chronieled but the other day
the appalling fact that in London nearly
fifty human beings annually die Of starva-
ton, in spite Of all the miracles which
steam and electricitHhave wrought to better
human life since Wordsworth wrote his uu-
forgettable lines:


Homeless q ear q housard homer stood.
And 1r a thousand tables pined and


wanted food"


This miserable story Of the day in New
York, following upon half dozen others of
the same sort during the present summer,
Is terrible and sardonic commentary upon
our own proud centennial boasts If our own
social and political system TO those Of the
Old World.
Year: 1876

None of the correspondents from New
Castle or Sheri-l Lam 5son, have attempt
ed to deny that the prisoners at New Gas.
tie Jail did rise en- masse Oh the eighth
day Of this month and demand better
food than they were receiving. A proni-
nant citizen OF New Castle was
tsld by Jail commissioner tina,
the prisoners were receiving food unst for
human beings. This gentleman left word
at THE HERALD Office, and we de not
whip the party over the shoulders Of the
Sheriff, but defend an injured human
beng, whether criminal or not. Forty
cents day is the sum provided for feed
ing prisoners, and that food they did L.
ceive previous to their rebellion, it is
stated, did not cost fifteen cents a day per
man.


We think it is the duty of the Lev '
Count to appoint committee to enquire
into the cost of the food furnished daily
to each prisoner, and if so we feel that
they will be satisfied that twenty cents a
day for each prisoner will pay the sheriff
. handsome profit,
Year: 1876

There S word in our language, q word of
four letters,
Which hcontsins the great secret of worldly
success,
And ne VINO will follow the pathway it
opens.


WIN escape much Of sorrow and worldly
distress.
| Around this great symbol, the wondr Gus
magician.


No ancient inscriptions, no mysteries
But open and plain as the book We call
| sacred.


L. this powerful helper. this simple word
work
How many there are in our towns and Our
Who are very reluctant their fingers 20
Who are willing to ,ake any genteel posi-.
But turn in disgust from the very word
toll.
soVe few Of the multitude may be success.
But far greater number will certainly
And many will turn to tae ways OF trans
gressors,


And some will find home in some prison
a jail.
The God who created, designed US TO labor
He gave US The power to ve.k If we


would,
And II We but strive 10 accomplish our


mission


Success will attend us-ous work will be


good.
Tbs labor will be-seen to us almost apall-


ing,


But He will sustain and help us to do:
Years ray be consumed in it ere it is fin


isned


But cheerful endeavor will carry it


through.
Then up and be doing, LIES moments are


precious:


Our time will be short enough, brief at


the best.
Toll on and remember our work is before


us;


When it is completed, then we shall find


rest.
Press on 10 the goa: there are others besides


Us,
We shall not succeed if our duty we shirk;
But the prize Is awaiting you, film, noble


toiler,


SO bravely, increasingly, faithfully work!





Bush's patent wsgons save houaekeeper's
. world Of dust and trouble.
Year: 1876

MENUNTu.-Th- date 81 il.Is ..-ls
the lith Of April. the llth an
niversary of the death of one ~ the
noblest men born To this nation
ABRAHAM LINCOLN. In the dawn
ing hour Of peace, amid the exu!ta-
tions Of the Union, and Just as the
ship which had been rocking in the
waves and trembling before the
storm Of disunion, was entering the
harbor of peace, a pirate who
had secreted himself among the pas
sengers committed the deed. Never
before had a murder SO foul shocked
the nation or astounded the world.
For


"He had borne his faculties so meekly,


had been


So clear in his great office, that his vir-
Do plead like angels, trumpet-tongued,


against


The deep damnation of his taking off,"


We shall attempt no eulogy, nor
seek to comprehend the mystery
which permitted his removal at such
an hour and in such way. But it
is fitting that we should revert to the
event, and unite with the loyal null
titude in observing the day and pay
ing a mournful tribue Of respect to
his memory. The circumstances sur,
rounding his assassination are yet
fresh in the minds Of ourreaders, and
our space precludes the insertion of
details. He fell, but not for himself.
The assassin had no hate for him
the heart Of the nation was aimed at;
its national life was sought. Chief
tain, Hero and Martyr! we revere
thy record. flushed is thy voice,
but its echoes of liberty are still
ringing through the world, and the
sons Of bondage listen with Joy. We
crown thee as a Nations martyr,
and Humanity enthrones thee as her
triumphant son and benefactor.
Year: 1876




THE following, from practical man OF
our town, is fraught with Importance TO
every American citizen, more particularly
in view Of 1.-THE tact that large company
Of Celestials at San Francisco are making
arrangements to come to Puget Sound,
In consequence Of the demonstrations Of
the populace Of that city, which have
through humiliatlng experience become
strongly averse to the Chinese, and are
holding mass meetings in favor Of the alb
rogation OF the treaty.


QUEsTIoNs,-What was really the cause
of the war between the North and the
South argue that 1t was simply mere
question OF whether LABOR or capital
should rule.


What is the question that the California
people are now agltating?


Is there any intrinsic difference between
the Chinese question aud the old one Of
slavery2


Popular feeling and the watch-dogs Of
the press are barking loudly-calling upon
rs TO re-echo unto them with our feeble
whelp from the north our feeling In re.
gard TO this to-day, momentous question.
Year: 1876

BAGCocK seems to be getting from
the smoke into the smother" 1t is
thought that in the investigation of
his proceedings as Commissioner of
Public Buildings and Grounds in
Washington that the crookedness
that will be found there will make
the ways of the whisky ring appear
STRAIGHT in comparison.
Year: 1876

THE CURRENcY.-Last week we
referred briefly to the treatment by
our own and the French governments
of the currency of the respective
countries and elucidated the conse-
uuences. 1t is unnecessary further
to state how our policy has differed
from that of the French. That it has
been in fact almost the reverse has
been abundantly shown. No pro.
vision has been usds by our Govern
Iaent for funding the legal tender
notes. in mt s. li sesti. l,'l'..e yoi,os,
which would have produced the two
fold effect of contracting the vol
ume and supplying the element of
confidence; the Government itself
has discredited them by refusing to
take them on an equality with spe-
Gle; and no preparation has been
made for their redemption. II these
three errors we're corrected in one
comprehensive measure, we believe
that the dishonored greenbaek would
speedily become the equivalent of
gold goin in all the transactions of
business, and that, too, without any
serious disturbance of any kind. The
present premium on gold, which
fluctuates from day to day, is in a
measure artificial, produced by the
varying wants of the community for
the payment Of customs, and the
scanty supply, dependent as it is on
the movements Of coin in its present
restricted channels. Let the policy
which makes it mere matter of
merchandise be abandoned, and let
it and geenbacks both be treated as
money, the latter by virtue of being
convertible with the former, and
they would stand on level at once.
When they do that it is a matter of
little consequence which is made re-
ceivable for any specific purpose.
For ordinary purposes the notes are
much more convenient than coin, and
the latter would be paid to the gov
ernment in preference if there was
no difference in value.


One bugbear which most people
meet with in considering this subject,
particularly in the Eastern States,
is the difficulty Of obtaining gold.
There is just as much gold in the
world as there ever was, and any
country with credit and resources
can get all it needs of it. The fact
that gold now aows out of the coun.
try almost as fast as it gets from the
mines into the market, does not sig
nifty. 1t will always do so if we dc
not use it, just as any other commod-
ity viii which we do not use, and
which is in demand elsewhere. The
government can get gold just to the
extent that it will use it. If it is
necessary to issue bonds and pay
interest to get it, are not the legal
tenders a debt, and is it any more
than honorable TO pay interest on
what we owe? Suppose then the
government were to fund legal ten
der notes in interest-bearing bonds,
and At the same time redeem them
in gold, restricting the amount to be
offered at any one time, and also at
the same time receive them for all
dues to itself, the effect would be
Year: 1876

In the fight of the street railroads against
elevated railroads, or against any other form
of rapid transit that may relieve the people
from the miseries of transit by street cars, it
seems safe to score one for rapid transit in
the decision just given by Judge Van Hoesen
in the Special Term of the Court of Common
Pleas 1t appears to be the opinion of this
Judge that the people want rapid transit
and that is safe induction from all the
facts. 1t is further evidently his opinion
that the will of the people being known on
that point, and formally declared in the laws,
it is not the province of the courts to assist
any interested parties in obstructing any
enterprises likely to secure the desired
object, unless their rights are SO clear in the
matter that to refuse to concede their de-
mands might clearly be called denial OF
justice. In the multiplicity of laws, COM
mon and particular, and legal principles
more or less general that bear or may be
made to bear on the rights and wrongs of
railways in cities decisions may be given,
and are gieen great many ways, and it is
refreshing to find that now and then they
are given in the way likely to relieve and
help the people.
Year: 1876

jority in the House has been impelled by
mere party motives in its successful efforts
to reduce public expenses. But party zeal
always deserves applause when it takes SO
wise direction. 1t is the proper business
of political parties to ascertain the public
will and conform to it, and the demo-
cratic majority Of the House has hit
the true tone of public feeling in
its strenuous battle for economy. 1t may
have erred in minor details, but its main
purpose was right,land public sentiment
will indorse it. A saving of thirty millions
in the public expenses of the year against
the opposition of the Senate entities the
House to public gratitude. We cannot deny
that this economy has proceeded from party
motives; but party action is always whole
some when it conforms to the popular will.
Year: 1876

old member of Congress to coarsely give the
lie to another member and approach him
with threatening gestures as if he were about
to make personal assault. We are glad
that Mr. Cox was at last brought to acknowl-
edge his error and make an apology, but 1t
would have been great deal better for his
reputation if-he had not given way to such
en- unseemly gust of passion. If this were
his first deviation from parliamentary
propriety it might be overlooked, but
he has repeatedly descended from his
favorite role of light buffoon to that OF a
malignant blackguard during this session,
and he should be made to understand that
such exhibitions excite the shame and dis
gust of his constituents. Mr.. Kasson's
assault on Tilden was no doubt unfair and
unjust. but Mr.. Cox might have exposed it
without degrading himself from q par
liamentary wit to parliamentary bully.
Mr. Hewitt, who never violates propriety,
subsequently demolished Mr.. Kasson's
charges in decorous speech, and Mr.. Cox
might have replied with equal courtesy and
effect if he had not foolishly lost his temper.
A few more such exhibitions would ruin Mr..
Cox in public estimation
Year: 1876

Four full fedged Ministers, nearly all of
them plenipotentiary and otherwise magnifi-
cent are now sailing in the upper atmos-
phere of European diplomacy, like birds of
Paradise, with their long tail feathers pulled
out. The ruthless hand of democratic
economy has irreparably spoiled their splen-
dor. There is the magnificent Read in
Athens-one of Aristophanes' fellows. But
few days since he held up his head in the
land of the Achains with the consciousness
that if there were brave men before Aga
memnon there had been few since also
that ought not to be altogether disregarded
by the historic muse and the other muses..
And now that Minister is only Charge
d 'Affaires; in fact, Uncle Sans man of busi-
ness Business in Greece! He will
come home, of course. Cramer, in
Denmark, is also reduced to the
moderate dimensions OF Charge, but
he will not come home, for he is one of the
family, and toward the end of his diplomatic
career cannot afford to look down even on
small things. Moran would just rs lief
be Charge as Minister in Lisbon, for his re-
moval from London was such blow as made
it impossible for any future change to hurt
him. Sympathy would therefore be lost.
Rublee at Berne will be standing evidence
to the Swiss that in this centennial year the
great Republic is returning to the ways Of
honest republican parsimony. His salary
before was about equal to the whole Swiss
budget, except when they put the army on
war footing; but now that it is cut down so
as not to be more than five times as large as
the salary of the Swiss President the fact
may re-establish us in the eyes of that
economical nation.
Year: 1876

Parliament and Congress adjourn about
the same time. The two bodies have had
busy and anxious sessions. In England the
shadow of the Eastern question has kept the
government under the apprehension of war.
When the history of this Parliament is writ
ten it will be found, we have no doubt, that
but for the frmness of England's rulers we
should have had general Continental war.
We do not see that the adjournment betters
the situation. The Servian question is more
critical now than it has been at ANY
time since the outbreak. Other ques-
tions in England have been thrown
into the background by this war
danger. In America the election has
warped all legislation into strife for power.
1t remains to be seen how far legislation will
affect that contest. So far as Congress is
concerned neither the republicans nor the
democrats have won any material advantage.
They 90 into the canvass with even chances
all power and discipline on one side, de-
sire for change upon the other. When Par
lament reassembles in February there will
be in all likelihood new ruler at the head
of English affairs in place of Disraeli.
When Congress reassembles we shall have
determined who is to rule US in place of
Grant. These two bodies in their adjourn
ment mark important dividing lines in
American and English politics.
Year: 1876

Our nimble-witted townsman, Mr.. Sunset
Cox, has not appeared to advantage in the
debates OF the present session. So long as he
was content to act the part of good-natured
buffoon on the floor of the House he made
himself popular with members of both par
ties who are willing to be amused; but his
new intirmity of losing his temper is fatal to
his success as q parliamentary wit and
mountebank. 1t is very old maxim that he
who makes others laugh seldom makes him
self respected; but parliamentary buff
foon may nevertheless be popular SO
.long as he maintains the jovial tenn
per which relieves his sprightly sallies
from any appearance of malice But Mr..


Cox has many times during. this session de-
sccnded from playful ridicule to coarse
abuse and brutal violations of parliamentary
courtesy, and he made one of his worst ex-
hibitions in opposition to Mr. Kasson night
before last 1t h not 4 iRht thing for an
Year: 1876

DIsGBACEFUL STORY, and no doubt q
true one, is that related Of the filthy accom-
modations and general mismanagement of
the steamship Colon, of the Pacific Mail line,
in her recent voyage froE Aspinwall to New
York. Complaints of q similar character
have been made against the company for
years. So terrible are the abuses on these
ships that selfish Americans rejoice that
they are not often compelled to take an
American vessel when required to make sea
VOYAGE.
Year: 1876

The UNCERTAIN RUMoRs which attend the
war in the East continue, and our dispatches
this morning again reflect the usual character
ofthe news. We have reports of another Mon
tonegrin victory over the Turks and of still
vians. 1t seems strange that the one people
should frequently overcome the Turk in
battle and the other constantly fly before
the enemy, and it may turn out that the
charge of cowardice brought against the
Servians is in fact the cause of their frequent
misfortunes.
Year: 1876

The WEATHER.-To-day the weather will
be slightly cooler, with ncrtherly to north
easterly winds and partial cloudiness. Rains
prevailed last evening in the Northwest, the
lake region, the North Atlantic coast and in
the Lower Mississippi Valley The North
western storm noticed in the HERALD during
the past week is now passing through
Canada, where extraordinary rains have oc-
Cured. The existing conditions indicate
the development of another area of low ba-
rometer in the West, which will probably
advance eastward during the early part of
the coming week.