smithclay/nortonstories huggingface dataset:
Year: 1876

country has therefore sustained, and in spite
of many errors, will sustain it, against any
spoils- hunting conspiracy of political tricksters'
who have no beliefs that they are not ready
to barter off for a share of the spoils. Ii the
Democratic party wishes to be regarded as such
a conspiracy, let it go on as it has begun.
Year: 1876

Col Higginson's lecture on the aristOcracy
of wealth handles the subject in a pleasant
way. He at least does not fall into the error
Of believing that Americans have one God,
money" The instances ne gives OF the
slender reputation which mere wealth confers
In this country go far to prove his point.
Year: 1876

Nearly all the work done yesterday at AL
bany involved in one way or another tho
interests of this city. In such a mass of legis-
lation at arms length, there is some that may
be beneficial and some that must be hurtful.
ALI of it needs watching.
Year: 1876

At last the struck jury in the 100000
Tweed suit is complete, and there is pros
pect of speedy trial To depend on filling the
Jury by talesmen was, however, risky exper-
inent. and the prosecution may be cOngratu-
lated on narrow escape from a misfortune
such as has overtaken the 100000 suit
Year: 1876

A new point in criminal law is raised by the
application of Edward s. Stokes to be released
from Sing Sing. His claim that the time spent
In the Tombs between his trials should now
be accounted as part of the period of his sem
sence, seems late In presentation, nor does it
Year: 1876

Secretary Robson informs the House Of Represen-
tatiyes that there is no officer more than sixty-two
wears of age OH the active list OF the navy. This
statement furnishes key TO a considerable part of
tho unnecessary cost of the naval establishment.
Under the existing laws great number of vigorous,
experienced and in ovory way valuable officers are
forced 10 retire just when their services are worth
most 10 the country, and great number of indoent
officers are enabled TO retire, liberal allowance,
while they are still quite fit for duty. Then to fill
their places Wa have n series of promotions and
corresponding increase in the naval estimates. 1t is
unjust to the country and unjust TO the navy that
officers should he arbitrarily retired ut q GER
tain ago (Which certainly cannot be called
very advanced OnoD without reference to
their physical OF mental condition. and if Congress
wishes to economize LET il try what reform in the
retiring laws will do. We do not advocate q reduc-
ton IN tho pay of retired officers; having kept them
on small saar es all their lives it is not the part of
great nation to turn them adrft in thoir old age
without decent means OF support but wo are salts
fled that The retired list is too large because officers
arc retired too early Sft the matter TO the bottom
and it will probably bo found that the Naval
Academy turns out midshpmen faster than they are
needed and lie clamor for promotion in the lower
part Of the line forces out the veterans at the head
Then why not reduce the number Of cadetsi
Year: 1876

Fit5 John Porter signalizcd his accession 10 the
Department Of Public Works by earning the graft
tude OF tho residents of Murray Hill. Paying
heavier taxes than any other portion of the city, its
citizens had nevertheless from the beginning re-
ceiycd far less benefit from the Croton Aqueduct.
The water could rarely be got above the second
story and was often hard enough to get i'll the
first; so that, in fact, the residents paid for the
abundant supply Of Croton water carried past
their doors to the lower parts OF the city,
and then amused themselves by pumping it up


into their own houses at their own expense.
Cen Porter promptly remedied this evil. His sue
cessor will have opportunity to distinguish
himself by remedying another The residents about


Washiugton-sauaro complain that some recent
changes in the water pipes have so reduced their
supply of water that many OF them are having to
put in pumps in order to get the Croton up even to
the second story. Tkey say it is not an accidental
or temporary thing but an actual lack of water or
OF largo enough pipe to bring the water to their
doors Gen. Porters successor could not give atten-
ton to better thing at the outset or if he is not
to take possession for little while Gen. Porter
himself could not find pcaslntcr work for the close
Of his connection with department which he has
honestly administered in the interests of the citizens.


The letter from Gen. Robert q. Lee to Jefferson
Davis Published on sixth page, is far more edi-
fying than the recent sketches of prison life at
Andersonyille and Elmira and the parliamentary
tangle Of the Amnesty debate 1t was written
after the Battle of Gettysburg, when his
troops were reoccupying their old encamp-
ment on the banks Of the Opequan. The retreat
had been mastery. but tho campaign IN Pennsyl'
vania had resulted dsastrousy for the South, and
ho accepted with dignity the logic of doreat. "Ihe
general remedy" he writes, for tho want Of sue


cess In military commander is his removal" On
this ground he placed his commission as Commander
Year: 1876




How idle for Gov. Hayes to talk
ABOUT ms purpose to run the Govern.
ment, II he is elected, on reform prin-
Gtlples. he cannot change the Repub>
llcan machine or unseat the present
leaders OF the party, who from Blaine
to Boss Shepherd, Spencer TO Babcock
are at work for his election. He is
not man Of the strength of character
personal weight, and resolateness of
will to overcome these men, now con.
trolling the Republican party, even if
we take him at his word and believe
that he desires to do it. The only hope
OF reform is in the election of Tilden
clern sweep of the Government, and
the introduction of new principles of
administration and new men in high
ohce.-N. y. Sun.
Year: 1876

WASHINGTON, Jan. l5.-The committee
on elections heard an argument in support
of the assertion that the Third congress
sionai district of South Carolina is not
legally entitled to representation, because
it is not wholly constituted Of contiguous
territory, one of the seven counties which
it comprises not touching any of the re
manning six. No argument was submitted
in behalf OF Mr., Hnge, the sitting mem
Der; it was that the question raised bears
upon the validity OF claims of all other
South Carolina representation, as it would
appear that the state has not been proper
ly districted, and the present legislature
will have to redstrics it and order new
elections


The committee subsequently, examined
the map OF South Carolina, and it shows
that one Of the counties of the Third con
gressional district is separated by twenty
five miles from tie others, and is clearly
viGlative Of the act of congress. The com
mlttee will inquire into the manner of the
passage Of the act Of the apportionmen'
bill by the legislature, and it satisfied that
it was done to prevent proper represent
alton, Congressman Hoge will be unseated
Year: 1876

About three months ago caisson was built
end sunk by the Dock Department near Canast., and
was then filed with concrete, composed OF Portland
ment sand and broken stone, mixed In the pro
portions a. the concrete used In the construction OF
the main II at King and Canalsts The object OF this
experiment ascertain concusyey If this concrete
would become sufficiently hard and solid in the water to
be Of use in constructing the masonry in the bulkheads
uiers etc After the casson had been in the water about
two months II raised by the large derrick belonging
To IN. Department and placed the dock 1t presented
a cracked and broken surface.


A TRIBUNE reporter called last evening on Gen John
Newton who said the casson had been only partially
nmned and he declined giving opinion as 10 IT'S con
dlton. He stated that the main walls at Canal aud
KnR-.ts were built with the same materials those
used in the cssOn and that these walls externally pre-
sept the general indications Affecting the quality OF
the concrete ~ found In the concrete Dldsse In
the csiaso 0sn Newton said he cOuid not say anything
poYs abop ths subject qutt tAs FeYors Of the eomms
Year: 1876

ORANGE.-A controversy having arisen be-
tween the Orange authorities and the Orange and
Newark streeesr Company IN regard TO the grade Of
the track the contract between the township and the
Company searched for among the papers of the
Township Clerk aud WAS found TO DO missing. The
Year: 1876

If the story Of Brakeman McGraw. of the
Central Railroad, is true, a new anti-cruelty
society should be formed at once McGraw
neglected to flag his train at particular
time on the night of the 10th inst. The re-
suit was railway accident which caused
the death Of one man, and McGraw has
been arrested on a charge OF mansaughter.
In self-defcnce the brakeman says that for
week before the event he had no sleep ex-
cepting short snatches in the ''caboose" Of
the train; that his last run" had consumed
twenty-threc hours, and that just before the
accident his exhaustion was so complete that
he went into the caboose to avoid freezing
to death. Should this statement be correct
the charge of manslaughter should be TRIMS
ferred from the brakeman to whatever rail-
way official is guilty of such brutal abuse
of his employees. II the Central road ex-
acts such heavy service Of it's men its divi-
dends will continue to be frequent and
large. but every one will be the price Of
blood. Some one should inquire into the
treatment Of railway employees and ascertain
whether slavery has really been abolished
in America or whether IL does not still
exist in crneller form than ever. In hard
times like these men will submit to almost
any abuse in order TO get employment, but
abuses like the one alleged do not end with
the original victim. Hundreds of lives ap-
parently depended upon McGraw's vigil
lance, and ii the terrible risk was the result
Of parsimonious management no reproba-
tion or punishment can be too severe for the
guilty officials.
Year: 1876

strong enough to detan the great body
of Howe's army in the Middle States
during the following summer and prevent 1t
from reinforcing or cooperating with Bur-
goyne's army in the North. The conse-
quence was that Burgoyne was defeated and
his whole army made prisoners at Saratoga
a staggering blow from which the mother
country never recovered. The surrender of
Burgoyne resounded through Europe. 1t
induced France to become our ally and take
part in our struggle, and from that time
forward the ultimate success of the Ameri-
can cause was assured.


1t is appalling to think what course events
might have taken if Washington had not
had the quick military eye and the heroic
determination which so suddenly turned
the tide when our fortunes were at their
lowest ebb.
Year: 1876

New Rumors About Governor Hayes,


We give the letter from Cincinnati, printed
in another column, for what it may be
worth, which, we suspect. is very little. In
n period Of uncertainty like the present the
air is filled with flying rumors. which the
press may give as illustrating the temper of
the times without implying any indorse-
ment of their truth. We give these rumors
respecting Governor Hayes no credence
whatever We believe him to be man Of
honor and dignity; but no man of honor or
self-respect in such position as Governor
Hayes occupies at present could intrigue for
the support of Southern members of Con-
gress to get himself counted into the Pres
idency. If such discreditablc intrigue
were possible it would be injurious to them
and fatal to him. Even the appearance of
such an intrigue would tarnish his reputa-
ton. but the reality would COM
plctely undermine him in public oon-
fidence. 1t would not be creditable
to the sense of decorum Of Pres
idential candidate not yet sure Of his
election to make any promises relating to
the patronage even to members Of his own
party, and arrangements with any section Of
his political opponents under such circum-
stances would be simply disgraceful. So
long as we continue to regard Governor
Hayes either MS man OF honor or as man
of prudence we shall discredit this story
and Nil stories of the kind.


An instructive warming to public men was
furnished in 1925, when John Quincy Adams
was elected President by the House Of
Representatives. Mr.. Clay, who had been
leges, voted for Mr.. Adams in the House
and was appointed Secretary of State. This
transaction although perfectly innocent in
the intention of the parties, gave rise to one
of the worst scandals in the history of our
politics. The cry Of Bargain and sale y
filed the air for the ensuing four years,
doing infinite damage to the President and
his Secretary Of State. The proof is over
whelming that there was no bargain; that Mr.
Clay voted for Adams in preference to Jack
son on public grounds, and that Mr.. Adams
appointed him Secretary of State because
he thought him the fittest, man for the place
But if the charge of bargain had not been
fiction but truth both Adams and Clay
would have deserved the worst that was said
of them by their political opponents. We
refuse to believe that what was party libel
then is likely to be a reality now. If Gov
ernor Hayes is the man we take him to be
he is incapable of descending to this kind
of political traffic.
Year: 1876

In another column will be found two
communications of value to oil persons in
terested in the telegraph cable service be-
tween this country and Europe. One gives
an accurate account Of the relations of the
Anglo-American Telegraph Company to the
Direct Company, and of both to the public,
and points out that while tho new cable we
have suggested would certainly relieve the
public from the pressure of the great mo-
nopoly in case the Direct Company is alb
sorbed as proposed, that even if the Direct
Company is not absorbed but remains
in hands independent of the other
it would still be a great advantage to the
public if another cable werc laid that
therefore q new cable should be laid to fa-
ciltate and improve the operations of the
independent company if it retains the man
agement Of the cable it has, while if it does
not new cable is an absolute necessity.
At present rates the Direct Cable does twen-
ty-six per cent of the cable business If il
had another cable it is believed it could
fairly divide the traffic with the Anglo
American, for two cables are all O
company wants. 1t would then have two
and the Anglo-American four; but the Anglo
American would have no advantage in the
possession of the greater number of cables,
while it would be ut the great disadvantage
of the enormously swollen capital they rep.
resent. If the rate of tolls was fixed 40 rs tc
pay earnings on the capital of the Anglo.
American Company the Direct Com.
pany could operate profitably with
tolls fixed at fifty per cent less
than that rate Our other correspond
ent communicates tho facts in regard
to NJ. Pouyer-Quertier's project for new
cable between this country and France
which is now open for popular subsorip-
tions. This company would 10y its cabl,
next year if threo million dollars were raised
here. In these projects there is certainly
great field for our financiers; for We have nc
doubt tho money could readily be raised
both to complete the requirement under tho
French net and to build the additional cable
for the Direct Company.
Year: 1876

Pole.


Many plans for Arctic exploration have
been proposed since the first attempt was
made to reach the Pole, but hitherto the ideas
ofgeographers have been altogether too crude
to warrant their adoption. Some have advo-
Gated powerful steamers that would force
their way through the ice fields and conquer
all other difficulties Of Arctic travel by
means Of the modern motor. Others have
suggested the employment of sledges drawn
by dog teams. Others again have limited that
balloon might be used. with advantage,
and the most enthusiastic of all believe that
the migratory habits of the brent goose can
search. and that numbers Of these adven.
turous birds might be tanned and teamed for
the purpose But Captain Howgate, of the
Signal Service, relieves US from o great
perplexity by recommending that some
twenty men be sent to the far north we'll
supplied for three years; their camp to be
established near the late anchorage Of
the Discovery and arrangements made
that they should be visited and re-
victualled every three years until they
discover the Pole. Nothing could be simpler
than this plan Of operations. The search
ers for the terrestrial ..hub" would get
accustomed to the rigors of the climate much
as cells get used to being skinned. All that
is necessary for the success of the project is
the quota of martyrs TO science and good
deal Of patience. If the former is secured
we believe there will be no difficulty in the
way, provided each man is carefully marked
with red paint, LEFT until called for"
Year: 1876

The temperature continues remarkably
low all over the entire region east OF the
Rocky Mountains exceptin southern Florida
This is largely due to the movement of o
large area Of high pressure in the Southern
States and the vast snow sheet that
covers the North from Cheyenne to the
Atlantic. In the Northwest the minimum
temperatures yesterday were at North
Platte, Pcmbina and Breckenridge,
o5. 30 and II degrees below zero,
respectively. At other points in the same
region the temperature fell many degrees
below zero, while over the lake districts the
Middle, Eastern and Southwestern States it
was far below freezing point in the after
noon. An immense area of snow and rain
now extends from the Missouri to the ocean,
and much rain has fallen through the South
ern States. The highest pressure is in the
Southwest and Northeast, and the lowest in
Nova Scotia and the upper lake region.
The latter depression is that which
we announced several days ago as adj
vancing from the far Northwest. With
the heavy snow and stormy winds along
the coast navigation has been extremely
dangerous, and vessels making the North
Atlantic passage from the eastward will ex-
perience severe storms. The weather in
New York to-day will be slightly warmer
and partly cloudy, or cloudy with clearing
and colder weather toward night.
Year: 1876

OcR DISPATCHES FROM THE FAR EAST are
unusually interesting Toxic has had fire
which crushos Chicago and Boston into
utter insigniicance. The Emperor and
Empress of Japan have gone to pray. which
act is Of sufficiently rare occurrence TO be
ielesraphed across the ocean. The Chinese
authorities have rebuilt a mission chapel
which had been destroyed by mob, have
paid for the books and property ruined, and
notified the natives that foreigners have
some rights which Celestials are bound to
respect
Year: 1876

OuR SUMMARY Of the report of the Bureau
of Vital Statistics will be found to contain
some curious information. The ratio Of
deaths to births will cause thoughtful peo-
pie to shake their heads and wonder where
our promised millions Of inhabitants are
coming from; but the death ropor. itself is
not such dismal reading as Il was last year.
Year: 1876

The WRIT OF ERROR in the Brock murder
case has been promptly considered and re.
jected, and the convicted men can now hope
only for a reprieve and a new trial. Their
hope will be shared alike by the humane
and the just. for there seems to be sufficient
cause for new hearing Of the case.
Year: 1876

Now that the Corliss Centennial en-
gine has gone to Europe the Tammany
machine is the greatest in the land. How
it is made, what sort of fuel it uses. how the
wheels are oiled and whose hand is upon
the starting bar and throttle vaive-for all
this see our sketch in another column.
Year: 1876

IY EVERY CORPORATION could show as
handsome an annual statement as the one
headed by Mr.. Bergh professional assignees
and receivers would have TO go West or to
the poorhouse. We publish q comprehen-
sive exhibit Of the society's annual report,
and we have no doubt that if New York
horses could vote the document would be
accepted without a dissenting voice.
Year: 1876

then each patriot garrisons as many States
as he can. The greater number of States
side with Igesias. the rightful custodian Of
the government, but in artillery the balance
turns in favor Of Diaz. Each leader is de-
manding recognition from the United States
and money from his luckless fellow citizens.
Year: 1876

There never was q more striking
or spontaneous tribute paid to a man
than that in Boston when the news
came of Washington's death (179Y.
It was little before noon and Ioften
heard persons say at the time that one
could know how far the news had
spread by the closing of the shops.
Each man, when he heard that Wash
ington was dead, shut his store as a
matter of course, without consultation,
and in two hours all business was
stopped. My father came home and
could not speak, he was so overcome !;
my mother was alarmed to see him in
such state, until he recovered enough
to tell her the sad news. For some
time every one, even the children,
wore Grape Oh their arm; no boy
could 60 into the streets without it.
I wore it, though only eight years
old.-L;fe Of George TIcknor.
Year: 1876

CdAf1EH l.


With fierce energy she strobe to
the window dashed back the rattling
blind and'peered into the inky dark
ness: But her burning glances failed
to pierce the pall-like blackness that
enshrouded the deserted streets. Tear
ing up the hall register and detach.
ing the pedal from a sewing-machine,
she laid them on a hassock and resum.
ed her weary watch. The storm with
ont ragged with wild fury, driving the
sleet across Charles River with a
force and velocity that was appalling
The night waned and she sat wan and
haggard.


CHAPTER FL.


An Misunderstanding man, with
a crimson nose, tattered Ulster and
fearful assures ) in his trousers was
waltzing with uncertain strides through
enc of the grand avenues of the lower
Port. Ever and anon the graceless
man would mutter to himself: Il
Observation-Disclosures SUPP"
Bracing himself he reached home, and
was trying to pick the door lock with
an empty flask, when the door was
opened from within. Then there came
q wild cry for mercy, heard high above
the horrid, raging elements, waking
up two policemen, and-then all was
quiet.-Boston Courier.
Year: 1876

It has been charged against the people Of
Pennsylvania that they were ae:uated only
by mercepary motives in organizing the Cen
tennial Exhibition. That the purpose of
financial profit, however, is not the only
motive actuating them, is shown by the fact
that they have established within the last
week or tTo Museum and School Of Indus
trial Art, which has been placed in charge Of
men Of experience and culture in this depart
1nent Of art. The institution has been estab-
ished at tho present time for the reason that
it will be possible at the close of the Centen-
mini to stock it with the materials of deco
rative end mechanic art in very thorough
manner at very reasonable price. Thus the
influence Of tho Centennial Exhibition will
live, long after its doors arc closed, for the
ediication and the education Of the people.
Even if the great show should result in
financial loss, Philadelphia will have its com =
peusation in this institution.
Year: 1876

There is a diplomatic breeze brewing over
the case Of WHsLow, the Boston forger and
defaulter. In response to the demand for his
surrender under the Extradition treaty, the
British Government has addressed formal de-
mand to the President, through the Secretary
of State, that before W1SsLow be extradited
an act shall be passed by Congress
exempting him from trial except for the crime
for which his surrender is asked. This de-
mand is made pursuant to an act of Parlia-
1ncnt passed in 1870. The demand for
W1ss1ows extradition, however, is made
under the treaty Of 1912, which con-
tanned no such stipulation as TINT made
in the British demand. Secretary FISH
takes the position that Parliament could not
By subsequent legislation and without the
consent of the United States add conditions
to the treaty, and asserts the determination
to insist upon W1Ss1ow's e1tradition accord
ing to the terms of the treaty. Hence the
breeze which threatens troublesome compG-
cations