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||e||eiiPY JlaMealw. WEDNESDAY, DEC/20th, 1876. JT. VAN SIjYKE, Editor. CONSTITUTION THE TRDK GUIDE. Some of our exchanges now-a-d&ys teem with ugly threats of what the House will do when it comes to count­ ing the electoral vote next February. It will demand, they say, that Congress be permitted to examine Into the re­ turns from Louisiana, and if any thing seems wrong with them, to throw Louisiana out of th« count. |f the Senate refuses, the House can withdraw from thei meeting, which would break up the proceedings. All of this is revolutionary talic, which shows its authors to be desperate and ignorant of the fundamental principle upon which the whole case rests. It is this: The election of President Is'not a Con­ gressional matter, except In the event of * tie. It is the work of the States. Each State sends its electoral vote to Washington under its own Great Seal. Behind that seal Congress cannot go. If it could in Louisiana, it could in Ohio, North Carolina aud New York, The returns from Louisiana and Flor­ ida will have to be counted just as they corns under seal from the constituted authorities of those States. Neither the President of the Senate nor either House of Congress can alter the record. The former must open the votes in the presence of both Houses, read them and declare the result. If the house stam­ pede, it will be an act of revolution. Tkere is BO chance tor legal hai r-?pli t- tiug in this matter; no occasion to array precedents or debate the con­ stitutionality or the existence of joint rules. The constitution is the clear, infallible and only guide. Any man who will take the constitution and read it will see that when Oregon, Florida •nd Louisiana send the official returns of their elections to Washington, those returns will stand, and that either par­ ty in Congress which attempts to ig­ nore ar break the record will be in the wrong. No Republics or Democrat can go behind the returns. The constitution is clear and unequivocal on this point, and it is the Only safe guide. The election of President is the work of the States, which »re in respect to that function sovereign and inviolable. The President of the Senate, in the presence of Congress, only reads the r«oord and declares the result. In sailing near dangerous coasts the discreet mariner has frequent and care­ ful recourse to his charts and compass. In time of political peril the people of this Republic turn implicitly to the con­ stitution, and it is not only folly but a crime to threaten and predict that Congress will undo the work of the peo- plefand set the plain teachings of the constitution at defiance. J^rThe Waukegan Patriot makes the following sensible remarks: "We do not wish to hurt the sale of morning and evening papers, and therefore do not advise our citizens to refrain from purchasing them; but we do suggest that they neglect to read the special telegrams, etc., concerning the presi­ dential muddle, and the blood and thunder editorial articles which refer to them Were we to pin our faith on the frothing of these papers, we could only conclude that an internecine war was imminent, and we should go to burnishing up our warlike weapons of •very kind, and stand ready to cut •ach others throats on the elighest provocation. The course of our city dailies, in this reaped, is reprehensible in the extreme, and should be as little tolerated as possible. We do not ap­ prehend a war, or any serious difficulty to grow out of the question as to who is electod president, or as to who is to be inaugerated. but should it arise, the daily papers, more than anything else, will be the actuating cause. Don't al­ low their "loud mouthing?" to excite jou to an unreasonable degree. INTKRCOLIB6IATR CONTESTS. Three years ago, through the efforts of Col. T, W. Higgih8on, one of the m«8t brilliant of American scholars an intellectual contest between the members of the different colleges, was inaugurated. The first contest was confined to oratory and the essay, -but thanks, to the growing interest mani­ fested by the dillereiit colleges, the third meeting, which takes place at the Academy of Music, in New York» on the evening ot Jan. 3,1S77. includes oratory, essay, mathematics, mental science, Greek and Latin. It it be true that the intellectual at­ tainments of a nation outweigh all its other possessions, are in fact conserva- ble only through these attainments; that Greece is not remembered be­ cause of its millionairfS. but rather of its scholars, many 1 of whom like So­ crates were tha.heirs of poverty; that the most honored achievements of a country are not in the battles it has won, the aristocracy it has created, but in the scholars it has nourished, then these intellectual contests assume an importance second to no other in­ stitution of our country. It seems more than idle to prophesy the end of man's intellectual achieve­ ments. The human mind is not con­ tent with to-day's harvests. It de­ mands of to-morrow some possessions of tar greater worth. The rewards of its industry are already wonderful, but the fields unconquered stretch inimita­ bly. We are apt to look back and think the past alone possessed the happy faculty of producing giants--that the present swarms only with pigmies. The golden ages which gleam like aureoles from out the past--the time of Pericles, of Augustus, of Leo, of I.ou|s XIV, of Elizahe'h, seem nucles around which all the possibilites of the humau mind were centered. They were ripe'in certain intellectual devel­ opments. In metaphysics, ii^ art, in poetry, no future age will ever trans­ cend them. But in all else, in the knowledge of true science, in inventive ingenuity, in all utilitarian arts, in the amelioration of the. condition of man, they were indescribably behind. They have garnered and preserved for tis all that was worth garnering and preserv­ ing in the fields in which they wrought. But the present has its work to do-^it has an equally noble heritage which the future demands at its hands. It has its youth to educate, to train in ways, let tis hope, not less noble.* And among these youths, how .much of the greatness of the future is cen­ tered, They are the Miltons neither mute or inglorious, the Cromwells guiltless of their country's blood, the Hampdens. It belongs to them to make the twentieth century transcend the nineteeenth as much as the nine­ teenth transcends the eighteenth. As much as we may admire genius, trained intellect handed down through generations is sure to tell far better in the end; and from our schools and col­ leges must this training come. We need to elevate all our inst'tutians of learning--we need higher standards of scholarship. Thanks to this move of Col. Higginson, otu colleges are brought into active intellectual competition with each other. For the last four or five years they have been running to the making of muscle at the expense of brains. Not but that muscle is good but who would chauge the priceless heritage of Pope, weak, deformed, sufterimr with disease* for all the brawn and muscle and notoriety of,even Tom Hyer or John Morrissey • sr-ip .-a* r N U N D A . ^ ^ EDITOft PLAINDEAL«ii;--SlllC(B mfi last communication winter has set hts icy seal upon most all surrounding ob­ jects out of doors, and many that were thought to be safe from his chilly breath indoors. House plants have been taken by storm, and n>any apples and potatoes have been frozen by the very severe cold weather that has been meted out to the deni2£ns of Nunda, A thick inautle of snow now covers all that geographical portion of mother earth known tons as Nunda, and which will be hailed with delight by many of our citizens who are spoiling for a good sleigh ride. Business generally Is on tho upiriird^ tendency, trade reviving, and green­ backs more numerous. The farri§rs bringing in their pork, some of which is bought by dealers here, and some shipped to Chicago. A few of our fanners have corn yet in the field, but the crop generally is secured and in nice condition, as Well as in such quan- ities as to require many additional cribs, rail pens, &c., to contain it. Election absurdities are giving away to more rational ideas, aud the situa­ tion considered in a much less partisan spirit, and we hope that this election muddle will open the way t J the adop­ tion of some plan for the election of President much less objectionable tb£n the now cumbersome method. * Mr. R. G. Benton was taken with a Congestive Chill on Monday, Dec. 11th, and now lies in a very critical conditio*) being unconcious most of the time. Dr. Ballou attending Physician. The young folks will have a Christ­ mas Party at Nunda llall, where danc­ ing will be in order, and a pleasant time desirable. Love making and oth­ er absurdities will not be tolerated. A Band of Music from Chicago will be in attendance. Several cases of Scarlet Fever in town but in a mild form as far as he^ard from. * Henry & Beckley have three choice Lumber Wagons for sale at a bargain for cash. A rare chance for those in want of a first-class wagon. They are doing a general Blacksmithing busi­ ness. Horseshoeing a specialty. Mr. Robt. Rothgerber's store and stock of goods were taken possession of by the Stierifl on the 9th inst., at the in­ stance of Chicago parties, and an in­ ventory taken of the goods which are advertised for sale. Sale to commence Dec. 20th. J. K. Iielley and Daniel McClure are building a combined Corn Planter and Cultivator, which is expected to revolutionize the process of producing that most valuable grain. Of course they expect to make a vast improve­ ment on the present style of machines. It is expected that a Christmas will be found full grown and loaded with precious fruit at the M. E. Church in this place, Monday evening Dec, '25th. Ample preparations are being made to have an interesting time Especially the little folks. IraMallory is selling Bishop's Minne sota Wheat Flour, for $1.50 per sack, Patent $1.60. In fact he will not be undersold in Flour or any other arti­ cle in his store. +His stock is full and complete and his goods desirable in every particular. Give him a call. Rev. Mr. Collins has been holding a series of religious meetings here in Nunda Hall, but little enthusiasm has been manifested as yet so a recess has been taken until after the holidays when greater efforts may^ b« / expect­ ed. TYIU>, i •' "ft- ! jBUCKLIN & He will make his^Headquarters kV % ' ; -W ?£yk" *« f - • ~fr* .U r-*S bTEVE NEAR THE DEPOT, M'HENKY. Red Front Drag Store, Dry Goods, a fall Stock. Boots i Shoes in abundance Clothing a Full I4ne. Hats and C aps for all. -AT THE-r For the Next TWO WEEKS, Where Oceans of f^TWhatever may be the fate of Turkey as the result of the present complications, the new Sultan has just done a deed which will placc his ad­ ministration a long step in advance of lay of his predecessors. He has decreed tho absolute absolution of the slave- trade in all his dominions, showing that the spirit of enlightened humani­ ty is tolerated even in the Sublime Porte. Now let him go a step farther and imitate his great opponent, the Czar of Russia, proclaiming the eman­ cipation of all the slaves in his Empire •It is at length settle d that the counties and towns in Illinois which issued bonds to the Fox River Valley railroad, some years ago, will have to pay tor them. The case has been con­ tested through all the stages of litiga­ tion, from the local courts of this State to the Supreme Court of the United States. The last named tribunal as is Its custom in all such cases, has sus­ tained the claim of the bondholders. 1 Can be found Cheap FOR CASH JOHN S. WHEAT. Woodstock, Dec. 12th, '76. NEW BLACKSMITH Choice Groceries, Fine Teas, Can Fruits, Crockery and Glass Ware. . tw The Highest Market Price for BUTTER EGGS, AND POULTRY, In Cash or Trade. ' BUCKL9N & STEVENS. McHenry, III., Sept. 23d, 1876; AND '•'UIISIIIU IITE UNDERSIGNED HAVING ^ITILT A new Shop North of Perry A "Martin's Store near the Brick Church, it) now pre pared to (Jo anything in the line of Blacksmithing or Wagon Making, on short notice, and guaran­ tee satisfaction. Having entered into an arrangement with MR. E. PERKINS, who will do the Wood Work, we are prepared ;o pot up Buggies and VTagons to order on the most reasonable terms aud Warrant as repre­ sented. Horse Shceing & Gwal Jovial promptly attended to. WA good Shed for the accommodation of Customers. Give Me a Call! McHenry, Ilia. PHILLIP HAUP1RIHS. Nor. 33th, 1076. % A FULL STOCK OF Hats & Caps AND 1] HjrAccording to the San Francisco Chronicle, another terrible instrument of war has been 'nveuted, by a resident of that city. The new gun, patented by Leonard and DeVry, and christened Peace Conservator," was exhibited at the Paeific Iron Works. The prompt action of the instrument, delivering, seventy shots iu four seconds, and ten hundred and fifty shots in one minnte through a thick oak barricade, proves that it is one of the most terrible death-dealing inventions ever known. The machinery is - simple and easily worked, requiring but few attendants, who are perfectly protected from their adversaries1 bullets; and it can be transported with much greater ease than an ordinary six-pounder. The bullets from this terrible machine will, it is claimed, diverge 300 feet in 1,000 yards--the distance claimed at whinh it will effectually deliver shots--and the gun can be easily worked by one person in any direction, or made to shoot almost solid. #f^The repoi-ts of crops in the State have been received at Springfield by the State Board of Agriculture, from two hundred reporters. The reports not all beijig in are not yet tabulated, but from what have been received it is apparent thac the yield of corn will be much less than the estimate based upon the September reports. The corn crop was then reckoned at about 262.- 000,000 bushels, hut the December re­ turns make it appear that 50.000,000 less will be about the correct estimate. Is married preferable to single life?" was ar<rued at a recent meeting of a Pennsylvania debating society. Only one married man appeared for the negative, and he cotno down to business next day with his arin in a sling, a green patch over his eye, and a general appearance of having slept out all night in the cellar. fGT Anelderly darkey was inquiring of * policeman if he knew anything* of hi* sou Pete, The policemau replied that thoro was a young darkey in the lockup* for breaking up ft prayer meet­ ing with au axe handle. "Dat's liim," exclaimed the overjoyed parent, "He told me he was gwiae to'muse hia»elf." f^Diphtheria is doing sorrowful work in Iowa. Ia Davenport several hundred cases have been reported, and a large number of deaths. Many fami­ lies have two, three and four children. One physician, during Monday night, had four calls to visit children dying from this disease. Iu other parts of the State it seems to prevail to a still greater extent. One family in Wash­ ington county lost six childrnn within two weeks, and have not a child left. In Pana county, a Mr. Donaldson lost six phildren out of seven. They all died in one woek of diphtheria. At one time they had three cotpses in the house, and at another time two. The physicians seem unable to combat the disease successfully, as its progress is rapid and deadly. Bucklin & Stevens, huve Bargains in Overcoats, Bargains iu Suits, and Bargains in Dress Goods, go and see them. Administrator's Notice. INSTATE of Jacob Ulnke deceased. The .J undersigned hnving been appointed Ad­ ministrators of the E-dateof Jacob Make late of the County of McHenry, and, Stsite of Ill­ inois, deceased, hereby give notice that they will appear before the Oount.v Court of Mc,- Hen rv County, at the Count House jn Wood­ stock, at the January Term, on the Third Monday in January next, at which time all persons having ctiiinisufrainst said Estate are notified and requested taattend for the pur­ pose of having the same adjusted. All persons indebted to s:tid Estate are requested to make immediate payment to the undersiarned. Da­ ted thi8 29tn day of November A. I). 1S70. KATIIARJNA BI.AKE. STEPHEN FRKI NI). Administrators. Gloves and Mittens, AT COST To clo#e out. Beinir de»iroun of closing ont mv entire stock of the above goods, I will sell tliem for the next 30 days at ,. CJOS^T FOIS CASIL Th ey are all new and desirable. No old ock, but first-class goods. Call and exam ne theui. I mean business. Also In store a full stock of Groceries, Crockery, Boots, Shoes, &c. which will be sold as Low as the Lowest. L, STODDARD. McHenry, Nov. 20th, 1876, VBOB PAPER IS OK 7XUE Cheap Clothing, at F. G. Mayes, New Vain S H O P ! McHENRY, ILLINOIS. E. PERKINS Would respectfully inform his friends and the public generally that lie is now prepared, at hi* Shop, West of the Public Souiire, to do all kinds of Carpenter Work or work in wood of any kind, such as the wood-work of ilutf- gies, Wagons, making Boats, &c., and in short anything ever made in atirst-class Carpenter Shop. From a lung experience in the business and using none but the best of Lumber I can iu all cases Guarantee Satisfaction! Dry Goods--A complete stock offered at lower prices than any house in the coun­ ty. Dress Goods--A fine as­ sortment in all the most fashionable patterns. CLOTHISG for Ha aiS Bojs at Panic Prices! BOOTS and SHOES at Special Bargains!! HATS anl CAPS, 6L0YES and K!STT£»S for Every#i»! CHOICE TEAS and other FAftHLY GROCERIES! C R O C K E R Y , G L A S S W A R E , E T C . BUTTEK, EGGS A2H> POULTKY WANTED IN EX­ CHANGE FOK GOODS OR CASH. LANNINO Ac EYANSON, Near Depot, McHenry. You aro Interested in This NEW PRICE LIST BY REMOVAL. Wbero Adrcrtlslag Contract* can torn*? Having entered into an arrangement with Mr. Phillip Hauperihs! Who will do the IRON WOlUv, we are prepar­ ed to fret, lit) Bnutfies and Wajrons to Order on the most Reasonable Terms and Warrant as represented. Mil. IIAITI'EUIIIS' SHOP is one Block South of my Shop, where all those wishing Jobs iu tiie Blacksmith line should calL GENERAL JOBBING Promptly attended to. Give Me a C a l l ! E. PERKINS. McHenry, Ill.,Nov. 28th, 1876. fetes# ^ '•'••WW MALLORY, IRA M. NUNDA I am Bound to Sell the Lowest. - - - - - ILLINOIS Mens BiilT>ilo Lined Boots Fine Cfllf, $4 50 Extra Ki», #3.SO. Goo-l. «..r>0. Youths t'Mo'. Hoy *, *1.!»0. Rubbers, 40, SO and 75 eta. |»U» "I f •* " ^ ' ' 1-1 T Womans IvH button Shoe**, Lace, *>.'25. ('alt', sewed or pegged, f2. tine Gout, *2 SO. Cloth, $1.60. Misses, Kid side lace, $! Button, *L75 and »I.B0. Children* ,3 ct^ *1 and llahies. aO cts. <5 eta. and $1. New stock just received. Tinware all kind*. Stove pipe and Elbows, '23 cts. each. 1 keep Bti*hoi>'8 Celebrated Flour. Young Hyson Tea SO cts. Japan best, 60 cts. i Gunpowder, 75 eu Imperial, 70 ets. Liberal deductions on 5 1b«. Ground Java Coffee, 25 ets„ and 3 se t s of Silver Spoons in every 48 pounds. I sell Corn Starch anil Gloss Starch for 10 ets. Saieratu*. Yeast Cakes and Soap 8 cts., 15 barn for $1, 7 for 50 cts. Fine Cut Tobacco, 50 75. and Wets. Pluff, (50 and 75 cts. Sinok. iutr 35 and'40 cts. Durham, 70 cts. a pound. Mixed candy. 20 ets.. Fancy, .TO cts., Stick, 18 cts. New stock Colored Crockery cheaper than ever. Notions of all kinds. Envelopes furnished and printed for M cts. a bunch, 3 'or 25 cts. If ordered by mail senda 3 cent stamp for postage. Best lot Cigars in town. 50 for $1. Large stock Pipes and Smokers ar­ ticles. Pure llavanas. 5 cts. Highest price paid for Butter aud Eggs. J.ife and Fire In­ surance Agent. Insure in the Protection of Chicago, which is the cheapest Life Insurance Company. It has paid two (>oliries in this town of *2,600, one for Mrs. Banister and one for josiah Walkup. Call on me for bargains. I. M, Mallory. Nunda, lit, NOT. 8th, 1876. HAVE removed toth»ir new Store on the* corner opposite the Brick Church, wher» they will be happy to see their old 'ustomer»t und as many new "ones as may see fit to call. A Full Stock of Furniture of all kinds, at prices as low as the lowest. McHenry, Aug. 14th, 1876. BLAKE * BBO LISTEN I M Eestier flat I Say! Mrs. S. A. RE1D» East Side Public Square, WOODSTOCK, -12 3 juLINOIS. Has the Largest Steek of I Ever brought to McHenry County, and oaa sell vim a Fashionable aud hondsomer Hat or Bonnet for J.ESS MONEY than any other establishment in the Northwest. This is ft faet and no discount. HER STOCK OF Hats, Flowers, Ribbons, Laces NECK - TIES, COLLARS AND CUFFS, Is complete in every paticular. Call and be convinced. Mrs. 8. A. REID. Woodstock, Kov. 15th,1187a.