davidaulloa/AmericanStories huggingface dataset:
The spirit of democracy. [volume] (Woodsfield, Ohio) 1844-1994, 1844-06-21
CoWARDICE.

The Louisville Journal is charging Mr.. Polk
with cowardice for failing to resent vulgar insult
from H. A. Wise, who called him "mean, petty
tyrant," shaking his fist in his face Mr.. Polk was
Speaker at the time, and every man knows with
what frmness and ability he discharged his duties
in most embarrassing period, with backguards
and bulles vieing to provoke him into an abandon
ment of his self-respect. Suppose Polk had srick-
en- Wise to the 1oor-Polk a strong, athletic man
Wise, as weak in body as a child-how such
cormorants of vulgarity as the Louisville Journal
would have beslimed him with their vile epithets
of coward, poltroon, &c. for resenting an insult
from man of so feeble Frame Suppose duel
had been fought, then would the coon press have
Illuminated their anathemas at Polk's evil exam
pie, and esperally would they have rejoced on
another account. because he now would be on
the same bloody footing with their own dueng
bravo candidate for the presidency. 3
Coons, who would call Polk coward, had bet
ter first reflect upon the infamous treatment Of
Brent at Washington by Henry Clayton the pub
locations made by Brent-of the co,cardice of Clay,
in refusing him apology or justice e-they had bet
ter recollect how Clay treated Wise himself, in
in the Cilley duel affair-Clay the cause and pro-
ector Of Cilley's death, while he cowardly suffer-
ed Wise to bear the withering execrations Of the
whole people, and when charged in the public
prints by Wise with being guilty OF writing the
challenge-arraying the fght-managlng with
fendsh anxiety against the possibility of a compro-
mise save by the weapons of death-skulking
through half apology to Wise and half denial
of his charges, to arrest the odium from himself
and still keep its deadening weight upon the man
whose magnanimity had shielded him so long
Coward, indeed! No more of that, and thou
lowest Clay. Here is cowardlce in the superlative
degree; and to cowardice is added the meanest
ingratitude to brave spirit, who bore up noun
tain of imprecaton and odium and blistering re-
proach suffering it all with meekness rather than
disclose the truth to the injury of fend who was
hollow hearted and false Cincinnati Enquirer.
The spirit of democracy. [volume] (Woodsfield, Ohio) 1844-1994, 1844-06-21
ACCEPTANCE OF Mr.. DALLAS.

fl Strange Scene-The Philadelphia Spirit o.
the Times gives the following amusing account o
the acceptance of the Democratic nomination fol
the Vice Presidency by the Hon. Geo M. Dallas
''It was arranged to be announced to him by the
Eastern delegation on their way home from the
Convention. Accompanied by Senator Walker oi
Mississippi apersonal friend of Mr. Dallas, the del
egates, 60 in number, arrived in this city Friday
morning about half past five O'clock Of course
almost every body was yet asleep The party soon
reached Mr.. DIS house, and Mr. Walker ascending
the steps, rang the bell. After pause, Mrs. d.
put her head out of the window, and seeing Mr.
Walker, conjectured that some misfortune had hap
pened to her daughter, resident in Washington.
Mr.. Walkers remark, 81 wish to see Mr.. Dallas
Immediately" confirmed her suspicious, and she
hastily awakened her husband, communicating the
sad conjectures. He ran down stairs half dressed
and bare-footed-opened the door-when to his ut.
ter amazement, in walked sixty or more gentlemen,
two by two, with tread of soldiers, passing him by
and entering his front paror as though to make him
captive. Not having the slightest conception OF
their object he stood thunder-struch at the scene.
Mr.. Walker led him into the back parlor. "My
dear Walker" said he in amazenent, sswhat is the
matter" "Wait one moment, ifyou please, Dallas
wait one moment if you please" The folding
doors were then thrown open, and the whole dele
CATION stepping forward gave three deaening cheers
for "PoLK and DALLALs!" Mr.. d. stood paral-
ised. Mr.. Walker enjoyed his discontinue Gov.
Fairfield, OF Maine, then stepped forward, and in
the name of the delegation solved the mystery in
brief and appropriate speech.
Mr.. Dallas having by this time collected himself
made very short speech He said-I feel honor
ed on behalfof the Keystone State in this nomina-
ton. Ifthe party ask it must yield all private and
personal considerations to their wishes-e especially
as it was unsolicited and unsought.
Mr.. Walker and several of the delegates then
spoke, after which they gave 26 cheers for Polk,
Dallas, Muhlenberg and Texas.
Cheer after cheer were then given for the nomi-
nation, which effectually awakened not only the
family, but all the neghborhood, the street being
by that time alive with crowd of anxious inaui-
rers. The facts were soon known, and when the
delegation departed, three cheers from the crowd
greeted them as they went
The spirit of democracy. [volume] (Woodsfield, Ohio) 1844-1994, 1844-06-21

Tennessee 10 her former position among her DEM
ocratic sister States. To effect purpose SO sim
cereIy desired by every democrat, he has regarded
no personal labor as too severe, no sacrifice Of
private comfort and individual interest as too great
Against the most appalling circumstances he has
struggled with an ability and an energy which
could not but command the warmest admiration OF
every friend of democracy. AT one time he was
seen voluntarily declining reelection to Con-
gress and entering into a canvass for governor
against an overwhelming majority Of nearly twen-
ty thousand votes as indicated by the preceding
election. BY his powerful appeals to the people,
and his indcfatigable exertions, he enabled to
triumph in the contest. Again he came forward
for the same office whilst the excitement of the
maddcned contest of 1910 was unabated, and
threw himself into the canvass with majority of
nearly thirteen thousand votes against him. To
almost any other man the contest would have
appeared entirely hopeless; with him, however,
it only served to animate him to increased exertion
He struggled manfully and increasingly with the
difficulties which surrounded him. He succeeded
in reducing the majority down almost to three
thousand Finally he came forward agar. in 1S43,
with resolution which no reverse of fortune and
no combination of difficulties could conquer, and
once more dedicated to democracy his powerful
exertions. In that last effort to reclaim the State
he had new difficulties to encounter which resulted
in his defeat by majority of less that four thou
sand votes in an aggregate vote of one hundred
and twelve thousand. These difficulties grew
out of local questions which had unexpectedly
sprung up in our State and which had the unhap-
py effect of creating issues in many places not
involving the principles of our party, dverting the
public mind in great degree from the political
questions which divided the two parties, and
breaking up that harmony and concert in our
action as party so essential in all contests to sue
cess We deem it unnecessary here to enumerate
those embarrassing local questions which were
unfortunately mixed up with the issues in oui late
contest. The influence which they exerted to our
prejudice is now freely admitted, and we be-
lieve we speak the judgment of the whole party
when we declare our opinion to be, that to these
causes may our late defeat be attributed.
The spirit of democracy. [volume] (Woodsfield, Ohio) 1844-1994, 1844-06-21

Gen. Cass said he had come here
this evening to take part in the pro-
ceedings, to express his hearty con-
currence in the nomination made by
the Baltimore Democratic convention.
and to announce his determination faith
fully to support it. He said the crisis
through which the democratic party
had just passed, had served but the
better to prove the integrity ofits prin-
ciple, and the internal strength of its
cause. After many differences of 0.
differences however about
men, and not about measures--the
choice of the convention had unani-
mously fallen on man irreproachable
in private life, and who, in various pub
lie stations, had given proof ofthe great
Grmness and ability. of incorruptable
integrity, and of "a sincere devotion to
those principles which the democratic
party deem essential to the prosperity
of our country, and the perpetuation
Of her free institutions. | know him
wei, (said General Cass,) and know
he will fulfil the expectations of his
friends, and fullyjustify the confidence
of the party. Nothing now is wanted
to insure success but united exertion;
and that aoe. must, and UiH haze. Let
us put behind US the divisions and pre-
terence ofthe past, and join in one COM
mon effort to promote the triumph of
our cause. Victory is in our power,
and let US attain it. Let every one
feel, and fulfil his duty. am so per-
suaded that such will be the general
sentiment and action of the party, that
! confidently predict that James X.
Polk will be the next presidentsof the
United States; and if he is, | know he
will foll)w in the footsteps Of Washing
ton, of Jefferson, of Madison and OF
Jackson.
The General was frequently inter-
rupted in the course of his remarks, by
The loud bursts of applause from all pre-
sent. Ta'H
The spirit of democracy. [volume] (Woodsfield, Ohio) 1844-1994, 1844-06-21

Canandaigua is redeemed! The cor
respondent of the Albany Atlas writ
ing from Canandaigua June 4th, says:
"Oul charter election is justover, and
] have the qualification to announce a
democratic mojority of from 5 to 40.
In lS4o, with only 450 votes, the wings
led s to 10 majority. Today wo have
polled 46S votes, Che largest ever
given and still the democracy are sue
cessul. The whlgshada jubilee at their
cabin yesterday, and confident of sue
cess madetheir boasts that they would
send down irhig viciory to Utica,
as the response here TO the nomination
Of Polk and Dallas. Clay Whiggery is
used up in old Ontarior' W ~ 4
The spirit of democracy. [volume] (Woodsfield, Ohio) 1844-1994, 1844-06-21

die with the Mercer county rioters, but only t
prevent such doings in future, its rejection car
only be ascribed to that overbearing, domineering
spirit, in the representatives Of the canal counties
which feels power and forgets right. If any thing
could add to the modification which an eastern
man must feel in contemplating these things, 1t j.
the fact that they got joint resolution through
both branches to expend $4,000 In clearing the
timber out of this same reservoir, and on the last
night of the session, and on the last hour of that
night, in the midst of half muttered, half stifled
oaths and threats and curses and ntimdations, got
an appropriation of $4,000 TO pay arrearages on
the line Of the work. .--...
appeal to all just men every where if the stu
alton of the eastern counties in reference to these
matters, is not humiliating in the extreme Our
public burthens are enormous, we are compelled
to contribute as much in proportion to the value
of our property the nabobs along the line of the
canal-the laws of the State are openly and noto-
riously trampled on-the public works injured
and destroyed by mob--the damages betrayed
out of the state treasury-our measure OF preven-
ton rejected with insult, and the agents of the
State 60 forward with all meekness and humility
to reconstruct and re-enact their ruined works.
Fellow citizens! how often will you consent to
pay for reconstructing their canals and reservoirs
provided they tear them down with their own
hands! 4 confess that if had the direction of
matters, they would be left to mend the breaches
in their own way, just as they might be able.
shall continue the publication of these essays
just as my leisure may permit; but in the mean
time, cannot permit myself to doubt that as
ancient tyrants prevailed by force, SO modern spec
ulators prevail by fraud. s. OSCAR.
The spirit of democracy. [volume] (Woodsfield, Ohio) 1844-1994, 1844-06-21
Hon. GEO. NJ. DALLAS.
PHILADELPHIA. June 8. 1914.

PHILADELPHIA, June D, 1874.
DEAR SIR: In accepting the nomi-
nation with which the Demo cratic Ma
tional Convention unexpectedly honor
ed me, certainly conceived myself, at
the same moment, as acquiescing in the
political principles enunciated in the
resolutions passed by that body, and
as engaging with solemnity to cherish
and exempify them, SIN any capDcity
in which Imight be called upon to act"
should that nomination result in ~my
election to the office of Vice Presi.
dent. Had dicovered, among those
standard resolutions, 2 rule of conduct,
legislative or executive, with which,
in material feature, my mind refused
to accord, could not without being in
excusably disingenuous, have consen-
ted to become the candidate of the
party as whose creed they were Justly
and fairly proclaimed. In recalling
your attention, therefore, with this re-
mark, to the full and formal declaration
OF doctrine published as Of the proceed
ings of the convention, you will doubt
less perceive that have given a d.
rect and comprehensive answer 10 your
inquiry. As, however, your stated OBJ
ject in requesting this letter, suggests
to me the expediency and propriety of
being, on the two topics to which alone
you have referred, even more explicit,
allow me undisgulsedly to aver that,
as the relation now subsisting between
the national democracy and their can
d,dates is appreciated by me, it would
be impossible that | should, by any Off
cial action, aid in the establishment of
another bank of the United States, or
in the distributionlof the proceeds ofthe
public lands among the different States,
without deservedly incurring the i'm
putation ofa breach of good faith, and
the consequent and worse penalties of
self-reproach.
With great respect, | am, dear sir,
Your friend and obedient servant.
G. M. DALLAS.
Hon. JoHN WENTWORTH, M. C.
The spirit of democracy. [volume] (Woodsfield, Ohio) 1844-1994, 1844-06-21

The above shows that railways under good man
agement are incomparably the safest means of
cling majority of the English railroads are bet
ter constructed than ours, that the ratio of acc
dents is highest on the American roads; but our re-
turns show less number of accidents in compari-
son with the number of persons carried than occur
oy any other conveyance. 81.
The spirit of democracy. [volume] (Woodsfield, Ohio) 1844-1994, 1844-06-21

PUNGENT wIT.-Our Atlas neighbor has
grown witty specimen:
"Henceforth, instead of saying that party is
paralysed, 1t will be proper to say it is Polked 1t
is shorte and far more significant
''Pok root" Baltimore coon had it, when lie
heard of the nomination. eyes," responded a
democrat by his side
"Polk root is first rate pizel
For Henry Clay and Ere Ling Hsen,'
We take the Atlas Polk is the word; and Henry
Clay will find his coon projects and prospects
poifed sohigb up gnm stump that they will never
get down.-Cm. Eng
The spirit of democracy. [volume] (Woodsfield, Ohio) 1844-1994, 1844-06-21
u. STATES BANK AND DISTRIBUTION.
HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES,.
Washinptnn. lime d. i8d1.

w oShiiStoii, ouiO Ss ioffs
DEAR SIR:--Should you be elected
to the Office of Vice President ofthe u.
States, would you, in any capacity
in which you might be called to act,
aid IN The establishment of another u.
States Bank or in the distribution of
the proceeds of the public lands among
the different States?
| need not,l presume, apprize you
that my object in procuring your an
swer to this question is solely TO ac-
quaint the public herewith. hope
that it may be given before the adjourn
ment Of the present session Of G Congress.
have the honor to be,
Your obedient servant,
J. WENTWORTH.
Hon. GEO. NJ. DALLAS.
The spirit of democracy. [volume] (Woodsfield, Ohio) 1844-1994, 1844-06-21

A jolly jack tar, rolling along Commercial street
in Boston, inquired what the democratic nomina-
tion was. "Polk and Dallas" said bystander. -
"Pork and dollars says he, "that's the ticket;
something TO eat and money IN The pocket.
The spirit of democracy. [volume] (Woodsfield, Ohio) 1844-1994, 1844-06-21
RAILWAY ACCIDENTS.

During the last year "a 100000 persons have
been carried on the English Railways an average
distance of Is miles each, and out of this vast num-
ber only one passenger has lost his life. ..s
The accidents that have occurred for the last four
wears stand thus.
The North-Carolina standard., 1844-04-10
FRO BE CONTINUED

Information and Knorledgs. There is q wide
and obvious distinction between knowledge and
Information A may be well informed who
possesses but an indifferent stock Of knowledge
Information may consist in such general idea Of
things, as to enable man to talk about them, but
knowledge comprehends the minutie of every
thing within its scope. A well informed man
may be able to take a share in almost every con-
versntion arising in the company in which he is
present Talk ofpolitics knows public char
acters understands daily changes, is, not at fnuls
with a new ministry, or at fault with foreign am
bassador. Talk of astronomy-he is aware that
the SUB is centre, that the earth has twofold
revolution that there are a number Of other plan
cts revolving in like manner around the sun, and
that the fixed stars are in all probability, suns the
centres of other systems Talk upon any topic
he has information ALL and can talk respectfully
upon all. But the man of knowledge can lay.
down the boundaries of kingdoms, track the course
of armies lay his finger on the consultations, and
has we'll defined meaning attached to his ideas.
You may by plausible ingenuity, deceive and be-
wilder an informed man, but the man of knowi
edge is secured in his fooing ard cannot be easily
overcome.
The North-Carolina standard., 1844-04-10

Happy old Farmers The following, drawn
by old farmer 80 years age is one of the best
sketches of human happiness wehave ever read.
We bespeak for an attentive perusal, as it shows
how easy it is for man to find contentment if he
would but seek it in the only way where it is to
be found:
"I have lived on this farm moro than halfa cen
tury. have no desire to change my residence as
long as live on Garth have no wish to be
richer than am now. / have worshipped the
God of nv fathers for more than forty years. Du-
ring that period Lhave scarcely ever been absent
from the sanctuary on tie Sabbath, and never have
lost more than one communion season. | have
never bern confined to my bed by sickness single
day The dressings Of God have been richly
spread around me, and made up my mind long
ago, that if wished 10 be happicrI must haze
more reJigion"~
The North-Carolina standard., 1844-04-10
LETTER OF Mr. WALKER,
OF MISSISSIPPI,

MISSISSIPPI,
Relative to the annexation of Texas: in rep the call
of the people of Carroll county, Kentucky, to commu-
nicate his views that subject.
The North-Carolina standard., 1844-04-10

as completely sovereign throughout her territory
Mexico could make no just objection to the trans
Independent Democrat. [volume] (Canton, Miss.) 1842-1844, 1844-04-13

Some time since, statement went the
rounds of the wing papers, and the Cover.
nor's message was given as authority, that
only one in every Is of the free white in.
habi'an,s Of Mississippi, could read. The
Governors message Of course contained
nothing of the kind. The National Intel.
ligencer first gave publicity 10 this STAND.
er, saying that the statement was made on
The authority of lis "exchange papers,
The MEASUREMENT was promptly contra
dlcted, but, as yet, we have seen if correc.
ted by none Of those papers which have
contributed 10 circulate it. We think il
clear as demonstration, that he is guilty OF
wlful falsehood, who refuses 10 correct a
mis- statement, which he NAV have publish.
cd lnnocently at first. What, then, must
lie said Of those papers which have circu.
lated this slanderous fabrication, and have
since refused to expose its falsehood!-
The National Intelligencer is regarded BY
the Wings as the very pink of candor, i'm.
Partially, and patrican breeding, but they
regard it as no violation Of these qualities
TO utter quiet calumnies on Mississippi
That paper always wears an air OF the
most serene, imperturbabIe, passonIess
equanimity, which enables it to give q CO.
Tor Of greater probability 10 the unconsci.
onabie falsehoods which it retails with q
lack a.daislcal mincingncss which would
90 honor 10 Bond street. Equally anti.
Southern and anti-American in feeling.
II ought 10 be regarded By the people OF
this section as an insidious enemy. 1t is
true, it is characterized by little editorial
ability, but, on the other hand, Govern
ment patronage, the favors of the bastard
oriatocracy of banking, and the kind
charities Of tho old United States Bank,
have placed in IFS power the means of be.
coming the vehicle of much that is dan.
gerous to Southern interests.
Independent Democrat. [volume] (Canton, Miss.) 1842-1844, 1844-04-13
TEXAS-ONCE A PART OF THE
UNION

But it Texas, whether admitted or re.
Jected, will endanger the Union, it is a
matter for the most deliberate and careful
consideration, what course the people oil
the United States should pursue with res.
pect to il. Satisfied that information is
all that is needed for correct determine
lion, we will endeavor 10 contribute all
the aid IN our power 10 show the rights
and principles involved.
And, in the first place, let it be dis.
tinctly understood and remembered, that
Texas, if admitted into the Union, will be
no enlargement Of the limits ofhe United
States. Texas was component part OF
the United States for sixteen years, con-
secutively, from the treaty with France in
1903, for the purchase of Louisiana, TO
the treaty with Spain IN 1919, when it
was most fatally and wrongfhly surren.
dered. We will prove this from the very
highest authority.
Louisiana, as we purchased it from
France, extended to the Rio Bravo, other.
wise called the Rio del Norte. LAsALLE,
the great French discoverer ef the source
and mouth of the Mississippi, occupied for
France the country west Of the Colorado.
Mr.. Jefferson was 50 satisfied of our right
to Texas, that he declared it as good as our
title TO New Orleans. The French COM
Mr.. Laussat, who delivered up
Louisiana to the United States, announced
the Rio del N0rte as the true boundary
Independent Democrat. [volume] (Canton, Miss.) 1842-1844, 1844-04-13

We had the headache on Friday, and
what do you suppose gave il TO usl Why.
Gen. M'Makin invited US to "Union Hall''
10 dinner, and every thing was so good,
and the Gen. helped our plate so hounti.
fully, that We ate too much. SOuthrOn.
There is no practice more rcprehensible
than that Of nurses overlooking children.
His mother probably did not know he was
out, g. the naughty proprietor of the Union
Hall has baiiel him with some Sleeps
flesh, which had an apocryphal origin in
the pastures of Ashland. The WORTHY
tenant of the Union Hall was no doubt
led 10 submit his dellcacies to the gastro.
nomic scrutinies Of this amart de cuisiae,
from having observed the admirable regale
Of calf 'shead soup he serves up to his
readers once a week.